Chapter Fifty-Two: The Flames of Jealousy

Yang Qi surveyed the hall, his authoritative gaze flashing for a brief moment. Seeing the crowd listening with utmost respect and attention, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“First,” he began, “I have recently recommended the scholar Zhou Chang to the imperial court as the Secretary of Jiangning Prefecture, with the rank of proper seventh grade, lower tier.”

As soon as Yang Qi finished speaking, Zhou An and his son’s faces lit up with joy. To be recommended for such an esteemed post on one’s first appointment, and in the bustling heart of Jiangning Prefecture, was a starting point tailor-made for Zhou Chang’s ambitions. Advancement would surely come easily from such a position.

Zhou An quickly cast a meaningful glance at his son. Zhou Chang, elated, stood and bowed deeply to Yang Qi. “I am infinitely grateful for your recommendation and favor, Sir Governor. I swear to repay your kindness with my utmost dedication!”

Yang Qi smiled gently and waved his hand, “No need for excessive courtesy. The Zhou family of Yixing is a renowned clan in Jiangnan. You are well-educated and accomplished, and the court ought to benefit from your talents. So long as you serve faithfully, you will have repaid my recommendation. You may step back.”

Zhou Chang bowed again and withdrew, his joy unconcealed.

No matter how famous a scholar, without an official post, he remains merely a commoner. Now, as soon as the court confirms his appointment, Zhou Chang would transform into a government official—a complete change of fate, reason enough for his delight.

Many young scholars present gazed at Zhou Chang with envy. Zhou Chang, slightly self-satisfied, cupped his hands and smiled in greeting to them.

Zhou An’s previously gloomy expression finally brightened. The Zhou family’s efforts had yielded their expected reward. With Yang Qi’s proactive recommendation to the court, Zhou An’s purpose in coming to Jiangning for “negotiation” was half fulfilled.

Yang Qi cleared his throat and continued, “Please remain calm, everyone. Besides recommending Zhou Chang to the court, I have also recommended the local scholar Kong Sheng. At the Poetry Gathering at Wangjiang Tower, Kong Sheng’s talent shone brilliantly. Since then, his poetic works have spread across the provinces of Jiangnan. His reputation is widely known, so my recommendation to the court is only natural.”

These words dampened the Zhou family’s joy. Yet Yang Qi spoke with impeccable reasoning, and his authority was unquestionable.

“I have recommended Kong Sheng as the Magistrate of Danyang County under Jiangning Prefecture. Kong Sheng, I hope you live up to my expectations. When the court issues its command, you shall take up your post in Danyang.”

Danyang was a subordinate county, and its magistrate held the subordinate seventh grade, lower tier—technically a rank below Zhou Chang’s appointment. Yet it was the chief office of a county, wielding sole authority regardless of the county’s size or prosperity, far more substantial than the scattered literary post of Secretary in Jiangning Prefecture.

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The hall was silent; the tense, rapid breathing of a few could be heard. Zhou Chang clenched his jaw and fists, his head bowed, exchanging a venomous glance with Liu Nian.

Liu Nian sneered, glancing sidelong at Kong Sheng. He thought, Let you boast for now; soon, the real drama will begin—let’s see how you fare then!

Most were surprised. For Kong Sheng’s first recommendation to be as a county magistrate showed Yang Qi’s high regard for him. Some began to speculate that Yang Qi’s choice for a son-in-law had indeed shifted toward Kong Sheng.

Yang Xueruo, already aware of the news, was nonetheless excited and proud when her father announced it publicly. A faint blush tinted her delicate cheeks, making her even more radiant and beautiful.

Yang Xueruo’s clear gaze signaled Kong Sheng to rise and give thanks, lest he offend with discourtesy. Kong Sheng’s eyes flashed; though he knew Yang Qi’s recommendation was largely symbolic, the gesture was sincere, bolstered by the affection of the lady. He stood, facing Yang Qi, and bowed deeply. “Thank you—”

But before Kong Sheng could finish, seeing Yang Xueruo’s tender, expectant expression, a thought struck him and he changed his words: “Thank you, Uncle, for your support and care! Your nephew is deeply grateful!”

Hearing Kong Sheng address him as “Uncle” rather than “Governor,” Yang Xueruo’s heart soared with joy. Yang Qi was momentarily taken aback, then laughed loudly, “No need for courtesy. Publicly, you are a scholar under my jurisdiction, renowned for your talent; privately, your father and I are close friends, and it is right for elders to guide the younger.”

Few noticed this subtle shift in address, but Zhou Chang, sensitive to the nuance, was greatly displeased. Fortunately, he had other schemes in mind, or he might have lost his composure.

Kong Sheng bowed again and returned to his seat. Yang Qi’s deep, commanding gaze lingered on the beautiful sword displayed on Kong Sheng’s desk, then glanced at his daughter’s charming smile, sighing inwardly: “Very well, for the sake of my daughter’s devotion, I shall give this young man of the Kong family a chance. Let us see if he can seize it.”

In recent days, Yang Xueruo and Kong Sheng had exchanged poems and met in person; she had even forged a sword for him as a token of their vows. Though she had not directly declared her intentions to her parents, these gestures were impossible to conceal from Yang Qi and his wife.

Seeing his daughter’s resolute attitude, Yang Qi, ever fond of her, weighed his options and decided to give these young lovers a chance.

Yang Qi slowly rose, gazing at the assembly, a smile gradually appearing on his face. “There is one more matter—the marriage of my daughter. Recently, the Zhou family patriarch from Yixing personally sought her hand in marriage—Zhou Chang is talented and handsome, and I admire him greatly. Yet my daughter had an earlier engagement with Kong Sheng, and the ties between the Yang and Kong families cannot be ignored. With only one daughter, faced with two outstanding young men, it is truly difficult for me to choose. After much deliberation, I have decided to follow the ancient custom and make an agreement in front of everyone—”

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“For a period of two years, whoever achieves the greater accomplishment shall have my daughter’s hand. I swear by this broken token, never to go back on my word!”

With a solemn face, Yang Qi snapped a pair of bamboo chopsticks in his hand.

Zhou An, hearing this, was naturally disappointed. He had not expected that, after offering lavish gifts and pledging his family’s allegiance, he would only gain a so-called fair starting point for competition. Yet as Yang Qi’s authoritative gaze swept over him, he shuddered and quickly cupped his hands, “Thank you, Sir Governor, for your favor. My son will strive to achieve merit and endeavor to marry Miss Yang as soon as possible!”

Kong Sheng let out a long breath. With two years granted, he was confident he would not lose to Zhou Chang. He steadied himself, rose, and bowed to Yang Qi, “There is no prescribed lineage for those who attain greatness; a man must rely on his own strength. If I succeed, I shall serve the realm; if not, I will better myself. In two years, whatever progress I make, I shall not disappoint Miss Yang’s deep affection!”

Kong Sheng spoke with vigor and resolve. Though his bow was to Yang Qi, it carried a promise to Yang Xueruo as well. Yang Xueruo’s heart stirred; she rose gracefully and returned the bow, her face shining with determination as she declared loudly, “You shall soar far and wide, my lord! Remember our pledge atop the Misty Rain Pavilion—I shall keep my doors closed and await your return!”

As their eyes met, a thousand emotions intertwined and sparks flew. Even the dullest spectator could see that these two young souls were intimately bound—what place did Zhou Chang have in this?

Zhou Chang’s face turned dark and twisted. He bowed his head, teeth clenched, his heart burning with jealousy—so intense it was beyond words.

Zhou An, his face grim, reached out to grasp his son’s hand, squeezing it in warning not to act rashly. No matter how humiliating Yang Xueruo’s actions were to the Zhou family, Yang Qi was the undisputed sovereign of Jiangnan; if they offended the Yangs, the Zhou family’s future would be fraught with difficulty.

Liu Nian still wore a cold smile. He cared nothing for Zhou Chang’s wounded pride or the Zhou family’s humiliation; his attention was fixed on the drama soon to unfold.