Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C105 – Take What You Need

“Master Zuo, please follow me this way!” A man in his thirties, donned in a blue robe, guided Zuo Shaoyan up to the third floor of Ding Xuan Hall.

The third floor of Tripod Pavilion boasted only three private rooms, each exuding opulence. Booking a room here required not just wealth but also influence.

Zuo Shaoyan was pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation from Jiang Che. Aside from their last encounter at Lu Mingju’s Plum Blossom Meet, he couldn’t recall ever crossing paths with Lord Jiang.

Regardless, being treated with distinction by the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was a welcome development. He was concerned, however, that he might not have an opportunity to establish a connection with Jiang Che.

The follower courteously opened a door and gestured, “Please, enter!” Once Zuo Shaoyan stepped inside, the door closed behind him.

In the private room, Jiang Che leaned against the window, observing the passersby below, a cup of steaming tea in his hand.

He sported a casual black outfit and a transparent jade qilin hung from his waist. Despite his tall stature, his noble demeanor didn’t come across as imposing, evoking a sense of familiarity.

Since arriving in the capital, Zuo Shaoyan had heard much about Jiang Che and knew that the Jiang Family was an esteemed figure in the realm, tracing back to the nation’s founding.

In Jiang Che’s generation, his father had toiled diligently, securing the top spot in the third round of the Imperial Examinations, reestablishing the Jiang Family’s position in the imperial court. At that time, Jiang Che had even been selected as the Second Prince’s confidant.

With two generations’ meticulous management, the Jiang Family had steadily climbed the social ladder. While they couldn’t rival the prestige of Duke Zhen Manor, they enjoyed a lofty status among civil servants.

“Lord Jiang, it’s an honor to make your acquaintance,” Zuo Shaoyan interjected.

Jiang Che smiled, closed the window, and approached to help Zuo Shaoyan to his feet. “Brother Zuo, there’s no need for such formality. Today is merely a private gathering, nothing of great importance.”

Zuo Shaoyan was skeptical of these words. He was just an ordinary, unremarkable individual. The reason he had been invited by Jiang Che alone wasn’t likely for a simple meal.

“Meeting Lord Jiang is a privilege,” Zuo Shaoyan flattered.

Jiang Che smiled and didn’t reply. He gestured to the chair across from them and said, “Please, have a seat.”

As soon as they were both seated, the waiter brought dishes to the table. Zuo Shaoyan noticed Jiang Che’s relaxed demeanor, and their conversation flowed smoothly, centering around poetry, music, and Wind and Moon affairs. It felt like an intimate gathering of two close friends.

After the meal, Wu Tie instructed a servant to clear the untouched delicacies from the table and then presented the food and wine once more. He filled a wine cup for Zuo Shaoyan and said, “At present, the Zuo Family is prospering;

Zuo Shaoyan wasn’t sure if Wu Tie meant those words sincerely or not. With a composed demeanor, he responded, “Lord Jiang, your praise is too kind. I hold no official position within the Zuo Family; how could I dare to compare myself to your distinguished family from the Cabinet University?”

Jiang Che’s father, a second-ranked scholar in the official university, held a position only slightly lower than the chief assistant.

Jiang Che cast a significant glance at Zuo Shaoyan. “The world can change rapidly, not just in a few days.”

Zuo Shaoyan understood that Jiang Che was alluding to the planned marriage alliance with the Liu Steel Manor. Once the two families were united, the Zuo Family would experience a significant rise in status and prosperity.

The only factor that could rapidly elevate the Zuo Family was the support of Duke Zhen Manor.

It had become common knowledge that Master Lu held a deep admiration for Miss Zuo. Although Zuo Shaoyan understood that this “admiration” might not be entirely sincere, Master Lu’s actions and attitude toward the Zuo Family were undoubtedly exceptional.

“By the way, what has Top Scorer Zuo been occupied with these recent days?” Jiang Che asked with intent.

Zuo Shaoyan’s heart skipped a beat. Jiang Che’s reputation as a man of prowess was well-known. Despite his official marriage and two children, it was rumored that he was the most favored individual in his household.

Could it be that he invited me here because of an interest in Zuo Shaoqing?

Previously, Zuo Shaoyan wouldn’t have believed that his younger brother could catch the eye of a nobleman. However, since his arrival in the capital, he had gradually realized that this younger brother possessed a beauty that surpassed ordinary standards.

With his age and looks, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jiang Che took an interest in him.

Zuo Shaoyan swiftly calculated in his mind. Although Jiang Che held the position of vice minister in the Ministry of Personnel, the incumbent minister was aging and approaching retirement. Currently, the entire Ministry of Personnel was under Jiang Che’s control.

The Ministry of Personnel was responsible for appointing, dismissing, and promoting officials throughout the Great Yang region.

It was crucial to recognize that even after achieving the rank of Scholar, there was still a substantial difference between being assigned to a poor, remote county and a prosperous one.

Despite the weight in his heart, Zuo Shaoyan maintained a composed exterior. He simply replied, “My brother is diligently studying day and night, regardless of the hour.”

Jiang Che took a sip of his wine and then wore an enigmatic smile as he remarked, “Is that so? It’s quite puzzling. A few days ago, I heard that your younger brother had ventured to the military camp on the outskirts of the capital. Could there have been a misunderstanding?”

“The barracks? That’s absolutely impossible. My younger brother is merely a scholar; why would he be at the military camp?” Zuo Shaoyan responded without hesitation.

“Indeed, what could be the reason?” Jiang Che stroked his chin contemplatively and muttered, “Keep in mind that the military camp is teeming with Duke Zhen’s soldiers. I thought your families had a close relationship, which might explain such a move.”

Zuo Shaoyan furrowed his brow as he pondered this matter repeatedly. The more he dwelled on it, the more apprehensive he became.

Were it not for Jiang Che sitting across from him, he would never have connected Zuo Shaoqing with Lu Zheng. However, the presence of a true man before him inevitably directed his thoughts in that direction.

“Lord Jiang, if you possess any information, please share it openly. This matter pertains to our younger brother’s reputation, and I dare not speak carelessly,” Zuo Shaoyan implored.

“Haha…” Jiang Che chuckled, dismissing any notion of maligning the younger brother. He clarified, “I’m simply curious. After all, I’m a close friend of Master Lu.”

Zuo Shaoyan cast a questioning glance at him upon hearing this, uncertain of his intentions. Did Jiang Che’s mention of their closeness imply something else about Master Lu?

“Lord Jiang appears to be quite concerned about my younger brother,” Zuo Shaoyan probed.

Jiang Che indulged in another sip of wine before responding with a somewhat intoxicated demeanor, “A brilliant gem glistens in the sky, radiating its splendor. This younger brother of yours is quite charming and exceptionally talented. I, Jiang Chen, hold him in high regard.”

Zuo Shaoyan felt a tad uncomfortable under the intensity of Jiang Che’s gaze.

“Lord Jiang, you flatter him. My younger brother is gifted in literature but isn’t necessarily young and promising,” Zuo Shaoyan modestly remarked. These words essentially confirmed that Jiang Che’s interest was directed towards Zuo Shaoqing.

If he didn’t have Master Lu’s assistance, he might have considered leveraging Zuo Shaoqing to gain Jiang Che’s favor. However, if Zuo Shaoqing was indeed someone Master Lu had taken an interest in, then Zuo Shaoqing’s actions would be restricted, regardless of his wishes.

Jiang Che, with an air of condescension, filled a glass with wine for Zuo Shaoyan and affectionately added, “Speaking of which, once Miss Zuo becomes part of the Wu Steel Manor through marriage, I’ll have to address her as sister-in-law. At that point, we’ll be family.”

Zuo Shaoyan clenched his fist and downed the entire glass. The fiery liquid coursed down his throat, searing his lungs and clearing his thoughts somewhat.

Indeed, it wasn’t advantageous for him to secure Zuo Shaoqing, and such a relationship couldn’t be openly maintained. However, if he could arrange for Zuo Shuhui to marry into the Wu Steel Manor, the situation would take a completely different turn.

It was a marriage with a history, yet it lacked the finesse one would expect.

Jiang Che glanced at his quivering hands, and a deeper smile formed on his lips.

“Lord Jiang, do you think my sister still stands a chance of marrying into Wu Steel Manor?” From the beginning, Lu Zheng had never shown interest in Zuo Shuhui, and the union between their families seemed like a mere jest.

“It all hinges on the individuals involved. The decision rests with Brother Zuo.”

Zuo Shaoyan was no fool; he wasn’t easily swayed by others. “Why would Lord Jiang want to assist these students?”

“We’ll each gain what we seek, won’t we?”

Zuo Shaoyan didn’t reveal any joy upon hearing this response. He understood Jiang Che’s intentions, but was he genuinely willing to sacrifice Zuo Shaoqing, a mere illegitimate child, in exchange for the prosperity of the Zuo Family and the marriage alliance with Wu Steel Manor?

Most importantly, if he were to collaborate with Jiang Che, and Master Lu discovered the truth, would he hold Zuo Shaoqing accountable?

Jiang Family’s background was extraordinary, with deep ties to Duke Zhen Manor over several lifetimes. Master Lu wouldn’t exact revenge on Jiang Family for the sake of one man, but he might not spare Zuo Family.

“I need some time to contemplate this matter,” Zuo Shaoyan replied. A decision of such magnitude couldn’t be made hastily.

“Of course, Brother Zuo. Please focus on your preparations for the exam. We can revisit this matter in due time.”

After Zuo Shaoyan departed, Jiang Che sat alone in the spacious private room, sipping wine contemplatively.

He had some reservations about Zuo Shaoqing, but they hadn’t reached a point of necessity. However, the fact that this individual hailed from Lu Zheng’s background made him desire to claim him.

From a young age, Jiang had known that the Jiang Family shared a similar background with Duke Zhen Manor. Despite starting from similar origins, the gap between the two families had grown over several generations.

Such a disparity was something Jiang Che couldn’t accept.