Soul of the Revered Banner
Chapter 61: Military Affairs

"Young Master, we shouldn't endure such humiliation."

After pondering for a long while, Wen Yue gently shook his head and said, "No, I agree."

Chu Jiu was stunned with bewilderment. The Annan Marquis's family could be considered burdensome with their entire household of dependents.

His daughter was blind and couldn't be married off.

The Annan Marquis feared that after marrying off his daughter, she would be bullied by her in-laws, so he had always kept her sheltered in the inner chambers.

His son was mentally deficient and could only be kept by his side at all times, with no way to let him venture out.

He could only hope that his mentally deficient son might be able to carry on the family line; beyond that, the Annan Marquis could expect nothing else.

For this visit to the marquis's estate, the Annan Marquis had come alone, hoping only to find a good match for his daughter.

Thus, he hadn't requested a matchmaker's services.

Noble families valued face above all else. To come alone showed that he had already cast aside his dignity.

The former Wen Yue was naturally a gentleman of refinement, held in high regard. He didn't frequent brothels or pleasure houses to listen to songs and dalliances, nor did he display the arrogant and domineering attitude of a dandy. Having seen him from afar just once, the Annan Marquis had always felt this was someone to whom he could entrust his daughter.

His character and private virtue were both excellent, and with his promising future, he was practically the ideal husband for countless young ladies in the capital's inner chambers.

Originally, such a handsome man would never have been within their family's reach.

Who would have thought that during a hunt for malevolent spirits, Wen Yue would suffer severe injury, reportedly injuring his leg and leaving permanent damage.

The position of heir was no longer conceivable, and his future prospects had vanished.

Originally, the second branch had better hopes, but hearing that the marquis's second branch had suddenly died mysteriously, even if the old marquis found the crippled Wen Yue displeasing, he would have to preserve his life.

At least until Wen Yue's brothers matured, Wen Yue couldn't fall.

Even if he ultimately had to bear the pressure, having a crippled marquis was better than having the lineage end completely.

Wen Yue was actually a little gratified, because his own father had unexpectedly asked for his opinion on the matter.

"Young Master, have you lost your senses? The Annan Marquis's young lady is blind."

Wen Yue looked down at his own leg: "At a time like this, should I still be finding fault with others?"

"Just go and respond accordingly."

Wen Yue didn't explain much more to Chu Jiu.

Given his current condition, if someone came to propose marriage, they would certainly value his character more highly.

This assistance in his time of need made him feel there was still hope.

Coincidentally, having experienced despair and three months of dormancy, Wen Yue had also seen clearly the coldness and warmth of human relationships.

He didn't need to gain anything through marriage alliance. If the other party wouldn't drag him down and could fully support him, that would be the best choice.

Unexpectedly, the Annan Marquis had appeared.

The Annan Marquis's family reputation was quite good.

Minor ailments could be tolerated.

Tu Shanjun had roughly understood the situation as well.

It was simply that the Annan Marquis's daughter was blind, and he had come to propose marriage.

Tu Shanjun had no particular opinion about it. Whatever choice the banner master made was their personal affair, and such private matters certainly didn't require his help in strategizing.

The marquis's reception hall was grand and elegant.

Carved railings and jade-adorned structures.

The servants and attendants had long been dismissed.

Although the Annan Marquis had already decided to cast aside his dignity, the marquis's estate couldn't be so lacking in propriety as to let someone lose face.

Therefore, only the old marquis remained in the hall, along with the old steward who waited in the central hall for Marquis Jing'an's summons.

Ever since the old marquis had forcibly withstood Xiang Hu's blade attack the previous month, he had felt overwhelmed by his limitations. His severely injured body carried weakness.

Perhaps due to his advanced age, the wounds didn't heal well, and it being internal injuries, he could only recuperate slowly.

Relying on his pure internal energy, he could still support his body, but could no longer engage in combat with others.

After all, he had once been an expert who had entered the Organ Refining Realm. Even though his qi and blood had now declined, he was still far stronger than ordinary people.

The old marquis coughed twice and said thoughtfully, "Brother Song, regarding the matter of you and your esteemed daughter, I still need to discuss it with my son."

He actually inclined toward agreeing directly. Although the Annan Marquis's daughter was blind, his own son now had a broken leg. No matter how excellent he had been before, all of that had been wiped away and vanished into smoke.

If not for the second branch family being killed, perhaps the marquis's estate would no longer have any news of Wen Yue by now.

Annan Marquis Song Hao wore a flat crown and official robes, with a robust build and a full beard.

Hearing Marquis Jing'an's words, embarrassment flashed across the Annan Marquis's face.

He truly had no other options.

His own daughter simply couldn't be "marketed" to anyone.

Seeing her age increasing year by year, he couldn't let her become an old spinster.

That would invite people's scorn and gossip.

If her younger brother were normal, that would be fine. After they passed away, he could still take care of his sister.

But fate was unpredictable; this son was dull and mentally deficient. Never mind taking care of his sister, he couldn't even take care of himself.

When the two of them grew old, these siblings would have no one to depend on. Wouldn't they be devoured by those who prey on households without heirs?

Thus, with no other choice, the Annan Marquis had run to the doors of other noble families.

Some were still polite, others deflected and avoided the topic entirely.

Even worse were those who directly refused visitors, upon hearing that the Annan Marquis had come, they would simply disappear.

Looking at Marquis Jing'an's expression and attitude, today's prospects seemed grim as well.

Asking for the younger generation's opinion was merely an excuse.

Who would marry a blind woman who also came with a mentally deficient brother?

His title carried no real power, and the military authority he held wasn't enough to support a large household. Not only were there few benefits, but even if there were some, they wouldn't reach the son-in-law.

Therefore, the Annan Marquis sat in his chair as if on pins and needles.

His entire being was restless and uneasy.

Perhaps seeing the Annan Marquis's embarrassment, Marquis Jing'an couldn't help but turn the conversation to the northern military situation.

"The Battle of Luo River, I heard it was another defeat."

"Yes, defeated. Of a hundred thousand troops, fewer than three thousand escaped back. It's said that Feng Gan was greedy for merit and advanced rashly, falling into Northern Wei's trap. Both the central and rear armies were trapped, and finally the defeated soldiers perished."

"However, since Feng Gan is already dead, His Majesty will show him understanding."

Speaking of military affairs, the Annan Marquis became animated, sweeping away the previously tense and anxious atmosphere.

No matter how inadequate the commanding general might be, death cancels all debts, the emperor wouldn't pursue the war dead or their families.

Victory and defeat are common in military affairs, but Great Liang had suffered too many defeats in their campaigns of territorial expansion.

Originally there were three kingdoms. Years ago, Northern Wei and Southern Liang had jointly destroyed Great Chen. Northern Wei moved south to seize territory, gaining the advantage and consistently pushing the defense line to Mount Nanyue.

Southern Liang's army had clashed with Northern Wei once.

The result was Great Liang's defeat. Over these years, Northern Wei had devoured most of the former Chen territory and resources.

As former allies who had contributed greatly, Great Liang was naturally quite displeased with this outcome.

They hadn't gotten any meat, and the remaining scraps were truly hard to swallow.

Emperor Liang found drinking this thin soup particularly uncomfortable and had always wanted to redraw the boundaries between the two sides.

Unfortunately, they suffered repeated defeats.

Now Great Liang wanted to withdraw but couldn't. Northern Wei was visibly growing stronger while Southern Liang's national power was declining. Northern Wei very much wanted to swallow Southern Liang as well, achieving unification.

Therefore, even while retreating steadily, Southern Liang could only be forced to continue the war.

Both Marquis Jing'an and the Annan Marquis had been ennobled through military merit, so naturally they had common topics to discuss.

The northern situation was indeed deteriorating.

If this were ten years ago, when Southern Liang's military was strong, the two sides could have wrestled to see who was superior.

But now that was no longer possible.

With the old emperor's death and the new emperor's ascension, thoughts of advancing north to reclaim territory grew fewer and fewer.

Probably before long, the entire defense line would have to retreat further. Withdrawing within Tong Mountain, using natural barriers to block Northern Wei's advances, and defending the southern territories.

Speaking of this matter, both men sighed in unison.

There was no helping it. If the emperor didn't want to fight, these ministers couldn't force the emperor to continue the war.

The civilian official faction also wanted stability.

If they still wanted to wage war, those officials would pin the crimes of increasing taxation, exploiting the people's livelihood, maintaining private armies, and embezzling military funds on the nobles.

Little did they know that the civilian official faction was equally part of the exploiting class.

Connections up and down, antiques and calligraphy, brushes and paper, which of these didn't require money?

Mansions, carriages, beautiful concubines, which of these didn't require money?

Romantic pursuits, consorting with courtesans, literary gatherings, every single thing involved money.

Having said so much, the Annan Marquis felt somewhat embarrassed. Regardless, his daughter was blind, which to ordinary people was a burden.

So he felt it inappropriate to stay much longer.

The Annan Marquis cupped his hands: "Marquis Wen, this younger brother will take his leave first."

"Master."

At this moment, Chu Jiu hurried into the central hall: "Master, the young master has agreed to this matter."

The Annan Marquis had already started to leave but looked toward Chu Jiu as if he had misheard.

Even more astonished was Marquis Jing'an.

He hadn't expected that his son, who usually appeared gentle but actually harbored some pride in his heart, would agree to this marriage.

He confirmed again with Chu Jiu.

The answer he received was still affirmative.

Only then did Marquis Jing'an recover his composure, smiling as he looked toward the Annan Marquis: "Since my son also agrees, why don't we find a time to exchange birth dates and finalize this marriage?"

"What does Brother Song think?"

The Annan Marquis cupped his hands: "The marquis speaks wisely."

(Chapter End)