[The Romance of Zhaojun's Love Affairs] [06] [Author: Anonymous]

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Chapter Six: Coercion to Accept the
Selection When Wang Rang heard the news that the prefect had come to visit, he was anxious. "This prefect of Jingmen Prefecture has never met me before. His sudden arrival must be about selecting embroiderers."
He wanted to refuse to see him, but knew he couldn't. If he went out to greet him directly, he feared he might not be able to protect his daughter. Wang Rang was in a dilemma, unsure whether to advance or retreat, wringing his hands and stamping his feet, at a loss for what to do.
Seeing her father's anxiety, Zhaojun calmly said, "Since the prefect has arrived, there is no reason not to see him. Father, quickly go and greet him inside so we can discuss it further."
Hearing this, Wang Rang had no choice but to go out. However, the prefect, without waiting to be invited, had already gotten out of his sedan chair and sat in the hall. Seeing Wang Rang come out, the official raised his hand and smiled, saying, "Greetings, sir. I wouldn't dare disturb you without reason, but the imperial court has decreed the selection of embroiderers. I've long known that you have a daughter who could be selected. Please quickly provide her age and appearance to avoid delaying the date."
Wang Rang was caught off guard by the official's sudden arrival and was speechless. After regaining his composure, he replied, "Although I have a daughter, she is ugly and still very young, making it difficult for her to be selected. I beg your forgiveness." He then bowed slightly.
The official laughed, "Sir, there's no need to refuse. In Jingmen Prefecture, who doesn't know that your daughter is exceptionally beautiful and has grown up? Why not accept her?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Rang quickly replied, "Indeed, my daughter is too young to be selected. I would be extremely grateful for any leniency."
It turned out that the magistrate had come because the imperial envoy had delivered a secret decree to secretly search for beautiful women. Upon arriving in Jingmen Prefecture, the task fell to the magistrate, who was to find an exceptionally beautiful woman within the prefecture and return to the capital to report back to the emperor. The magistrate, having received the envoy's order, dared not neglect it. He had long heard of Wang Qiang's reputation and feared that her parents would not be willing to offer her up for marriage in advance. Therefore, he brought his retinue of soldiers and prepared a sedan chair and horses, rushing over overnight to catch Wang Rang off guard and prevent her from making any preparations for escape, thus avoiding punishment for himself.
Seeing Wang Rang repeatedly decline, the official adopted a show of authority, his expression changing as he said, "I came to advise you personally because I admire you, sir, for you are a learned man. Now that you do not heed my advice, it means you intend to disobey the imperial decree. I cannot show you favoritism, so I have no choice but to take you to see the imperial envoy and await your punishment."
Seeing the official using his power to coerce him, Wang Rang became even more unwilling, saying, "The imperial decree requires the selection of embroiderers to be done willingly. If they are unwilling, there is no reason to force them. Even if I were to go see the imperial envoy, I would still be ineligible for selection."
Hearing him use the word "coercion," the official flew into a rage, saying, "I offered my advice with good intentions, and you accuse me of coercion! Fine, I will coerce you! What's wrong with that?"
He then ordered his attendants to lock Wang Rang up and take him back to the city. The servants on both sides responded with a clatter, took out chains, and seized him.
At this moment, Zhaojun, along with Yao, had been listening behind the screen for half a day. Seeing the magistrate about to arrest her father, she knew the situation was dire. She immediately stepped forward and shouted, "You dare to be so rude and arrest people without permission! I, Wang Qiang, have arrived!"
Her voice was delicate and melodious, like the sound of phoenix flutes and phoenix pipes. Hearing this sweet voice, the constables stopped what they were doing and looked up.
Wang Qiang bowed to the magistrate and said, "Your Honor, I, Wang Qiang, pay my respects. My father's words were offensive just now; I beg your great forgiveness. Your Honor has come only to have me participate in the selection process. Now I have come out in person to obey your command and go to be selected. I hope Your Honor will have mercy and release my father. I will be eternally grateful and will repay you in the future."
The magistrate, seeing that Wang Qiang was indeed beautiful and radiant, and that she spoke so tactfully and willingly participated in the selection, was already very pleased. He was about to agree and not arrest Wang Rang.
Suddenly, he thought, "Wang Rang dared to defy me to my face. If I let him go now, it would be too easy on him. Let me intimidate him again, and it will also serve as a warning to those foolish people." He then said sternly, "Are you Wang Qiang, woman? Wang Rang not only defied this prefect, but also disobeyed the imperial edict. His crime is very serious. This prefect cannot release him lightly. He must be taken to see the imperial envoy for punishment. You should pack your things quickly. The sedan chair and horses are ready. Go with him to the selection."
Seeing that the prefect was being presumptuous and unwilling to release her father, Wang Qiang said solemnly, "Your Excellency ordered Wang Qiang to participate in the selection, and Wang Qiang has already obeyed. What more do you want? Why are you unwilling to release my father?
I advise Your Excellency not to exert all your power." Wang Qiang's departure is a stepping stone into the palace; she may very well achieve her ambitions. Your Excellency should treat her with some kindness, leaving yourself some room for maneuver. Although Qiang is a woman, she is quite discerning in distinguishing between kindness and resentment. If you display your power today, you may regret it later.”
The magistrate, upon hearing this, was secretly astonished, thinking, “This woman is quite cunning. She clearly relies on her beauty and talent, fully expecting to gain the Emperor's favor after entering the palace, and is using these words to control me. If I don't leave her some room, she will hold a grudge and surely seek revenge once she achieves her goals. Then it will be too late for regrets. It would be better to follow her advice and release Wang Rang to avoid creating enmity.”
The rest remains to be seen; we shall wait for the next installment.

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[The Romance of Zhaojun's Love Affairs] [06] [Author: Anonymous]

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