Chapter 327: Influence

Dingzhou City.

This city is the core of Dingzhou, surrounded by the deep Luo River, convenient for both land and water transportation, bustling with people and thriving trade.

Even though several regional warlords are engaged in conflicts, it merely causes a slight decrease in traffic and a modest rise in rice and cloth prices. Within the city, life remains prosperous and peaceful.

Yet, beneath the surface unseen by ordinary people, undercurrents are surging.

“Qi Lin has surrendered; the military power of Wuzhen has greatly increased… We dared not persist and thus withdrew the troops…”

Inside the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion, the current governor Xu Chun holds an urgent document that took a hundred li to deliver. He feels as if his bones have been pulled out, collapsing weakly into his chair.

After a long silence, two clear tears roll down his cheeks: “Eager to eliminate the traitors, but powerless to change fate. What a pity and sorrow…”

Undoubtedly, Qi Lin is a well-known regional warlord in Dingzhou. His sudden submission has had a tremendous impact on the entire region.

Xu Chun can easily imagine what choices the influential families still watching from the sidelines will make now.

“A hen crowing at dawn” only offends superficial pride.

As long as their ruling foundation remains intact and the interests of the scholar-official landowning class are not disturbed, even if northern barbarians invade, they can still find justifications in heavenly mandate.

“This Dingzhou… will descend into chaos…”

Xu Chun murmurs helplessly.

The collapse of a grand building is the result of accumulated problems over decades or even centuries. Although he wishes to mend things, he feels powerless.

Compared to the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion, the reaction from the Inspector’s office is smaller.

After all, Gao Shun is already critically ill; Xu Chun wouldn’t be surprised if he died in office.

What worries him now is how to protect Zhang Wenzhen.

Although Zhang preserved valuable forces for the imperial court and provided leverage against the future powerful army of Nantian, his campaign was undeniably unsuccessful. There would be little to say even if he were executed.

But precisely because of this, he is a loyal minister! Not only are loyal ministers rare nowadays, but when Wuzhen’s forces attack in the future, who else will lead the resistance?

Xu Chun gives a bitter smile. Fortunately, the imperial court is currently in disarray. With some manipulation of documents, and with cooperation from Gao Shun, protecting this general should not be difficult.

Yet… he never imagined that he, the governor reputed for integrity and uprightness, would now stoop to such underhanded dealings, and all to protect a loyal servant of the court—a deeply ironic situation!

…

Soon, news of this war between regional warlords spreads.

In this regard, Xu Chun has no intention of concealing it, nor could he even if he tried.

In an instant, the news spreads like wildfire: Wuzhao’s great victory over Shi Tai, her control over the entire Dingyuan Commandery, and Qi Lin’s allegiance, successfully repelling the interference from the provincial forces. Many are left speechless.

Although some die-hard traditionalists and pedantic Confucian scholars lament the moral decline and the emergence of southern demons, most people choose silence.

After all, Wuzhao’s advantage over Dingzhou is now too apparent!

It may not be long before her armies stand at Dingzhou’s gates. Even if they are unafraid, they must consider their families and futures.

Thus, the entire city falls into near silence.

…

Outside Dingzhou City, by the Luo River.

Here lie thousands of acres of fertile farmland, crisscrossed with paths and irrigation ditches, all excellent rice fields.

Half of the most fertile land belongs to the Xie family. More than a thousand tenant farmers cultivate their fields. The Xie family is one of the three hundred founding heroes, continuously honored for a century, and still renowned across the land today.

However, the ancestral residence built by the Luo River has always maintained a low profile. The stone lions at the gate are weathered, showing signs of age. The golden plaque above the entrance bears the calligraphy of an emperor’s hand, now covered with yellow cloth and carefully maintained by attendants.

The Xie family has produced many capable individuals. With numerous honors bestowed, officials dismount from their sedan chairs and horses when passing beneath the family’s archway. Even a provincial governor cannot merit the opening of the central gate.

Compared to them, those wealthy families with numerous servants and grand processions appear like country bumpkins.

The weather grows gradually warmer.

The lingering chill of early spring still lingers in the air, and the alternation between cold and warmth easily breeds epidemics.

However, the Xie family has specially hired geomancy masters to design a massive vitality-enhancing formation, drawing in the energy of mountains and rivers, creating a vibrant, temperate environment that is warm in winter and cool in summer, completely free from the threat of epidemics.

Inside the main residence, in an antique study, Xie Xingshan, the head of the family, slowly puts down the intelligence report in his hand, shaking his head again: “The imperial court…”

“Family Head!”

The door is gently pushed open, and a figure enters.

Although this place appears tranquil, it is actually the core of the family’s security. To reach here, one must pass through at least seven checkpoints guarded by family sorcerers monitoring for any anomalies.

That this person could enter silently indicates not only that he is a trusted insider but also holds significant authority.

“The investigation is complete. The one secretly tracking Ling’er and Baoyu previously was Li Zongyi, a thousand-household commander of the Yiwenshi under the Minister of Justice!”

“It was him!”

Xie Xingshan frowns briefly before relaxing, his eyes flashing: “That imperial official known for his persistent headaches? Brother Yi, you’ve worked hard. Do we know the reason?”

Xie Yi’s face shows a trace of embarrassment: “Not yet… However, recently the imperial court has intensified its control over the provinces. Perhaps our family has drawn attention due to its prominence?”

“The Yiwenshi…”

Xie Xingshan continues: “Speaking of which, I recall some events in the secondary capital… Recently, something must have happened at court, as several key positions have been replaced, including the director of the Yiwenshi. Even the position of that powerful chancellor seems unstable… I fear a new upheaval is approaching!”

Previously, Wu Ming dug a massive pit in Shengjing, burying all the elite troops and officers of the Great Zhou, even taking down a Prince Yong!

This naturally caused a seismic shift and reshuffling within the imperial court.

As a powerful local clan, the Xie family naturally pays attention to these matters. Xie Xingshan speculates: “Could this be related? Hmph! Li Zongyi dares to target our family. If he weren’t already gravely ill, I would certainly make him regret it!”

To a colossal family like the Xies, a mere thousand-household commander of the Yiwenshi is hardly significant.

“This is a trivial matter; the Family Head need not concern himself!”

Xie Yi states directly.

To them, the fate of this commander and even the future of two young family members are indeed minor issues. The truly critical matter is the future direction of Dingzhou, a matter of life and death for the entire family!

“Yes, indeed! The real issue lies here!”

Xie Xingshan hands over the intelligence report. Xie Yi glances through it, his pupils gradually widening before he chuckles bitterly: “Until I see this with my own eyes, I cannot believe it! Qi Lin of Pingshan Town, known for his valor and talent, actually surrendered so easily?”

“He suffers from a chronic illness, extinguishing any hope of competing for supremacy. Yet, he chose to submit to Wuzhen, likely because he genuinely believes in her potential to unify Dingzhou at the very least!”

Xie Xingshan also chuckles bitterly: “A woman outshining men! Wuzhen has indeed made us old men feel ashamed!”

Qi Lin’s reputation in Dingzhou is far-reaching. His surrender to Wuzhen is almost as significant as capturing another commandery!

Even Xie Xingshan, the head of the Xie family, unconsciously shows a hint of respect in his tone when mentioning Wuzhen.

“So, what is the Family Head planning to do?”

Xie Yi asks.

From these few words, he already knows the family head has no intention of directly opposing Wuzhen, at least not militarily.

“Listen to her words, observe her actions!”

Xie Xingshan hesitates for a long time before sighing: “Additionally… Didn’t we send representatives to establish relations after Wuzhen’s grand wedding? Now is the time to send some of our family’s junior branches to serve under her!”

In times of chaos, large families like theirs follow the principle of not putting all their eggs in one basket, simultaneously serving multiple powers.

The most famous example is the Zhuge family during the Three Kingdoms period, who served three different lords. Unfortunately, their choices were flawed, leading later generations to say: Shu obtained the dragon, Wu obtained the tiger, and Wei obtained the dog.

Although the Xie family currently has many talented descendants serving in the provincial government, they are also preparing to take similar measures.

After all, these are only junior branches from remote lineages. If their efforts fail, they can be abandoned without regret.

“As you command!”

Xie Yi bows and accepts the order, knowing the family head still harbors reservations.

In truth, if Wuzhao were a man, the aristocratic families of Dingzhou would already have rushed to pledge allegiance, eagerly seeking favor.

Even as a woman, her recent victories have sufficiently overshadowed any disadvantages.

However, the Xie family is simply too large, so they must proceed cautiously. The aristocratic families in the four commanderies under Wuzhao’s rule have likely already begun to abandon their principles and grovel.

“Furthermore… send more envoys to strengthen our ties!”

Xie Xingshan says, indicating the establishment of open communication, showing he is placing another bet.

“I understand!”

This is a natural course of action, and Xie Yi agrees. Suddenly, he seems to recall something, his expression changing slightly.

“What’s the matter?”

Xie Xingshan notices this subtle shift and asks directly.

“Nothing… I was just reminded that when Ling’er and Baoyu returned from their mission, she mentioned something that caught my attention. It seems Wuzhao’s husband may also be a remarkable figure. His influence over Wuzhen might exceed our expectations!”

“Wuzhao’s husband?”

Xie Xingshan ponders for a long time before finally recalling a name: “That Wu family’s son? Indeed! Without considerable ability, how could he manage such a woman… and not even as a son-in-law? That is truly astonishing!”

Proud of his extensive knowledge, he finds it impressive that this Wu family’s son left such a faint impression on him.

Although slightly amused, upon deeper reflection, a trace of cold sweat appears on his forehead.

A dragon can be large or small, hiding in a mustard seed and emerging from the ninth heaven. Until thunder and lightning reveal its presence, who can truly recognize it?

After a pause, he immediately says: “Indeed… I previously neglected this aspect. Ling’er has done great work before… Isn’t she the previous envoy? This time, we should send her again. Better the devil you know.”

“Alright, I will immediately allocate family soldiers and supplies…”

Xie Yi agrees. Thinking of Xie Ling’er’s flushed expressions and lingering excitement after her previous missions, a sudden chill runs through him: “Could it be that…”