Chapter 12: Lady of Shang’s Reward — Men Should Stand Firm
Since Zhang Yang married Nongyu, the daughter of the Duke of Shang, two years had swiftly passed.
During these two years, Zhang Yang’s position within the Shang Kingdom had grown ever more secure.
The reason was none other than power—
Strength.
In the First Year of the Marquis of Shang, Zhang Yang led two thousand troops to a decisive victory over the allied forces of the States of Li and Yang, capturing more than a dozen cities for the Shang Kingdom.
Following this battle, Zhang Yang’s mounted archery tactics gained the Lady of Shang’s full support and were vigorously promoted.
This time around, the nobles and scholars of the Shang Kingdom no longer resisted.
Not only did they no longer resist—they were overjoyed, eager to join in at any cost.
Because all the soldiers who had followed Zhang Yang on the campaign that year received rewards far richer than they had ever dared to imagine before.
According to the agreement between Zhang Yang and the Lady of Shang, half of the spoils of war belonged to Zhang Yang.
Half of the spoils meant five cities.
But Zhang Yang handed over three of these cities to provide generous rewards for his troops.
Slaves were granted freedom, land, and wealth.
Scholars received wealth, land, slaves, and beauties.
Several impoverished nobles were promoted and rewarded with fiefdoms the size of villages.
Though small, these villages held an entirely different significance—they meant that from now on, these individuals had truly entered the ranks of the nobility, becoming lords of their own domains.
In the second year of the Marquis of Shang, in March—
When Zhang Yang decided to expand his mounted archery unit and form a truly elite cavalry, the scholars and nobles of the Shang Kingdom stirred into action upon hearing the news.
Many people set up tents outside the military camp well in advance to register, fearing they might miss the opportunity.
In May of the second year of the Marquis of Shang, Zhang Yang established the Xuan Bird Battalion.
The Xuan Bird Battalion comprised five thousand men, all cavalry.
By the end of the second year of the Marquis of Shang, the Xuan Bird Battalion was initially formed.
From then on, the Shang Kingdom completely abandoned chariots, redirecting resources towards cavalry troops.
In June of the third year of the Marquis of Shang, at Hao City, within the Grand Marshal's Residence.
“Master,” Heitu saluted Zhang Yang with a cupped-hand gesture.
More than two years had passed; Heitu had grown much steadier, and his skin was darker.
His deep bronze complexion seemed as if it had been oiled, gleaming under the sunlight."Sit down. How is Yuan'er?" Zhang Yang asked.
"She's doing well. The doctor said she should give birth in a few days." Heitu couldn't help but break into a silly grin, looking like he had a few years ago.
Yuan'er, Heitu's wife, was the downtrodden descendant of a noble family in the Shang Kingdom.
She was very beautiful.
Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Having a child is a serious matter. You must be vigilant—don’t let Yuan'er catch a chill or get startled."
"There haven't been any major issues recently. You should just stay home and keep Yuan'er company."
"I’ll give you two months’ leave."
Heitu shook his head repeatedly. "That won’t do. If I take two months off, Yuan'er would probably scold me to death."
"Besides, there are servants at home to look after things. If I stayed there, she might just get upset again."At this, Heitu gave a wry smile and sighed.
Yuan'er was very beautiful, but had a fiery temper.
Even though Heitu would surely win if they fought...
He just couldn’t bear to take it out on his wife.
Zhang Yang, knowing Heitu’s family affairs, laughed heartily at this.
He winked and teased, "You—such a fierce tiger warrior—how come you turn all soft the moment you get home?"
"Listen, when dealing with a woman, you have to be firm when it matters."
"Otherwise, if she starts pushing her luck, you're the one who’ll suffer."
Heitu nodded seriously, clearly agreeing.
A master's wise advice.
Heitu said, "Your disciple understands. From now on, I must be firm."
Three months passed.
In the Royal Palace, Council Hall.
Heitu stood beside Zhang Yang, chest out and head held high, like a victorious, proud rooster that had just won a fight.
He boasted, "Heh heh, the method Master taught really works."
Zhang Yang was leafing through official documents and casually replied, "What method?"
Heitu grinned, "It’s just what you said—that with women, you have to be firm."
Zhang Yang was momentarily stunned, then finally recalled that he had indeed said those words.
Wait a moment.
Zhang Yang raised his eyebrows slightly, concern flickering in his gaze. "Yuan'er has just given birth—surely you didn't hit her just now?"
Heitu shook his head repeatedly, quickly explaining, "Master, where could you get such an idea?
How could I ever be rough with Yuan'er?
Hehe, Master, didn’t you say that a man has to be firm?"
"That night, the baby wouldn’t stop crying, even in the middle of the night. Yuan'er was so furious her hair stood on end—and I..."
"I thought I might as well take the initiative, so I pinned her down on the bed, and then..."
"Ahem, I was firm with her twice, properly so."
"Since that day, Master, haven’t you noticed how obedient Yuan'er has been? Hehe."
"It’s really your advice that works best. When dealing with women, especially those who won't listen, you have to be firm."
"At the moment I pinned Yuan'er down, the look in her eyes was..."
Heitu was positively beaming as he recounted how he had stood his ground, turned the situation around, and restored order in the household.
Zhang Yang bit back a grimace.
So this is what you call standing firm!
Still—well, never mind; the outcome wasn’t too bad after all.
Just as Heitu was basking in his triumphant tale, a cough sounded from outside the door.
The two of them turned their heads to look.
There stood the Lady of Shang by the doorway, her expression clouded with displeasure.
Beside her were a palace maid and a eunuch.
It was the eunuch who had just coughed.
Heitu’s face darkened slightly as he hurriedly bowed.“Your servant pays respects to the Lady,” Heitu said.
Zhang Yang also stood and cupped his hands together in a bow.
Lady of Shang entered the room, her face clouded with displeasure as she waved them away. “All of you, leave. I have important matters to discuss with the Grand Marshal.”
Heitu’s expression turned awkward. Bowing his head, he left cautiously.
Soon, only Zhang Yang and the Lady of Shang remained in the room.
She walked over to Zhang Yang and gracefully knelt on the mat.
Zhang Yang sat down beside her, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
The topic Heitu had just mentioned was certainly inappropriate for a place like this.
Most importantly, the Lady of Shang had heard everything loud and clear.
She looked at Zhang Yang with a resigned expression. “Although Nongyu can be a little hot-tempered and prone to childish moods, that is no excuse for you to treat her the way you have.”At this, the Lady of Shang’s cheeks flushed faintly. "You are a master of martial arts; she is but an ordinary woman. How could she possibly endure such hardship?"
"You—you ought to cherish Nongyu’s health."
"There are several beauties in my palace, each carefully selected by me, gentle and virtuous women."
"Later, come to my palace and see if any meet your approval."
"If one pleases you, I shall gift her to you."
Zhang Yang grew even more embarrassed.
That’s it.
My lifelong reputation is going to be mistaken for that of a lecher.
Just as he was about to refuse, Zhang Yang met the Lady of Shang’s shy gaze and swallowed his words back.
Refusing now didn’t seem quite right either.He could only nod numbly. "Thank you, Madam."
The Lady of Shang gave a slight nod, then rose and left.
At the doorway, she glanced back at Zhang Yang, her almond-shaped eyes softly clouded with a hint of mystery.
That day, after work was done, Zhang Yang went to the Lady of Shang’s bedchamber.
It was not his first time there.
Over the past period, he had reported to her countless times.
He was now quite familiar with the way.
Upon entering the palace, the Lady of Shang was about to dine. Seeing Zhang Yang’s arrival, she invited him to stay and share the meal.
At the banquet, the two of them chatted and laughed freely.
The Lady of Shang listened, utterly captivated, as Zhang Yang recounted his experiences travelling northwards.Zhang Yang spoke animatedly, his spirits high. At times, he would brandish his sword to enliven the mood. At others, he raised his cup and drank heartily. Unnoticed, he began to feel slightly intoxicated.
After nightfall, Zhang Yang was led to an annex room near the bedchamber. The candlelight was dim, and on the bed lay three beautiful women.
He staggered forward in his drunken state, vaguely sensing a familiar scent from one of the women.
That night was filled with boundless joy.
0 Comments