Chapter Fifty-One: Secret Delight

Even though Zhu Yuanzhang and Li Shanchang were masters of intrigue, with Liu Yi lingering in the north of the river, none of their schemes could be put into action. After all, only a portion of the Chaohu Navy’s main force was stationed at the Taiping Water Fortress in the south. If they wished to deal with the Chaohu Navy with thunderous force, they would first have to invite Liu Yi across the river. Yet Liu Yi stubbornly remained in the north, rendering Zhu Yuanzhang and Li Shanchang powerless to reach him. “This matter must still be entrusted to Madam,” Zhu Yuanzhang said, “Prepare more gifts. No matter what conditions Marshal Liu asks for, Madam may promise them on my behalf, as long as he agrees to cross the river!”

Liu Yi had just lived through the most exhilarating period of his life, gaining several pounds in the process. Naturally, this joy was tied to his recent marriage; he had finally come to understand the meaning of having everything handed to him without lifting a finger. Despite Guo Yunyu being the eldest daughter of the Guo family, she managed all household affairs with such order and precision that Liu Yi needed not worry about a thing. On the contrary, Guo Yunyu was unstoppable once she got busy, every detail perfectly satisfying to him.

Sun Yue’rong, meanwhile, was another delight altogether. The pleasure Liu Yi gained was not just from the blissful days and nights, but also from the sense that his career was taking flight. He had long known that a good secretary was like wings to a tiger, but after Sun Yue’rong became both his secretary and aide-de-camp, his efficiency soared. Each morning, Sun Yue’rong had already sorted and annotated the day’s documents, drafting preliminary responses. Moreover, she was not just a competent secretary but also a brilliant strategist, allowing Liu Yi to feel truly in command.

Though half the main force of the Chaohu Navy was stationed at Taiping Water Fortress in the south, with Sun Yue’rong’s help, Liu Yi felt he held as much control as if he were there himself. And though women were expected to look to their own families, Sun Yue’rong, adopted daughter of Ma Shixiong, began from the second day of marriage to help him integrate the various Green and Spear Troops into the Chaohu Navy.

Of course, what pleased Liu Yi most was that with such a talented secretary and aide-de-camp, he was finally living the life where, as the saying went, “by day, the secretary works; by night, the secretary is worked upon.” The subtle joys of their married life were something only the three of them could understand.

Alas, happiness is always fleeting. Now Liu Yi had to welcome a distinguished guest: “Madam Ma is coming to visit us. How strange! She didn’t attend our wedding, yet now she comes bearing lavish gifts and, despite her pregnancy, makes a special trip.”

Whether for his marriage to Guo Yunyu or his recent union with Sun Yue’rong as a secondary wife, Zhu Yuanzhang had only sent a token gift through an envoy. As for the legendary Ma Xiuying, Empress Ma, Liu Yi had heard many stories but never glimpsed her in person.

Sun Yue’rong felt Liu Yi’s words made sense. “Indeed, Madam Ma is likely here as Zhu Yuanzhang’s envoy. We must be on our guard!” When she married Liu Yi, even as a secondary wife, she hoped for as grand a celebration as possible. Yet, when she tallied the guests, she realized that Ma Xiuying, Zhu Yuanzhang’s wife, was just across the river but did not attend, nor even send a gift. The thought left her with a bitter taste.

Guo Yunyu, however, reminded Liu Yi, “Though we’ve had our differences with Zhu Yuanzhang, we are still in the same boat. We ought to meet her.”

Liu Yi replied firmly, “With Madam Ma coming in her condition, how could I not receive her? Of course I must.”

Though Ma Xiuying’s figure was altered by pregnancy, Liu Yi still found her truly beautiful. Instantly, he felt the maternal glow she radiated outshone even the chests of gold and jewels Zhu Yuanzhang had sent. He couldn’t help but curse under his breath, “That rascal Zhu Yuanzhang is truly blessed to have wed such a woman.”

Not daring to look at Ma Xiuying for long, he shifted his focus to the chests of treasures sent by Zhu Yuanzhang. The dazzling collection of gold, silver, jade, gems, and porcelain was laid before him like common vegetables. Though Liu Yi recognized only a handful of these items, he knew they were genuine treasures. In times of peace, just a few would ensure a lifetime of comfort for an ordinary person. Even in these troubled times, when such things could neither be eaten nor worn, their value remained; used as military funds, they could sustain the Chaohu Navy for some time.

If even Liu Yi was nearly overwhelmed by Zhu Yuanzhang’s barrage of gold, how much more so were Guo Yunyu and Sun Yue’rong? Both were daughters of affluent families and no strangers to luxury, but confronted with such a trove, it was impossible not to feel moved. Sun Yue’rong sighed, “Sister Xiuying, you are far too generous!”

Though she spoke graciously, Sun Yue’rong could not forget how Ma Xiuying had failed to attend her wedding. Guo Yunyu, skilled in courtesy, added, “Your visit alone is honor enough—why bring such heavy gifts? How could we possibly accept?”

Being with child, Ma Xiuying moved with some difficulty, but her words carried weight. “These gifts are from Yuanzhang, meant to invite Marshal Liu across the river. But if Marshal Liu’s only concern is for the Chaohu Navy, it is better to remain here in Chuzhou.”

Liu Yi, knowing Ma Xiuying’s visit must have a purpose, replied naturally, “Whether or not I cross the river, these gifts I must accept. With them, Yunyu and Yue’rong will at least have a fortnight of happiness. Madam, please have a seat.”

Guo Yunyu and Sun Yue’rong had been dazzled by the treasures, and now, hearing Liu Yi say he would accept the gifts to please them, were delighted, quickly fetching a chair to settle Ma Xiuying.

Once seated, Ma Xiuying began, “I have long heard Marshal Liu is a man of rare talent. My husband has suffered more than once at your hands. Seeing you today, the stories are all true.”

Liu Yi responded cheerfully, “For the sake of so much gold and silver, today I will gladly listen. Madam, what reason have you brought to persuade me to cross the river?”