Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 160 Princess
Zhou Xin looked embarrassed. He could offer some advice on the matter of apprenticeship, after all, Yan Yi could have multiple teachers. Recommending one person wasn't out of place. But the matter of marriage wasn't something a surrendered general could easily discuss. After a moment's thought, he declined, saying, "Marriage is a matter of great importance to your father, and I dare not speak rashly."

Yan Baihu did arrange a number of marriages for Yan Yi, but most of them were daughters of powerful families, which was not what Yan Yi wanted. In addition, there were also the daughters of Xu Gong and Zu Lang.

Two or three months earlier, under pressure from Wu Jing, Xu Gong had considered a marriage alliance with the Yan family. However, Yan Baihu, deeply wary of the Yuan family, did not immediately agree. Later, when he sought to marry a daughter of the Xu family, Wu Jing had already targeted Wucheng, and Xu Gong was once again unhappy. The matter fell through, and there was no further news.

Yan Yi's mindset also changed during this period. Initially, he had been willing to marry Xu Gong's daughter, hoping to form an anti-Sun alliance in Jiangdong. However, as his power grew, his mindset had already quietly changed. Xu Gong was a target he intended to annex in the future, so how could he possibly marry Xu Gong's daughter?
The situation was similar for Zu Lang's daughter.

Seeing Zhou Xin avoid answering, Yan Yi remained silent for a long time. Suddenly, he asked, "I heard that the late emperor had a beloved daughter, honored as Princess Wannian. I wonder if Duke Zhou knows this girl?"

Zhou Xin's expression suddenly changed. He stared at him blankly with his mouth wide open, and said in a trembling voice, "You...you actually want to marry the princess?!"

Moreover, this princess is not an ordinary princess, but the only daughter of the late emperor and the sister of the current emperor.

For Zhou Xin, the Han Empire, though shaky and precarious, stood firm like the towering Mount Tai, its light shining like the sun and the moon, illuminating all directions. Many officials still took pride in their loyalty to the Han court and their responsibility to uphold the country. Despite the turbulent times, they held onto the ambition of restoration, viewing the Han Dynasty as the common ruler of the world and the lifeblood of the people.

Princess Wannian was the most dazzling pearl of the Han Dynasty.

Zhou Xin never expected that late one night, a young man who was not even an official official would actually express his desire for this pearl in front of him.

It is true that if Yan Yi could marry Princess Wannian, his status would definitely change dramatically. But this is too horrifying. How could he have such a crazy idea?
Seeing Zhou Xin's stunned expression, Yan Yi coughed lightly and said, "I was just asking casually. Please don't take it to heart, Lord Zhou."

Zhou Xin snorted secretly. How could you ask so casually? Don't think I can't guess what you are thinking.

He earnestly advised, "Young Master, please don't think about this anymore. His Majesty will never marry the princess to you, and none of the ministers in the court would agree. And don't even mention this matter again. If word gets out, it could lead to disaster."

After Zhou Xin said this, he suddenly thought that the princess was thousands of miles away, and even if Yan Yi racked his brains, it would be impossible for him to get even a little bit of her, so he felt relieved.

Yan Yi had already gotten the answer he wanted from his expression. Given the high status that the princess held in these people's hearts, marrying her would undoubtedly be a huge help to him.

While he was talking to Zhou Xin, he was thinking about how to "marry" this princess.

For a moment, the two people in the hall each had their own thoughts, and the scene became a little quiet.

Several maids then brought wine and food and placed them on a vermilion lacquered low table.

The two of them moved to the table, raised their glasses and drank together, then turned to other topics, and the atmosphere at the table gradually became lively again.

Yan Yi began to mention Wu Jing, intentionally or unintentionally, like a sharp knife stabbing Zhou Xin's heart, causing his expression to change drastically. Zhou Xin drank fine wine and ate delicious food, but it tasted like chewing wax. He was heartbroken and couldn't help but cry.

He left the table and bowed deeply, his gratitude overflowing with words: "As the governor of Danyang, I failed to protect the people, leading to the massacre of the people by Wu Jing. I bear the blame even if I die. Young Master has properly resettled the refugees of Danyang, providing them with clothing, shelter, and food. I am deeply grateful, and even if I die, I can never repay you even a fraction of what you have done!"

Seeing the time was ripe, Yan Yi stood up and returned the greeting, saying sincerely, "Duke Zhou, you are too kind. Once the refugees enter our territory, they are our people. It is our unshirkable responsibility to provide them with resettlement. Now that Wu Jing is advancing with such force, his troops are at the gates of our city, the people of Wu County are about to suffer another catastrophe. I feel deeply alone and powerless, unable to carry out this task alone. I hope Duke Zhou will consider the people and lend me a helping hand to jointly resist Wu Jing and relieve their suffering!"

Zhou Xin was deeply moved. To him, Wang Lang's attack on Qiantang, despite Wu Jing's impending invasion, was a selfish act that disregarded the greater good, and he was already deeply disappointed with Wang Lang. Yan Yi's single-minded opposition to Wu Jing, even to the point of expelling him from Danyang, struck a chord with him. He wished to slash Wu Jing into pieces to vent his anger. Throughout Jiangdong, only Yan Yi dared to confront Wu Jing head-on, promising to help him achieve his goal.

But when he thought of his family and clansmen in Kuaiji, he couldn't help but hesitate again.

Yan Yi observed his expression and quickly said, "If Duke Zhou is willing to help, I am willing to join you in submitting a petition to the court, asking His Majesty to reinstate you to lead the attack on Wu Jing."

There was still worry between Zhou Xin's brows.

Yan Yi immediately understood and continued, "If Duke Zhou is concerned about the safety of his family and clansmen, I can dispatch a fleet to escort them safely out of Kuaiji. I will also compensate the nobles for the losses of their land, houses, and other possessions in Kuaiji."

Kuaiji has many cities and numerous checkpoints. Zhou Xin's family is all in Shanyin, so if he wants to escape, the only way is by river or sea.

After Yan Yi conquered Qiantang, Zheyang Ferry and Guling Ferry, he seized hundreds of ships, enough to transport the Zhou clan members out of Kuaiji.

Zhou Xin felt reassured upon hearing this. He had initially been reluctant to join the Yan family, but after a night of conversation with Yan Yi, and understanding his sincerity, ambition, talent, and love for the people, his mindset had shifted significantly. Furthermore, Yan Yi's careful resettlement of the refugees from Danyang and his resolute resistance to Wu Jing struck a chord with him, making it difficult for him to refuse.

Well, surrender! It's better than dragging this broken body around, enduring torment day and night, with no hope in sight. After submitting to Yan Yi, perhaps a completely new experience will unfold.

Besides, Yan Yi had a heart-to-heart talk with him all night long. How could it be so easy to agree to it? If he refused, he would probably not survive today.

Zhou Xin thought of this, stood up and bowed, saying, "Xin's family and clansmen are now in the care of Young Master!"

Yan Yi's heart was filled with immense joy. He hurriedly helped him up and solemnly promised, "Rest assured, Duke Zhou. I will ensure that your people arrive at Qiantang unscathed. At daybreak, I will send someone over to discuss the details of this matter with you."

Zhou Xin nodded slightly, very satisfied with Yan Yi's decisive yet meticulous work style.

Ever since the master-servant relationship was established, his attitude had changed visibly. He was extremely respectful to Yan Yi, as if he regarded himself as a subordinate.

(End of this chapter)