Chapter 32: How Could I, Wang Ziteng, Fail to Subdue Him?

Compared to the modest, dilapidated dwelling Jiang Nian occupies in the eastern suburbs, Wang Ziteng’s residence in the capital is grand, showcasing the luxury and majesty of a powerful and noble family.

According to the regulations of the Great Qing Dynasty, the residences of officials below the rank of Duke or Marquis but above the third rank are generally referred to as "mansions." As the Metropolitan Commander of the Capital Barracks—a position of the primary first rank—Wang Ziteng does not hold a title of Duke or Marquis, so his home is known as the "Wang Mansion."

The Wang Mansion is situated in a prosperous area of the capital's inner city, occupying vast grounds with an imposing gate. The vermilion-lacquered doors are studded with gleaming copper nails, and two stone lions stand guard before them, exuding a formidable aura. Inside, the architecture is intricate, with carved beams and painted rafters, while the rear garden features a scattered array of pavilions and towers, creating a delightful landscape.

When the Xue family, led by Aunt Xue, was escorted by Wang’s men from Jiang Nian’s small house to the Wang Mansion, the stark contrast between the two properties convinced Aunt Xue even more firmly that Wang Ziteng was capable of subduing Jiang Nian.

Before leaving Jiangning for the capital, Aunt Xue had intended to stay at the Rongguo Mansion. This was because the Rongguo Mansion was magnificent enough to house her entire family, it was a prestigious noble household the Xue family could rely upon, and it would be convenient to arrange a marriage between Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai. However, due to the matter of the concubine agreement, Aunt Xue had to change her plans, deciding to stay temporarily at the Wang Mansion until Wang Ziteng could resolve the issue before moving on to the Rongguo Mansion.

...

In the main hall of the Wang Mansion’s inner quarters, the space is spacious and elegantly furnished without losing its sense of authority. A landscape painting hangs in the center, executed with bold, vigorous strokes and a majestic spirit. Beneath it stands a carved purple sandalwood long table, upon which rests a bronze incense burner. Thin ribbons of smoke rise, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood that adds to the solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Wang Ziteng sits alone in the main armchair. He is a man of imposing build and upright posture, his expression stern, with an aura of natural authority etched into his brow. To his left sits his second wife, Yuan Wancui, dressed in finery, her head adorned with pearl hairpins, her demeanor dignified and noble. To his right sits Aunt Xue, looking somewhat restrained, her eyes scanning the room as if weighing something. Standing in the hall are the younger generation: Xue Pan, Xue Baochai, and Wang Xi.

The surname "Yuan" is the surname of the Great Qing imperial family. Yuan Wancui hails from a branch of the imperial clan; her great-great-grandfather was a prince, her great-grandfather was titled Duke of Zhenguo, her grandfather was a Duke of Zhenguo, and her father was a Duke of Fuguo. She is not Wang Ziteng’s original wife, who had passed away due to illness; she was married as his second wife later. Although this branch of the imperial clan had long since declined and her father had died young at twenty-four, the fact that Wang Ziteng could marry a woman of such noble blood as his second wife speaks volumes about his status and influence at court.

...

At this moment, Xue Pan stands in a corner of the hall, looking timid and shifty-eyed, not daring to look directly at his uncle. He has always feared this stern uncle, and now he dares not even breathe loudly. Xue Baochai keeps her head bowed, looking anxious; she knows her mother is about to ask Wang Ziteng to subdue Jiang Nian.

After Aunt Xue exchanged pleasantries and discussed family matters with Wang Ziteng and Yuan Wancui, the atmosphere seemed harmonious. Unexpectedly, Wang Ziteng suddenly spoke: "You have come at a fortuitous time. Just recently, His Majesty issued an edict bestowing great favor: apart from selecting imperial consorts, daughters of prominent official families may submit their names to the Ministry to be chosen as companions for princesses and countesses, or to serve as talented ladies and court attendants. Since your family are imperial merchants of the Imperial Household Department, Baochai is also eligible for selection."

Aunt Xue knows a great deal about court affairs and immediately realized that if Xue Baochai were selected, she would have a chance to rise to prominence—perhaps even catching the Emperor's eye—which was far more enticing than a marriage to Jia Baoyu.

However, Aunt Xue felt a complex mix of emotions. Unable to hold back any longer, she asked Wang Ziteng to dismiss the others, including his own children, leaving only herself, Wang Ziteng, Yuan Wancui, Xue Baochai, and Xue Pan. She then solemnly said to Wang Ziteng, "It would be wonderful if Baochai could be selected. But..." She paused, her tone laced with helplessness, "Baochai is currently in an inconvenient situation."

Wang Ziteng raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise and displeasure in his eyes. "Oh? What kind of inconvenience?"

Aunt Xue looked sorrowful and sighed deeply, her tone full of heartache. "Baochai... she has already been promised as a concubine to another!"

A deathly silence fell over the hall. Xue Baochai lowered her head even further, her cheeks slightly flushed, her hands tightly gripping her skirt in nervousness and embarrassment. Xue Pan shrank his neck, eyes darting about, terrified that the fire might spread to him. Wang Ziteng’s eyes widened in disbelief, wondering if he had misheard. Even Yuan Wancui was stunned, the teacup in her hand trembling slightly.

When Wang Ziteng recovered, he furrowed his brows, his voice laced with suppressed anger. "Did I hear you correctly? You are saying you have already promised Baochai as a concubine?"

Aunt Xue sighed deeply and nodded with a complicated expression. "It is indeed so. Let me tell you the whole story..."

...

Aunt Xue recounted the entire sequence of events in detail. Upon hearing it, Wang Ziteng’s face turned gloomy, his eyes burning with rage. He slammed his hand onto the table, making the teacups rattle. "What an arrogant young pup! To dare to bully you like this, to bully my niece!"

He is a man of pride, greed, and ruthlessness. He believed that while Jiang Nian might have done the Xue family a great favor, demanding Xue Baochai as a concubine in return was perhaps reasonable—if it were him, he would likely have demanded even more. However, he had already come to view the Xue family as his own vassals and had long planned to use Xue Baochai’s marriage for his own benefit. Moreover, he held a grudge against the Jiangning Regional Commander, Tang Jina. Under these circumstances, he felt that Jiang Nian was not just bullying Aunt Xue and Baochai, but was also provoking him, Wang Ziteng.

Wang Ziteng could not help but scold Aunt Xue: "You are a fool! Have you lost your mind? How could you agree to this? And you even signed that wretched concubine agreement?"

Aunt Xue blushed, burning with shame. She had not been scolded so directly in a long time, especially not in front of her children. Lowering her head, she defended herself weakly, "I was forced by the situation; I had no other choice..."

Wang Ziteng sneered and then asked, "What exactly is the background of this young man, Jiang Nian?"

Aunt Xue looked embarrassed and replied in a low voice, "Although he is young, he is quite cunning and keeps his origins strictly secret. At first, I thought he had a prominent background and guessed his unknown father might be some great nobleman in the capital. But... when we arrived in the capital just now, I saw he lived in a shabby house on the outskirts, so I thought his background might not be so illustrious after all."

Wang Ziteng pondered for a moment, a flash of contempt in his eyes, and said dismissively, "If that is the case, even if his background is somewhat unusual, it cannot be very prominent. It is common for young upstarts to be arrogant just to save face or intimidate others."

Aunt Xue looked distressed and pleaded, "I must rely on you to handle this. Make that Jiang Nian return the concubine agreement, and ensure his family keeps their mouths shut. If this spreads, Baochai’s reputation will be ruined, and our family’s name will be tarnished. If that happens, Baochai will not only be unable to be selected, but even finding a good husband will be difficult."

Wang Ziteng nodded, his gaze sharp as a torch. "Indeed, this must be done, and it must be done quickly. There are few young men in the Great Qing today whom I cannot subdue. I shall go see him myself!"