Chapter 142 Spring Orchid

"Hey, hey, hey, have you heard?"

"Is it that person from the Chu family?"

"I never expected this."

...

Inside the teahouse, people sat in small groups at tables, listening to the storyteller's tales and whispering their own stories.

Beside Song Jin and her group were several tall, burly martial arts masters. They were shirtless, drinking heavily from their cups, and talking mysteriously. She overheard a bit and heard the name "Chu," thinking to herself how slow these people were at passing on information; Chu Cheng'an had been dead for over a month.

He was already in poor health, and died of a heart ailment. The night was silent and without any suspicion. Even if the Chu family was unwilling and in pain, they could only bury him with his body.

Of course, according to what he said that day, apart from Chu Shao of the Chu family, no one else should know his identity. What they were resentful about was that their family had finally produced a third-place scholar, and now their promising future was gone.

After all, none of the younger generation in their family are successful.

As for Chu Shao, Song Jin fully believed that he had been sowing discord and causing trouble for the past few years. After telling Qu Maoze about it, he stopped getting involved in the matter.

Since the person is not in the capital, she can't kill him even if she wanted to. It's best to leave professional matters to professionals.

She continued to eat and drink as usual, wandering around aimlessly. Most of the time she went out alone, sometimes with her mother, and occasionally with her boyfriend, which was very rare, but there were also times when she went out in a group.

Today is today.

At the beginning of March, the weather is fine and sunny, making it a perfect time for a spring outing.

Song Jin, along with Qi Zheng, her mother, and Qu Maoze following behind, set off. They walked for a while, then randomly found a teahouse to rest in; it was a bustling, mixed-race place.

Song Jin sat on the bench, sipping light tea and listening intently to the gossip around her. After a group of people whispered mysteriously to each other, they finally got to the point.

"Hey, do you guys really think it's true?"

"I have a feeling that it's possible, but is it really that outrageous?"

"Who would have thought that the renowned Confucian scholar Chu would be fond of someone like Prince Liang? Alas, it's a pity that we were destined to be apart."

...

"Pfft!" Song Jin spat out a mouthful of tea, splashing it on the person opposite her, and she choked quite a bit.

Niu Tielan was next to her and subconsciously patted her back before realizing what was happening, frowning and looking to the side.

Qi Zheng sat there upright, a puddle of water in front of him, his rarely worn light-colored clothes were also wet, and a few drops had splashed on his face. This was a very offensive act to the Crown Prince, even a Prince, or even a young master from an ordinary family. However, his expression remained unchanged, his brows did not falter, and he calmly picked up a handkerchief and handed it over.

Are you alright?

Song Jin waved her hand and shook her head, took the handkerchief and covered her mouth to cough. Her nose and throat were sore and choked, and she felt a little uncomfortable, but she still perked up her ears and continued to listen to what the people were saying.

One of the rough men, with half his hair shaved down to his waist, his chest exposed and his feet on a stool, sighed in the most delicate language: "They are in love, but unfortunately their positions are wrong. That bastard King Liang treats human life like dirt. I don't know what Scholar Chu saw in him that made him follow him all these years."

The person next to him, wearing Buddhist prayer beads, said: "No, although King Liang's character is flawed, are kings and generals born with a special destiny? He is dignified and imposing, truly a hero."

Another person chewed on peanuts: "That's the only way to put it. Scholar Chu was truly devoted. He had been following Prince Liang all these years and was now sacrificing himself for him. He died without even a proper title."

The man with the prayer beads sneered again: "The King of Liang harmed so many people over the years, who knows if Chu Shao was involved? Confucian scholars and aristocratic families, I think they are all birds of a feather."

The rugged man still exclaimed, "Putting everything else aside, isn't this love?"

I love you, my twisted love.

Song Jin subconsciously thought of this classic statement, even in the face of the apocalypse.

She calmed herself down, took a sip of tea to soothe her nerves, and unconsciously glanced at Qu Maoze.

Forget about love and romance; if this person wasn't involved, then the world must be insane.

Qu Maoze simply chuckled and handed over a piece of grass cake, saying, "Eat carefully, don't choke."

Song Jin ate the grass cake, confirming that this was the person who did it.

To kill someone, you must first destroy their spirit; those who engage in politics have the darkest hearts.

She felt that Chu Shao would rather be torn apart by five horses than be plagued by messy sex scandals after his death, especially since his partner was a burly traitor like Prince Liang.

However, those who insult others will always be insulted in return.

Most of the messy and negative news about her dead father over the years was this man's doing. Now that he's only getting his revenge, he's actually profited.

However, since news of Chu Shao and Liang Wang has reached here, it means that the two of them have been dealt with quite a bit. Her deadbeat father, aside from anything else, is quite efficient at getting things done.

No wonder he has been envied by so many people over the years; he simply doesn't give anyone a chance to shine.

Song Jin munched on a straw cake, listening to several warriors lamenting the love and hate entanglements of the Chu family, marveling at Chu Shaodong's devotion, and realizing that his years of wandering were not for Confucianism, but for love.

She felt that if there really was something fishy going on, Chu Shao would be so angry right now that his hair would stand on end and he would wish he could come back to life on the spot.

Thinking of this, she chuckled.

The teahouse was too crowded. People were talking about this and that. Niu Tielan's attention was still on the battle the storyteller was talking about. He was speechless when he saw Song Jin spraying water and laughing like an idiot.

"So silly, I don't know who she took after."

Qu Maoze, with his keen senses and composed demeanor, smiled and said frankly, "It should be as I say."

Daughters resemble their fathers; it's a timeless rule, no doubt about it.

Niu Tielan retorted, "Just eat yours."

Qu Maoze chuckled softly, continued eating his grass cake, and felt a mix of emotions as he observed the lively scene around him.

He never imagined that people could live like this before.

The group sat in the teahouse, listening to the storyteller tell his tale, leaving a tip before leisurely departing.

Outside the teahouse, two simple horse-drawn carriages were discreetly parked.

One from the Song residence and one from the Qi Prince's residence.

Song Jin waved to her dead mother and father, then pulled Qi Zheng onto the carriage of the Prince of Qi's residence.

They acted so casually, as if they were part of the group.

Niu Tielan sighed helplessly, "This girl."

Qu Maoze laughed: "The child is so sensible, making room for us."

Niu Tielan stepped on the person, glaring at them angrily: "Speak properly to me."

Qu Maoze pulled her arm and chuckled, "Get in the car. It's about 45 minutes to get to the mountains from here. You can lie down for a bit."

She was infected with a Gu poison just the day before yesterday, and her body is currently very weak. Logically speaking, she should be resting properly.

However, the weather is just too nice today.

Yesterday's gentle spring rain washed the sky clean, revealing a clear, azure expanse, like a freshly washed brocade, with fluffy clouds scattered across it. A gentle breeze caressed the sky, soft and soothing, carrying the rich fragrance of flowers.

Swallows and sparrows flew by on the branches, chirping and chattering.

It would be a waste not to go out in such nice weather.

Niu Tielan leaned against the window, lifting the curtain to look outside. The warm sunlight shone on her, and the fine hairs on her fair face were clearly visible. Her skin was as delicate as jade, and her eyes were bright. She really didn't look like someone in her early thirties.

She rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the scenery outside, unaware that she herself had become part of the scenery.

A butterfly flew past the car window. She reached out and teased it from side to side, finally catching it after a while. A look of joy flashed in her eyes, and with a smile on her lips, she turned her head, holding the butterfly, and met Qu Maoze's smiling gaze.

Niu Tielan looked uncomfortable: "What are you looking at?"

Qu Maoze chuckled: "Madam often says that I'm pretending to be young, but in my opinion, Madam seems to be better at it."

His face was fake after all, unlike Niu Tielan, whose appearance hadn't changed much compared to ten years ago. She still looked so young and fresh, but years of restraint and self-control had made her elegant and composed demeanor stand out from ordinary young people, like a secluded orchid hidden in the mountains.

It is both elegant and serene, and also rich and intense.

Niu Tielan, however, thought he was saying that her act of catching butterflies was childish, so she glared at him and let the butterflies go.

The indigo butterfly fluttered its wings, slowly leaving her palm and fluttering inside the carriage.

Qu Maoze gently raised his hand, and the butterfly, as if seeing a flower, turned slightly and landed on his fingertip. He smiled, leaned back, and looked at her leisurely.

Even though he didn't say a word, Niu Tielan's ears were burning. He wanted to say something, but felt it was inappropriate, so he simply closed his eyes and leaned to the side for a nap.

As long as she can't see it, he can look however he wants.

...

Compared to the static, long-married couple's dynamic, the two young people in the carriage at Prince Qi's residence a few meters away were much more lively.

As soon as Song Jin got into the carriage, she took off her shoes and socks, half-reclined on the small couch, propped her head up with her hands, dangled her toes, and muttered to herself, "Did you hear that? That guy from the Chu family, is he more corrupt than you politicians..."

Qi Zheng said helplessly, "It has nothing to do with me."

Qi Ye generally wouldn't hide things from him about what happened in the imperial court.

The Liang family has connections with many forces. They were severely weakened in Qingjun Prefecture before, but they are cunning and have multiple escape routes. This time, however, they have been completely wiped out.

After the rebellion forces that had been lying in wait for twenty years were wiped out, Qi Ye couldn't help but eat an extra bowl of rice every day during this period.

Of course, if it weren't for Chu Shao's matter, he could have eaten another bowl.

Qi Ye was extremely upset that such a top Confucian scholar had caused such a scandal. What was even more upsetting was that he hadn't noticed at all. This time, the Chu family's son had been chosen as the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination. That was bad enough, but the boy was also so unhealthy that he 'died' a few days after receiving the silver, wasting one of his examination slots.

Qi Ye complained to Qi Zheng a lot, telling him to take it as a lesson for the future.

But is that really all there is to it?

Qi Zheng wasn't sure; he hadn't forgotten the ambush by Liang family assassins when Song Jin and her daughter left Linxi Town.

At that time, Chu Shaoke was at Linyuan Academy, and Song Jin happened to be there as well.

One coincidence is one thing, but two coincidences might not be so.

Qi Zheng lowered his head and gently tugged at the loose strands of his dark hair on his leg.

Song Jin paused in her speech, then raised her hand and slapped him across the face. Her phoenix eyes widened slightly, and she said fiercely, "What are you doing?"

Qi Zheng released her hand, then pinched her cheek and whispered, "Impulsive."

Evidence is sometimes important, and sometimes not so important. The old fox in the capital isn't the one in her family.

Song Jin grabbed his wrist and slapped him across the face, saying matter-of-factly, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Qi Zheng had no intention of settling scores with her. He let it go. After all, she only killed those who deserved to die and never implicated the innocent.

Those who deserve to die, they simply die.

Compared to princes and nobles, he was still a chivalrous knight-errant at heart, preferring to settle scores and seek revenge.

Qi Zheng was just reminding her. After saying that, he continued to stroke her hair, letting her grind her teeth with her hands, and then told her about the Liang family's situation.

"King Liang is dead, and most of the other members of the Liang family have been arrested. There may be some scattered outside, but they are not a significant threat. As for Chu Shao, my father told me that he might be acting this way because of his past relationship with Princess Suining from the previous dynasty. It is said that Princess Suining was pregnant when the city fell..."

As for whose child it is or where it is now, it doesn't really matter anymore.

This world will always be rooted in the people.

When the people are at peace, the royal family is at peace; when the people are in chaos, the royal family is in turmoil.

**

In early March, the ground is covered with green grass.

The golden bell flowers on Golden Bell Mountain don't bloom until autumn, but wildflowers are already sprouting everywhere, spreading across the mountains and fields, which is quite beautiful.

Now is the perfect time for spring outings, and Jinling Mountain is bustling with people and full of vitality.

Although not many people know about it, Jinling Mountain is indeed Song Shang's private property. If he wanted, he could set up a fence at the foot of the mountain to prevent unauthorized people from entering.

“Old people in their twilight years, young people in their prime, children and dogs.” Qu Maoze stood at the highest peak, looking down at the passersby below, and smiled from the bottom of his heart, “All are beautiful sights.”

Niu Tielan stood side by side, and upon hearing this, glanced at him with a somewhat complicated expression.

So, this person adopted five dogs just to play with, right?

Qu Maoze turned to look at her, a smile playing on his lips. He pointed to Jinling Mountain and asked with a grin, "Do you like it?"

This mountain can be said to have been designed and created by him. Every flower, every blade of grass, every pavilion, and every step is elegant and exquisite, yet it blends perfectly with its surroundings. Everything is just right.

Niu Tielan's almond-shaped eyes glistened. She pursed her lips, hesitated for a long while, and then whispered, "Why did you choose this name?"

The golden bell trees of Golden Bell Mountain made it hard for her not to think about it.

Qu Maoze watched her lightly bite her lip and chuckled softly: "Actually, I originally wanted to imitate the elegance of Jinling in Jiangnan and indulge in a bit of refinement, but I encountered a careless fellow who misremembered the handwriting. By the time I discovered it, it would have been troublesome to correct it, so I just left it as it was. Madam, you don't need to think too much about it."

Niu Tielan nodded: "That is indeed quite a coincidence."

Qu Maoze raised an eyebrow: "Madam believes it?"

Niu Tielan glared at him: "I don't believe your lies and nonsense."

Qu Maoze laughed, put his arm around her shoulder, pulled her into his arms, and rested his head on hers, looking down at the vibrant spring scenery below, speaking softly and gently.

"There's a patch of spring orchids on the back hill, and they're in full bloom now. Shall we go take a look?"

Niu Tielan was stunned: "You..."

Before she could finish speaking, Qu Maoze knew what she was going to say and smiled, "It was planted by someone last autumn."

Niu Tielan gently bit her lip, her bright almond-shaped eyes meeting his clear phoenix eyes, her heart filled with bitterness. After a while, she nodded.

Qu Maoze smiled, took his hand off her shoulder, and steadily held her slender waist. He then turned around to look at the orchid-covered slope.

Whether it's golden bellflower or spring orchid, whatever she likes is the best.

They walked along the stone steps, past the lush green grass, and across a carefully planted sea of ​​flowers, arriving at another sea of ​​orchids.

White waterfalls and silver rivers, shallow streams teeming with fish and shrimp, squirrels and birds, dragonflies, insects and butterflies.

In the verdant spring, orchids of various colors sway in the wind, covering the entire valley with vibrant life.

A colorful butterfly kite floated up from the bottom of the valley, its broken string hanging precariously.

The couple stood facing the wind, gazing at the gentle spring breeze that stirred their black hair and softened their hearts.

If the kite that flew up wasn't Niu Tielan's favorite.

If there weren't scattered flower petals and broken branches on the ground in the orchid pile...

That's true.

Niu Tielan stood on the slope with her willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed and her body swaying slightly. She gently reached out and covered her chest, appearing frail and delicate, yet she let out a thunderous roar.

"You little brat, are you looking for death...?"

Down the slope, having played freely all the way, Song Jin, tired from playing, lay down in a patch of wild orchids, gently closing her eyes, with an orchid in her mouth, and swinging her legs back and forth.

She heard a familiar roar, rolled over and jumped up, looked at the flower bed that was mostly ruined, and raised her eyebrows.

Oh, so it's not wild after all.

Song Jin chewed on a flower, her face contorted in a grimace. She watched her mother chasing down the hillside, her skirt billowing in the air. Then she took off running, shouting, "Mother, calm down, calm down!"

Niu Tielan chased after him, lifting the hem of her skirt, and shouted angrily, "Calm down my ass! Stop right there, you little brat!"

Song Jin: "Only a fool would stand there."

Niu Tielan: "Song Jin!!!"

...

The mother and daughter chased each other through the green grass and blooming flowers.

Qi Zheng shook his head helplessly, then stepped through the trees to retrieve the kite, and sat cross-legged on the cliff to avoid being implicated.

Qu Maoze stood among the flowers, watching the mother and daughter chase and play, listening to their silvery laughter and angry shouts. He smiled slightly, waved his sleeves and robes, and the butterfly shadows fluttered around him.

"Golden bell flowers bloom in autumn, and orchids and osmanthus bloom together in spring..."

(End of text)