Several pairs of eyes stared intently at Madam Zhang Ah Shu, just waiting for her to name this illicit lover—oh, no, this prospect.

Madam Zhang Ah Shu was heard to say shyly, “Elder Sister, I’ve already made inquiries. He lost his wife last year and is still a widower. He has yet to remarry!”

To have even inquired about this, it was clear how much she cared for him. Madam Zhang was simply speechless, but Madam Zhao Zhang pressed urgently, “Third Elder Sister, you still haven’t said, who exactly is he?”

Madam Zhang Ah Shu said, “I only happened upon him at yesterday’s banquet. I didn’t ask for his name, I only heard others call him Young Master Song.”

Surnamed Song?

Madam Zhang said helplessly, “There are many people with the surname Song in Yingchuan Commandery. Among those invited to yesterday’s banquet alone, there were several. The Governor has newly appointed a Mister Song, and the current County Deputy is also surnamed Song. But both of these Mister Songs are over sixty years old, and their wives are still alive. How could they possibly be the one you mentioned who lost his wife?”

Madam Zhang Ah Shu exclaimed, “Ah! That man is in his thirties at most, he’s definitely not the two you mentioned, Elder Sister!”

Liu Zhen had a flash of insight. “Third Aunt, the person you’re talking about, does he have a beard, walk with a swagger, and have the air of an otherworldly immortal?”

Madam Zhang Ah Shu nodded repeatedly. “That’s right!”

Now Madam Zhang also knew who it was. “That’s Mister Song’s eldest son, Song Yu, right?”

Liu Zhen said, “If Third Aunt hasn’t mistaken him for someone else, then that should be him.”

Song Yu was the eldest son of Song Xie. She had met him a few times, and in Liu Zhen’s impression, his looks and talent could both be considered ‘top-grade.’ But no one had expected that Madam Zhang Ah Shu would fall for him at first sight.

Song Yu’s official wife had died of illness last year. Madam Zhang had heard about this, but hadn't thought much of it. Now that her third younger sister mentioned it, she felt it was quite a coincidence. Perhaps it was a match made in heaven? Otherwise, how could it be that one had lost his wife, and the other her husband, and Madam Zhang Ah Shu had happened to take a liking to him?

Madam Zhang thought it over. Once the Zhang family was joined with the Song family by marriage, not only would Madam Zhang Ah Shu’s marriage be settled, but the Zhang family’s social standing would also be raised considerably. It was truly a great matter that killed two birds with one stone!

She couldn't wait to ask Liu Yuan and immediately invited Madam Lin over to her residence, explained the situation, and asked for her opinion.

As soon as Madam Lin heard, she looked troubled, but she didn’t refuse on the spot, only saying that she needed to go back and discuss it thoroughly with Song Xie.

Madam Zhang felt this matter had great potential and even saw Madam Lin out with a smile. Who would have known that when Liu Yuan returned that evening, he would scold her soundly.

“I originally intended to arrange a marriage between Liu Nan and Mister Song’s youngest daughter, and Mister Song hasn’t even agreed to that yet! And you go and pull this stunt. Even though Liu Nan is not your biological son, you’ve raised him since he was a child. How could you not give him more consideration?” Liu Yuan was quite angry, and his tone was harsh from the start.

This time, the King of Wei’s younger brother, Wei Bao, had brought his wife and made a special detour around Chen Commandery to visit. Of course, it wasn’t just to eat and drink, but to form an alliance with Liu Yuan.

It was called an alliance, but in reality, it was to borrow troops and grain. Although Prince Jiu of Wei had been established as the King of Wei by Zhou Shi, the state of Wei was not powerful. Figures like the self-proclaimed kings in the surrounding areas, King Tian Dan of Qi, King Han Guang of Yan, and so on, had in fact all just casually raised a local force and declared themselves kings. Their strength was not necessarily much greater than Liu Yuan’s. Furthermore, by using the old names of the Six States as their banners, they had, on one hand, established their ‘brand,’ causing famous scholars and righteous men to flock to them, but on the other hand, they had also exposed their positions, leading the Qin army to target them.

Relatively speaking, although Liu Yuan was obscure, his current situation was actually temporarily safer than that of Wei Jiu and the others.

So, Wei Jiu had sent Wei Bao here. Nominally, they were all righteous armies and should naturally foster relations. Privately, however, he also hoped to gain some benefits for Wei. Yingchuan Commandery was near three rivers, strategically located, and rich in resources, making it the prime choice for both soliciting aid and plundering.

Regarding Wei Bao’s request, Liu Yuan couldn’t refuse outright, but he didn’t want to agree either, so he was trying to find ways to stall for time. The world was in chaos, and bandits appeared from time to time. He had to manage daily administrative affairs and also frequently arrange for bandit suppression operations. Although most of these matters were handled by the County Commandant, Xu Zhongfang, who personally led troops, Liu Yuan, as the Governor, could certainly not just sit in the Governor's manor all day.

In a chaotic era, it was, of course, safer to hold military power firmly in one’s own hands. Inspecting soldiers, arranging camp defenses, patrolling the city walls—which of these did not require the Governor’s personal attention?

With this huge pile of vexing matters laid before him, Liu Yuan’s mood was naturally not very good.

Madam Zhang also felt wronged. “How have I not considered Liu Nan? It’s precisely because I did consider him that I acted this way! Once Liu Nan marries the Song family’s youngest daughter, and my third sister marries the Song family’s eldest son, wouldn’t that be adding ties upon ties? Husband, haven’t you always wanted to get closer to Mister Song? Isn’t this a great opportunity?”

Liu Yuan snorted. “Regarding Liu Nan’s matter, Mister Song hasn’t even agreed yet. Today you went to propose it to his wife, and right after, Mister Song came to talk to me about it!”

Madam Zhang hurriedly asked, “What did the Song family say?”

Liu Yuan glanced sideways at her. “Don’t you get it yet? They’re not willing!”

Madam Zhang was stunned, then became dissatisfied. “My third sister is exceptionally beautiful! Although she’s a widow, the Song family’s eldest son is also a widower. It’s a pot for a pot, a lid for a lid. How are they not a match?!”

Liu Yuan laughed. “Although the Song family lacks the deep heritage of the Ji Family, their ancestors have also produced many famous scholars. They might not even think Liu Nan is good enough, so what’s strange about them looking down on your third sister?”

Madam Zhang was about to say more, but Liu Yuan waved his hand. “Enough. I have met that third sister of yours. She is indeed much better than your younger sister. Just leave this matter to me. I will be sure to find a fine gentleman for her!”

The head of the household had spoken, so Madam Zhang could not press the matter further. Although her goal wasn’t fully achieved, it was half-completed. The next day, she told Madam Zhang Ah Shu about it. The latter did not show much regret or sadness, and instead solemnly thanked Madam Zhang.

Madam Zhang Ah Shu was a sensible person. She knew that with her circumstances, finding someone like Song Yu was indeed reaching too high. In any case, her brother-in-law had given his word. With his status as Governor, he surely wouldn’t find her a mere farmer or merchant, and that was enough.

Liu Yuan was surprisingly efficient. In less than three days, he had actually arranged a marriage for Madam Zhang Ah Shu.

Coincidentally, the man’s surname was Wu, his name was Wu Yu, and he was an old acquaintance of the Liu family. He was none other than the Assistant Governor Wu who had promoted Liu Yuan to County Commandant and later escaped prison with him!

Originally, he had been Liu Yuan’s superior, but after falling on hard times, it was thanks to Liu Yuan that he escaped. Their superior-subordinate roles were reversed, and when Liu Yuan returned to Yingchuan Commandery to become Governor, Wu Yu also returned home in glory as his subordinate.

With this bond as brothers in adversity, Liu Yuan’s trust in him was second only to his trust in An Zheng and Xu Zhongfang. Moreover, as one of the few cultured men in their ranks familiar with official operations, Wu Yu was naturally given an important position. Liu Yuan directly had him take the position of County Magistrate of Yangdi County, helping him manage the security of Yingchuan’s capital.

This Wu Yu’s official wife was not dead. However, back when he had fled Changshe County, his wife had immediately packed her valuables and returned to her parents’ home overnight, making it clear she was drawing a line with him. Of course, this was not a relationship she could sever just by wishing it. If the Changshe County Magistrate at the time hadn’t wanted to blow the matter up, as Wu Yu’s family, his wife would have been the first to be implicated.

When Wu Yu returned alive, he had no intention of getting his wife back. He sent over a letter of divorce, and the two cut all ties. His two underage children were brought over by Wu Yu to live with him, but it was not proper for a household to be without a mistress. Although Wu Yu had concubines, a concubine could not be equated with a mistress.

If not for Liu Yuan’s status, it would have been a blessing cultivated over three lifetimes for Madam Zhang Ah Shu to be able to marry Wu Yu. But when Madam Zhang heard the prospect was Wu Yu, her face immediately darkened. This was because Liu Yuan’s two current concubines had been sent over by Wu Yu in the name of showing filial respect. In Madam Zhang’s eyes, Wu Yu was synonymous with a petty villain!

Men’s views are often completely different from women’s.

Liu Yuan, however, felt that although this Wu Yu was a bit of a sycophant, he was very smart, knew how to adapt to circumstances, and also seemed to be a lucky charm. Every time Wu Yu was around, Liu Yuan’s own luck would be good. In view of this, Wu Yu ought to be a good prospect.

Madam Zhang had no favorable impression of Wu Yu and was intent on sabotaging the marriage. However, Liu Yuan did not heed her opinion, so she had to settle for the next best thing: a roundabout strategy. She arranged for her third sister to meet Wu Yu, feeling that given his character and appearance, there was no way Madam Zhang Ah Shu would take a liking to him. Compared to Song Yu, Wu Yu was worse by a country mile. When the time came, with the objection of the person involved, Madam Zhang could then openly and justly refuse Liu Yuan.

The strange thing about the world is this: although Madam Zhang Ah Shu was from the Zhang family, she had grown to be more beautiful than her parents and sisters, and even her conduct was different from the rest of the Zhangs. Upon meeting Wu Yu, the two surprisingly hit it off. After he had left, Madam Zhang called her third sister over to ask, and Madam Zhang Ah Shu said shyly, “Brother-in-law’s judgment is truly excellent. Please, Elder Sister, grant our wish!”

...

Madam Zhang was speechless. She really wanted to grab Madam Zhang Ah Shu by the collar and roar: What’s so good about your brother-in-law’s judgment! It’s your judgment that’s as bad as his!

However, no matter how much she disliked Wu Yu, her own sister had taken a liking to him. Madam Zhang could only hold her nose and begin helping them prepare for the wedding. Ah Shu of the Zhang family happily married, and Wu Yu happily took her as his wife. And this couple, in the history books to come, would leave behind a significant and colorful mark.

But this was all a story for another time. Like Madam Zhang, when Madam Zhang Ah Shu married, she was also becoming a second wife. Thus, the procedures for a woman’s second marriage and a man’s remarriage were much simpler. After being busy with her sister’s wedding, Madam Zhang finally had the leisure to turn her attention to her own daughter’s marriage.

Liu Wan was eight years old this year. It was still too early for her to marry, but an engagement was fine. The marriage could be decided first, and she could marry after her coming-of-age ceremony. This was also a very common practice.

Previously, Madam Zhang had set her sights on a family whose master was a Registrar in Yingchuan Commandery. He had a son the same age as Liu Wan, making them a good match for the Liu family in terms of social status. Madam Zhang had someone inquire about their intentions, but the other party politely declined, saying that their son was still young and they were not in a hurry to arrange his engagement, hoping to revisit the matter in a couple of years.