Chapter 97 Absurd, utterly absurd

September 18th, the 20th year of Qing'an

Grand Secretary Song Shang died at the age of forty; his remains were found beneath the pine trees and rocks on the cliff face.

He possessed both literary and military prowess in life, his fame spreading far and wide; he was accompanied by pine trees in death, his unyielding spirit shining through.

...

"Grand Secretary Song Shang, together with me, quelled the chaos of the previous dynasty and established a new one. During his twenty years in court, he expanded outwards, reaching the northern deserts, establishing connections with eight outer seas and thirteen foreign countries. Domestically, he pacified Lingnan, secured the northern deserts, improved irrigation canals, distributed land among households, and expanded the territory to twenty-three prefectures, each with its own strategies..."

In the imperial court, Qi Ye, dressed in a golden dragon robe, stood on a high platform, his expression somber, and recounted his past with the Song merchants over the years with deep sorrow.

Below the high platform, all the court officials stepped back one platform compared to usual, leaving the frontmost area for a solemn coffin made of Phoebe zhennan wood.

The golden coffin burst open, revealing a skeleton with dried flesh. Its once fair skin, sun-dried to a crisp, chapped crust, clung tightly to the body. One could still vaguely discern its former grandeur, but its former imposing presence was gone.

Hundreds of people searched tirelessly for months, but because the remains of the carcass were at the bottom of the valley, they searched the surrounding area along the river and overlooked the cliff face. The remains were actually hidden inside a rock near a ventilation shaft above, concealed while the carcass was being used to evade pursuers, but the carcass had lost consciousness.

In the end, he still couldn't escape the danger.

No matter who someone is, when they die, they are simply dead.

Those standing in the front row, looking at this former 'friend,' all felt a pang of sorrow and regret.

Even though over the years, these once close friends have drifted apart due to various political differences, and many times they wish their old friend would "leave" sooner, they can't help but recall the memories of their harmonious past.

Song Shang was a man of extraordinary wisdom and courage, a crack shot, and an eloquent debater whose sophistry made him utterly detestable.

But they never intended to harm him; at least, those who are still standing there are.

The court officials' seats were fixed; they could easily see the empty seats in front of them with a turn of their heads.

There were officials and marquises.

Over the past five days, the people of Yong'an City have been living in constant fear, and even officials and members of the royal family are trembling with anxiety, lest the arrests implicate them.

Now that the arrests were over, they breathed a sigh of relief, but were also filled with a chilling sense of dread.

This purge of Grand Secretary Song involved officials of almost every rank, from first-rank dukes to second-rank ministers. They gradually woven a massive net, collectively causing Song Shang's demise.

They succeeded; Song Shang died.

They failed too, because they were going to die as well.

After Qi Ye finished recounting Song Shang's various misdeeds, he looked down at the coffin below, and a tear rolled down his cheek.

"I have lost Minister Song forever."

His expression turned sorrowful, then gradually to anger. He slammed his fist on the pile of memorials on the table, his voice deep and resonant.

"You always say that Song merchants are headstrong, selfish, and domineering, and that in the long run, they will destabilize the country. But who among you can name even one instance where Song merchants have harmed the people? Just one instance, tell me."

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

"Your Majesty, please take care of your health."

When the emperor is enraged, corpses will litter a hundred miles away.

Qi Ye was a reasonable and wise ruler, so naturally he wouldn't act that way. However, he was also a genuine emperor and rarely lost his temper seriously.

But when he was enraged, all the officials were afraid.

Qi Ye looked at the people below, at the empty seats, and then at the perpetually empty front seat. He was furious and picked up a memorial that had just been overturned.

"The Minister of Revenue has worked diligently for many years; his momentary lapse in judgment does not warrant death."

"The affair of Grand Secretary Song is regrettable, but the chaos he caused has affected the stability of the court."

"Prioritize the overall situation"

...

Qi Ye initially showed anger on his face, but by the end, his anger had vanished, replaced by an even more imposing presence. He exuded an aura of authority without anger, coldly surveying the court officials below.

Most of those who wrote the memorials were trembling with fear, but there were still some who remained steadfast.

"Your Majesty, the matter of Grand Secretary Song is indeed heartbreaking, but it involves far too many issues. Continuing like this not only damages the face of Your Majesty and the court, but also destabilizes the nation. With so many ministers involved, what will become of the vacancies? What about the tasks at hand? And how will the handover proceed…?"

The Imperial Censor stepped forward, his face filled with anguish: "The Duke of Yingguo certainly deserves to die, but he harbors a deep personal grudge against the Song merchants. For years, he's been at odds over the old Duke's affair, which led to his impulsive act. They caused this tragedy because of the previous generation's grudges; must the next generation continue this cycle? The Duke of Yingguo's household has existed for over three hundred years, with more than five hundred people. Are you truly going to show no mercy whatsoever? If it weren't for the old Duke of Yingguo, who knows how many more tragedies would have occurred in Yong'an City?"

“I think Lord Zhao is getting old,” Song Xingzhi stepped forward, holding a jade tablet. His usual elegant demeanor vanished, replaced by a stern voice. “Your words are incoherent. Don’t drag the younger generation into the grudges of the previous generation. How do you explain my father’s matter? You don’t want to involve the next generation, yet you want to spare them. What, do you think we are all ungrateful people who don’t hold grudges? Murder is punishable by death. Even killing a high-ranking official of the court only results in one person paying with their life. Let’s see how many lives you have that’s enough for my five brothers to take.”

Censor Zhao roared, "What do you mean? A mere child, a mere third-rank official, dares to threaten us in court? This is utterly outrageous!"

Song Shenzhi stepped forward menacingly: "And what about me? I am a second-rank general. Does Imperial Censor Zhao think I'm being fair? You're just a nobody. Even we nobody kids are ranked higher than you, which shows how powerful we are. You're so old and you're only acting like this, all you know is to rely on your age and make trouble. Shouldn't you step down and give way to someone more capable?"

The Minister of Personnel spoke up: "Outrageous! Do you really think we've gotten to this point thanks to your own efforts? If it weren't for Song Shang, you few would have frozen to death in the streets, and you wouldn't have had the chance to act so recklessly here."

Song Shunzhi, usually the most silent and taciturn, walked up from behind, expressionless: "You say we rely on our fathers, then let me ask you, is it because the Minister of Personnel's three sons don't attend court that they don't work hard, or that you, as their father, are incompetent?"

The Minister of Personnel, enraged and ashamed, exclaimed: "Absurd! Utterly absurd! Instead of discussing achievements, you compare fathers in public. Is this how Song Shang taught you?"

Song Xingzhi sneered: "The hatred of killing one's father, and you're telling people to let it go? Is that how your father, Minister of Personnel, taught you?"

Song Shenzhi: "I think your father must be a reincarnated living Buddha. Even if he were killed, he would still persuade you to let go. No, it should be that someone came over, put the chicken neck up for everyone to see, and then made him kneel down and call him 'Father' twice."

The Minister of Personnel was trembling with anger, scratching his beard and unable to speak for a long time.

Song Shunzhi said quietly, "I see you're getting on in years. If you really can't take it anymore, you should retire. Otherwise, if you fall to the ground in the future, people might think His Majesty is mistreating the elderly."

...

The three brothers worked together, and the several old men around sixty years old were trembling with anger.

After all, the three of them were young and thick-skinned. The only one left in their family was the man in the coffin; they had no elders above them, no children below them, so they could be threatened or dealt with as they pleased—a complete bachelor. These old men, however, were different. Each of them had families to support, and anyone who was insulted or threatened was a precious member of their family.

Too many weaknesses, a complete defeat.

Standing on the marquis's platform, Song Jin looked at the group of old men, swaying precariously, showing no respect for elders or care for the young. She craned her neck and secretly probed them with her inner strength: 'Their fighting ability doesn't seem very good.'

Qi Zheng replied: "When Grand Secretary Song was in power, the scene was even more spectacular."

Otherwise, he wouldn't be hated so much by so many people; he truly fought ten against one and was completely suppressed.

During Song Shang's twenty-year reign, there was nothing he couldn't accomplish.

Sometimes it seems like he lost, but upon closer examination, you realize that was exactly his intention, which makes people even more indignant.

He's the kind of person who, if he disagrees, he'll fight; if he agrees, he'll still fight.

Extremely difficult to deal with

The three brothers are indeed outstanding, but they are still far inferior to him. At least for now, the reason they are ahead of others is largely because many people are behind them.

Although most of them were at odds with Song Shang, they were also upright and honest officials. While they might have some personal motives, they were still very righteous in their principles.

Although Song Shang was despicable, he was, in fact, a first-rank official, and was plotted against and murdered. Those who committed the act should naturally be brought to justice according to the law.

Even if the one who did it was the Duke, it should still be done this way.

Otherwise, if even a high-ranking official can be left unattended after being assassinated, how can these people feel at ease offering advice in the future?

Although this instantly shattered the balance of power that had existed in the court for many years, even in its current state, it wouldn't be as devastating as Song Shang's dominance alone.

Moreover, the evidence is now irrefutable; no matter what they say, it's useless. The one who truly makes the decision is the one at the very top.

Whichever side his heart leans towards, that side wins.

In the imperial court, half remained neutral, while the other half offered advice. However, with the evidence irrefutable, many families themselves could not claim innocence. Those who were leniently let off the hook had all received warnings and dared not stand up at this time.

Thus, under this one-sided verbal battle, the three Song brothers won an overwhelming victory, leaving the old men speechless and awaiting their final judgment.

The court gradually quieted down, until finally, there was complete silence.

Song Jin stood obediently in her position, looking at Qi Ye on the high platform.

His expression was somber as he looked at the people below, their expressions a mixture of sorrow and joy.

Stability can be a good thing sometimes, but too much stability will only lead to stagnation.

With Song Shang gone, the situation will only worsen. Fortunately, he left behind five outstanding children, each capable of holding their own in their respective fields. With the imperial examinations approaching, new talent will be available to keep up.

At that time

Qi Ye's gaze shifted to the other side, towards the area occupied by princes and marquises.

His eldest son stood upright, like the most beautiful bamboo stalk in the grove among the nobles and princes who had grown up in luxury, tall and straight.

Who is that person protecting from behind?

Qi Ye felt a pang of sadness, recalling their previous written record—the details of scaling the city wall, drinking and hunting, and sleeping under a tree. Even though he had been Song Shang's friend for many years, he still had to confess.

Quickly drag your brat away; his little cabbage is so tender and green, it's not suitable!

There was already a potential illiterate student, and now there's a severely illiterate one. The two of them together...

Qi Ye's vision went black. His heart clenched, and his expression grew even more sorrowful. The grief he felt was so profound that it made one's heart ache as well.

Song Jin exclaimed, "They really have a good relationship!"

She doesn't have such a deep friendship.

She and Shu Chenghao did have a good relationship, but they were just casual buddies. They got along well when it came to getting into trouble and having fun. Even though she was always fighting, hiking, hunting tigers and bears, he couldn't even beat a goose.

It's really hard to feel that Qi Ye shares the same ideals and appreciates each other.

Although this was just their plan

But once the imperial edict was proclaimed, the tombstone erected, and everyone else arrested, Song Shang's person and identity truly vanished from the world.

Qi Zheng sighed with regret: 'Chief Minister Song, for the greater good.'

No two people can give up everything and start over, especially someone like Song Shang.

Qi Zheng actually felt it was unnecessary.

The Great Yan Dynasty is currently peaceful and prosperous. Although there are many forces causing trouble and lurking in the shadows, they can be dealt with gradually. Such an aggressive approach of wiping them all out at once is not feasible.

Besides their ambition, what mattered most was that the Song merchants wanted to leave.

Twenty years of repression, twenty years of attending court day after day, twenty years of facing those old fogies—he had long since grown utterly bored.

Getting out at this point is the most appropriate time.

...

Abandoning that identity, while others rise early to ascend the court, arguing and trembling with fear...

Qu Maoze sat in a rocking chair, a cup of hot tea in his right hand and a travelogue in his left. He gently turned the leaves, and a leaf drifted down from above. He caught it and wedged it between the pages, continuing to read.

Unhurried and leisurely

Niu Tielan came out of the house and looked at the person sitting at the door. Seeing how leisurely he was, she felt inexplicably irritated: "Don't you have a yard to live in?"

Qu Maoze chuckled: "Isn't this to wait for Madam to wake up? Are you awake? Is anything bothering you?"

Niu Tielan asked, annoyed, "Where's Jinjin?"

Qu Maoze closed his book, picked up a teacup, and said softly, "Here, have some tea to calm down. It's early in the morning, so cheer up. A good mood is good for your health."

Niu Tielan was usually quiet and had a good temper, but seeing this person made her irritable and angry. She wanted to spill the tea, but seeing its strange color, she knew it was medicine again. She gritted her teeth, took it, and swallowed it.

Instantly, her face contorted, she nearly vomited, then covered her mouth and swallowed, tears welling in her eyes.

So sour

It was so sour it felt like her teeth were going to fall out.

Qu Maoze watched her scrunch up and roll her eyes, then chuckled softly, a hint of mockery in his voice, and handed her another cup of tea: "Drink this to calm down."

Niu Tielan's teeth were about to fall out, but he downed it in one gulp without even thinking.

Fortunately, this potion smelled very sweet, which immediately relieved the taste in my mouth, and a warm sensation spread through my body.

Niu Tielan took a deep breath

Although this person was really annoying, he had been very dedicated to treating her, and she had also suffered considerable physical and psychological damage during this time. Thinking of this, her expression softened, and a hint of apology appeared. Qu Maoze smiled again: "Which tasted better earlier? They're all the same medicine, just choose whichever you like for the next treatment."

Niu Tielan felt a lump in his throat.

One is sweet, the other is so sour it's unbearable. Do we even need to try them?

This person did it on purpose.

Niu Tielan, seeing the smirk on his face, kicked him angrily: "Qu Maoze, will you die if you don't cause trouble every day?"

Qu Maoze laughed heartily, leaning against a nearby pillar, holding the book in his hands, and gently beckoned to her: "Come and see this."

He was dressed in bright blue clothes, draped in a white cloak, and his hair was adorned with a blue agate crown. Leaning against a pillar with a smile, he looked exactly like a dashing young nobleman from a wealthy family, handsome and refined.

It looks like a bright and clear sky.

Niu Tielan became wary; after all, this guy was really, really annoying.

Qu Maoze didn't care and waved his hand: "Look at this, in Shuanghe County, Nanshuang Prefecture, there are mountains, waterfalls in the mountains, like waterfalls from the sky, and golden dragons leaping over the dragon gate in the waterfalls."

Niu Tielan was still suspicious, but upon hearing about dragons and jiaos, he couldn't resist his curiosity and walked over to his side to look at the travelogue.

What is written above is indeed as Qu Maoze read, but there is a mark at the end.

Upon arriving, they saw that the golden dragon was enormous, as thick as a man, and was indeed a golden python. The box was made of python skin, and the python meat tasted fishy and coarse.

Niu Tielan's lips twitched, and she glared at him irritably: "Boring."

Qu Maoze chuckled softly, then pulled a butterfly wing from the book's pages. It was as big as Niu Tielan's palm, vibrantly colored, and shimmered in the sunlight. He held it back on a piece of white paper, and soon rainbow colors appeared on it.

He smiled and said, "Locally, they're called Jade Bridge Butterflies. They flutter in swarms, their habitat surrounded by rainbows. They especially love to fly above waterfalls; the sight is truly beautiful."

Niu Tielan couldn't imagine that scene. She looked down at the butterfly in her hand, said "Oh," pursed her lips, and put the butterfly back.

What's there to brag about?

Qu Maoze reached out and poked her slightly puffed-up cheek.

Niu Tielan angrily slapped him: "Don't touch me!"

Qu Maoze moved his hand and hissed softly.

Niu Tielan's annoyance vanished instantly. Worried, she took his hand, lifted his sleeve, and revealed flawless, jade-white skin beneath—no longer covered in blood and gore, not even a single scar. Clearly, it couldn't have been from being slapped and hurting her wound.

Qu Maoze sighed, "Ouch, my tooth hurts a bit. I ate too much candy yesterday."

Niu Tielan took a deep breath and gritted her teeth: "Do you want me to pull it out for you?"

Qu Maoze: "That works? Then take a look for me first."

As he spoke, he bent down and opened his mouth.

His teeth were straight, thin, and whiter than most people's; there wasn't a single broken tooth fragment or black spot inside.

That's true, he plays with insects, how could he possibly get cavities from insects?

Niu Tielan, unable to bear it any longer, glared at him with her almond-shaped eyes, leaned closer and lightly spat, then lifted her skirt and ran away.

Qu Maoze stood there, touched his dry lips, smiled suddenly, tossed the book onto the chair, and slowly followed.

"It's not right to do something wrong and then run away."

...