Chapter Three: The Yang Residence

The city of Jiangning was not particularly large, certainly much smaller than the Jinling of later Song and Ming dynasties. Its layout was simple: the administrative district of the county and the Jiangnan East Circuit occupied the central position, the western side was the marketplace, the northern part housed the common folk, and the eastern section was reserved for the city's officials and aristocrats—the so-called "wealthy quarter," each area distinct and unmistakable.

At the easternmost end of the city lay a wide, tranquil alley, where the residence of Yang Qi—the highest military and administrative official of the Jiangnan East Circuit, both Governor and Commander of Military Affairs—was situated.

Yang Qi had originally served as the Inspector of the Jiangnan East Circuit, a post without real power. Yet, with the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion, the emperor fled the capital in panic, and the court's authority over the provinces diminished to an unprecedented degree. Seizing the opportunity, Yang Qi submitted a memorial, speaking boldly and fervently, vowing to lead hundreds of thousands of Jiangnan's troops and citizens in a relentless struggle against the rebels, pledging to defend the Great Tang’s realm, to sacrifice himself for the dynasty.

In truth, it was little more than an empty declaration; anyone perceptive knew An Lushan's rebel forces could not reach Jiangnan for the time being. The phrase "to devote oneself unto death" merely meant protecting his own territory. Yet, in these times, the loyalty of local officials was exceedingly rare. It was said that Li Longji received Yang Qi's pledge while fleeing; moved to tears, he personally issued an edict appointing him as Governor and Military Commander, granting him full authority over military and civil affairs in Jiangnan, entrusting him with the task of ensuring the region would not fall into rebel hands.

Thus, Yang Qi became the rightful guardian of his land—effectively the local sovereign, wielding both civil and military power, his prestige formidable.

As for how Kong Sheng became a dependent in Yang Qi's household, the cause was not complicated. After the death of Kong's mother, Yang Qi, out of some lingering affection, took Kong Sheng into his residence.

To be fair, Yang Qi had initially intended to arrange a marriage between his daughter, Yang Xue Ruo, and Kong Sheng. Though Kong Sheng had not inherited the scholarly pedigree of the Kong family, lacking discipline and learning, and could no longer aspire to be a great scholar, Yang Qi saw Kong Sheng's innate strength and combative nature and secretly conceived deeper ambitions.

The times ahead would be turbulent, whether the Tang dynasty crushed the rebels or the rebels seized power; for decades, chaos would reign. In such times, heroes rise, military power begets political power, and those with grand designs vie for supremacy—local strongmen saw in this upheaval a chance to change their fate. As Yang Qi's power expanded, so too did his ambitions.

He watched and waited, gathering strength. If one day he were to ride into the Central Plains, command the realm, or even establish his own kingdom in Jiangnan, he would need fierce generals to serve him. Thus, he meant to cultivate Kong Sheng for this purpose, though such ambitions could not be spoken aloud.

Yang Qi spared no effort, inviting martial wanderers from the frontier to instruct Kong Sheng in swordsmanship and martial arts, hoping he would master these skills and at least serve as a vanguard for the Yang family. If so, marrying his daughter to him would carry some value. Yet, the outcome was deeply disappointing. Though Kong Sheng loved martial pursuits, he lacked perseverance and diligence, practicing in fits and starts, spending his days roaming the streets, drinking and brawling, causing much trouble for the Yang household.

Yang Qi gradually lost patience, convinced Kong Sheng was hopeless, and the thought of expelling him grew stronger by the day.

The gates of the Yang residence stood wide open, flanked by ten tall, imposing retainers armed with blades, standing in solemn formation. Though called house servants, they wore the armor of the Jiangnan army, lacking only helmets, exuding an aura of intimidation and menace. By rights, such a display was overreaching, as Yang Qi's rank was not high enough, nor was he a noble.

Yet, in Jiangning, who dared criticize Yang Qi? Most, including local officials, pretended to see nothing.

When Kong Sheng approached, the guards paid him no heed, casting only a disdainful glance before allowing him to enter. Within the Yang residence, from Yang Qi and his wife down to the servants, not a single person regarded Kong Sheng with any respect.

Kong Sheng’s mood had long since settled; on his way here, he resolved to leave the Yang household and find his own path, ignoring the contempt of the servants. Few in the city showed him any kindness, but what did it matter? Even if his previous self were a foolish pig or a festering toad, what did that have to do with him now?

He headed straight for the side room in the first outer courtyard of the Yang residence—his assigned quarters. From the way Yang Qi housed him, Kong Sheng smirked inwardly; this was not the gesture of welcoming a son-in-law, but more akin to keeping a servant or a loyal warrior.

But Kong Sheng no longer cared about such things. He was preparing to pack his belongings and leave, severing all ties with the Yang family.

A young maid with peach-shaped eyes and bright, lively features stood by the shadow wall at the courtyard entrance, suddenly shouting, "Kong Sheng! Coward!"

Having been repeatedly called a coward, Kong Sheng could only sigh, glancing at the little maid. Clearly, being a "freeloader" made him the most despised parasite in the Yang residence; even the servants treated him with scorn, calling out to him as they pleased. How could he claim to be the son-in-law of the Yangs?

He steadied himself, recognizing the maid as Hong Mian, whose family name was Mu. She had entered the residence at age five and served as the personal attendant to Yang Xue Ruo, the household's precious daughter. If there were ranks among servants, Hong Mian would be a "senior staff member" and a "core figure."

"Miss Hong Mian, what business do you have with me?" Kong Sheng cupped his hands in a rough greeting—by his measure, this was already polite.

Hong Mian waved impatiently, saying, "Madam and Miss have summoned you to the inner hall for a discussion. Follow me!"

She turned away immediately, not bothering with even a word of courtesy, making it clear Kong Sheng's so-called son-in-law status was utterly meaningless.

Kong Sheng hesitated briefly but eventually followed Hong Mian toward the inner courtyard. The inner courtyard was the private residence of Yang Qi and his family, strictly off-limits to servants without permission. Though Kong Sheng had lived in the Yang residence for some time, he had never entered it—not an insignificant detail.

Yang Qi’s "audiences" with him had always taken place in the outer courtyard, with brief instructions before Yang Qi departed.

The mansions of Tang dynasty nobles were largely built according to a template. The outer and inner courtyards aligned along a central axis, connected by corridors with lattice windows to form a quadrangle. The buildings within were arranged symmetrically to either side of the axis. The inner courtyard was a general term, actually a complex system of multiple courtyards and garden structures, the number and scale reflecting the owner's status.

In the Yang residence, the architectural ensemble was well-ordered, heights varied, creating a grand and dynamic silhouette. The overall style was spacious and unpretentious, dignified and elegant, with simple, bright colors.

Kong Sheng’s clear, tranquil gaze drifted from the tiled rooftops and ornamental ridge beasts to the delicate figure of Hong Mian ahead, his thoughts racing like lightning. He could guess there was nothing good in this unprecedented summons by Yang Qi’s wife and only daughter.

Hong Mian led him to the independent courtyard of Yang Xue Ruo. Passing through a reddish-brown archway, instead of the usual shadow wall, a lush bamboo grove swayed in the wind.

They followed a pebble path around the bamboo, and at the hall entrance, Hong Mian turned and said coldly, "Wait here, I’ll announce you!"

Kong Sheng said nothing, almost instinctively crossing his arms and surveying the refined, serene furnishings of the courtyard.

"Come in. Remember, do not be disrespectful or rude before Madam and Miss!" After a short while, Hong Mian reappeared, calling him in with a stern admonition.

Kong Sheng smiled faintly, unconcerned by her arrogance, and entered the reception hall of the Yang family's eldest daughter.

By modern standards, the interior was quite simple: a floral screen in the center, a soft carpet on the floor, and behind a low sandalwood table sat two dignified women, one mature, one young—Yang Qi’s wife and daughter.

Yang Qi’s wife, Lady Zheng, had a round, full face and a plump figure, matching the current ideals of beauty. She wore a wide-sleeved, cross-collared blouse in contrasting dark and light colors, a long skirt, and her hair was styled in the noblewoman’s distinctive chignon. Her skin was fair, but her eyes and brows held a subtle, pervasive coldness that inspired awe.

Beside her sat Yang Xue Ruo, whose delicate oval face resembled a lotus emerging from water, her brows arched like distant mountains, her eyes bright and teeth gleaming. Her fitted blouse and long skirt accentuated her graceful, slender form.

Her expression was dignified, yet tinged with an unmistakable chill—directed specifically at Kong Sheng.

He dared not linger, quickly offering a respectful salute. Though Tang society was open and gender boundaries not as strict as in later eras, the ladies of noble households stood far above, and any slight would provoke a torrent of wrath.