Chapter 355: The Cui Family Arrives at Beijiang

Outside the Beijiang Pass of Songling, a frontline position now closely watched by all sides, is at this moment quiet and still, with no fighting or chaos.

General Yang Jiyi's army has deep trenches and high ramparts along the Shouning front, temporarily forming a subtle stalemate with the Ming Army.

The Ming Army seems for now to have no intention of advancing south, allowing Yang Jiyi to set up defenses, and Yang Jiyi is awaiting a reply from the Imperial Court, making a proactive attack impossible.

Within the Pass of Songling, the Ming Army, despite a great victory, does not relax; under Jiang Jinshi's strict orders, it intensifies training, fortifies city defenses, stockpiles supplies, and trains newly conscripted surrendered soldiers.

Yan Shining, who has been temporarily left waiting at the relay inn, initially calm and confident, as days pass and Jiang Jinshi still shows no sign of summoning him, is gradually replaced by a barely perceptible restlessness.

His generous gifts were "graciously accepted," and the Beijiang side returned with valuable furs and mountain goods; the etiquette was complete and flawless.

But each time he tentatively asks when he may audience the Ming King, the reply is always, "Military affairs are busy, Yang Jiyi's army presses the border, we have no leisure; please, Young Master Yan, rest assured, the Pass is safe and secure."

Safety is assured, but what he wants is not safety; he wants a clear answer, a finalized cooperation agreement!

Yan Shining knows he has been "left hanging."

It is a silent refusal, also a posture of waiting for a price.

He, representing the Yan Family, was the first to arrive, hoping to seize the initiative, but evidently the Ming King does not intend to grant him his wish easily.

This raised his assessment of Jiang Jinshi by a few more points.

He is not as easily bribed as ordinary frontier commanders, and possesses the patience and scheming of a warlord.

Just as Yan Shining pondered whether to add more leverage or convey messages through other channels, the relay inn below the Pass welcomed new, even more conspicuous guests.

A few days later, beneath Songling Pass.

A procession of carriages and horses arrived, of exceptionally high standards.

Leading the way were over a hundred elite guards, followed by a seemingly plain yet exquisitely crafted carriage with its curtains tightly drawn.

Behind them trailed a cargo wagon loaded with crates, covered with rainproof tarpaulin.

Among the party, besides servants and guards, were several middle‑aged scholars in Confucian robes with composed bearing, and an elderly steward with silver hair and a sharp face.

The carriage stopped before the inn; the elderly steward stepped forward and handed a name card to the relay clerk who had been summoned, saying: "My master is the head of the Cui family of Qingling; we have come to pay respects to the Ming King of Beijiang and discuss urgent matters. Please forward the report!"

Cui family of Qingling! The head himself arrives?!

The Yan family's young master arriving already drew attention; now even the Cui family head comes in person?

The relay clerk dared not delay, quickly bowing: "Please, esteemed guest, wait a moment; I will report immediately!"

The news swiftly reached the interior of the Pass; Han Xiao and Xiao Chunqiu exchanged a glance, each seeing the other's solemnity.

The Cui family is truly a renowned household across the realm, with poetry and rites passed down, its alumni and former officials spread worldwide; its influence is considerable.

The head's personal arrival carries great weight.

"Cui Yan... what does he come for in person?" Han Xiao frowned, "He can't possibly be here just to deliver money and grain, can he?"

"A marriage alliance."

Xiao Chunqiu instantly guessed the other's intention; only such a matter would merit a personal trip.

"The Yan Family uses material inducements, while the Cui Family offers prestige. Marriage alliances are the oldest and most solid pact among the Scholar-Gentry. Our lord holds the jade seal, his troops are strong and his horses robust, already displaying a magnificent force.

The Cui Family, with its head personally arriving now, likely has substantial demands. It seems that after Miss Cui Wangshu returned, the Cui Family has already reached a decision."

"Our lord is busy with military affairs and has already issued orders; all envoys from various sides are for now to be received by us," Han Xiao said, "Let's go, Mr. Xiao, see what terms the Cui family can offer."

Han Xiao and Xiao Chunqiu again took the lead, receiving Cui Yan and his party in the slightly tidied main hall of the inn.

Unlike the "courteous yet distant" treatment given to Yan Shining, the protocol for Cui Yan was more thorough and respectful, fully reflecting reverence for this renowned scholar and clan leader.

Han Xiao and Xiao Chunqiu still do not know Jiang Jinshi's decision, but in handling this they must showcase Beijiang's etiquette rather than crude rudeness.

After exchanging pleasantries with the two, Cui Yan did not, like Yan Shining, hastily present conditions; instead he began by discussing the state of the world, expressing sorrow over the Imperial Court's corruption, Si Gui's misrule, and the people's suffering.

He praised the Beijiang Ming King's righteous deeds of "protecting the realm and its people, serving Heaven to suppress rebels," quoting classics and displaying a grand vision.

Finally, he seemed to mention casually: "My younger daughter Cui Wangshu, through previous commercial exchanges, had the fortune to witness the Ming King's bearing; after returning home, she admires his ability to command troops, govern, and clear the realm's ambitions, deeply impressed.

I, an elder, come this time, firstly on behalf of the world's discerning men, to convey respect to the Ming King!

Secondly, I also harbor a private motive. My Cui family, steeped in literary tradition, has some grasp of the classics, and may be of some use in matters of finance, local administration, and official documents.

If the Ming King does not reject us, the Cui family is willing to devote all effort to assist, together pursuing great undertakings."

He paused, his gaze gentle toward Han Xiao and Xiao Chunqiu, his tone becoming more sincere: "Moreover, my younger daughter Cui Wangshu, having read poetry and books since childhood and possessing some knowledge of worldly studies, is not comparable to ordinary women of inner chambers.

She has long admired the Ming King; as a father, I also consider the Ming King a contemporary hero, a worthy match for my daughter.

If the Ming King accepts, we wish to forge a Qin‑Jin alliance; my Cui lineage is willing to be the Ming King's vanguard, exhausting our wisdom and effort, serving like loyal dogs and horses.

All dowry matters, the Cui family will fully provide, never lacking propriety.

His words are tactful and restrained, yet the meaning is crystal clear.

The Cui family will fully support you: give money for money, people for people, reputation for the lord; the condition is to marry Cui Wangshu to you, binding the two families as in‑laws, deeply intertwining interests.

Han Xiao and Xiao Chunqiu inwardly sighed, the Cui family indeed had this intention.

Moreover, the terms offered are more "high‑end" than those of the Yan Family, providing not only resources but also prestige and a commitment of the entire family's support.

"Lord Cui's generosity, we on behalf of the lord are deeply grateful."

Xiao Chunqiu clasped his hands, equally sincere, "The Cui name is renowned across the world, Miss Cui's talent and fame spread far, and our lord often mentions her. A marriage alliance concerns great matters, not ordinary.

Now Yang Jiyi's great army gathers beyond the Pass, war is on the brink, our lord supervises defenses day and night, his mind worries over war, leaving no time for other concerns. Moreover, a marriage is a major affair that must be carefully considered.

Lord Cui and the others have traveled far and are weary; perhaps you should first settle comfortably in the inn. Though the Pass's facilities are modest, we will do our utmost to host you. When the war eases a bit, the lord will certainly discuss matters in detail with Lord Cui.

His words were reasonable and proper, expressing respect while politely postponing, mirroring the phrasing used with Yan Shining.

Anyway, regardless of your status, our lord has said to leave you hanging first, so you must be left hanging.

Cui Yan, hearing this, showed no displeasure; instead he nodded and smiled: "Mr. Xiao, you are absolutely right; matters of state and war take precedence, I was presumptuous. Then the guests shall follow the lord's lead; I appreciate General Han and Mr. Xiao for your careful arrangements."

The elderly steward and the scholars behind him showed slight changes in expression, seeming a bit disappointed at not meeting Jiang Jinshi immediately, yet seeing the head's stance, they dared not speak further.

After arranging for Cui Yan's party to stay, Han Xiao and Xiao Chunqiu left the inn.

Looking at the faint lights emanating from Yan Shining's nearby residence and at the now-quiet courtyard where Cui Yan's party had settled, Han Xiao whispered:

"One Yan family, one Cui family, both left hanging. Does the lord truly intend to wait until the fish are all in the net before pulling them together?"

The Yan Family are the vanguard, the Cui Family are the heavyweights.

Xiao Chunqiu thought, "But I'm afraid that's not everything; two of the five great Scholar‑Gentry have already arrived. The miss from the Fu Family should be arriving soon as well. There are also others, watching and weighing."

What the lord wants may not be who arrives first, but who is most sincere, who is most useful, and… how to make these people serve me rather than be bound by them.

By keeping them waiting, we make them anxious, make them distrust each other, and also give us more time to see the situation clearly and seize the initiative.