Chapter 561: So What?

Rushing through a star‑filled night, the party arrived at Chenliu County at dawn. The Eternal King Li Lian yawned as he entered the county office and found the conditions far worse than those in Kaifeng County.

Moreover, the few hundred local garrison troops still obeyed Fang Chongyong's orders, paying no heed to the Eternal King or his staff.

This made Li Lian feel very displeased, yet powerless.

But although he kept complaining, Gao Shang remained silent, unlike his usual picky self.

Li Lian, too lazy to bother with him and both sleepy and weary, actually fell asleep on a plain side room and an ordinary bed within the county office courtyard.

He slept until dusk; with day and night reversed, after night fell Li Lian felt unusually exhilarated yet empty.

He hadn't been near a woman in ages, and his heart felt like a burning fire. He seemed to crave a woman!

Li Lian felt a wave of impatience in his heart.

But none of his concubines came with him; they all stayed in Qizhou. Only Princess Consort Hou Mo Chen Shi accompanied Gao Shang and the others to Bianzhou.

Although Hou Mo Chen Shi was beautiful, she was now nearing her thirties, had borne several children, and no longer possessed her former stunning looks; Li Lian could no longer muster any interest in her.

Pondering back and forth, Li Lian helplessly let out a long sigh.

The principal concubine can stay the principal concubine; he can't let his lower half's little brother starve.

However, just as Li Lian was about to have Gao Shang, who was waiting outside, call Hou Mo Chen Shi in to attend him, his second son Li Zan rushed into the room with a panicked face, flailing his arms and legs in excitement, and for a moment could not utter a word!

Gao Shang, unperturbed, stepped forward, bowed to Li Lian and said, "Your Highness, Guan Chongsi, who escorted us to Chenliu, has taken Madam Yuwen and left this place several hours ago."

Huh?

Li Lian thought he had misheard.

Madam Yuwen was his daughter‑in‑law, the principal wife of his second son Li Zan; the two had not been married long and spent most of their time apart.

When Li Lian left Chang'an with his offspring, the Yuwen family was not with him. Later, when chaos erupted in Chang'an, the latter took a boat to Qizhou.

They barely even touched after the newlywed bliss before being separated; the novelty hadn't faded, so Li Zan naturally was reluctant to part with his new wife.

Of course, this also related to Madam Yuwen's youth and beauty. Indeed, she was the most beautiful of Li Lian's daughters‑in‑law.

Li Lian was not a pervert and would not make advances on his own daughter‑in‑law. Yet he was puzzled as to why the Silver Spear Regiment suddenly went berserk.

Those men were indeed the Qiu Eight, but Fang Chongyong ran his troops with iron discipline; the disobedient were long dead. There had never been any forced abduction of civilian women, let alone the Eternal King's daughter‑in‑law!

Obviously, Guan Chongsi was acting on someone's orders; his heart is detestable!

Li Lian's complexion instantly darkened.

"You wait outside the gate first."

Li Lian impatiently waved his hand at Li Zan. The latter, unwilling to leave, clenched his teeth to speak, but was slapped across the face by the Eternal King standing before him.

"Useless thing, what are you doing standing here? Do you think you can rescue Madam Yuwen right now?"

Li Lian roared at Li Zan.

Li Zan had no choice but to reluctantly leave the side room, leaving only Li Lian and Gao Shang alone.

"What do you think?"

Li Lian asked in a deep voice, his complexion as dark as a sky full of black clouds, about to drip water.

"This is Fang Qing testing Your Highness. Madam Yuwen is merely a pawn."

Gao Shang, with a calm expression, said, seeming not to worry at all about Madam Yuwen's fate.

Li Lian nodded slightly; if Guan Chongsi captured Hou Mo Chen Shi, the Eternal King's consort, then Li Lian and Fang Chongyong would be locked in endless conflict with no way back.

But Fang Chongyong sent men to seize Li Lian's daughter‑in‑law… it seemed the sensitivity wasn't that great.

"How about this: you take my own handwritten letter, go to Kaifeng City, say it was all a misunderstanding, and have Fang Qing send Madam Yuwen back to Chenliu, that'll do."

Li Lian let out a light sigh, already speechless from this nonsense.

His lower half's little brother was still starving, and his own daughter‑in‑law had been snatched away in broad daylight!

Though it is tolerable, who could not tolerate it!

But he still had to endure it again!

Because appearances outweigh people!

Fang Chongyong holds weapons in his hands; what can Li Lian do?

"Your Highness, what if Fang Qing says Madam Yuwen asked Guan Chongsi to take her away? What if Fang Qing asks Your Highness to let Li Zan and Madam Yuwen divorce?"

"Should we write a divorce decree? Should the people be released?"

Gao Shang remained very calm, merely replying with a composed question.

This time it truly left Li Lian speechless!

Indeed, if outsiders learned that Fang Chongyong forcibly demanded his son and daughter‑in‑law divorce, wouldn't that be even more humiliating?

"Is it okay to disagree?"

"No, taking one person today, and returning two people ten months later! Is that not enough humiliation?"

"Such matters must be cut swiftly like a hot knife through tangled hemp; the faster the better!"

"The quicker it's handled, the less shame there is!"

"Then what do you think is the best course?"

Li Lian asked somewhat impatiently; in his heart he had to admit that Gao Shang was indeed smarter than he was.

"Have Li Zan write a divorce decree, stating Madam Yuwen behaved improperly and corrupted the household; then Your Highness can arrange another marriage for him, it won't matter."

"As for the rest, just pretend to be deaf and mute."

Gao Shang let out a light sigh as he said.

There are countless women surnamed Yuwen in the world! As long as Li Lian doesn't mention it, whether Fang Chongyong or another Madam Yuwen appears among his subordinates, it won't cause any stir.

What are women compared to? Face (reputation) is the greatest!

"Alas, I am unwilling."

Li Lian let out a long sigh; being bullied like this, unable to fight back, could he still be called a man?

"Your Highness, you are the one destined to become the Son of Heaven. Even Emperor Gaozu of Han once said something like 'share a portion of my feast', so what does this slight grievance matter now?"

After all, Fang Qing didn't even seize the princess.

Gao Shang patiently persuaded.

Many matters seem serious on the surface, but upon closer thought, they don't seem that serious.

Isn't it just that the daughter‑in‑law was taken?

That daughter‑in‑law hasn't even borne children! No offspring!

Hearing Gao Shang's words, Li Lin finally calmed down.

Indeed, it's just a daughter‑in‑law who has only recently entered the household being taken. Is the problem that big?

"What exactly does Fang Qing mean?"

Li Lin asked, his expression displeased.

Gao Shang sighed helplessly and said, "He wants to see how much Your Highness can endure. If Your Highness goes to Kaifeng County now to demand the Yuwen family, you'll inevitably hit a soft target. Others will see that Your Highness won't even retrieve a kidnapped daughter‑in‑law, and will understand that following you has no future."

He had to patiently explain the stakes to Li Lin, because His Highness Prince Yong's mind is really not very sharp. He can't even handle the power‑play techniques that Fang Chongyong casually throws out.

Going to Kaifeng County would only result in being slapped madly by others, with nothing one can do.

Gao Shang felt sorry for Li Lin in his heart. Life is often just this helpless.

"So you're saying I have only endurance left?"

Li Lin, his expression displeased, retorted.

"Your Highness, after you ascend the throne, time will be on your side. If Fang Qing leads troops and keeps winning, that's one thing; but if he loses, won't that be your chance?"

"Now, confronting him head‑on serves no purpose; it would only ruin Your Highness's great affairs!"

Gao Shang calmly voiced the helpless reality.

Indeed, now Li Lin can't even protect himself; even without mentioning Fang Chongyong's faction, can Li Lin alone bear the massive external pressure?

He can't bear it!

Since he can't bear it, only Fang Chongyong can take the lead!

Since you're hoping the other side will be the main pillar, what's wrong with them snatching a daughter‑in‑law? Is it that serious?

More serious than losing one's life?

What Gao Shang said was truly gem‑like in every word.

"Then that's it. Go tell Li Zuan to draft a divorce decree. Take the decree to Kaifeng County and hand it to Fang Qing in person."

Rather than having someone forcibly take the daughter‑in‑law, it's better to divorce her and send her out now. If she's taken outside the household, it's not considered a humiliation.

Li Lin comforted himself with an Ah‑Q‑style self‑consolation, and his mood inexplicably improved a bit.

Suddenly, Li Lin seemed not to hear the commotion at the doorway.

His Highness Prince Yong felt something odd; Li Zuan is always stubborn, so if forced to write a divorce decree, how could he not cause a ruckus?

Li Lin pushed the door open and found Li Zuan kneeling on the ground, his forehead pressed to the floor, refusing to rise.

Gao Shang spread his hands to Li Lin, indicating that Li Zuan is hopelessly infatuated and beyond cure.

"Father, such a disgrace is unbearable for a child! Please decide for me!"

Li Zuan, still kneeling, shouted loudly, his tears already spilling onto the ground.

"Fine, I'll accompany you for a while."

Li Lin sighed helplessly. In the end he still couldn't suppress his pride. … Gao Shang lifted his only remaining right hand, his mouth moved as if to speak, but he swallowed the words.

Perhaps only when one is struck down does one grow. Outsiders' words are useless.

He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, then silently trailed behind Li Lin.

……

Inside the main hall of Kaifeng Prefectural Office, Guan Chongsi led a young lady in a light‑red ruqun, her face embarrassed.

He had taken this woman, not out of lechery, but because Fang Chongyong ordered him to do so.

"Lady Yuwen, do you have any offspring?"

Fang Chongyong asked gently.

"No, none."

Yuwen Jie whispered, a little embarrassed.

In fact, she had long known that the man before her harbored unspeakable thoughts toward her!

When they were on the transport boat, she noticed Fang Chongyong often stared at her with lecherous eyes, and occasionally whispered with the burly men beside him, pointing and commenting.

As if evaluating a piece of merchandise.

Yuwen Jie had mentioned it to her husband Li Zuan many times, but Li Zuan always comforted her: "No one would dare touch the Prince Yong's daughter‑in‑law!"

"Hmm, from today onward, you are no longer Li Zuan's wife."

"But his principal wife!"

Fang Chongyong pointed at He Changqi beside him.

"Eh?"

Three people present spoke in unison: He Changqi, who stood by Fang Chongyong; the young lady Yuwen Jie; and Guan Chongsi, who was with her.

"Jiedushi, that was just a joke back then…"

He Changqi, his face flushed with tension, hurried to Fang Chongyong to explain.

He had casually remarked that the young lady was quite nice. As a result, Fang Chongyong actually ordered Guan Chongsi to seize the Yuwen family back!

"What, have your wings hardened now, daring to ignore the commander's orders?"

Fang Chongyong glared at He Changqi, signaling him to shut up.

Guan Chongsi was also stunned; the beauty he had painstakingly snatched from the face, now he had completely offended Prince Yong's group, only to realize it wasn't a reward for him!

He Laohu wants to snatch a bride; why does this hot commodity not go himself and let me go?

"One radish, one hole; why are you anxious? I, the Jiedushi, have everything arranged!"

Fang Chongyong scowled and rebuked Guan Chongsi, as if at a glance he saw through Qiu Ba's inner thoughts.

"Ah, it's fine, it's fine, I, the junior officer, congratulate General He."

Having said that, Guan Chongsi hurriedly slunk away to the side.

Yu Wenjie was the most stunned; she had originally thought that becoming the concubine of Jiedushi Fang would be far better than being the precarious daughter‑in‑law of the Li family, so it seemed not bad. Therefore she was not panicked at all.

She did not expect that she would actually be given as a reward to a subordinate commander.

That's just too harsh, right?

"Jiedushi, I, I am already a married woman!"

Yu Wenjie reminded reluctantly.

"It's fine, you have already been divorced by the Li family and thrown out."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand dismissively.

"But my husband didn't write a divorce document!"

Yu Wenjie was about to burst into tears.

"It wasn't written before, but now it is. I, the commander, will write it now; later I'll deliver the divorce document to Prince Yong, and he just needs to stamp it."

Fang Chongyong laughed heartily, and the generals in the hall laughed along.

"Duan Xiushi! Is the wedding banquet ready?"

"Replying to the Jiedushi, it's already prepared; we can seat you at any time!"

Duan Xiushi stifled a laugh, walked up to Fang Chongyong, patted his chest and shouted.

"He Laohu, bring your bride, get ready to take your seat; today do nothing but eat and drink, and keep the revelry going until you enter the bridal chamber!"

Fang Chongyong shouted, and He Changqi, without hesitation, hoisted Yu Wenjie onto his shoulder and left.

"Bridal chamber!"

Fang Chongyong followed behind He Changqi, shouting.

"Bridal chamber!" "Bridal chamber!"

"Bridal chamber!" "Bridal chamber!"

The generals of the Silver Spear Jiedushi army joined the uproar.

The party arrived at a large courtyard, already filled with guests. Even scholars like Li Quan and Liu Yan had arrived.

If Fang Chongyong himself were taking a concubine and snatching Prince Yong's daughter‑in‑law, many would likely condemn his character.

But Fang Chongyong is doing it to find a wife for He Changqi by snatching Prince Yong's daughter‑in‑law, which is a different story.

Tang people are bold and generous, loving the kind of gallantry like Fang Chongyong's, standing up for subordinates even at the risk of offending others!

As for whether snatching a woman is right, how can one say?

If anyone can't even protect his own wife, what is he but a useless person? Does he dare to draw his sword? He probably lacks the courage to even draw it.

Since the husband can't protect his wife, it's fitting that she gets taken!

"Eat well, drink well! No going home unless you're drunk!"

"He Laohu, you will have the bridal chamber today; the required rites can be made up later."

"Come, let the feast begin!"

At Fang Chongyong's command, the wedding banquet finally began. After a few casual drinks, he found an excuse to leave the seat.

Fang Chongyong stepped out of the courtyard onto the street and saw Wei Zichun scurrying about the doorway like ants on a hot pan.

"Jiedushi Fang…"

Seeing Fang Chongyong emerge, Wei Zichun seemed about to speak, but felt it was superfluous.

"A graceful lady, a gentleman's perfect match. He Laohu has set his eyes on Yu Wen, so let them be together, shall we, Wei scribe?"

Fang Chongyong looked into Wei Zichun's eyes and spoke, exuding pressure. When a person's words and deeds align, his aura is always upright. Fang Chongyong now was just like that, feeling no guilt at all.

"But she is His Highness Prince Yong's daughter‑in‑law."

Wei Zichun sighed deeply, not knowing how to persuade the armed debater. Fang Chongyong wasn't taking a woman for himself but finding a wife for his subordinate, and he truly admired him.

But as Prince Yong's chief aide, Wei Zichun could not watch Yu Wen become He Changqi's wife so carelessly.

"The butt decides the brain!"

"I, the commander, know she is Prince Yong's daughter‑in‑law, but my subordinate loves her, so I can only reluctantly inconvenience His Highness Prince Yong."

"Wei scribe, what do you think?"

Fang Chongyong stared intensely at Wei Zichun, his tone already becoming somewhat stern.

"Your Highness, breaking up others' marriage is not proper. Do not do unto others what you do not wish for yourself!"

Wei Zichun forced himself to speak.

"Wei scribe, there is something you do not understand."

Fang Chongyong placed his hands on his hips, watching the pedestrians and merchants passing the street.

Wei Zichun said, "I am eager to hear the details."

"Yu Wen has already been divorced, so I, the commander, am not considered to be snatching, understand?"

"Then Jiedushi, may I ask where the divorce document is?"

Wei Zichun asked indignantly.

"No rush; after the banquet disperses, I will return to the office and write a divorce document for you to take to Prince Yong."

Fang Chongyong said calmly.

"Huh?"

Those words made Wei Zichun question his life.

(End of chapter)