Chapter Twenty-Two: The Aristocratic Clans

Jinling was situated on the southern bank of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, bordered to the north by the river and to the south by Lake Tai. Crisscrossed by waterways and dotted with lakes, it was also a vital waterway connecting the “Three Wu” regions to Jingkou and Jinling. Merchants and travelers bustled to and fro, trading in chestnuts, wine, needles, sugar, scallions, cloth, wares, books—everything needed for daily life. There was nothing that was not included, nothing that was left out. Thus, what astonished Qiufen was not merely the three water gates, but a total of seven, and with other city gates, there were twelve in all.

Once inside the city, her eyes widened even further. Jinling stretched more than ten li from east to west, and seven or eight li from north to south. From the main avenues to the alleys and wards, shops large and small lined the streets, every doorway occupied, not a single house left empty. The streets teemed with people, most dressed in bright, elegant attire. The ox cart could not travel ten meters in a quarter of an hour. Dazed, Qiufen murmured, “This place is livelier than our Yixing by far…”

Yixing was the ancestral seat of the Xu clan, known for raising troops; in terms of commerce, it could not compare to Jinling. Xu You laughed and said, “Sit tight. If Jinling dazzles you so, what will you do when we reach Qiantang? Will you survive it?”

Qiufen immediately straightened her posture, fixing her gaze on her nose, her nose on her heart, putting on a docile air. But in her heart she wondered, “Qiantang—could it truly be grander than this? Wouldn’t that be like arriving in the land of immortals?”

The ox cart rolled on for an indeterminate time before stopping in front of a grand and imposing residence. Xu You descended and looked up. At the gate stood two tall, jet-black stone pillars: the left inscribed “Prestige,” the right, “Merit.” The phrase “prestige and merit” was a designation for noble families, and these two pillars before the mansions of great clans served as marks of honor. Ordinary residences, no matter how wealthy, were not permitted such pillars and could only set a door in the wall.

“Young master, is this the Yuan residence?” Qiufen, a maid raised in the Xu household, was not overawed by the grandeur, and asked with curiosity.

Xu You’s expression remained calm. “It should be.”

This was not his first visit to the Yuan estate. The previous time, after encountering Yuan Qingqi in the city, he had sent a letter requesting an audience with Yuan Jie, but was politely refused due to official duties. Later, through mediation by his elders, he succeeded in forming an alliance by marriage with the Yuan family, and thereafter the two clans grew closer, though he never saw Yuan Qingqi again.

“Young master Xu, please follow me.”

Feng Tong, hands respectfully folded, now led the way, a far cry from his domineering demeanor in Yixing or on the boat. Xu You, well versed in human nature, understood men like him: obsequious before their betters, cruel to those below; courteous and humble in their master’s presence, but once backs were turned, their faces became ferocious.

Yet such men were nothing to him. He nodded in acknowledgment and walked forward. Though not as dazzling as the powdered beauties of legend, his features were clear and upright, his sleeves wide and flowing, exuding a calm confidence that set him apart.

Upon entering the estate, his eyes lit up. Deep streams and winding ravines, hills and fishing terraces, curved pools and flying bridges, all manner of ingeniously designed pavilions and towers rose and fell with the terrain. Living water was drawn into the gardens to form a network of streams where boats could glide and one could fish from the banks. Willows swayed green, terraces soared high, mist shrouded tiered towers, flower groves and winding ponds made for a splendid scene.

Passing through more than ten garden gates in succession, they arrived before an elegant house. By this time, the architecture of Chu had shed the plain severity and straight lines of Han style, evolving toward a flowing, bold, and lively aesthetic with curves. This house, for example, was of all-wood construction with a hipped roof whose eaves curved upward, the ends adorned with chiwei and a phoenix at the center, the rest decorated with flames, flowers, birds, and beasts. There were also bracket sets, double lintels, octagonal columns, lotus bases—all hallmarks of southern Chu’s distinctive style, blending exquisite craftsmanship with spirited vitality, a feast for the eyes.

“Young master Xu, please wait here while I announce your arrival.”

Xu You nodded, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze falling on a fragrant plum tree reflected in the water a few steps away. Qiufen, always at his side, studied her young master’s profile and suddenly felt a pang of unease. For try as she might, she could not find the slightest trace of joy or excitement on his face—his cool detachment was almost frightening.

By rights, since he was so fond of the Yuan maiden—she recalled how, when their engagement was confirmed, he had been so delighted he rewarded the servants with thousands of coins—why then did he now appear so melancholy? Though clever, she was too innocent to realize what Xu You pondered was how best to bargain with Yuan Jie, so as to maximize the benefit from his only bargaining chip.

After a moment, Feng Tong hurried out with a smile. “The master invites you in.”

Xu You straightened his attire and turned to Qiufen. “Wait here for me. Don’t wander about. I’ll be out soon.”

With Qiufen’s hopeful gaze upon him, he passed through the slowly closing vermilion doors.

Stepping into the elegant chamber, Xu You glanced around. The furnishings were not lavish, yet bespoke the highest craftsmanship. The caisson ceiling had shed the stiff monotony of the Han and Wei, creating a sense of greater depth and height. The vermilion pillars and plain walls, white ceiling and cinnabar beams, made one feel as if body and soul had left the mundane world. The first thing to catch the eye was the exquisite three-panel screen couch on the east side, a foot and two inches high, the screen a foot and three inches, seven feet long, a foot and a half wide, its frame all of famed Wucheng black bamboo, carved with intricate patterns.

But what drew Xu You’s interest even more than the couch was the bronze ritual stand before it.

The stand was a table for wine vessels, its name also implying a warning against excess. This particular bronze stand, supported by bronze rods of varying thicknesses, layered with openwork cloud motifs, was encircled by twelve dragon-shaped beasts climbing its sides, with another twelve crouched beneath as feet. Though modeled after the bronzeware of the pre-Qin era, the craftsmanship was even more refined, the lines more lively—truly an exceptional piece.

As Xu You was quietly admiring it, he heard footsteps and turned to see a man in a wide-sleeved robe and folded headscarf entering through a side door.

“Xu You greets Lord Yuan!”

The newcomer was Yuan Jie himself, not yet forty, tall and slender, his complexion pale as jade, a short beard at his chin, his eyes steady and composed, his manner reserved but genuinely warm toward Xu You. “Seventh Young Master, there’s no need for formality. After your arduous journey, are you well?”

“Thank you for your concern, Lord Yuan. I am quite recovered.”

“Good, good. Come, sit!”

At this time, the seat of honor was to the east, with the west secondary, the north superior, and the south lesser. Yuan Jie took the eastern couch, picked up a curved wooden armrest from the corner for support at his back, and reclined comfortably against the edge, relaxed and at ease—a true gentleman. Xu You seated himself to the south, where a lacquered armchair with fragrant carvings and silver-inlaid feet stood—a piece of rare refinement.

He turned slightly, gazing at Yuan Jie. “It has been some time, Lord Yuan, but you look even better than before.”

Yuan Jie stroked his beard with a smile. “Lately, I drink less and sleep early, and feel much healthier than before. But you, Seventh Young Master, seem less well than when last we met.”

“Alas, I’m too restless by nature and lack discipline in self-cultivation. I fear I make you laugh.”

Yuan Jie was deliberately steering the conversation toward the upheaval in Yixing, but Xu You did not take the bait, deflecting with ease. In status and power, Yuan Jie far surpassed Xu You at this time, but when it came to achieving his goals, Yuan Jie’s success still depended on Xu You’s agreement—thus, the balance of offense and defense had shifted.

After a few more pleasantries, seeing Xu You remained elusive, Yuan Jie tired of circling with a junior and said, “Seventh Young Master, since you are here, I trust you know why I have summoned you. Have you given the matter some thought?”

Xu You replied in surprise, “Why do you say this, Lord Yuan? Steward Feng only mentioned you had important matters to discuss, but did not specify the details.”

Yuan Jie’s gaze lingered on Xu You’s face, as if weighing the truth of his words. His brows drew together. “These servants—unable to carry out even the simplest instructions. They deserve punishment!”

“You are too harsh, Lord Yuan. Steward Feng was diligent throughout. Without his care, I doubt I would have reached Jinling safely.”

Yuan Jie leaned forward slightly. “I must ask—Feng Tong reported you were attacked by assassins on the waterway?”

Xu You’s expression grew solemn. Rising, he bowed. “Indeed, two swordsmen from the rivers and lakes attempted a desperate act, but with the valiant efforts of your Left Guard, Captain Deng, and the other soldiers, the bandits were slain. I intended to request your permission to properly compensate the families of those who fell.”

“That can wait. There is no rush.” Yuan Jie gestured for Xu You to sit. “Do you know the assassins’ identities? Who sent them?”

Xu You briefly recounted the origins of the Four-Day Arrows, then added, “…as for who ordered them, I believe you already have your answer, Lord Yuan…”

Yuan Jie sighed. “So Shen Shiheng is truly so ruthless?”

Hearing this name, Xu You remained impassive. “He merely wished to eradicate the roots—there’s nothing surprising. With the likes of the Chamberlain Shen, such a man does not hesitate or look back.”