Soul of the Revered Banner
Chapter 79: Three Tigers¹

They rose early that morning.

Returning to the bride’s home, they traveled in a procession of three carriages.

The Annan Marquis, mindful of his son-in-law’s dignity, had the central gate opened in welcome.

Though Wen Yue’s wife suffered from an eye condition, she was not fully blind. She could still perceive light and shadow.

However, the world in her eyes was a jumble of swirling colors, as if painted in childlike smears.

Thankfully, over the years she had adapted. As the legitimate daughter of a noble household, she had lived in comfort and had no need to labor. Moreover, thanks to martial training from youth, her other senses were keener than most.

Wen Yue assisted his wife down from the carriage to greet her parents.

Song Ran carried herself with poise and grace, free of maidenly coyness, offering her greetings with a warm smile.

The Annan Marquis helped Wen Yue up with a laugh. “No need for such formality, my good son-in-law.”

The Song couple was clearly pleased. They could find no fault in Wen Yue.

That their daughter had found such a worthy match brought them great joy, lifting a long-held heaviness from their hearts.

Though they were reluctant to part, they knew they must learn to let go.

After all, a daughter must one day become another’s wife.

Perhaps due to her poor vision since childhood, Song Ran’s temperament was not weak. Her gentle exterior hid an inner strength.

She had no worry for her parents, her only concern was her foolish younger brother.

Wen Yue, walking slightly ahead, failed to catch the flicker of concern in his wife’s eyes.

He already had some understanding of the situation in the Annan Marquis’s household.

And so did Tu Shanjun, who listened from within the soul banner.

When he learned that Song Hao and his wife were paternal cousins, Tu Shanjun immediately understood the reason behind the children’s conditions. Such close-kin marriages often bore consequences.

Yet Song Hao and his wife were deeply devoted, an example of unwavering loyalty despite humble beginnings.

The Annan Marquis had never taken a concubine. Though Lady Song had chosen some for him, he refused them all.

He believed that, having quelled uprisings in the south and slaughtered countless souls including the execution of prisoners and the annihilation of rebellious tribes, sparing neither elders nor children, he had incurred karmic retribution.

And it was his children who bore the burden of his sins.

Even if he remarried, nothing would change. The children born might carry other afflictions.

These words had quelled all of Lady Song’s intentions.

Though the times permitted it, marrying one’s cousin still carried social stigma. To endure such pressure spoke volumes of the man’s character.

“Sanhu, greet your brother-in-law.”

Wen Yue had already noticed the tower of a man standing beside the Marquis.

And “tower” was no exaggeration.

The figure stood at least six foot four, towering three heads above the Marquis.

Though Wen Yue himself was tall, in this man’s presence he seemed markedly diminished.

Save for the lack of a thick beard, the young man’s features bore a striking resemblance to the Marquis.

After all, he was the child of both cousins. Their mingled traits made it seem as if one were looking upon a fusion of the Marquis and his wife.

Song Biao gave a silly grin, scratched his head, and muttered in a deep, muffled voice, “B-bro…ther.”

Despite his hulking frame, Sanhu gave off the air of a child.

There was no hint of violence in his demeanor, only docile simplicity.

His goofy smile was comically at odds with his formidable appearance.

The Annan Marquis could only smile helplessly. That was simply how Sanhu was. Were he not still young and under his father’s watch, he might have been taken advantage of.

Wen Yue showed no trace of disdain. With utmost respect, he bowed and said, “Brother-in-law.”

The Marquis clapped Sanhu’s arm. “He’s talking to you, Sanhu.”

Sanhu only chuckled foolishly in response.

“No need for such formality, my good son-in-law. Just call him Sanhu.”

“Sanhu recognizes that name.”

“Sister.”

Sanhu softly called out and shuffled to stand beside Song Ran, obedient as a child being punished at school.

Within the soul banner, Tu Shanjun pondered for a moment.

This man’s qi and blood surged like a blazing furnace, abundant and overwhelming.

Far beyond ordinary men.

Low-level ghosts might not even dare approach him.

With such a physique and robust vitality, he was undoubtedly a formidable warrior of great strength.

Whether due to simple martial training or deeper cultivation, Sanhu’s inneral qi flowed of its own accord, his five viscera teeming with life, he was already a first-rate Organ-Refining expert.

However, his mental faculties were impaired. Reaching the Innate realm would be near impossible. Without miraculous herbs or divine treasures to restore his mind, he would likely remain at this stage for life.

Though Tu Shanjun had absorbed many seeds of knowledge, none addressed such mental conditions. And there were countless causes of intellectual disability, he couldn’t be certain what ailed Sanhu.

Still, he had an idea. He’d have Wen Yue try something later.

The midday meal was lavish.

The household of the Annan Marquis was small, with no close kin.

Only the husband and wife remained, raising their two children.

Unlike Wen Yue’s family where the second branch was born of a second marriage, and the old marquis had taken many concubines, resulting in many children.

The illegitimate offspring had no right of inheritance. Once grown, they were given a dowry and sent off to make their own way.

Some joined the clan, others pursued the civil service exams.

The Marquis Jing'an was a clan member, though the clan had produced no new talents in recent years. Most of the younger generation studied in the clan’s academy, relying on the Marquis’ influence like leaves clinging to a sturdy tree.

Wen Yue’s family was indeed vast. Yet around this table today sat only six.

Still, Wen Yue found this setting ideal and even envied it. And now, it seemed, he had become a part of it.

“Father-in-law, your son-in-law offers you a toast.”

Though his breath carried a hint of wine, it was of no matter. If anything, it brightened the meal.

Wen Yue was forthright by nature, and having grown up navigating the treacherous currents of the marquisate, he knew how to put the old couple at ease.

After the meal, Wen Yue followed the Marquis to his study.

The Marquis brought out something he had prepared in advance.

“My good son-in-law, take these military treatises and have a look.”

“At month’s end, the army will march. We’ll likely be stationed at Tong Pass for three years. I don’t expect you to earn merit, just avoid mishaps.”

“But worry not, as your father-in-law, I hold the rank of deputy commander. I can speak on your behalf.”

Wen Yue bowed. “Many thanks, Father-in-law.”

In truth, Tong Pass posed no great threat. It was a routine rotation, more for gaining experience.

In court, the Marquis Jing'an had fought tooth and nail to seize the post of vanguard general.

With such a distinguished entry on his résumé, Wen Yue would have a much faster path to promotion.

And it was plain to all that the Great Liang was in decline. The national treasury lay empty, the country’s strength drained. With Liang waning and Northern Wei rising, it was not impossible for Wei to swallow the empire whole.

At such a time, if one did not seize military power, one would have no footing in the world.

This was but the third emperor since the founding of Great Liang, and already signs of decay had appeared. Naturally, the people grew anxious.

As the sun dipped westward, Wen Yue took his leave with his wife.

Tradition dictated that one did not stay overnight when returning to the bride’s home. Arrive in the morning, depart by dusk.

Fortunately, both the Marquisates of Jing’an and Annan were within the capital. With carriage travel, the distance was not far.

Yet Sanhu remained reluctant to part with his sister.

Following Tu Shanjun’s suggestion, Wen Yue seized the opportunity.

“Father-in-law, might Sanhu stay with us for a few days?”

Song Ran added, “Father, Mother, don’t worry. I can take good care of my brother.”

The Song couple exchanged weary smiles. Their two children, both afflicted, could only rely on each other for strength.

Still, entrusting both to their son-in-law, was it too much?

The Annan Marquis pondered for a moment, then gave a nod. “Very well, let Sanhu go for a while.”

“Sanhu, be good. Listen to your sister and brother-in-law.”

They watched as Wen Yue, Song Ran, and Sanhu boarded the carriage. As the wheels rolled away, the old couple suddenly felt a pang of emptiness.

Together, they let out a sigh.

Looking into each other’s eyes, they both saw worry reflected back.

“Husband,” Lady Song murmured.

The Annan Marquis pulled her into an embrace and gently said, “It’s alright. Let’s trust him.”

“Our children will have their own blessings. We cannot walk with them forever.”

(Chapter End)

¹Sanhu's name stands for Three Tigers. Sān (三) means "three" and hǔ (虎) means "tiger."