The Frontier Prince: Starting From Scratch - Chapter 46 - The Yuan Family

“Yuan Li.”

Zhao Xu glanced at the characters on the letter of introduction. Indeed, it was from Yuan Li, the provincial governor of Yan Province.

A few days ago, Zhang Kang mentioned that Yuan Li would come, and now he truly arrived.

“Zhang Kang is here too,” Feng’er added.

“He really is willing to exert himself for his son-in-law,” Zhao Xu scoffed.

He didn’t need to think hard to understand Yuan Li’s intentions. It was merely to intimidate him, to remind him that Zhang Kang was his son-in-law, and to make Prince’s Mansion wary.

However, since Yuan Li had come, Zhao Xu had no choice but to meet him. After all, this man was the real power in Yan Province, and even as a prince, he couldn’t afford to be arrogant.

With this in mind, he headed outside.

On the way, he encountered Liu Fu, who was coming to find him in the inner courtyard.

Together, they reached the entrance.

At the entrance stood a squad of cavalry. These cavalrymen were all robust, wearing black helmets and black armor, with only the plumes on their helmets being blue. The scabbards at their waists were exquisitely crafted, clearly not ordinary items.

“Indeed, the Yuan Family of Yan Province is not comparable to the small regional magnates of Yan Prefecture,” Zhao Xu thought to himself.

Just from the equipment of these cavalrymen, one could discern the Yuan Family’s strength.

His gaze shifted to the frontmost figure, a corpulent man with a large belly and a broad waist. The man wore a purple official robe, his face full of flesh, looking somewhat fierce.

However, upon seeing Zhao Xu, the man dismounted with the help of his attendants and laughed heartily.

“Your Highness, recently my son-in-law mentioned that you have recovered, so I specially rushed from Fanyang Prefecture to congratulate you.”

“Thank you, Provincial Governor Yuan. A few days ago, Prefect Zhang mentioned that you would come, and I have been eagerly anticipating it. Please, come inside,” Zhao Xu approached to greet him.

They exchanged polite bows, both wearing smiles on their faces.

Yuan Li observed Zhao Xu’s demeanor, seemingly normal, but internally he was displeased. Originally, he had never regarded this foolish prince highly. Thus, when Zhang Kang informed him that Prince Yan had eliminated the Huang and Du Families, gaining control of Yan Prefecture, he was greatly surprised.

To him, Yan Province was the domain of the Yuan Family. Now, Prince Yan’s presence in Yan Province indeed irked him.

Therefore, it was imperative to preserve Zhang Kang’s Zhang Family. This way, Yan Prefecture wouldn’t completely fall into Prince Yan’s hands.

Upon entering Prince’s Mansion, Zhao Xu led Yuan Li to the guest hall.

After seating themselves, Zhao Xu ordered tea to be served.

“Provincial Governor Yuan, despite your busy schedule, you managed to visit Yan Prefecture. I am truly grateful. As I reside in Yan Prefecture, I hope you will continue to look after me,” Zhao Xu said.

Yuan Li, having observed the simplicity of Prince Yan’s Mansion, coupled with Zhao Xu’s lack of status in the imperial city and absence of maternal family support, further underestimated him, though he didn’t show it outwardly.

Moreover, he intended to support Zhang Kang, so he said, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing. In Yan Province, the Yuan Family’s word is law. If Your Highness encounters any difficulties, feel free to seek my assistance. The Yuan Family’s Black Armored Army is not to be trifled with.”

Zhao Xu chuckled lightly, understanding the underlying message in Yuan Li’s words. It was a clear declaration of the Yuan Family’s immense influence in Yan Province.

“Haha, Provincial Governor Yuan is indeed a straightforward person,” Zhao Xu feigned gratitude.

Yuan Li waved his hand dismissively, then glanced at Zhang Kang, seemingly casually remarking, “Zhang Kang, as the son-in-law of the Yuan Family, you must work diligently under Prince Yan’s command. Do not tarnish the Yuan Family’s reputation and bring ridicule upon Your Highness.”

“Father-in-law, I will obey,” Zhang Kang replied respectfully.

He breathed a sigh of relief internally.

Yuan Li was subtly reminding Prince Yan that the Zhang Family would be safe in Yan Prefecture for the time being. His plans were no longer a concern. With this in mind, he bowed to Zhao Xu once more, “Your Highness, if I ever make any mistakes in the future, I hope Your Highness will be forgiving.”

“Prefect Zhang, you’re too kind. Having a capable official like Prefect Zhang to assist me is indeed my great fortune.” Zhao Xu replied, and the three of them shared a laugh.

They chatted about various topics, including old stories from the imperial city. As evening approached, Zhao Xu ordered the servants of the Prince’s Mansion to prepare a banquet, inviting Yuan Li to stay for dinner.

After several rounds of drinks, Yuan Li gazed at the liquor in his glass with admiration. He had tasted the liquor from Yan Prefecture back in Fanyang and had thought there was no finer liquor in the world. This time, besides dealing with Zhang Kang’s matter, he had also come for this exquisite liquor.

“Your Highness, I have a rather bold request,” Yuan Li said, hiccupping slightly from the alcohol.

“Please, Provincial Governor Yuan, speak your mind,” Zhao Xu said, setting down his liquor glass.

“The liquor Your Highness brews is a rare nectar, and now I find my meals tasteless without it. I would like to purchase a batch from the Prince’s Mansion, if Your Highness would kindly permit it,” Yuan Li requested.

“This is a simple matter. How much does the provincial governor need?” Zhao Xu replied, welcoming the request.

He was essentially the manufacturer now and wasn’t worried about having too many orders.

“Thirty thousand jars,” Yuan Li said, holding up three fingers.

The Yuan Family was large and prosperous, maintaining an army. Yan Province, being in the north, was not as wealthy as the south. Most of their money-making methods relied on trade. As a shrewd businessman, the Yuan Family wouldn’t miss out on a lucrative opportunity. If it weren’t for the court’s constraints and Zhao Xu being a prince, Yuan Li might have even seized the brewing method by force. Now, he could only settle for having Prince Yan supply his family with large quantities.

“Certainly,” Zhao Xu agreed without hesitation.

The Prince’s Mansion’s brewery was about to expand production, and this order was timely.

After settling the matter, Yuan Li and Zhang Kang rose to leave after some more lighthearted conversation. Zhao Xu escorted them to the door before returning inside.

In the night, Yuan Li’s guards lit torches, and Yuan Li’s smile gradually faded as he looked at Zhang Kang.

“This time, I’ve personally intervened, and Prince Yan surely won’t dare touch your Zhang Family. From now on, keep a close watch on the Prince’s Mansion in Yan Prefecture. Report any developments to me immediately.”

Zhang Kang dared not breathe heavily and responded submissively, “Yes, father-in-law.”

Nodding, Yuan Li added, “Also, be cautious with the trade with Beidi. We can’t let Prince Yan discover it, especially the sale of weapons and armor. If he reports it to the court, it will be very troublesome.”

Initially, Yuan Li had little regard for Zhang Kang, a son of a concubine from the Zhang Family. Even a daughter from the Yuan Family’s concubines seemed too good for him. However, the year Zhang Kang led a Beidi merchant caravan to Fanyang, Yuan Li changed his mind. According to Zhang Kang, he had saved the life of a wealthy Beidi merchant, who therefore trusted only him. Seeing the opportunity, Yuan Li agreed to the marriage. Over the years, Zhang Kang had indeed earned a considerable amount of silver for the Yuan Family, bringing in many warhorses and livestock from Beidi. However, the court strictly prohibited trade with Beidi, making this matter extremely secretive.

“I won’t be careless,” Zhang Kang replied.

To reassure Zhang Kang, Yuan Li said, “You needn’t fear this Prince Yan. We’ll try diplomacy first, but if he doesn’t know his place, I’ll make him regret it.”

As he spoke, their figures disappeared into the darkness.

Back at the Prince’s Mansion, Liu Fu did not leave after the banquet. Yuan Li’s visit had thwarted the plans Liu Fu had devised to deal with the Zhang Family.

“Not eliminating the Zhang Family is like having a bone stuck in my throat,” Liu Fu said through gritted teeth.

Zhao Xu remained silent, not as agitated as Liu Fu. To him, having control over the military and political power in Yan Prefecture was already a solid position. The Zhang Family was merely meat on the chopping block, destined to be dealt with sooner or later. What he needed now was to accumulate wealth, advance technology, and build his army into an invincible force. Power comes from the barrel of a gun; as long as his army is strong, he fears no one.