Chapter 57 Even a noblewoman can be ruthless

The banquet was held in the Imperial Garden.

It wasn't the small imperial garden inside the main palace, but rather the garden behind it.

This area was originally a neighborhood, but was transformed into a garden by order of the previous emperor. At that time, thousands of professional gardeners and foresters from all over the country were captured to renovate it, ensuring that no matter where you entered or walked, there would be at least three colors of flowers and trees.

The entire Imperial Garden is like a painting from top to bottom, breathtakingly beautiful.

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is being held in one of the most beautiful spots. Rows of exquisite wooden tables appear casual, but their concentric circles resemble bouquets, encircling the pavilion in the center of the lake.

This is also where the Emperor will be tonight.

Each table is adorned with exquisite bamboo weaving, its surface interwoven with overlapping flowers, winding its way from the tabletop to the corners and down the slope. A red fish leaps from the center of the lake, splashing water as it arcs through the air before diving back into the water.

"That fish looks so familiar."

Song Jin sat in the front seat, catching the splashes of water. Her phoenix eyes shone brightly with excitement: "It's so beautiful in here! All the suffering was worth it!"

Niu Tielan sat upright on the futon, glanced at the small fish swimming on the surface of the water from time to time, and said in a cool voice: "How can you not recognize them? Aren't these the same as the pigs you feed?"

Song Jin paused for a moment, then suddenly realized: "It's those fish at home!"

Song Qingzhi sat with them, and upon hearing this, he thought of the round fish at home. His lips twitched: "This is a 'Seeking Glow Fish,' living in the deep sea. It only surfaces on the first full moon after it hatches, and that's the only time it can be caught. After catching it, it must be placed in fresh water under moonlight for two hours to ensure its survival."

Song Jin looked at the fish differently: "What's the point of all this trouble? Just because it's pretty?"

However, this fish is indeed beautiful. From a distance, it looks like a fiery red flame, and up close, it displays a myriad of colors under the sunlight, like a rainbow. So, its high price is understandable.

Song Qingzhi said mysteriously, "The Moonfish, also called the 'Moonlight Fish,' will be here in a moment."

As he was speaking, Song Jin leaned closer and poked his eye.

Song Qingzhi quickly stepped back, his face filled with horror, stammering, "What, what are you doing?"

Song Jin looked surprised: "Your eyes have turned red!"

Hearing this, Song Qingzhi breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "The sunset is very red today, so it looks like this when it shines on you. It will be normal in a little while."

Song Jin suddenly realized, nodded, and unexpectedly wanted to poke it again.

Song Qingzhi narrowly dodged again. Seeing Song Jin's eager expression, he stood up and took two steps back: "Little sister, you and Madam sit and play. I'll go for a walk."

Then he ran away as if a ghost was chasing him.

Song Jin laughed so hard she leaned on the table, grabbed some dried fruit from the side and threw it into her mouth, laughing as she ate, "Mother, eat up, this tastes really good, no wonder it's from the palace!"

Niu Tielan patted her back impatiently: "Stop bullying me all the time. Sit up properly, or people will laugh at you."

Song Jin lay on the table, tilting her head to see the empty spaces on either side. She said, "There's no one there. They're all hiding over there. Tsk, putting on an act."

Niu Tielan pinched her waist, warning, "Behave yourself."

Song Jin then calmed down. She looked around and saw that it was still half an hour before the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet officially started. She said, "Mother, do you want to go for a walk for a while?"

They were actually a bit late; many people had arrived around noon to spend more time exploring the area, and now it's definitely worth it.

Niu Tielan thought for a moment, then nodded: "Go."

We'll have to face it sooner or later, so what's a little more time?

Song Jin happily helped her up, and not forgetting to pick up a fruit platter, grabbing a little of everything, displaying a very rustic, festive air.

Niu Tielan glanced at her, thought for a moment, and then said nothing.

She's at least made progress; instead of eating the apple directly, she's started using berries, grapes, and dried fruit—things that don't require peeling or spitting out seeds.

The mother and daughter slowly got up.

Song Qingzhi, who had been hiding to the side, ran over again, keeping a two-meter distance from them: "Madam and little sister, would you like to take a stroll? Would you like a maid to show you the way?"

Song Jin: "No need, I'll just stroll around. The flowers here..."

Thinking of the damaged flowers and plants in his own garden, Song Qingzhi emphasized, "Absolutely not!"

Song Jin rolled her eyes: "I'm not stupid."

They walked outside, across this side, and over that flower-covered gate, their clear laughter echoing throughout.

Most of the women who had arrived early were gathered here, all dressed up meticulously, each one adorned in their own vibrant colors, vying for attention and outshining the others. Standing in groups of three or five, they truly resembled flowers in full bloom.

As Song Jin and the others entered

The laughter in the garden gradually faded away as everyone turned to look, some openly scrutinizing, some secretly peeking, some running away in fear, and others scoffing with disdain...

It's a mess, it has everything.

Song Jin clicked her tongue and turned her head: "Mother, how about we change it?"

Niu Tielan shook her head: "It's alright, your mother is used to it."

Song Jin pouted: "Mother, are you being sarcastic again?"

Niu Tielan chuckled: "You're overthinking it. I'm being very direct."

Since having this daughter, she's long been used to all sorts of strange looks. Besides, compared to the bluntness of people in their small town, these girls have practically no intimidation power.

Especially since they were all meticulously dressed, like flowers, every frown and smile exuded charm.

It doesn't affect my mood.

Niu Tielan reached out and carefully straightened her daughter's collar, then adjusted her hairpins, and smiled sweetly: "Let's go, while it's still light, let's look at the flowers. The palace must have the most flowers. Let's see what looks good, and I'll plant some when we get back."

Song Jin's face immediately lit up: "I'll help my mother plant them!"

Niu Tielan: "...That's not necessary either."

Song Jin ignored her mother's advice and pulled her inside, pointing at the flowers.

The mother and daughter, one in red and one in purple, were like the most eye-catching and precious flowers in the garden, or like butterflies fluttering about, indifferent to whether anyone else was present.

Song Qingzhi followed behind them with a smile, introducing them to the flowers in the garden.

To put it bluntly, he was the one who brought back most of these resources. Everyone says his father is behind his business, but the real partner is actually the person at the very top.

The three people walked in the garden, and everyone, regardless of gender, gave way to them, as if they were some kind of disease.

Song Jin and Niu Tielan pretended not to see it and stopped in front of a bouquet of pure white flowers as big as a human head. The petals were as thin as feathers, layered one on top of another. Upon closer inspection, the center resembled a human eye, conveying a sense of compassion.

Song Qingzhi glanced at the people around him and curled the corners of his mouth: "This is a Buddhist item from the Western Regions called the Thousand Buddha Flower, but it's generally called the Human Head Flower there. People who cultivate it use human blood to water it, and it turns bright red year after year."

As he spoke, the people around him took a few steps back, their faces showing fear and disgust.

Song Jin didn't notice; she was only looking at the orange petals, breaking off a piece to examine it: "The color is wrong, and it doesn't smell right either."

Song Qingzhi's lips twitched: "...Of course, using human blood would be too cruel, and the appearance would be bizarre. Later, the flower grower tried watering it with spring water, and that's how it looked."

Song Jin suddenly realized: "I understand, oranges grown south of the Huai River are eaten as oranges, while those grown north of the Huai River are eaten as farts."

Song Qingzhi suppressed a laugh: "That's the idea. Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet oranges, but those grown north of the Huai River are bitter oranges. Even you, who haven't studied, understand this. Some people boast that they are well-read and superior, but they are just putting on an act and talking theory on paper."

"Old Song, who are you implying you're referring to?"

Song Jin turned her head and saw a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties. She remembered her; she was the one who had given them the cold shoulder when they first came in. Judging from her attire, her family must be well-off, otherwise, out of so many people around, she wouldn't have stood up for them.

They have connections, but aren't very bright.

Song Qingzhi's next words proved this point: "Oh, isn't this Miss Yang, the daughter of the Minister of Rites and the wife of the Marquis of Xuanping? You still have time to come today; I admire your magnanimity and grace."

Yang Yanjun retorted angrily, "Song Qingzhi, what do you mean? I, Yang Yanjun, am a woman of principle. If I didn't do it, I didn't do it. I have a clear conscience. Don't try to slander me. Tonight is Mid-Autumn Festival, and I don't want to argue with you. Shut up!"

Song Qingzhi said leisurely, "What are you talking about? I was talking about the Marquis of Xuanping. What are you thinking?"

Yang Yanjun's anger subsided somewhat, but she asked suspiciously, "What do you mean? Don't slander me and then slander the Marquis."

Song Qingzhi asked in surprise, "The Lady of the Marquis didn't know?"

Yang Yanjun frowned: "What do you know?"

Song Qingzhi shrugged: "Never mind, since you don't know, I won't say anything."

Yang Yanjun stepped forward and grabbed Song Qingzhi's arm, annoyed: "What exactly do you mean? Speak up!"

Song Qingzhi: "What am I talking to you about? We're not even acquainted."

"Speak properly to me, and I'll bring your two next month," Yang Yanjun said, clearly getting impatient. She glanced at Song Jin and Niu Tielan, who were obviously watching the scene unfold, her brows furrowing deeply. She gritted her teeth and reluctantly agreed.

Two women went to the autumn banquet.

Song Jinniu Tielan: ...

Looks like another one who doesn't read books.

Song Qingzhi was somewhat surprised: "Are you serious?"

Yang Yanjun retorted angrily, "Why all the nonsense? Just tell me directly. If you dare to lie to me, well, those two of yours will be out of a job in the future."

Seeing her seriousness, Song Qingzhi stopped keeping her in suspense and said leisurely, "The Marquis of Xuanping recently had a son. I thought you knew, didn't you? Weren't you already preparing for the full moon celebration? How could you, the mistress of the house, not know about such a big event?"

Yang Yanjun's heart sank.

She wanted to argue, but over the years she had lost her initial confidence, not to mention the recent events had given her some indication of what was to come. She didn't speak again, paused, and then turned around, her aggressive demeanor clearly indicating she was looking for trouble.

Song Jin exclaimed, looking in the direction she went, and asked, "That way?"

Song Qingzhi shrugged: "Where there are many male guests, she should be looking for the Marquis of Xuanping, right? Oh, by the way, this is the daughter of the Minister of Rites."

Song Jin knew it was the one who had been tricked into marriage, but seeing Song Qingzhi's attitude, she whispered, "Her affair with that playboy is going badly?"

This doesn't seem to be as simple as a failed marriage proposal.

Song Qingzhi chuckled and said in a low voice, "The marriage was already arranged back then."

As a result, these two got entangled together. It's no wonder he's unhappy; he's been stirring up trouble whenever he can over the years.

Song Jin turned her head, and the mother and daughter met eyes filled with nothing but a thirst for gossip. As for the appreciation of beauty, that could wait. She pulled Niu Tielan along and followed.

Song Qingzhi shook his head and followed behind.

The group left one after another. The other women exchanged glances; although they couldn't hear what they said, judging from Yang Yanjun's expression...

Hesitating

Some people followed, and gradually others also stepped forward out of curiosity.

And so, a group of beautiful young women, dressed like flowers, poured into the men's area, brightening up the twilight.

Song Jin and her group walked ahead, and as soon as they entered, they saw the various young masters and officials from prominent families. Few of these men were of poor means; they had all been well-fed and clothed since childhood, were of good height and build, and were all meticulously dressed, making them all quite presentable.

However, there's a significant difference between being presentable and being handsome.

Song Shunzhi and Song Anzhi stood out among them, next to the fool Prince Jin, who had previously bullied others but was now being confined by the Emperor and was now trying to win people over.

Song Jin clicked her tongue lightly, and then saw Yang Yanjun walk directly towards Prince Jin. Under everyone's gaze, she unexpectedly slapped the man next to Prince Jin.

Snap

They could hear it clearly from a great distance, which shows how powerful it was.

Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "That person is Marquis Xuanping?"

Song Qingzhi nodded and whispered, "The Marquis of Xuanping's paternal aunt is the Prince of Jin's birth mother."

So they were wearing the same pair of pants.

Song Jin said regretfully, "It's obvious that Yang Dong has never practiced martial arts. If it were me, I would have slapped his head off."

However, Yang Yanjun didn't hold back either. After two slaps, her palms were red and her hands were numb. Under everyone's shocked gaze, she pushed the person hard to the ground and pounced on them, scratching them...

The scene looked very familiar.

For a moment, Song Jin thought she had returned to the countryside, exclaiming, "I never imagined that noble ladies in the capital could be so ruthless!"

“We won’t do that.” Just then, a woman in a light blue dress walked over. She glanced at Song Jin with a cold expression. “What did you say to Junjun?”

Song Jin tilted her head

Song Qingzhi stood to the side and whispered, "Cheng Siyi is the daughter of the Imperial Academy Supervisor. She teaches history at the supervisor's office. Her husband is a clerk in the Ministry of Revenue, and her father-in-law is the Marquis of Yong'an."

Song Jin didn't recognize any of these titles, but they sounded impressive. She said "Oh," and then added, "They say her husband's illegitimate child is having a one-month celebration."

Cheng Siyi frowned, looked at her friend who was completely disregarding her image, and sighed, "Then it's no wonder. I told her back then that Chang Wenshan was unreliable, but she wouldn't listen. Now that she's hit a wall, it's time for her to turn back."

This person seems so cultured. Song Jin silently took another step to the side, glanced at Yang Yanjun who was completely unrefined, and asked, "Should we pull her back?"

Cheng Siyi paused for a moment, then shook her head: "It's alright, let her be. She needs to let this pent-up anger build up over the years."

She wasn't unaware that she had made the wrong choice, but the price of turning back was too high, so she gritted her teeth and kept moving forward.

Year after year, step by step

Holding a long hairpin, Yang Yanjun shooed away those who tried to pull her away: "Come on, all of you, let's see who touches me. I'll marry whoever comes after the divorce. Anyway, I'm remarrying, so it doesn't matter if I'm the first wife or not. I don't care."

She doesn't mind, but they do.

The men around her didn't even try to stop her; they all ran away faster than the rest of the courtyard, especially Prince Jin, who was terrified of being entangled with her.

Yang Yanjun's mother had once saved the former Empress, and because of this connection, the Emperor gave her a lot of face.

She was engaged to Song Xingzhi and had begun wedding preparations when she broke off the engagement and remarried to the Marquis of Xuanping. Even so, the Emperor granted her a marriage to save face, and now she wants to be a concubine.

That means we have to go further.

Prince Jin was at his wits' end looking at the chaotic scene. He had only recently been confined to his quarters by his father, the Emperor, and had finally managed to attend a banquet, hoping to catch his father's eye and improve his health. Now, with this commotion, he wished he could disappear on the spot, but Marquis Xuanping was his cousin, and he couldn't ignore it.

He warned, "The banquet is about to begin. Is my sister-in-law trying to ruin the Mid-Autumn Festival feast? Father will be here soon."

Yang Yanjun sneered: "It's even better that the Emperor has come. I also request that the Emperor uphold justice for me and investigate which unscrupulous people have been spreading these rumors about me in the capital recently."

Her stubbornness and refusal to listen to reason only made the Prince of Jin both annoyed and anxious.

Regardless of the truth of the matter, all this fuss will only implicate him in the end. His father has already been displeased with him lately.

The Prince of Jin suppressed his irritation and advised, "You two are husband and wife, isn't there some misunderstanding? Besides, couples often reconcile after a quarrel. Go back and explain things properly, right, cousin? Talk it out, and try to comfort him."

Chang Wenshan's face was covered in handprints and fingernail marks. He was in pain and dizzy. He said irritably, "What do you mean, 'coax'? You crazy woman, Yang Yanjun, what's wrong with you? Look around the capital, where can you find a woman like you? I must have had the worst luck in eight lifetimes to marry someone like you."

Yang Yanjun was already agitated, and upon hearing this, she angrily stabbed herself hard with the hairpin in her hand.

"ah"

"ah"

A gasp rang out

Song Jin exclaimed in surprise, then turned to look at Cheng Siyi, scratching her head: "Aren't you going to try to persuade her?"

It has to be said, the noble ladies of the capital are quite extravagant.

It was completely different from what she had imagined.

Cheng Siyi didn't answer. She lifted her skirt and ran over, calling out, "Junjun, Junjun, calm down..."

The scene was a mess.

But it's really not a big deal. The hairpin was only half a finger joint deep; the pain will subside in a couple of days, probably not even as bad as the pain on my face. However, these people are all quite important, and they're here, so Song Jin whispered...

"Will she be alright?"

"What could possibly happen? It's just a fight between husband and wife, the Emperor won't care," Song Qingzhi clicked his tongue and whispered, "Her mother saved the late Empress before, the Emperor has always been tolerant of her, not to mention that she lost three children in the Chang family. As long as she doesn't have any limbs cut off, it's just a family matter."

Song Jin whispered, "Is it Qi Zheng's mother?"

Song Qingzhi shushed him: "Try not to mention it."

As they were talking, Yang Yanjun was pulled away by Cheng Siyi. Although Chang Wenshan was bleeding, it wasn't serious and nothing to worry about.

However, given the current situation, the two of them couldn't participate in the banquet. Prince Jin seized the opportunity to have them escorted away; judging from his expression, he was clearly furious.

Having seen enough of the commotion, Song Jin and the others started walking back. As they walked, she bumped into Song Qingzhi and raised an eyebrow: "You're quite vengeful, aren't you?"

He was the one who started this farce.

Song Qingzhi retorted, "I'm not holding a grudge, I just have a good memory. Besides, I didn't expect her to be so fierce. Tsk, thank goodness we broke off the engagement back then, otherwise the boss would be finished."

Song Jin's lips twitched: "If it were something good, would he play with it?"

Song Qingzhi spoke up for Song Xingzhi: "Actually, it's not so bad. The eldest brother is a bit of a womanizer, but he doesn't lie. He's good to girls, generous, gentle, and considerate..."

Song Jin didn't speak, but simply raised an eyebrow at him.

Song Qingzhi couldn't continue. He sighed deeply, "Boss, this isn't my fault. You're just too useless."

Because of the events of the previous dynasty, the mainstream of this dynasty is to practice self-discipline and restraint of desires. Most families, not to mention those who work outside the home, consider having four or five wives and concubines to be a lot. Most people have one or two concubines in addition to their wives, and quite a few are devoted to their wives.

As for other matters, there were specific regulations regarding the number of maids one could have; one couldn't simply buy them if one had the money. Various brothels and brokerage firms were also strictly managed, forbidding the forced prostitution of women and prohibiting officials from patronizing prostitutes.

So, all things considered, Song Xingzhi was indeed very romantic.

Song Qingzhi could only sigh: "When we got engaged, his backyard was relatively peaceful. Regardless of whether he was a good person or not, everything was agreed upon beforehand, and she nodded in agreement. But then things turned out like this. I can't possibly be grateful to her, can I? Besides, I was just trying to be helpful. Otherwise, it would be troublesome once the child is listed in the family genealogy."

Song Jin rolled her eyes and pulled Niu Tielan back.

Compared to before, there are now more people from the outside world. Because of the distance, many people don't know what's happening on the other side. They gather in small groups to chat, and you can tell their family's financial situation just by looking at their clothes.

However, fortunes change every thirty years; in another ten years, these people will certainly be different again.

Song Jin looked up. The lanterns hanging around her swayed gently in the breeze. Each table had an exquisite lantern that would be lit soon and taken home by each family after the event. However, she knew that deciding who would get to share the lanterns would likely lead to another argument.

For young ladies from noble families like these, their food and clothing are provided by their families, and the actual monthly allowance they receive is usually only one or two taels of silver. Not counting the private subsidies from their parents, even for noble families like those of the Duke, it wouldn't exceed ten taels of silver. They have to be very careful with their money.

Those who truly dare to spend lavishly either possess numerous businesses and a small population like the Song family, who are also skilled at management, or they are extremely greedy—however, the latter is far too risky, and even if they were greedy, they wouldn't dare to spend it openly.

As Song Jin listened to Song Qingzhi's explanation, she turned her head curiously and asked, "What about me? I don't get a monthly allowance?"

While it's normal that there isn't one, judging from Song Qingzhi's actions, it shouldn't be that bad.

Song Qing glanced at Niu Tielan subconsciously and said cautiously, "Uh, yes, I had the steward give it to Madam last time. Little sister, you get one hundred taels a month, and Madam gets two hundred taels. Since we just arrived, each of us also gets five thousand taels for supplies. If that's not enough, just ask Steward Yang for more."

Song Jin was initially just curious and didn't care whether she ate it or not, but upon hearing this, her eyes widened in surprise: "Mother, isn't it bad to eat alone?"

Niu Tielan showed no remorse whatsoever, calmly replying, "While our parents are alive, we don't separate the household. If we don't separate, all the money has to be handed over. I'll manage it for you to prevent you from squandering it."

Hua Hua Hua, do you really think you're a member of the Song family?

Niu Tielan was too lazy to say more; he just got to work.

Song Jin complained, "Let's leave aside the five thousand, but isn't one hundred taels a monthly allowance?"

Niu Tielan glanced at it lightly and said leisurely, "What you have on hand..."

Song Jin promptly shut up, changing the subject from the monthly allowance, and took small steps, pulling Niu Tielan along towards the lakeside.

Don't throw away big money for small gains; you still need to keep your own secret stash of money.

...

Now that it was dark, other people gradually arrived, and soon the area was filled with people.

Song Shunzhi and Song Anzhi, who had been summoned away by the Prince of Jin, sat back down.

The five people sat in a row, with Song Shunzhi on the far left, Niu Tielan on the far right, and Song Jin sitting next to her. Next to her was Song Qingzhi, who was the most talkative, and he introduced them to each other in a low voice.

"To our left is the family of the Minister of Revenue, and to our right is the Minister of Rites, Yang Yanjun's father and stepmother. Her mother also passed away many years ago..."

"Across from us are the Qi family patriarch, Duke Qi, His Majesty's uncle, followed by Duke Rong, Duke Wen, Marquis Chang'an, Marquis Zhongyong, and Marquis Xuanping..."

The two sides are basically composed of noble families and newly rich families from humble backgrounds. There were great conflicts between the two camps when the country was first established. Now, twenty years later, although there are occasional frictions, the relationship is much more harmonious than before.

In this regard, Song Shang, a public enemy, contributed significantly.

Now, with Song Shang still missing after more than a month, his death is practically confirmed. This has drawn everyone's attention to Song Jin, who resembles him.

The cunning old foxes had subtle, calculating looks in their eyes, but the young people were much more obvious, scrutinizing her like she was a monkey.

Feeling the gazes directed at her from all directions, Song Jin raised an eyebrow and boldly looked at each person in turn. She resembled Song Shang by about 70%, and even Zhang Yang by about 60%.

The missing 40% was due to Song Shang's domineering arrogance being deeply hidden, making it difficult for others to detect, while she practically had "Come and hit me!" written all over her face.

"It's so similar, it's uncanny! I didn't believe it at first, even though I'd heard about it."

"He looks like a troublemaker, grew up in the countryside."

Let's wait and see who makes the first move.

...

Amidst the fluttering glances and whispers, the fiery sunset faded completely, darkness gradually descended, only to be dispelled by the bright moonlight, like a thin veil of moonlight scattering across the garden, bathing the world in white.

As the soft strains of the zither began, maids carrying candles lit lanterns, arranging them around the central lakeside pavilion in a pattern resembling bouquets or arrays, transforming the entire garden into a scene of daylight.

Just as everyone was admiring the beautiful scenery, a cry of surprise rang out.

Then, something began to light up the lake, starting like fireflies and gradually becoming like moonlight. These tiny lights twinkled across the water, forming a galaxy around the pavilion, before spreading outwards and finally illuminating the entire lake. It was like a full moon fallen from the sky, dreamlike and enchanting, captivating the eye.

Just then, a long, drawn-out sound came from the other side.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Everyone quickly stood up, then knelt down again, heads bowed.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Song Jin raised her head slightly, peering through the crowd, and suddenly noticed that the Imperial Garden was filled with fireflies. Under the flickering fireflies, Qi Ye, dressed in a dragon robe, strode in, surrounded by a group of guards and eunuchs.

Behind him

Qi Zheng lowered his eyes, his golden clothes shimmering with light and shadow, the five-clawed dragon mark on his chest particularly eye-catching.

The officials present felt a chill run down their spines.