Chapter 79: Young Master Song, it's been a long time

At that time, Song Anbang had his own ideals and ambitions. He wanted to go to school, become a high-ranking official, and ensure that all peasants like him who wanted to study could have access to education.

No matter how his parents beat or scolded him, Song Anbang would hold the book in his hands and practice writing in the sand with a twig if he didn't have paper and pen.

What the old scholar said was true; he was indeed very gifted and learned to read quickly using only that tattered book, and even developed beautiful handwriting by practicing with a twig.

However, Song Anbang never had the opportunity to take the exam. Although the emperor at the time implemented the imperial examination system, no one was qualified to participate without paying the registration fee.

Song Anbang had no money, while others, even if they had money, would not choose to take the exam.

You might not pass the exam, but bribing an official with the registration fee might get you a small job.

Just when Song Anbang thought he was going to live with this regret for the rest of his life, a major event occurred in Songjiatun.

His sister, who was not even five generations removed from his family, was actually chosen by the Emperor and brought into the palace with a grand procession of red bridal procession to become Empress.

An empress may come from humble origins, but her family must have at least one distinguished member.

Thanks to his younger sister, Song Anbang was brought to the capital by the Emperor and had the opportunity to truly learn to read and write.

Song Anbang thought his ideals and ambitions could finally be realized, but he was too naive. The capital was even dirtier than the muddy ponds in the countryside, and the water inside was filthy.

Amidst the revelry and the company of beautiful women, Song Anbang felt somewhat elated.

What's wrong with just going along with it and sinking into depravity?

This is an unimaginable, blissful life!

"Whoa—" The carriage suddenly stopped, pulling Song Anbang back to reality.

"What's wrong?"

"My lord, there's a big pothole ahead. I'm afraid you'll get jostled and hurt yourself. Please get out and walk a few steps," the coachman said, his voice filled with trepidation.

Song Anbang got off the carriage, looked at the pit in front of him and smiled. He had never seen such a primitive pit on the ground since he left his hometown.

The coachman drove the carriage over, and sure enough, when the wheels rolled into the pothole, the entire carriage jolted violently.

Song Anbang quickened his pace and, with the help of the driver, stepped onto the rickshaw.

Su Zhenzhen was unaware that she had just missed such an important person and was rushing to the capital at full speed.

Before she even reached the capital, Song Anbang had already arrived at the foot of Shanxian County.

"My lord, ever since the Battle of Shan County twenty years ago, there's been a saying in this city that anyone who passes through it will suffer bad luck. Even when the army sets out, they detour through Huzhou to reach the border prefectures," the coachman said cautiously.

Going to the front lines of the border prefecture would certainly be closer via mountain counties, but these wealthy families are very particular about taboos, so it's best to make it clear in advance.

Song Anbang remained silent, gazing westward. Years ago, Xijun was conquered by barbarians and almost completely looted. Later, due to considerations of geographical location and to demonstrate sincerity in seeking peace with the barbarians, the aristocratic families did not send anyone to govern Xijun.

Twenty years have passed, and Xijun is probably already overgrown with weeds.

In that battle, the barbarians paid a heavy price in Shanxian and were forced to retreat. Over the years, a delicate balance has been maintained; the barbarians no longer detour to attack from the west, and the imperial court no longer sends reinforcements through Shanxian.

"Getting on the road is the priority, let's get into the city." Song Anbang didn't care about those taboos. Real nobles were afraid of getting involved with even the slightest bit of dirty stuff, but he was just a petty person who had gained power.

Without further ado, the coachman drove the carriage into the city.

Thanks to Hensheng's efforts, Shanxian is no longer covered in dust like when Su Zhenzhen first came in.

Now that the city gates are open, no more soil falls down from above.

The city was very clean, and the damaged roads had been repaired.

The carriage finally stopped swaying. Song Anbang lifted the curtain and looked at the scene before him, lost in thought.

Something's not right about this mountain county. It doesn't look like it's been uninhabited for twenty years. I heard that in that battle, all the soldiers and civilians in the county were wiped out.

Hensheng has already taken in many poor people from Huzhou and temporarily settled them in the North City. Now he is leading his men to renovate the residential areas in the South City.

Jiang Sijin couldn't bear to be apart from Hensheng for even a moment. Before, it was to absorb the dragon energy from him, but now she simply wanted to stand with Hensheng and enjoy the soldiers' respectful obedience.

A carriage came into view, and Jiang Sijin, thinking it was Su Zhenzhen, walked forward excitedly.

"Hey, you're back pretty fast! You even brought a carriage."

When her gaze fell on the coachman on the carriage shaft, Jiang Sijin's voice softened.

"Why...did you bring someone back with you?"

Song Anbang felt that the voice was very familiar. After lifting the carriage curtain and seeing the woman's face, he suddenly felt weak in his hands and all his strength went out.

If I had to describe my feelings right now in one sentence, it would be: I've wasted half my life, and I never thought I'd see you again.

"A-Jin?" Song Anbang was a little uncertain. He hadn't seen Jiang Sijin at the villa and palace, and thought she had been secretly dealt with by the aristocratic family.

Song Anbang admitted that he was a despicable person and a coward. Jiang Yichun had been kind to him, but for his own wealth and status, he betrayed him without hesitation.

Song Anbang liked Jiang Sijin, but considering that the powerful families might eliminate her completely for their own benefit, he didn't say a word. He only dared to secretly go to the places where Jiang Sijin had lived to look for her, and if he couldn't find her, he would just let it go.

But I never expected that I would meet the woman I had kept in my heart in my lifetime.

The current Jiang Sijin is not the same Jiang Sijin as before. When she was a fetal spirit, she needed to close her eyes and rest most of the time in her physical body, and her perception of the outside world was only a small part.

She knew nothing about the daily details of Song Anbang's interactions with Jiang Sijin from the past. Mainly, knowing about such romantic relationships wouldn't have been of any use.

Therefore, Jiang Sijin could only recognize that the man in front of her was Song Anbang.

"Ouch!" Li Da fell to the ground. "I twisted my ankle."

Hensheng looked nervous and, with two people, lifted him up and walked back.

At this moment, Song Anbang's mind and eyes were completely focused on Jiang Sijin, and the other sounds around him could not distract him at all.

But when Jiang Sijin heard Li Da's shout, she almost instantly realized that Song Anbang was the Empress's brother, so he must know what the Empress looked like. Wouldn't he be able to recognize him when he saw Hensheng?

This person is no good either. He openly and secretly tries to win over Jiang Sijin, but he never mentions marrying her.

As a princess, do I need someone like you to treat me well?

Jiang Sijin suppressed her disgust and, in order to buy time for Hensheng, imitated her former gentle and quiet demeanor, speaking softly, "Young Master Song, it's been a long time."