Because her third sister was getting married, Madam Zhao-Zhang had also been temporarily staying at the Governor's Residence. Hearing about this matter, she said to Madam Zhang: "Elder Sister, previously when you proposed a marriage for Third Sister to the Song family, the Song family rejected you. That's understandable, after all, the Song family has high status, and Song Xie is even revered as a teacher by your husband, so his standing is extraordinary. But what right does this family you proposed for Ah Wan have to refuse becoming in-laws with the Governor? Logically speaking, this should be the good fortune of several lifetimes for them. For them to do this, it's clear they don't have a good outlook on our brother-in-law's future and are unwilling to be implicated by us!"

Madam Zhang was already unhappy, and hearing Madam Zhao say this, her unhappiness grew. Although she knew her younger sister didn't have good intentions, she was still provoked. The next time the family came to visit, she refused to even see them and had them turned away at the door, giving them a solid rejection.

Although that family did not wish to form a marriage alliance with the Liu family at the moment, they had no intention of offending them. This time, they had come with many valuable gifts to apologize, but they were directly barred from entering, and under the watchful eyes of everyone. They were immediately both mortified and embarrassed, unable to save face.

This scene happened to be witnessed by Liu Zhen, who had just returned from outside.

To be honest, Liu Zhen really couldn't understand Madam Zhang's way of thinking.

Although ancient people married early, Liu Wan was only eight years old this year, so there was no need to be in such a hurry. Furthermore, there was an order of seniority; Liu Nan's marriage wasn't even settled yet. Didn't she see that neither the father nor the person in question were anxious? Why was Madam Zhang in such a rush to arrange things for Liu Wan? Taking a step back, their Liu family's status in Yingchuan Commandery was second to none. Even if they couldn't command universal response with a single call, they at least had reached a point where no one would dare to openly defy the Governor's orders. In another two years, once the Qin Dynasty fell, those families who were still waiting and watching would likely scramble over each other to form marriage alliances with the Liu family. At that point, it wouldn't be others choosing them, but them choosing others.

But Liu Zhen had inadvertently overlooked a very important point.

As an ordinary woman who had risen from poverty and lived through many hard days, Madam Zhang had a strong sense of anxiety about the future. The reason Liu Zhen was so calm was because she knew the Qin Dynasty was doomed to fall; what she didn't know was the fate of her father Liu Yuan and her entire family. However, Madam Zhang didn't even know if the Qin Dynasty would fall or not.

In the eyes of people at the time, the Qin State, which had annihilated the six states, was still a colossus that could not be easily defeated. Madam Zhang could not see the grand tide of the world; she couldn't even make sense of the distribution of counties and towns in Yingchuan Commandery. All she could see was the place where she grew up and this small patch of land in Yangdi where she had come to live. This determined that her vision and knowledge were extremely limited; unable to see the future, she could only focus on the present.

Her eagerness to find a match for Liu Wan actually stemmed from another hidden worry: she feared that one day Liu Yuan would no longer be Governor, and the whole family would return to their former hard life. Therefore, when she came across a decent prospect, she wanted to quickly arrange the engagement for her daughter, lest she miss this opportunity and never get another.

However, Madam Zhang seemed to have forgotten that once Liu Yuan fell from grace and the Liu family returned to their previous life, even a marriage wouldn't be secure, let alone a mere engagement. Didn't you see how Wu Yu's former wife ran off just like that?

So when Liu Zhen went to see Madam Zhang, the latter was still sulking. Zhang Ah Shu was newly married, and Mother Zhang and Madam Zhao had gone to the Wu family to visit her, so they weren't here.

Liu Zhen first paid her respects as usual, then said, "Mother, I just saw the Xi family's ox-cart outside..."

Madam Zhang said huffily, "I was the one who had them stopped and refused entry. If you see them in the future, you don't need to bother with them either!"

Liu Zhen asked, "What happened?"

Madam Zhang was in desperate need of someone to vent to. She immediately gave a brief account of the matter and then added, as if it wasn't enough, "The Xi family has gone too far!"

Liu Zhen said: "Mother, the Xi family's actions were improper, but that's due to their lack of foresight. In a few more years, when Ah Wan is a bit older, there will surely be many suitors. Why must you be in such a hurry? That Chief Clerk Xi is currently a capable subordinate under Father. If Father finds out what you've done, I'm afraid he will scold you again!"

Madam Zhang had also acted on impulse. After hearing Liu Zhen's words, she felt a little regretful but still said stubbornly, "The Xi family treated the Liu family as if we were nothing. They deserve to be taught a lesson, otherwise they won't know their place!"

Liu Zhen sighed. At present, within the entire Liu family, Madam Zhang's thinking was the least in step with Liu Yuan's pace. But she couldn't be blamed for this. She was neither as worldly and knowledgeable as Liu Yuan, nor did she possess a perspective that transcended more than two thousand years like Liu Zhen. Madam Zhang herself was just an ordinary woman. If not for her husband's sudden rise to prominence, she would probably still be in that small house in Xiang Town, living a life no different from her neighbors.

Although everyone has their own path to walk and no one can live another's life for them, since they were a family, their fates were intertwined, sharing both glory and disgrace. With Madam Zhang's thoughts and actions out of sync with Liu Yuan's, Liu Zhen didn't feel she could just stand by and watch for entertainment. That would be an irresponsible act, because if Madam Zhang's position as the matriarch of the family was not going to change, then any mistake she made would affect not just herself, but the entire Liu family.

So Liu Zhen patiently tried to enlighten Madam Zhang: "Mother, do you know why Young Lord Bao of Wei came with his family?"

Madam Zhang nodded. "Your father mentioned this matter. He said they came to borrow troops, but your father doesn't plan to lend them any, so he's currently stalling for time."

Liu Zhen said: "Exactly. Father is unwilling to lend troops not because he is stingy, but because he doesn't have many men under his command to begin with. It's already a struggle just to defend Yingchuan, let alone lend troops for others to use. Among the rebel armies today, the one charging at the very front is Zhou Wen. Look, Mother," she dipped her finger in water and drew a simple diagram on the table. "He is now at Xi Di, and it looks like he is about to attack Xianyang. The situation seems excellent, but advancing deep into enemy territory alone is the most dangerous. Once Zhou Wen's force is defeated by the Qin army, the Qin army will come out of Hangu Pass and head east."

"To the east, there is Yingchuan Commandery, Xingyang, and Chen Commandery," she pointed to each with her finger. "Yingchuan Commandery may not be the first to bear the brunt, but once the Qin army advances east, they certainly won't spare this place. At that time, with Yingchuan Commandery's military strength, we may not be able to stop the Qin army. So Father's current situation, while not quite like a candle in the wind, teetering on the verge of collapse, is still..."

Liu Zhen's explanation was simple and easy to understand, something even a young child could grasp. Madam Zhang's face turned pale on the spot. Liu Yuan had never spoken to her about the state of the world, and she had no idea that Yingchuan Commandery was in such a perilous position.

"In that case, can Yingchuan Commandery still be defended?"

Liu Zhen shook her head: "That depends on whether Zhou Wen is defeated. If he is defeated, will the Qin army press their advantage? If the Qin army gives chase, which route will they take, and how many troops will they dispatch to attack Yingchuan? So right now, everything depends on how the situation develops; it's not something we can decide. This is likely the reason why Father has been in low spirits lately."

Madam Zhang murmured, "I didn't know... He never told me..."

"Father didn't say anything because he must not have wanted to worry you, Mother." Men throughout history and across the world are mostly the same, always feeling that women just need to manage the household and don't need to worry about outside affairs, as they wouldn't understand them anyway.

"But Mother, since the situation in Yingchuan Commandery is unfavorable, Father needs to concentrate all his energy on external matters. Naturally, he hopes for the interior of Yingchuan Commandery to be as stable as a rock. Since the Xi family's stance is wavering, it's good for us to see their true colors early, to prevent Ah Wan from suffering in the future. However, families like theirs are not few in Yangdi. There's really no need for you to be so bothered by them, Mother."

Madam Zhang was not stubborn by nature. It was just that no one had ever broken down the reasoning for her so clearly before. Especially upon realizing that her actions could affect her husband's future and the lives of her entire family, she became exceptionally receptive to advice.

"...But I've already barred her from entering. How can I make up for this?"

Liu Zhen smiled. "Mother, don't worry. I had someone accept her gifts and told her that you were unwell today, which is why you weren't receiving guests. In a couple of days, when you've recovered, Mother, we can send someone to invite her over. The fact that they brought gifts shows they don't dare to have a falling out with us. Ah Wan is still young, Mother, you really don't need to be so anxious."

Madam Zhang sighed. "You are absolutely right. I went too far in this matter. But why didn't your father tell me any of this? If he had told me earlier, I wouldn't have made a mistake!"

Towards the end, her tone inevitably carried a hint of complaint.

Liu Zhen said: "Father is busy with many complicated matters, so it's not surprising that he forgot. It's good enough that you don't blame me for being meddlesome, Mother."

"How could I?" Madam Zhang leaned forward and took Liu Zhen's hand. "If you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have thought of so much. I should be the one thanking you!"

"We are all family, Mother, why act like a stranger?"

Madam Zhang did as Liu Zhen said. Two days later, she sent an invitation to the other party on the grounds that she had recovered, and they reconciled and resumed their interactions. Liu Zhen's talk had been quite effective. After this lesson, at least for a short time, Madam Zhang did not dare to act presumptuously again. Moreover, because Liu Zhen had so patiently explained the ins and outs of the situation to her, not only did Madam Zhang not resent her, but she was actually mostly grateful.

Because of this, when speaking about the matter to Mother Zhang and Madam Zhao, Madam Zhang said: "Fortunately, Ah Zhen reminded me in time, otherwise I fear I would have caused trouble for the Governor!"

Madam Zhao pursed her lips, very disapprovingly. "Elder Sister, in my opinion, you are too lenient with Ah Zhen. She is your daughter, how can she be the one telling you what to do? You are the matriarch of the Governor's Residence. So what if you don't want to let someone in? Our brother-in-law is the Governor now, you should learn to establish some authority. Otherwise, from what I see, the maids and servants in the residence are more afraid of Ah Zhen than they are of you!"

This time, not only was Madam Zhang not provoked by her, but her face darkened and she said: "Is that something you, as an aunt, should be saying?!"

Madam Zhang was indecisive and easily swayed by a few words. Many people knew of this flaw. Madam Zhao fanned the flames from the side, precisely targeting her sister's weakness, and she was successful almost every time.

Who would have thought that this time, she miscalculated.

The tone in which Madam Zhang spoke to her was sterner than ever before: "Ah Shu is already married, and you haven't returned home for a long time. Are you going to abandon your husband and children? If there is nothing else, you should set off to return home in two days!"

Madam Zhao's eyes widened and she yelled, "I'm not going back! What's so good about going back? All we eat for three meals a day is bean rice and leaf soup! So now that my Elder Sister is rich and noble, she's going to abandon her younger sister?"

Mother Zhang also scolded, "Ah Ye, how can you speak to your elder sister like that!"

Madam Zhao was defiant. "What did I say that was wrong? Elder Sister and I are blood sisters! But she's doting on a stepdaughter as if she were her own flesh and blood?!"

Madam Zhang looked at her youngest sister, her brow furrowed in disgust.

Madam Han had been introduced by Song Xie and personally invited by Liu Yuan to be a governess, so her authority was beyond question. Madam Zhang would naturally find it easier to accept her words. But Madam Zhao was different. Although she and Madam Zhang were full-blooded sisters, in Madam Zhang's heart, this younger sister who had kicked her when she was down more than once certainly did not carry the same weight as Liu Zhen, whom she had raised with her own hands!

"Ah Zhen is the eldest daughter of the Liu family, and of course she is my daughter. Ah Ye, it's one thing for you to gossip on ordinary days, but now you're directing your gossip at Ah Zhen. What do you think the Governor would say if he found out?" Madam Zhang said coldly. At first glance, she truly possessed a bit more of the dignified air of the matriarch of the Governor's Residence.

Madam Zhao had not seen Liu Yuan many times, only twice, and both times were when the entire Liu family was gathered. Liu Yuan's high regard for Liu Zhen was beyond doubt; at the very least, Madam Zhao had never seen Liu Yuan show such a gentle and patient expression towards Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang.

She loved to stir up trouble, but she wasn't a fool. The moment Madam Zhang said this, she immediately shut up and quieted down.

But Madam Zhang truly did not want to see her anymore. Madam Zhang felt that if Madam Zhao stayed any longer, she would be a source of trouble. All day long, she did nothing but gossip about the affairs of every household. Yet, sweet-talking children are often doted on, and Father and Mother Zhang still pampered this youngest sister the most.

This time, however, no matter how Mother Zhang tried to mediate, Madam Zhang refused to compromise. She said directly to Mother Zhang: "Mother, Ah Ye is not like Ah Shu. She has a husband and children. What does it look like for her to abandon her family and come here for a long-term stay? Is she planning to abandon even her children after staying here for so long? If you don't want the Zhang family to be cursed behind their backs, you shouldn't indulge her!"

Well, this reason was irrefutable. Mother Zhang had nothing more to say. In any case, Zhang Ah Shu—oh, no, she should be called Madam Wu-Zhang now—was already married. They had been away for long enough and should have returned long ago.

Two days later, Mother Zhang, accompanied by a reluctant Madam Zhao, boarded the ox-cart for the return journey and left the Governor's Residence.

At the departure of their maternal grandmother and aunt, not only Liu Zhen, but also Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang heaved a great sigh of relief. The most obvious sign was that when they heard the news that day, the two of them completely forgot their recent ladylike education and nearly cheered out loud—they really did not like these two relatives.

The Liu family had now adapted to life in the Governor's Residence. After the initial adjustment period, not only Madam Zhang, but even the youngest, Liu Zhuang, gradually began to show the makings of a noble lady from an aristocratic family. Of course, this was only on the surface. If Liu Yuan could continue to be the Governor successfully, it would take at least three or four generations before their family could be called an aristocratic house. Liu Zhuang also had to be thankful that she wasn't born several hundred years later in the Wei-Jin era; otherwise, even if her father became emperor, she would not be considered more pure and noble than the daughters of the established aristocratic families.

During the time Liu Yuan occupied Yingchuan Commandery, others were not idle. The revolutionary situation was surging. Seeing Chen Sheng's victory in Chen Commandery, everyone's hearts itched with anticipation. Those commanders who had risen up with Chen Sheng, like Wu Chen, after occupying Handan on Chen Sheng's orders, simply stayed put. He neither advanced west to attack Qin nor left, but instead established himself as the King of Zhao. Emulating Chen Sheng, he appointed his subordinates as Grand General and Chancellor, handing out official titles as if they were free, and began to live a life of debauchery in the Zhao territory. There were others who, after going to various places in Chen Sheng's name, either supported the old nobility of the Six States as kings or followed Wu Chen's example.

For a time, the banners of Zhao, Qi, Chu, Yan, and Wei were raised one after another, almost as if the Warring States period had returned. Seeing that Zhou Wen had already fought his way to Xi Di and was on the verge of marching into Xianyang, right up to the fatuous ruler's doorstep, everyone was ecstatic. It was as if they could see the return of the good old days of the Warring States, when each state governed itself. What was even better was that this time there was no nominal Son of Heaven of Zhou reigning over them. When the time came, couldn't they just declare themselves king or emperor as they pleased?

Liu Yuan thought: Since others can declare themselves king, why can't I?

Previously, he had wanted to bide his time and conceal his strength, because he felt he was not yet powerful enough. It was just as he had answered Song Xie: "With meager forces and weak power, how would I dare to establish myself?" It wasn't that he was unwilling, but that he did not dare.

Now, watching everyone declare themselves king one after another, it seemed as if he would fall behind if he didn't follow the trend. Even within the army that had followed Liu Yuan to station in Yingchuan Commandery, there were not a few voices hoping for Liu Yuan to declare himself king.

Every man has ambition, let alone someone like Liu Yuan who had already established his own enterprise. Seeing that his former comrades-in-arms from the rebellion were now either "kings" or "chancellors," or at the very least "grand generals," while he himself was still just a "Governor," Liu Yuan's heart felt as if it were being scratched by a cat's paw, starting to itch.

When he asked his advisors for their opinions, the answers he received were inconsistent.

Xu Zhongfang approved of Liu Yuan declaring himself king, while Song Xie and An Zheng were opposed.

Of course, all three of them had their own reasons.

Xu Zhongfang's reason for approval was that once he declared himself king, he could legitimately conscript armies and would attract more talented people to his cause, instead of being limited to picking from the old officials of the former dynasty and having to endure their frustrating attitudes from time to time.

And the reasons for Song Xie and An Zheng's opposition were just as strong: declaring himself king now would be to make himself a target, attracting others to attack. They should first see how Zhou Wen was progressing and wait and see for a while longer. If Zhou Wen could really conquer Xianyang smoothly, it would not be too late to declare himself king then. Being cautious was never a bad thing.

Although Liu Yuan himself was inclined to declare himself king now, he absolutely could not ignore the opinions of Song Xie and An Zheng. Despite his regret, he could only temporarily abandon the plan to become king.

At this very moment, news came from the west that Zhou Wen had been utterly defeated and had retreated to Mianchi. Along with the news came an envoy sent by Zhou Wen to request reinforcements.