30. Usurping the Han (2)

In the archery range, Yun Yao was diligently practicing, preparing for the future battles she would surely face. A copper coin hung by a thin thread, swaying in the breeze.

*Swish.*

The arrow severed the string, and the coin clattered to the ground. Yun Yao remained dissatisfied. Although she could now shoot with great precision, her physical strength imposed a limit on her range. Compared to a true master archer, she still had a long way to go. It was the disadvantage of being a woman; her strength cap was set firmly in place. This blasted system was quite rigorous, which only served to hinder the player's experience.

Just as Yun Yao was silently grumbling, the system issued a quest:
[Every leader must have a multitude of followers. Go forth and find your companions.]
[Quest Reward: Skill Point +1]

Yun Yao’s eyes lit up, and she set off at once to find her companions. Her first target was Cai Wenji. The woman was well-read and possessed a rare, scholarly reputation; she would undoubtedly be a capable assistant in the future. Winning someone’s favor was far too simple for her, and the two soon became like-minded friends. Cai Wenji’s temperament was quiet and virtuous; being with her felt like a gentle spring breeze. Yun Yao particularly enjoyed listening to her play the zither—sometimes, she would listen for an entire afternoon.

...

A year passed. Yun Yao had made many friends and used the skill points she earned to upgrade herself. When she drew her bow against the armor displayed in the courtyard, she shot straight through it.

A cheer came from afar: "Well done!"

Yun Yao turned back and offered a salute: "Father."

Tang Heng nodded, his eyes filled with pride. He said, "You are of age now, and I have arranged a marriage for you."

Yun Yao asked, "Which family is it?"

Tang Heng replied, "The Xun family of Yingchuan."

Yun Yao was taken aback. "How could the Xun family of Yingchuan possibly marry into our household?" Had the scholars not always looked down upon the eunuchs?

Tang Heng chuckled. "They have suffered from the Disasters of Partisan Prohibitions and live in constant fear, so naturally, they seek protection."

Yun Yao understood instantly. The Xun family had lost both Xun Yu and Xun Tan; the remaining members were naturally panicked. In this day and age, anyone associated with a eunuch would have their reputation tarnished. They were planning to sacrifice the marriage of a junior to secure the protection of the entire Xun clan.

...

Yun Yao asked, "Then which member of the Xun family is it?"

Tang Heng said, "Naturally, the most outstanding one: a talent of king-making caliber."

Yun Yao knew exactly who it was. Xun Yu, one of the top strategists of the Three Kingdoms era, a loyal and upright gentleman. Historical records described him as strikingly handsome and fond of incense, giving rise to the legend of "the fragrance left by the Xun magistrate." It was truly something to look forward to...

Yun Yao asked again, "Who will be the head of this marriage?"

Tang Heng laughed. "Naturally, you will be the head."

In truth, that had not been the Xun family’s original intention, but since they were the ones seeking help, they had no choice but to compromise, no matter how reluctant they were. So what if he was a talent of king-making caliber? His daughter was also a peerless genius; she would naturally be the one to rule the household.

Yun Yao smiled. The Xun family was practically handing Xun Yu over to her. She was very satisfied with this gift.

...

The wedding was set for two years later. Before then, the two families exchanged tokens. Yun Yao received a piece of fine jade, flawless and translucent. She, in turn, sent a sharp dagger; she wondered what his reaction would be, though sadly, she would not be there to see it.

A month later, on a whim, Yun Yao wrote him a letter. She received a reply shortly after, and upon opening it, she caught a faint, delicate fragrance. It had been seven or eight days since the letter was sent, yet the scent had not dissipated—he truly was a fragrant gentleman. The handwriting on the letter was elegant and refined, like orchids, and the tone was poised and gracious, fully embodying the style of a noble family. Yun Yao’s anticipation for her fiancé grew even stronger.

After some time, she wrote another letter, and he replied again. Thus, they exchanged many letters, gaining a certain understanding of each other through the written word. Knowing he loved to read, Yun Yao asked Cai Wenji for some ancient texts to transcribe. The Cai family library held tens of thousands of volumes, many of which were unique copies. As expected, he was delighted.

Perhaps due to the constraints of etiquette, she had always been the one to write, and he the one to reply. What if she suddenly stopped? Yun Yao intentionally went a long time without writing to him, and soon enough, she received an inquiry from him. She smiled.

...

Playing hard to get—she had always been quite skilled at this. From then on, he was essentially the one who took the initiative to write to her.

...

Another year passed. She had accumulated a thick stack of letters, yet she still did not know what he looked like. Yun Yao decided to go to Yingchuan to see him. Although it was improper for an engaged couple to meet, so what? She was a person who cared nothing for social conventions.

Yun Yao informed her family, mounted her red-maned horse, and rode all the way to Yingchuan. After making a few inquiries, she waited on the path he was bound to take. Gradually, a light rain began to fall, and pedestrians on the street hurried by.

A white figure appeared at the end of the street, carrying an umbrella, followed by a servant holding books. The youth’s posture was like a jade tree, his demeanor dignified, and every movement carried an extraordinary grace. Though he was still some distance away, he was already captivating. Some people were like shining pearls; even when hidden among countless grains of sand, they stood out at a single glance.

Suddenly, he looked over and began to walk toward her. As he drew closer, Yun Yao saw his face clearly. His features were like jade, flawless and pure, and his eyes were gentle and bright. He was like a full moon, brilliant and clear.

The youth held the umbrella over her head and said, "Please, my lady, take this umbrella."

Yun Yao took it and asked, "Then how shall I return it?"

The youth smiled slightly, looking at her, and said, "Will we not meet again in the future?"

Yun Yao was stunned. So, he knew who she was. She hadn't said a word, yet he had guessed it; he was truly clever. In the curtain of rain, the two looked at each other, everything understood without a word.

Yun Yao smiled and led her horse away. The youth did not ask her to stay, but walked off, sharing the umbrella with his servant. When they reached the end of the street, both turned back at the same time to look at one another. In the silken rain, it seemed as if some unspoken sentiment was quietly taking root.