Chapter 358: The Xiliang King's Side Concubine

No problem.

Jiang Jinshi had anticipated this, his expression unchanged, "The matter is of great importance, so it must be handled carefully. What I say is the foundation for Beijiang's future standing, it will not change. Everyone may consider it in detail. The gate of Beijiang has always been open to those of like mind."

This effectively closes the door on cooperation with the Yan and Cui families in the traditional Scholar-Gentry manner.

Yan Shining and Cui Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing disappointment and anger in each other's eyes.

Both almost simultaneously rose, clasped hands and said, "In that case, we shall not trouble you further. The Bright King's military affairs are busy, we will take our leave for now, and discuss again another day."

"Take care, no escort." Jiang Jinshi gave a slight nod.

Yan Shining and Cui Yan, with their retainers, left the hall with grim faces; had they not been on foreign ground, perhaps they would have erupted on the spot.

Only Fu Ruyan and her party remained in the hall.

Jiang Jinshi's gaze fell on her, "Miss Fu, and you?"

Fu Ruyan rose and bowed, "The Bright King's ambitions are lofty; I am but a modest scholar with shallow learning, yet I feel resonance with what the Bright King says. Now the Fu family has split; I am but a minor household, with few books and scant lands. Regarding the Bright King's great undertaking, my assistance is slight."

"But… I, as a representative of the Fu Family, agree to the Bright King's three-clause pact. All my shops, channels, and modest wealth in Jiangnan I am willing to allocate at the Bright King's and New Moon Chamber's direction. Should Beijiang need anything, I will strive to raise it. I only hope that when the world is at peace, the Fu family's youth may have a fair chance at examinations, and the Fu family's shops may have a fair operating environment; that is enough!"

She offered no extra demands, merely expressed support and was willing to hand over the pitiful "resources" that Yan and Cui did not notice, in exchange for a future fair opportunity.

Jiang Jinshi gave her a glance, his eyes showing considerable appreciation.

He nodded, "Miss Fu, you are straightforward and your intentions are rare and valuable; I have noted it. Henceforth Jiangnan affairs may be dealt with Jiang Qingyan and the Chamber. As long as you observe Beijiang's rules and fairness, I will guarantee it."

"Thank you, Bright King."

Fu Ruyan bowed again and quietly withdrew from the hall.

The hall fell silent again; seeing no outsiders, Han Xiao could not help but say, "Lord, the Yan Family, the Cui Family… seem to have completely cut off their hopes, perhaps even may turn toward Xiliang."

No problem.

Jiang Jinshi's expression showed no ripple, "What I want has never been their 'hope'. They seek to continue family privileges; I seek to break privileges and reshape order. Paths differ, we do not plot together. Miss Fu… is an unexpected delight. Though weak, her resolve is commendable. Send the order down: give appropriate care to the Fu Family's Jiangnan assets, but no special treatment. Everything shall follow the new rules."

In fact, the three conditions Jiang Jinshi proposed could be fulfilled even without the support of these families.

He does not need the books; now Beijiang's teachings differ from tradition, this is a new system and curriculum, what use are those rare volumes?

Land is even less of a concern; when he unifies the world, all under heaven becomes his land; would he compromise simply because of these families' opposition?

What he seeks has never been the families' support, but the people's hearts!

Govern by the people, rule by law, persist in serving the people!

As for the final imperial examination reform, that is absolutely necessary; for the families it is disaster, but for humble scholars it is opportunity!

He turned, his gaze firm, "After this, all Scholar-Gentry shall know why Jiang Jinshi fights. Those who come, bring sincerity and a heart for change. Those who do not, I will not force. This world ultimately is not decided by a few families."

Refusing a Cui Family marriage alliance, he put forward astonishingly radical three conditions, driving back the Yan and Cui great houses, leaving only the seemingly insignificant Fu Family branch.

Jiang Jinshi, in the most direct way, announced his path and principles to both inside and outside Beijiang, and to the whole world.

The news will spread quickly. It can be foreseen that it will cause a great stir among the Scholar-Gentry and various forces.

Outside Guan Songling, on the southern official road.

Two caravans set off almost simultaneously, yet headed in opposite directions, each bearing completely different moods, parting ways.

Yan Shining's face turned ashen, seated in the slightly jolting carriage, his mind repeatedly echoing Jiang Jinshi's three almost "arrogant" conditions.

His Yan family is a great clan of Guandong, extending goodwill and bringing heavy gifts, yet was treated so lightly; the proposed basis of cooperation was to abandon martial skills!

This Jiang Jinshi is simply insane!

Does he truly think that occupying Guan Songling lets him ignore all Scholar-Gentry and act as he wishes?

"Turn back, we won't go to Taiyuan, head straight to the capital!"

Yan Shining flung open the carriage curtain, growling at the driver.

He must return immediately to face Yan Chonggu, report all this.

The road through Beijiang seems impassable, the family strategy must be adjusted at once.

Xiliang… perhaps we should seriously consider contacting the Xiliang King.

At least the Xiliang King appears more like a "normal" warlord of chaotic times, likely knows how to coexist with the Scholar-Gentry.

On another fork, Cui Yan's carriage seemed calmer.

Inside the carriage, Cui Yan closed his eyes to rest, only his gently rising chest revealing his inner unrest.

Cui Wangshu sat opposite, still maintaining a dignified posture, but his gaze was vacant, staring out the window, thoughts unknown.

"Shu'er." Cui Yan suddenly spoke, his voice weary.

"Father." Cui Wangshu responded respectfully.

"Jiang Jinshi this man… is certainly not ordinary."

Cui Yan said slowly, "His ambition far exceeds what his father anticipated. Yet it is almost obsessive, seeking to overturn centuries of entrenched practice with a single man's power, shaking the foundation of the Scholar-Gentry… difficult, as hard as reaching the heavens. Our Cui family cannot share this peril with him."

Cui Wangshu remained silent; in her mind she still recalled Jiang Jinshi's rejection, where he barely glanced at her, as if she and the Cui lineage were insignificant.

Such total denial angered her more than a simple marriage refusal, yet she was powerless!

"If Beijiang cannot be pursued, our Cui family must plan early."

Cui Yan continued, his voice gradually regaining the patriarch's composure, "The Xiliang King Wei Wenlie, strong troops and horses, dominates the northwest; though aged, his power is established. Under his command, it is said there are already effective men. This person is the one most likely to succeed in these chaotic times and also understands how to deal with the Scholar-Gentry."

He looked at his daughter, his gaze bearing unquestionable arrangement, "Shu'er! I know your aspirations, but the family's survival outweighs all. I will draft a letter to the Xiliang King, expressing our Cui family's intent to cooperate. And you… will be our Cui family's sincerity in the alliance."

Although the Xiliang King's principal consort position is already occupied, with our Cui name, your talent and beauty, a side consort position could secure your future prosperity and also safeguard our Cui interests in the northwest.