Chapter 35: Hidden Agendas

Page 1 of 3

Pei Shuying stayed by Donglin Lake for only one day.

Just as she had said, she had come merely to see Zheng Shi’an. Apart from that, she had not met a single person in Xingyang.

Early the next morning, Pei Shuying departed.

She did, however, leave behind four guards and a young servant to protect and attend to Zheng Shi’an. Such a simple gesture seemed to contain boundless implications. For a time, the eyes of all seven branches of the Zheng clan were fixed upon the little residence by Donglin Lake.

Everything Zheng Shi’an did each day was being watched. Even the number of incense sticks he burned and the number of times he bowed at Donglin Temple did not escape notice.

On the third day after Pei Shuying’s departure, someone finally lost patience and knocked upon the gate of that quiet and elegant residence beside Donglin Lake.

“Brother Zheng, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself.”

The visitor was Zheng Zuxing, a member of the Second Branch. In terms of seniority, he was of the same generation as Zheng Shi’an.

He was an elder of the Second Branch, and he also possessed another identity: he was the father of Zheng Weishan. Given the friendship between the Zheng Weishan and Zheng Shi’an families, Zheng Zuxing’s visit was entirely proper. Even if someone guessed at his intentions, there was nothing they could openly criticize.

Zheng Zuxing had come in a light carriage, accompanied only by a young servant.

Zheng Shi’an welcomed him into the main hall and said with a broad smile, “Second Uncle, you are a rare guest. What brings you here today?”

Mao Xiaonian served the wine and refreshments, then withdrew.

Taking the opportunity, Zheng Zuxing surveyed the hall. Its furnishings were austere and old-fashioned, with no trace of extravagance.

He smiled. “Are you reproaching me, Brother Zheng? Ha-ha. In truth, I have indeed been somewhat discourteous. You have been back for nearly half a year, and this is my first visit. But you are a sensible man. Surely you understand my difficulties.”

Zheng Shi’an waved his hands repeatedly. “Second Uncle, how could I possibly reproach you?”

“Alas, ever since our eldest brother passed away, Xingyang has known no peace. I have wished to lend you a hand, but I simply lack the power to do so.

“By the way, my niece came by a few days ago, but she was in such a hurry that I could not even meet her…”

By seniority, Zheng Zuxing and Pei Shiju belonged to the same generation.

The daughter of the Zheng family’s Second Branch had married into the Pei clan, so it was perfectly reasonable for Zheng Zuxing to call Pei Shuying his niece.

His words were, in fact, a clear declaration of his purpose.

Pei Shuying was my niece, and in a sense we are family. Whatever plans your Sixth Branch now has, you ought to tell me. After all, my son is still serving your branch. We may help our relatives rather than justice, but you should at least give me some idea of what is going on.

In truth, Zheng Renji had secretly contacted Zheng Shi’an on the very day Pei Shuying left.

Zheng Renji did not know what medicine Zheng Yanqing was brewing. Yet one thing was clear: Zheng Yanqing was genuinely trying to help. Now even the Pei family had become involved…

Although Pei Shuying had not visited Zheng Renji, he could still keenly sense the subtle change in the attitudes of the various branches toward him.

In the past, when he went to visit others, they might not even agree to see him.

Today, however, things were plainly different. Though he had received no firm assurances, Zheng Renji could tell that the various branches were beginning to waver.

Thus, apart from asking when Zheng Yanqing would return, Zheng Renji had come to learn what Zheng Shi’an intended to do. Zheng Renji had promised that if the Sixth Branch could preserve Anyuan Hall’s title, he would recommend Zheng Shi’an for the Council of Clan Elders. Zheng Shi’an, for his part, had displayed complete confidence and declared that he would devote himself wholeheartedly to safeguarding Anyuan Hall.

At present, although Zheng Renji still appeared to be the leading figure in the struggle over Anyuan Hall, the matter had quietly shifted into Zheng Shi’an’s hands.

No one could say exactly how that transfer had occurred.

And because no one understood it, the Second Branch—the branch closest to Anyuan Hall—had been forced to come and gather information.

“Second Uncle, I hear Yuanhao is about to marry?”

Zheng Shi’an did not answer Zheng Zuxing’s question. Instead, he countered with one of his own.

Yuanhao was Zheng Zuxing’s elder brother’s son—in other words, the legitimate eldest grandson of Zheng Zusheng, head of the Second Branch. He was seventeen years old and soon to be married.

Zheng Shi’an might have been incapable of handling the larger affairs of state, but his talent for changing the subject, reading people’s expressions, flattering, coaxing, intimidating, and teasing was exceptional. Such skills were essential to any capable steward. He had served as a steward all his life, and now that someone was advising him and pointing out the proper direction, he could once again employ his old methods with ease.

Zheng Zuxing paused, then nodded instinctively. “Yes. We agreed to discuss the particulars after the Qingming Festival.”

“I hear Yuanhao is to marry a daughter of the Lu family of Yiyang?”

“Ah, yes.”

The Lu family of Le’an Commandery in Yiyang was a branch of the Lu family of Fanyang, one of the Seven Great Houses of the Five Great Surnames.

Zheng Shi’an smiled. “The Lu family of Yiyang is a venerable clan with a history of centuries. Though it is not the senior branch of the Fanyang Lus, its foundations are nevertheless exceptionally deep. If Yuanhao marries a Lu daughter, the expense will surely be considerable…

“By the way, I hear the eldest master suffered heavy losses in business last year?”

Zheng Zuxing’s expression changed faintly. He gave a bitter smile but did not answer.

“Xiaonian, go fetch the box from my room.”

Without realizing it, Zheng Shi’an had taken control of the conversation and gained the upper hand.

If the Sixth Branch wished to retain control of Anyuan Hall, its most likely ally was the Second Branch. Yet because the Seventh Branch had acted so forcefully, the Second Branch had remained hesitant, never revealing a definite position.

Mao Xiaonian brought out a small box and pushed it into Zheng Zuxing’s hands.

“What is this?”

“Second Uncle, open it and see for yourself.”

With an exceedingly relaxed air, Zheng Shi’an pushed the box toward him.

Inside were three or four drawings and a contract. A closer look revealed that it was the deed to the Zheng family’s ironworks.

“Brother Zheng, what does this mean?”

“These are designs created by my grandson Yanqing, which he has already presented to the Young Master.

“The ironworks are struggling at present, but if this item is put into production, wealth will flow in like water. The Young Master says he no longer has the strength to manage the works himself, and intends to find someone to cooperate with him.

“You might return home and consider it, Second Uncle. If you are interested, we can discuss the matter further.

“And do not worry about the money. The Young Master has already joined forces with the Xu family of Lihu. All that remains is for you to give your consent.”

This was a naked attempt to buy him off.

Yet Zheng Zuxing could not refuse.

He knew the circumstances of the Second Branch all too well. If the ironworks truly fell into their hands, it would provide a tremendous boost to every household in the branch. With the assistance of the Lu family of Yiyang, perhaps in a few decades the Second Branch could rise again and no longer have to live at the mercy of its clansmen.

It was an excellent opportunity. Compared with scheming secretly from the sidelines, this would achieve twice the result with half the effort.

“My niece from the Pei family…”

“Oh, she merely came on behalf of my little grandson to give us notice. The Pei family’s eldest master will soon be returning from Chang’an to Luoyang, so I fear my grandson will have to remain there for some time before he can come back.”

“Is Young Master Goose returning to pay respects to his ancestors?”

Page 2 of 3

“Yes. Come to think of it, he has not returned for several years…

“Even when my elder brother passed away, certain matters prevented him from making the journey. My brother died too soon. Had he lived a few more years, he might have lived to see Yanqing marry.”

His words subtly hinted at the possibility of a marriage between Anyuan Hall and the Pei family.

Whom else could Zheng Yanqing marry?

By now, who in the realm did not know that he and Mai Zizhong had fought a polo match in Yuanbi City for the favor of a beauty, only for Mai Zizhong to return to Luoyang in defeat?

Who else could it be but Pei Cuiyun?

A look of sudden understanding appeared on Zheng Zuxing’s face, and he nodded lightly.

“If Yanqing were to marry the talented Miss Pei, it would indeed make a splendid match.”

In his heart, he had more or less made up his mind.

The struggle between the Seventh and Sixth Branches over the title of Anyuan Hall was, in itself, of little importance to the Second Branch. Yet compared with the Seventh Branch, the Second Branch was much closer to the Sixth Branch—that is, Zheng Renji’s line. Its relationship with Zheng Shiji of the Seventh Branch was comparatively distant.

The Sixth Branch appeared to be rising.

Once Zheng Yanqing matured, he would certainly increase his support for the Sixth Branch. He might even attempt to seize the title of Zhujing Hall.

Following behind the Sixth Branch seemed a reasonable choice.

Given the Second Branch’s present condition, it was impossible for them to claim too much profit on their own. If the Sixth Branch ate the meat while the Second Branch drank the broth, that was hardly unacceptable.

Having reached this conclusion, Zheng Zuxing put away the box and rose to take his leave.

He still had to return and discuss the matter with his elder brother. This was not a decision he could make by himself.

As he stepped outside, he saw four sturdy men practicing wrestling in the courtyard. He asked casually, “What powerful fellows, Brother Zheng. Where did you find them?”

“Oh, they were left here by my niece from the Pei family. She saw that my residence was so spacious, yet had no one to guard it, so she left them behind to help.”

There was a trace of pride in Zheng Shi’an’s voice.

“The man in the red jacket is named Pei Zi. I hear he once traveled to the Western Regions on a diplomatic mission with the Old Lord Pei. The three men in black are brothers. The eldest is Dang Shijie, the second Dang Shiying, and the youngest Dang Shixiong. They are all highly skilled…

“With them here, I can finally sleep soundly.”

“Yes, yes!”

Zheng Zuxing laughed awkwardly, now even more certain that the Sixth Branch’s marriage alliance with the Pei family was a settled matter.

He could not help feeling a little sour.

His own daughter had also married into the Pei family, yet the Peis had never shown such lavish consideration. That old eunuch had truly stumbled into incredible luck. He had gained such a grandson and was now flaunting him everywhere…

Alas, why had his own family never received such good fortune?

He boarded his carriage and departed Zheng Shi’an’s residence.

Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Zheng Shi’an could not help smiling.

“Grand Master, is Madam Pei really going to marry the Young Master?”

Biting her lip, Mao Xiaonian asked timidly.

Her heart was filled with the same bitter ache. She had known for a long time that such a result was likely, but hearing it spoken aloud was another matter entirely.

With his rough hand, Zheng Shi’an patted her head.

“Xiaonian, do not let your thoughts run wild.

“Grandfather Zheng promises you this: no matter whom Yanqing marries in the future, he will certainly give you a proper status. Do you understand?”

Zheng Shi’an detested Mao Xiaoba, but he was deeply fond of Mao Xiaonian.

Over the past four years, he had watched a little girl grow into a graceful young woman. How could her feelings for Yanqing have escaped his notice? But as Yanqing’s reputation grew—especially after he was granted the title of Cavalier of the Cloud—and it became impossible for Mao Xiaonian to serve as his principal wife.

Still, making her a secondary wife in a separate residence would not be a problem.

In this age, did any man of ability not have three wives and four concubines?

Mao Xiaonian’s eyes reddened. She lowered her head and gave a soft hum in reply.

Her heart was still uncomfortable, but at least her hopes had finally been given some substance. In truth, so long as she could remain at the Young Master’s side, she was willing to accept anything…

“Grandfather, where has the Young Master gone?”

Zheng Shi’an smiled. “He has matters of his own to attend to. When the time comes for him to return, he will naturally return. Do not ask so many questions.”

Zheng Yanqing and Shen Guang were no longer in Xingyang.

Where had they gone this time?

————————————————————————————————

The days passed one after another, and the influence Pei Shuying had brought with her gradually faded.

The brothers Zheng Shiji and Zheng Shize began visiting the various households more and more frequently. Carrying lavish gifts, they went from door to door paying calls.

As for Zheng Renji, he remained remarkably calm.

With fifteen days still remaining before the Qingming Festival, he had actually gone to Donglin Temple, claiming that he wished to bathe and fast in order to seek the protection of his ancestors.

Everyone knew that Zheng Renji did not believe in the Buddha.

Why had he suddenly decided to bathe and fast at such a time? His motives prompted yet another round of speculation.

Had the Sixth Branch decided to give up?

Just as everyone was pondering the matter, an uninvited guest suddenly appeared in Xingyang.

The visitor was none other than Cui Zhiren, a clan elder of the Cui family of Guancheng—the city later known as Zhengzhou—and Duke Founding of Baishui.

He made his position clear: he had come only to visit his niece, Madam Cui, the wife of Zheng Renji.

Only then did the Zheng clansmen remember that Zheng Renji’s wife came from the Cui family of Guancheng. Yet Madam Cui had always maintained a low profile after returning to Xingyang. Moreover, she was not a member of the main branch of the Guancheng Cui family, and so people had, consciously or unconsciously, ignored her entirely.

Generally speaking, which household of the Seventh Branch did not have a few relatives among the great clans?

But unless those relatives or in-laws possessed an exceptionally distinguished status, it was virtually impossible for them to step forward and openly lend their support.

Could it be that something had changed within Madam Cui’s family?

The various clan elders, who had already made up their minds, were forced to reconsider once again.

Thinking back to Pei Shuying’s forceful appearance, and now seeing Cui Zhiren suddenly arrive to visit his niece, it seemed that the power concealed behind the Sixth Branch was not nearly as weak as they had first imagined.

The clan elders of the various branches began to waver. Even the First Branch showed signs of unrest.

Five days before the Qingming Festival, Zheng Wei, patriarch of the Zheng clan of Nanlai, arrived outside Xingyang with members of the Southern Ancestral Branch.

After suffering through many days of anxiety, the brothers Zheng Shiji and Zheng Shize finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Elder Brother, Zheng Wei and the others have finally arrived.”

Page 3 of 3

The “Elder Brother” whom Zheng Shiji addressed was none other than Zheng Shanyuan, Duke of Guichang, head of Zhujing Hall and patriarch of the Zheng clan of Xingyang.

Zheng Shanyuan stood seven feet tall and had a plump, round face, with brows already touched by gray. He had passed the age of knowing Heaven’s decree, and thus wore a faint smile almost constantly.

Since Zheng Yi’s death, the Zheng family had declined day by day. As patriarch, Zheng Shanyuan was naturally frantic with worry. Yet he believed the family had fallen into such decline because the clan could no longer act with one heart.

Take the struggle over the Hidden Heir, for example. If Anyuan Hall had supported him with all its strength, perhaps the Hidden Heir would not have failed.

And when Prince Yang Liang of Han rose in rebellion, Anyuan Hall had again interfered from behind the scenes.

Zheng Shanyuan wanted to move against the Sixth Branch because he hoped to place a faction obedient to his commands within it and seize control of Anyuan Hall.

The Seventh Branch might be short on talented people, but it possessed abundant wealth. If he could also absorb the Zheng clan of Nanlai, Zheng Shanyuan’s authority would rise to unprecedented heights.

Holding the position of patriarch might appear glorious, but the endless affairs of the family were enough to torment any man.

The clans of the Sui and Tang eras were terrifyingly powerful.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the patriarch of each great clan was like a king of a western principality. Imagine a clan capable of raising tens of thousands of troops in an instant—how immense would its power be? Even the king of a western principality might be inferior.

“How are things with Old Zheng?”

“After Old Zheng arrived, he closed his doors and refused all visitors.”

“That is good. I sent someone to inquire, and Old Zheng said everything was in order. When the time comes to worship the ancestors, he will act according to our previous arrangements.

“But he has made one request…”

“Oh?”

“Old Zheng says that although the Zheng clan of Nanlai has merged into our family, they must still be granted a certain status. They require two seats on the Council of Clan Elders.”

“Two seats?”

“Indeed. So when the time comes, you may have to suffer a minor inconvenience.

“Shize, give up one of your seats first. Once the struggle over Anyuan Hall has been settled, I will transfer Anyuan Hall’s seat on the council to you.

“The Sixth Branch is now making a last, desperate struggle. They have even brought Cui Zhiren into the affair.

“Heh, but it does not matter. So long as Zheng Wei follows through, everything will remain under my control. The council has eighteen members. What harm is there in giving them two seats? Even if Zheng Renji refuses to agree, we will still hold a sufficient advantage.”

Zheng Shize was somewhat reluctant, but he knew this was not the time to concern himself with personal gains and losses.

So long as the Sixth Branch could be driven out of Anyuan Hall and they succeeded in taking control of it, everything they lost would eventually be recovered.

“I will follow your instructions, Elder Brother.”

Zheng Shanyuan nodded, smiling with the confidence of a man who believed victory was already within his grasp.

“Is Elder Brother inside?”

At that moment, a commotion arose outside the door.

The next instant, the door was pushed open and the brothers Zheng Yuanzong and Zheng Yuanxun burst into the room.

Zheng Shanyuan could not help being startled. His relationship with the three brothers of the direct line had never been particularly good. Unfortunately, the eldest of the three, Zheng Yuanshou, had not inherited Zheng Yi’s title, but he had been appointed a Grand General of Superior Rites and also served as General of the Right Martial Guard.

Since Zheng Shanyuan had been stripped of his title as Duke of Guichang, he had been forced to yield to the three brothers in several matters.

“Yuanzong, what brings you here?”

“Elder Brother, the Third Zheng has returned!”

“What?”

Zheng Shanyuan was stunned, utterly astonished.

The Third Zheng was Zheng Shanguo, Zheng Shanyuan’s younger cousin from Zhujing Hall.

He was the son of one of Zheng Yi’s brothers, a man of spotless conduct who had never involved himself in the family’s disputes.

Within Zhujing Hall, he ranked below only Zheng Shanyuan and Zheng Yuanshou. Yet he held the office of Minister of Revenue and stood on equal footing with Zheng Yuanshou and the others.

Zheng Shiji said, “What is so unusual about Third Brother Zheng returning? It is perfectly normal for him to come back for the Qingming ancestor rites. Fourth Brother, you are making too much of it…”

“I am making too much of it?”

Zheng Yuanxun was the youngest and the most hot-tempered. He gave a cold laugh.

“Then do not make too much of it when Third Brother immediately goes to pay a visit to Anyuan Hall after returning.”

Zheng Shanyuan’s expression changed. “The Third has gone to Anyuan Hall?”

“Yes. We saw him with our own eyes on the road…”

“Fifth Brother, hold your tongue.”

Zheng Yuanzong stopped Zheng Yuanxun, then turned to Zheng Shanyuan.

“Elder Brother, we originally had no wish to involve ourselves in this matter. After all, we are one family…

“But if the Third joins forces with the Sixth Branch, even our own Zhujing Hall will no longer be united. What right would we then have to meddle in the affairs of the other branches?

“I have come on behalf of my elder brother to ask you one question: if we support you, what benefit will we receive?”

This man was even more shameless, coming openly to demand a reward.

Still, it was understandable. Zheng Yuanshou had never been on good terms with Zheng Shanyuan. Without a benefit to be gained, why would he intervene?

Zheng Shanyuan pretended to remain calm.

“The Third has always had a good relationship with the Sixth Branch. It is only natural for him to pay Anyuan Hall a visit.”

He wanted benefits? They would not come so easily.

Zheng Shanguo had always remained neutral. Even if he took Anyuan Hall’s side, Zheng Shanyuan was still certain of victory.

Zheng Yuanxun sneered. “Elder Brother, do not forget that Third Brother is renowned for his filial devotion. And your younger sister-in-law is a member of the Cui family—the younger sister of Duke Zhiyen.”

Zheng Shanyuan’s heart gave a sudden jolt. He seemed to understand why Cui Zhiren had chosen this moment to appear.

Zheng Yuanzong said heavily, “Since Elder Brother does not care, then I have nothing more to say. But allow me to remind you: the eldest son of the First Branch serves under the Third Brother. I know you are a man who plans before he acts, but you must take extra care.”

“Wait!”

Zheng Shanyuan rose abruptly, an awkward expression crossing his face. He called out to the two brothers, who were already preparing to leave.

After a moment of hesitation, he said, “Fourth Brother is right. We are family and should stand together as one…

“What does Yuanshou want?”

——————————————————————

That concludes the two updates. Many thanks to all my brothers for your support and assistance!

@!!