Chapter Eleven: The Grand Wedding of Roan

In the third month of the sixth year of Zhongping, Luo Ang transformed Youzhou’s legal system into one aligned with the future’s rule of law. In education, he directly implemented early childhood education, the nine-year compulsory education of primary and secondary schools, as well as high school and university education alongside the imperial examination system. This allowed both students from humble backgrounds and wealthy families to take the exams. He abolished the old examination oversight system. Economically, he adopted the policies of the Western Han dynasty, emphasizing light taxation and labor duties, allowing the people to rest, easing the burdens of farmers, promoting agriculture, and advocating frugality. He exempted children from military families from school fees, provided them with monthly stipends, and offered monthly pensions if the male head of the household died in battle. Extra points were awarded during examinations for such circumstances.

After these legal reforms, the aristocratic families of Youzhou expressed dissatisfaction, as Luo Ang had cut off their traditional privileges.

Upon learning this, Luo Ang declared that his reforms aimed to enable the less privileged scholars of Youzhou to receive education, to serve the Han dynasty, and to resist the invasions of the nomadic tribes from the steppes. Without talent, Youzhou would fall into the hands of the steppe tribes, leaving its people with no place to rest in death.

The aristocrats were silenced by Luo Ang’s words, helplessly resigned to their fate in such an inhospitable land.

In the study, Xi Zhicai and Tian Feng sat in the main hall, their gazes fixed on Luo Ang.

Luo Ang recounted the entire situation to Xi Zhicai and Tian Feng: “This is how things unfolded.”

Tian Feng said, “My lord, this is a rare opportunity! Now that Ding Yuan has handed Bingzhou over to you, you can obtain it without shedding blood, bringing Bingzhou under your command.”

Xi Zhicai agreed, “My lord, Yuan Hao is right. Heaven surely favors you!”

Luo Ang nodded at their words. “In that case, I will accept Ding Yuan’s Bingzhou, but only after his death in Luoyang. We will adapt as circumstances require.”

Just then, a servant rushed in, announcing, “My lord, Liu Fang has returned!”

Luo Ang’s eyes brightened. “Bring him in!”

The servant left promptly.

Soon, Liu Fang entered, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, my lord!”

“Save the formalities. Zi Qi, you have worked hard. I appoint you as an administrative officer. You must perform well.”

Liu Fang expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, my lord.”

“Sit and join us in discussing important matters,” Luo Ang invited.

Surprised by the trust placed in him so soon after arriving in Ji County, Liu Fang replied, “Thank you for your confidence, my lord,” and took a seat beside Tian Feng.

Suddenly, Luo Ang remembered something. “I have observed that His Majesty’s health is declining. Soon, the emperor will pass away.”

Tian Feng asked, “Why do you say this, my lord?”

Luo Ang answered solemnly, “His Majesty indulges in pleasure, ignoring rebellions near him. His excessive debauchery and neglect of his health have drained his vitality. Therefore, I am certain he will die this month.”

Tian Feng objected, “You worry unnecessarily! The emperor is strong and will not die so soon.”

Luo Ang waved his hand dismissively. “You have been deceived by the Ten Attendants in the palace. They keep us distant lords in the dark about the emperor’s true condition to maintain their power in court.”

Xi Zhicai affirmed, “My lord’s words ring true. I have recently received news that the emperor’s life is hanging by a thread. His passing will occur any day now.”

Luo Ang nodded. “Zhicai, you shall establish an intelligence agency. Yuan Hao and Zi Qi will assist you.”

The three men clasped their fists in agreement.

“Let us end today’s meeting here,” Luo Ang said. “You may rest. I will arrange for the intelligence agency to be founded at my residence.”

Xi Zhicai expressed concern. “My lord, please also take care to rest.”

Luo Ang replied warmly, “You all must rest well too.”

The three thanked him gratefully.

In the rear courtyard, as they left the study and headed outside, Tian Feng sighed, “I did not expect my lord to have such foresight, perceiving the emperor’s grave illness.”

Liu Fang added, “Indeed. Before my lord became governor of Youzhou, he warned of rebellion in Julu. No one paid attention then, but in the fourth year of Guanghe, Zhang Jiao launched the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Julu.”

Xi Zhicai nodded. “I heard of that too. Thanks to my lord’s advice, the Han dynasty’s stability was preserved.”

Tian Feng pledged, “I admire my lord’s prophecy. I shall devote myself to your cause until death.”

Xi Zhicai continued, “Now that Youzhou has quelled Zhang Chun’s rebellion, we must restore the economy to its pre-rebellion state.”

Liu Fang agreed, “Yes. No matter what, we must revive Youzhou’s economy to what it was before Zhang Chun’s uprising.”

That afternoon, Luo Ang arrived at Cai Yong’s residence bearing betrothal gifts. “Father-in-law, your son-in-law is here to formally propose marriage today!”

Cai Yong, heartened by his son-in-law’s visit, said, “Your intentions are enough. No need for such gifts.”

Luo Ang hastened to decline. “Father-in-law, please accept these gifts. How else can I marry Wenji without them? I insist you receive them.”

Cai Yong sighed, “Very well, I shall accept them reluctantly. But you must treat Wenji well, or I will not forgive you!”

Luo Ang assured him, “Understood, father-in-law. I will care for Wenji.”

Cai Yong said, “Go see Wenji now. Stay here tonight and keep her company. The wedding will be in three days.”

Luo Ang bowed. “Thank you, father-in-law.”

That night, Luo Ang stood in the garden of Cai Yong’s estate, gazing at the bright moonlight, his homesickness deepening.

Cai Yan approached, draping a thick garment over his shoulders.

Softly, she asked, “In three days we will be married. What are you thinking about, husband?”

Luo Ang looked at Cai Yan with a pleased smile. “Nothing much, just a little excitement.”

Cai Yan, embarrassed by his gaze, blushed and said, “Husband, don’t look at me like that!”

Luo Ang laughed. “I’m just looking at my wife. Why shouldn’t I?”

Cai Yan averted her eyes, shy with only the two of them present.

Luo Ang chuckled, “Come, let’s return to the room.”

He pulled her close.

Her cheeks flushed deeper, uncertain of what to do next.

Then, they entered her chamber.

From nearby, Cai Yong watched their interaction quietly.

He murmured, “They seem to be getting along well. I hope Zi Cheng will treat Wenji kindly.”

Inside the room, Luo Ang and Cai Yan looked at each other.

Luo Ang said, “Wenji, I never expected to marry such a virtuous and gentle woman as you.”

Cai Yan blushed again, unable to meet her future husband’s eyes.

Seeing this, Luo Ang smiled. “Tomorrow, I will bring you to my mansion. How does that sound?”

Cai Yan shook her head. “Husband, that’s not proper. A wife must not enter her husband’s home before marriage.”

Luo Ang realized his mistake, laughing awkwardly. “Sorry, I forgot we live in a feudal society, not an open one like the future!”

Cai Yan pouted. “You really are something, making jokes like that.”

Three days later, Luo Ang married Cai Yan.

Before the ceremony, Cai Yong warned, “Zi Cheng, you must treat Wenji well, or I won’t spare you!”

Luo Ang swore solemnly, “Rest assured, father-in-law. I will never let Wenji suffer and will treat her with the utmost care.”

Cai Yong nodded. “I hope you mean it.”

Thus, Luo Ang married one of China’s Four Great Talented Women, Cai Yan, and prepared to give her a happy and warm home.