Chapter 57: An Alliance with the Zhen Clan

“The Zhongshan Zhen Clan?”

Upon hearing Madam Liu mention the woman’s family background, Yuan Shao’s eyes flickered with interest.

The Zhen Clan was indeed a remarkable and influential noble family. Their lineage could be traced back to Emperor Xiaoping’s era, specifically to Zhen Han.

Zhen Han was the son-in-law of renowned scholar Kong Guang, who descended from Confucius himself. Kong Guang held prestigious positions such as Great General, Prime Minister, Supreme Tutor, and Grand Preceptor, garnering immense prestige. Similarly, Zhen Han rose to become the Imperial Protector of Great Han, titled Marquis of Chengyang and Duke of Chengxin, wielding significant military power that brought prominence to the Zhen Clan.

Even after Wang Mang’s political turmoil, when Emperor Guangwu restored the Han Dynasty during its resurgence, the Zhen family did not decline. They remained a prominent clan, consistently producing high-ranking officials earning two thousand pecks of grain annually. Not only did they exert considerable influence within the imperial court, but they also held substantial standing in Henanbei province.

However, following the death of the current Zhen patriarch, Zhen Yi, the clan’s influence diminished somewhat. Nevertheless, their accumulated wealth over generations persisted, making the Zhen Clan one of the wealthiest in the region.

Given their deep ancestral roots, illustrious heritage, and vast wealth, the Zhen Clan was undoubtedly a suitable match for an alliance with the Yuan clan.

“Does my lord find her appealing?” Madam Liu couldn’t help but ask, seeing Yuan Shao seemingly captivated by the portrait.

Madam Liu didn’t believe Yuan Shao was simply captivated by Zhen Mi’s beauty; she knew her husband well enough to understand that he must have been contemplating something else.

Yuan Shao diverted his gaze and nodded. “The Zhen Clan, being a prominent family of Henanbei, matches our Yuan clan’s stature. This alliance is worth considering.”

When selecting marriage partners for their children, the foremost consideration was always lineage and status.

Only noble clans with sufficient prestige were deemed worthy for such alliances!

Such connections would provide invaluable support in his future bid for supremacy over the realm!

“Then, my lord, do you intend Xi’er or Shang’er to marry the Zhen maiden?” Madam Liu inquired.

This question momentarily gave Yuan Shao pause.

Which son should form this alliance with the Zhen Clan?

After some thought, Yuan Shao replied, “Let Xianyi wed the Zhen maiden. He is older and more composed in nature.

“Xianfu is only three years younger than her, which might not be ideal.”

Traditionally, men sought wives who were four to five years younger. Few men married women close in age or older than themselves.

However, there was another concern weighing on Yuan Shao’s mind. With Yuan Shang still young, marrying such a beautiful wife could lead him to become overly enamored with her charms.

Yuan Xi, being more mature, was less likely to fall prey to such temptations.

“Let’s decide it this way then; Xianfu’s marriage can wait for now. Although the Zhen Clan is respectable, they still fall short compared to our Yuan clan. In the future, I’ll seek a more prestigious alliance for Xianfu.”

“This time, let Xianyi handle the marriage,” Yuan Shao declared to Madam Liu.

He cherished his youngest son dearly and aimed to secure a more suitable alliance that would significantly benefit Yuan Shang in the long run.

“All right, I’ll go find Xi’er immediately.” Madam Liu agreed, instructing her maids to pack away the portraits before leaving the room.

Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she encountered Yuan Shang.

“Mother, what brings you here?” Yuan Shang greeted his mother respectfully before curiously asking.

Madam Liu smiled, “I came to deliver medicine to your father and discuss your and Er Ge’s marriages.”

“Oh? Marriages?” Yuan Shang perked up instantly. Despite belonging to a prominent family where marriage decisions were often beyond one’s control, he was still young and naturally curious about his future spouse, filled with dreams and expectations.

Noticing the portrait held by the maid behind Madam Liu, Yuan Shang grinned and eagerly reached out to snatch it. “Mother, let me have a look!”

Caught off guard, the maid relinquished the portrait to Yuan Shang.

He began flipping through each image one by one.

Seeing his impulsive behavior, Madam Liu responded with a mix of exasperation and indulgence, “Oh, you. Can’t you change your ways just a bit? You’re already grown yet still so undisciplined.”

“Hehe, I can only afford to be this carefree around Mother,” Yuan Shang cooed while playfully examining the portraits. Soon, one particular image captivated him.

“Mother, who is this woman? She’s incredibly beautiful!” Yuan Shang exclaimed, awestruck.

The portrait he held depicted none other than Zhen Mi.

In the painting, Zhen Mi appeared strikingly ethereal, her demeanor refined and elegant. Both her appearance and figure were flawless, truly embodying perfection!

Madam Liu explained, “This is Zhen Mi from the Zhongshan Zhen clan. She…”

“I must marry her!” Yuan Shang declared firmly, gently caressing the portrait with a mesmerized expression on his face. “Such a beauty is perfectly suited for me!”

He had never encountered such breathtaking enchantment before!

Madam Liu frowned and rebuked him gently, “Don’t be impudent. Your father has already decided that your second brother will forge an alliance with the Zhen Clan by marrying this lady.”

“What?!” Yuan Shang’s expression instantly darkened as he angrily exclaimed, “Why?! Why should Er Ge marry her instead of me? I want to wed her!”

He had never felt such strong attraction towards any woman before. Moreover, her family background was exceptional; he was well aware of the prestige surrounding the Zhongshan Zhen clan, known for their wealth and influence in Jizhou.

“Shang’er, she is not a suitable match for you,” Madam Liu patiently explained. “Your father believes you are still young and lack maturity. This Zhen Mi is around your age, making you both incompatible.”

“Furthermore, your father has promised to find someone even more distinguished than the Zhen Clan for you in the future, ensuring they can assist you later on.”

However, Yuan Shang grew increasingly furious with each word. “If she isn’t a good match for me, then why is she right for Er Ge? Father clearly favors him!”

“I’m going to see Father! I’ll ask him myself!” With these words, Yuan Shang stormed towards Yuan Shao’s courtyard residence.

“Shang’er!” Madam Liu anxiously reached out to stop him but failed.

Just then, the door of their residence suddenly swung open.

Yuan Shao, who had already retired for the night, stood there dressed and glared icily from the doorway.

“F-Father…” The sight of Yuan Shao felt like a bucket of cold water dousing Yuan Shang, striking terror into his face. He stammered, unable to muster any trace of his earlier defiance.

Yuan Shao’s expression remained impassive as he asked, “What did you wish to ask me?”

Though spoken calmly, these words sounded like thunderclaps to Yuan Shang. With a thud, he fell to his knees, his face pale, sweat pouring down profusely, too frightened to utter another word.

Watching his trembling, younger son, disappointment flashed across Yuan Shao’s eyes, akin to frustration with iron that refuses to sharpen. Sighing deeply, he turned back towards his room.

“Escort your mother back; do not disturb my rest.”

With those words, the door slammed shut heavily behind him.

Yuan Shang, head bowed low, concealed the resentment and fury burning within his gaze from everyone present.