Chapter 8: I Have Always Been Generous
“We are still in the early stages, far from matching Wang Teng’s power and influence. We cannot get too close to him; otherwise, even if he doesn’t drain us completely, we will inevitably lose the hearts of the people. The realm is on the verge of chaos, and only those of exceptional talent can save it. Without enough capable people to support us, grand ambitions will remain nothing but the dreams of fools.”
“At present, the great aristocratic families almost control the entire national discourse; they are known as the Eunuch Faction. Although the humble families are not favored by these powerful clans, they equally despise the Eunuch Faction. Even if we disregard the opinions of the noble families, we must still strive to win the support of talented people from modest backgrounds and the common folk.”
Hearing Liang Xiao’s analysis, Zhuo Zifang suddenly understood.
“You speak wisely. Wang Teng agreed to intervene today out of respect for your concession of two estates, but he may harbor resentment, thinking you are using him. People like Wang Teng can only be collaborated with cautiously. We must keep an eye on the political and court affairs, forging alliances with other factions at odds with the Sima family.”
“As for the scholars from humble origins, before coming to the capital, I met a few promising talents in the counties along the way. I will write to notify them, though they may be reluctant to leave their homes and come to Pei County.”
Liang Xiao was moved. “You have truly worked hard recently.”
Zhuo Zifang feigned displeasure. “You have become somewhat distant lately. Remember, it was your life I saved with my own.”
At these words, Liang Xiao smiled wryly.
That dream had brought him great enlightenment, yet it had subtly influenced his thoughts.
Given the life-and-death bond between him and Zhuo Zifang, offering a mere thank-you was indeed too formal.
“However, your defense of Liang Pin and the others today may seem reckless to outsiders, but it was the right move. These loyal men of the Liang household are your foundation. Out of loyalty and duty, you fearlessly stood up for them, and naturally, they will remain utterly devoted to you henceforth.”
Hearing Zhuo Zifang’s praise, Liang Xiao only nodded slightly. “The reason I specifically sought out the Emperor to obtain an edict to dissolve the marriage contract was for another purpose.”
“Oh?” Zhuo Zifang’s interest piqued.
“The Situ family has attached themselves to the Sima clan. The matter between me and Situ Luoyue will inevitably be twisted by them in the future. The emperor’s decree to dissolve the engagement serves as solid proof that there was once a contract between me and Situ Luoyue. They have been freeloading off the Liang household, incurring huge expenses. Now that the contract is dissolved, both morally and legally, they are clearly in the wrong.”
“If my guess is correct, today Sima Lingyun should bring the Situ family to discuss matters with me.”
Seeing Liang Xiao remain calm and free from regret or resentment, Zhuo Zifang finally felt completely at ease.
In the past, the Situ family, parasitic within the Liang household, had repeatedly overstepped bounds.
As Liang Xiao’s close friend, Zhuo Zifang had refrained from interfering to avoid causing him trouble.
Such a siren, not remaining by Liang Xiao’s side, was truly a blessing.
When Sima Lingyun returned to his newly acquired Northern General’s Mansion with Situ Luoyue and Situ Yinghao, tears welled up uncontrollably in Situ Luoyue’s eyes.
“Brother Lingyun, you saw how arrogant Liang Xiao has been! He has always treated my family like this! How can we swallow such humiliation?”
Situ Yinghao echoed, “He’s just a commoner, yet dares to act like a tiger pretending to be a fox and slap us in the face. This grudge must be avenged!”
Sima Lingyun sighed. “Liang Xiao has indeed oppressed your family for a long time, but he has also supported you. If this matter escalates, it will only harm your family. We must first silence him, preferably making it known throughout the capital that your family has long severed ties with him. Then, we can slowly exact our revenge.”
Situ Luoyue’s eyes brightened. “What do you suggest we do?”
“I will send someone to summon him to the Northern General’s Mansion for a talk.”
Sima Lingyun promptly arranged for Liang Xiao to be notified, while the three waited in the courtyard.
Half an hour later, a servant brought a message.
“General! Liang Xiao instructed me to convey his exact words: If you have business with me, you should come to my door.”
Hearing this, the Situ siblings were furious.
“Outrageous!”
Sima Lingyun’s face darkened. He gritted his teeth. “A small impatience ruins great plans. Once your family is clear of him, we can settle accounts later!”
That afternoon, two uninvited guests arrived at the Liang residence.
In the courtyard, Sima Lingyun and Situ Luoyue sat opposite Liang Xiao, trying to maintain composure.
Liang Xiao sipped his tea alone, not offering cups to the two opposite him.
Seeing this, Sima Lingyun suppressed his anger and smiled. “Liang Xiao, you and Luoyue were once betrothed. Sadly, you were not a perfect match. The Emperor has permitted the dissolution of the contract. From now on, you are like strangers, with no interference between you.”
Situ Luoyue quickly nodded. “Liang Xiao, our families lived harmoniously at first, but differing views drove a wedge between us over the years. Our family still harbors some feelings for you.”
Liang Xiao cast a cold glance at the pair he regarded as shameless.
“Since you are like strangers, with no interference, why do you repeatedly trouble us, even allowing Situ Yinghao to seize estates?”
Situ Luoyue bit her red lips, struggling to contain her anger.
“Today is just a misunderstanding. He only wanted to discuss leasing but didn’t expect it to escalate. I apologize on his behalf; consider this matter closed. Further complaints would seem petty.”
Recalling Wang Teng, Sima Lingyun wanted to move past the issue and get to the point.
“Luoyue and I came seeking a complete reconciliation, so neither side owes the other anything.”
Liang Xiao only smiled at Situ Luoyue. “You once vowed before the mountain and sea, saying you would marry no one else in this life. I suppose you said the same to him?”
Hearing this, Situ Luoyue’s face went pale.
Sima Lingyun’s expression darkened.
Indeed, she had said exactly that...
“Is it worth clinging to the past? Since we’ve sat down to talk, can’t we part amicably without sowing discord between me and Brother Lingyun?” Situ Luoyue’s tears began to well.
Sima Lingyun braced himself. “Liang Xiao, the Situ family once appreciated your care and remembers it. Now that Luoyue is with me, I will stand up for her and compensate you for your past support.”
Liang Xiao raised an eyebrow, smiling. “General Sima is a man of integrity.”
Sima Lingyun’s expression softened, about to speak, but Liang Xiao shifted gears.
“You understand the laws of the Wu dynasty. During an engagement, any expenses the woman’s side incurs for the other—provided they are properly accounted for—must be settled upon dissolution for fairness.”
Sima Lingyun nodded seriously and smiled. “Our family is wealthy. After settling, you must issue a receipt as proof. Then we are even. Luoyue said you spent about fifty thousand taels?”
Liang Xiao knew their calculations well but chose not to expose them. Instead, he fetched the ledger and spread it out.
“I won’t count any unrecorded expenses. These are the expenditures registered by the Liang household’s accounting office, all signed by Situ Luoyue upon receiving the funds. It also includes money that Situ Tianliang and Situ Yinghao used to buy official positions.”
“The total comes to 30,002 taels. I am generous; I’ll round it down to 30,000.”
“Calculating a one-year loan at the capital’s lowest market interest rate of two percent, that amounts to 36,000 taels.”
Liang Xiao looked at the stunned couple before him, his face wearing a warm and friendly smile.
“The Sima family is as rich as a kingdom. Surely, such a small sum is no burden, correct?”