After listening to Ruan Xingzhu's account, Song Qingshu gained a clear understanding of the Yang family's situation. Its current head was her husband, Yang Zhenzhong, who had a second younger brother named Yang Juyuan, serving as superintendent of the Hejiang Granary in Xingzhou. Most of the other clansmen held official posts throughout Sichuan. Though none of their positions were particularly prominent—some could not even be considered officials and were merely clerks—they all worked in crucial departments with real authority. Together, they formed an enormous web of connections.
The Yang family also had many members engaged in trade. With this network protecting them, coupled with their powerful alliance with the Ruan family, they could be considered immensely influential in Sichuan, a truly distinguished and prestigious clan.
"The Yang family truly deserves its reputation as the great house second only to the Wu family in Western Shu," Song Qingshu praised. The Wu family had ranked first because Wu Jie and Wu Lin had once guarded this region, and their family had built up its influence over generations. But Sichuan had previously been conquered by the Mongol Empire, and the Wu family's power had greatly declined. If one truly compared them now, they might not necessarily surpass the Yang family. Moreover, unlike the Wu family, which drew attention because it was too powerful, the Yang family was the perfect example of quietly amassing wealth. After all, the clan head was merely a Tongpan, while the second most important figure was only the superintendent of the Hejiang Granary in Xingzhou. To the major figures at court, these were tiny, insignificant posts, not worth their attention. That also spared the Yang family much political suppression.
Ruan Xingzhu was somewhat pleased. Smiling faintly, she said, "If you are interested, once we reach Sichuan, I can introduce