Chapter 62 The Prodigal Brother (Part Two): The Merchant's Son's Path to Becoming a King of a Different Surname...
"Yu'er, don't cry."
“Brother, you’re awake? Waaah…” Song Yu wiped away her tears and sobbed, “Brother, it’s all my fault. If I hadn’t accidentally fallen into the river, you wouldn’t have been so tired that you caught a cold and fainted for a whole day.”
"Alright." Song Ce smiled and patted the little girl's head. "I'm fine now, aren't I? Don't cry anymore, Yu'er. Where's Mother?"
Song Yu wiped away the tears on her face, then took his hand and whispered, "Mother has been watching over my brother for most of the day and has been coughing. I was very worried... so I asked Mother to go back to her room to rest, and I will stay with my brother."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce propped himself up and sat up, his voice filled with urgency: "Yu'er, let's go see Mother together."
“But…brother, you just fell into the water. The doctor said you can’t be exposed to the wind, or you’ll get a headache,” Song Yu said hesitantly.
"Yu'er, look." With that, Song Ce got up and turned around deliberately, "Brother is alright now."
Being only eight years old, Song Yu was quickly persuaded by Song Ce. A smile graced her face as she took her brother's hand. However, as soon as Song Ce opened the door, a worried voice came from the study: "Where are you going?"
Mo Yan, who was tidying up in the small study, heard the noise and quickly put down his work. He came out of the small study and said disapprovingly, "You are still sick. Why bother to go see Madam yourself? Just send Shu Yuan or Shu Xi to inquire after her. If you catch a cold when you go and your condition worsens, won't Madam be even more worried about your health?"
Mo Yan was the original owner's personal servant, two years younger than her, and the two of them were not so reserved with each other on a daily basis.
The maids Shuyuan and Shuxi, who were cleaning the living room, also came out when they heard the voices and advised, "Young Master, what Moyan said is true. You should take good care of your health."
Upon hearing this, Song Yu released Song Ce's hand with a look of guilt: "Brother, you should still..."
"Or what?" Song Ce took the little girl's hand again: "Let's hurry over there, anyway, my place isn't far from my mother's house."
"Sigh." Mo Yan sighed. "Please wait a moment."
He quickly returned to his bedroom, took a royal blue cloak from the shelf, and whispered, "You should wear this cloak when you go out; it will keep you warm."
“Okay.” Song Ce reached out and took the cloak, carefully draped it over his shoulders, then took Song Yu’s small hand and stepped out of the room.
At that moment, a cool breeze blew in the air, and Song Ce subconsciously pulled Song Yu closer to him, wrapping the small girl in his cloak.
The brother and sister tiptoed to Madam Song's door. Just as Song Ce raised his hand to knock, he heard a violent cough coming from inside.
Song Ce was startled by the cough, and Song Yu's eyes instantly reddened upon hearing it: "Brother, Mother seems to be very ill."
"Yu'er, don't be afraid." Song Ce steadied himself and gently knocked on the door: "Mother, my sister and I have come to see you."
"Madam, it's the eldest young master and young lady who have arrived." Madam Li helped Madam Song drink half a bowl of ginseng tea and said with a worried expression.
"Quickly, bring them in. Be careful they don't catch a chill," Madam Song said weakly, leaning against the headboard.
Seeing this, Zhao's mother's eyes flashed, and she quickly said "Oh," and walked to the door to open the curtain and reveal a smiling face: "Young Master, Miss, come in quickly."
As soon as Song Ce entered the room, he found it to be very dimly lit, and there was even a faint smell of Chinese medicine in the air.
When Madam Song saw the two of them enter, she managed a faint smile on her pale face: "Ce'er, you're awake. Do you feel any better?"
Song Ce's face was full of worry. He quickly walked to Madam Song's bedside, bowed and took her hand: "Mother, I'm all better now. But what's wrong with you? Why have you looked so weak these past few days?"
Seeing this, Song Yu quickly took off her shoes, climbed onto the bed, and nestled obediently beside Madam Song, gently patting her mother's back with her little hand: "Mother, please get better soon. Yu'er and brother are very worried about you."
"My good child." Madam Song's eyes were slightly red. She raised her hand and gently patted Song Ce's forearm, then pulled Song Yu into her arms and said softly, "These are just old ailments of mine, nothing serious. Ce'er, you just fell into the water, so you must take good care of yourself these next few days and make sure you don't catch a cold again."
Song Ce nodded upon hearing this. "Mother, don't worry about your son. This cold is nothing to me. But you must take your medicine on time and get plenty of rest. Take good care of yourself. When I'm older, I will definitely make sure you live a good life and never let you suffer in this family again."
Hearing her son's heartwarming words, Madam Song's heart softened. She realized that her son had seen all her hardships, her exhaustion, and her suffering, and truly cared for her. Thinking of this, Madam Song felt a bit more energized: "My son, with your words, your mother and sister have hope for the future. I only hope that in the future, my son won't follow in your father's footsteps and ruin our Song family."
Song Ce nodded vigorously: "Your son will remember Mother's teachings."
Seeing the weariness on Madam Song's face, Song Ce quickly reached out and picked up Song Yu, saying in a low voice, "Mother, please rest well. Your son is taking Yu'er back."
"Go, Yu'er, and listen to your brother." Madam Song smiled weakly and waved to the brother and sister.
Seeing this, Li's mother quickly opened the curtain: "Young Master, please go back quickly! Be careful not to catch a cold."
"Yes," Song Ce responded, then carried Song Yu out of Madam Song's room.
No one knew the true nature of the two capable maids serving Madam Song better than Song Ce. Mama Li was one of Madam Song's dowry maids, and she took meticulous and loyal care of her. Mama Zhao, on the other hand, had only been serving Madam Song since the marriage, but she was actually secretly planted by the original owner's father. Ultimately, it was this Mama Zhao who stole Madam Song's dowry shop and her most prized possessions, giving them all to Master Song to gamble away.
The most urgent task is to cure Madam Song's illness first, and then we can talk about other things.
As soon as the brother and sister stepped out of the room, Song Yu reached out and hugged Song Ce's neck, sobbing softly, "Brother... tell me, when will Mother get better? I'm so scared."
Song Ce naturally knew what Song Yu was afraid of. At this time last year, the original owner's aunt was just like the current Madam Song, coughing every day in her room for more than half a year. She became extremely thin and emaciated. Her husband's family was afraid that she had contracted some kind of venereal disease, so they hurriedly wrapped her in a quilt and sent her back to her parents' home. That aunt passed away after only five or six days at her parents' home.
This scene left a deep psychological scar on Song Yu, who was in his arms.
Thinking of this, Song Ce raised his hand and gently patted Song Yu's back, comforting her, "Yu'er, don't be afraid. I promise you, Mother will get better in seven days at most."
While holding Madam Song's hand, Song Ce subtly took her pulse. Madam Song's illness was caused by excessive emotional fluctuations leading to excessive liver fire, which affected her lungs, causing her to cough incessantly.
He had lived in the previous world for far too long. To prepare for different mission environments in the future, Song Ce stayed alone on Zizai Peak, constantly learning. He didn't limit himself to any particular skill or consider whether it was useful at the moment. He learned everything he could find in books. He especially studied medicine, spending a full hundred years learning it in that spiritual space.
While Qin Nian'an was training on the mountain, he went to the mortal world on the continent to provide free medical treatment to sick mortals. Over the years, his knowledge of diseases became quite extensive. He wouldn't dare say he was omniscient, but he could certainly say he was quite adept at treating them.
It was early autumn. Song Ce led the little girl back to her west wing and carefully instructed Song Yu's two maids, Le Yun and Le Chun, to take good care of the little girl. After giving them the instructions, he slowly returned to his own courtyard.
As soon as Song Ce entered the room, he saw Steward Wen waiting anxiously inside. Upon seeing him, Steward Wen rushed forward, his voice filled with anxiety and panic: "Young Master, Concubine Ru is causing a huge scene in the backyard, insisting on going to Madam's courtyard to demand an explanation. We couldn't stop her, and Master went out early this morning. I sent servants to look for her, but they couldn't find her. What should we do?"
"Aunt Ru? What caused her to make a scene?" Song Ce frowned and asked.
"Young Master, as you know, Consort Ru and Consort Wen have never gotten along. The two mistresses are always vying for dominance. The other day, after Master returned home, he went straight to Consort Wen's room, saying he was rewarding her with a pearl hairpin from Xiujinlou. Then Consort Wen took the hairpin to Consort Ru's room to show it off. Consort Ru, of course, wasn't happy about that, and last night she begged Master to give her one too. Master, annoyed by Consort Ru, lost his patience and casually told Consort Ru to go ask Madam for one. And now, Consort Ru is making a scene, insisting on going to Madam's courtyard to get a hairpin," Steward Wen said anxiously.
"Outrageous!" Song Ce said coldly, "It's one thing for them to have their little squabbles on ordinary days, but now that Mother is bedridden, they still don't know how to restrain themselves. What kind of behavior is this! Where is Aunt Ru now?"
Steward Wen hurriedly replied, "She's right here at the entrance to the hall, throwing a tantrum! She's the mistress after all, and we servants dare not approach her. Madam Ru also said..."
"What else?"
“If Madam doesn’t give her the pearl hairpin, she will smash her head against Madam’s courtyard today and die, her blood splattering everywhere, causing unrest in the manor.”
Upon hearing this, Song Ce's gaze turned cold: "Since Aunt Ru is my father's female relative, I cannot intervene. You should quickly go to Linfeng Street and ask my aunt to come to the mansion to help handle this matter. Also, hand over all the servants in the mansion to the gate of Madam's courtyard. I want to see what kind of trouble Aunt Ru can cause."
“Young Master… Master and Miss’s side have never gotten along very well. Why don’t I go to the street and find Master to bring him back to the manor? That way, our manor won’t be a laughing stock.” Steward Wen said cautiously.
"What? My words no longer carry weight? Or do you think that letting her make a scene like this will prevent others from laughing at us?" Song Ce said calmly.
"Yes, young master! I will personally go and invite the eldest young lady over." Butler Wen quickly pledged his loyalty, and after seeing Song Ce nod in agreement, he hurriedly went out.
After the butler left, Song Ce stood there for a moment, took a deep breath, and then drank the whole cup of warm tea on the table. Mo Yan had never seen the young master so angry, and seeing this, he didn't dare to say anything. He carefully stepped forward and brought up another cup of tea.
Linfeng Street is not far from the Song residence; it should only take about fifteen minutes to get there. Song Ce put down his teacup, got up, and pushed open the door to walk towards Madam Song's courtyard. Seeing this, Mo Yan quickly followed behind him and went out together.
Along the way, when the servants saw Song Ce, they were startled by the cold expression on his face. They all turned to the side and bowed to him, not daring to breathe loudly.
When Song Ce arrived at the gate of Madam Song's courtyard, he saw Aunt Ru sitting on the ground with her hair disheveled. Her maids looked terrified and were whispering and trying to comfort her.
By this time, a number of servants had gathered around, all looking troubled. When Aunt Ru saw Song Ce arrive with Mo Yan, she not only did not restrain herself, but cried even louder.
"Young Master! You must stand up for me!" Concubine Ru wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief and cried out, "Master is so biased! Since we all got the pearl hairpins, we should each have one. That Concubine Wen, just because she got one, doesn't respect anyone in this whole household. How am I supposed to live in this mansion if this goes on for too long!" Concubine Ru cried and shouted, making those who didn't know the situation think that she had suffered a great injustice.
Before Song Ce could respond, he heard hurried footsteps coming out of the courtyard. It turned out to be Li Mama and Zhao Mama, who were serving Madam Song.
After the two women came out, they first bowed to Song Ce. Zhao Mama looked at Consort Ru on the ground with a troubled expression, but didn't move. Li Mama, however, didn't care about such things and stepped forward to scold, "Consort Ru, if you continue to act so recklessly, don't blame Madam for disregarding your status. Madam is currently ill, and instead of serving her medicine at her bedside, you're making a scene in this courtyard, disturbing the peace of the manor. Tell me, do you even have any respect for Madam? Do you even have any regard for the rules of this manor?"
Upon hearing this, Concubine Ru looked aggrieved and said, "Yesterday, I swallowed my pride and asked Master for it. It was Master who personally instructed me to come and ask Madam for it."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a clear, authoritative voice came from behind him: "What's going on here?"
Upon hearing this, the servants quickly made way for them, as it turned out that Steward Wen had arrived in a hurry with Granny Song.
Upon seeing this, Song Ce hurriedly went to greet her, bowed respectfully, and said, "Grandma, you've finally arrived. My father is not home today, and my mother is bedridden, so I have no choice but to humbly invite you to come to our house."
"Good child, you're still so young, yet you've been forced to witness such filth. Don't worry, your great-aunt will stand up for you today." Great-aunt Song patted Song Ce's shoulder, her eyes full of pity.
Although the old woman was incompetent, the young one was quite sensible. Although she wasn't usually very talkative, she immediately thought of asking her, her great-aunt, for help when something happened, which shows that she must respect her deeply.
Song Ce listened to his aunt's words and obediently responded. Then he sent Li Mama to the room to deliver a message to Madam Song, telling her not to worry.
"What? When you see this old woman, Aunt Ru is still sitting there peacefully without knowing to come forward and pay her respects? Where are your manners?" Aunt Song's voice was not loud, but Aunt Ru was so frightened by her voice that she trembled and dared not cry or make a fuss.
"This humble servant... greets Your Highness," Concubine Ru murmured.
"Speak louder! What, is this mansion going to starve you?" Granny Song sneered.
"This humble servant greets Your Highness!" Concubine Ru quickly raised her voice and bowed again.
"Tell me carefully today, what kind of show are you putting on?" A perceptive servant quickly brought a chair for Granny Song and invited her to sit down, and then respectfully served her fresh tea.
"Please allow me to explain, my lady. It's because yesterday, Master made a promise, which all the maids in my room overheard. I came to Madam's courtyard respectfully, but was stopped by Granny Li. I... I was out of my mind and had no other choice, so I..."
"No way? What a fine excuse! I think you have a way! A mere concubine, for the sake of a single pearl hairpin, actually threw a tantrum at the entrance of the madam's courtyard, disturbing the peace of the madam who was recuperating in bed, and making a laughing stock of the whole mansion. I, this old lady, would like to ask you, do you have any respect for hierarchy?" Granny Song sneered and said.
Aunt Ru turned pale after being reprimanded by Aunt Song, but then she thought of that little slut's smug face and muttered resentfully, "This servant... just wanted a pearl hairpin, how did that become being unruly?"
"Slap! Slap!" Suddenly, the personal maidservant next to Aunt Song stepped forward and swung her arm, slapping Aunt Ru hard twice across the face.
"How dare you! How dare this lowly concubine talk back to your mistress!"
Aunt Ru's face immediately swelled up. She covered her face, both shocked and frightened. She turned to look at the young master, but met Song Ce's cold gaze. She was so frightened that she collapsed to the ground, losing all confidence.
Seeing this, Granny Song gave a cold laugh, glanced at the servants around her, and said loudly, "Remember what happened in the manor today. If word gets out, the rules of the manor are not just for show! Concubine Ru has no manners whatsoever, daring to cause trouble in the main courtyard while Madam is ill. I will punish her on behalf of your Madam by confining her to her quarters for three months, and no one is allowed to visit her. During her confinement, Concubine Ru's allowance will be suspended, so she can reflect on her mistakes in her room. Alright, all of you may leave now!"
"Yes, Grandma!" The servants of the Song family replied respectfully, looking anxious.
"Good child." After establishing her authority, Granny Song turned and grasped Song Ce's hand: "You are so young, yet you have to deal with all these troublesome things in the manor. It must be hard on you. Remember, from now on you are the master of this manor. If there are any more ungrateful people causing trouble, don't be soft-hearted. Just deal with them according to the rules of the manor."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce quickly bowed and said gratefully, "Thanks to your help today, Auntie, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."
Grandma Song laughed heartily: "Ce'er, don't worry. Today's incident is entirely due to your father's excessive indulgence and lack of discipline towards these concubines, which has caused them to lose their sense of respect and humility. If this continues, there will be no peace in the manor. I will find an opportunity to invite your father to the manor in a few days. It's time to clean up the atmosphere in this manor."
"You've gone to great lengths for the affairs of the household, Miss."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Song smiled and waved her hand, saying with concern, "We are a large family, and we all share the same surname, Song. Why are you being so polite with your aunt, Ce'er? You are the eldest son of your father's lineage, so you don't need to hold back. In the future, you need to be more decisive in your actions."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce nodded solemnly: "Ce'er understands. It's just that my mother is bedridden and my father is not at home, which is why I panicked. In the future, Ce'er will live up to my aunt's expectations and learn to handle the affairs of the household as soon as possible, so as to bring glory to my Song family."
As the two were talking, they heard a servant's respectful voice coming from the hanging flower gate: "Master, you're back."
When Master Song heard from the servants that his aunt had arrived, he hurriedly got off the gambling table. The moment he stepped into the main hall and saw his aunt, he paused and his expression instantly became uneasy.
"Aunt, why didn't you send a servant to let me know you were coming? I could have told the household to make preparations beforehand!" Master Song forced a slightly stiff smile and said respectfully.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Song looked up at the rather uncomfortable Master Song, a meaningful smile playing on her lips: "What, do I have to send someone to announce my arrival before I come to visit my nephew?"
"How could I dare? How could I dare? I am overjoyed that my aunt is willing to come," Master Song said in a flustered manner.
Grandma Song hummed in response and said indifferently, "You're quite the carefree and leisurely man. Your wife is bedridden, yet you still have the mind to play around outside all day. The house is in complete chaos now. Even your concubines dare to cause trouble in the madam's courtyard. I think you should really do something about it. If word gets out, what will become of the Song family's reputation? Even if you don't think about yourself, you should at least think about Ce'er and Yu'er."
Master Song chuckled twice and sat down next to Aunt Song. "Auntie's advice is absolutely right. I will stay in the manor from now on and take care of Madam until she recovers."
"That's more like it." Granny Song paused, then smiled kindly at Song Ce, "Good child, you must be tired after all this commotion today. Granny will head back now. If you need anything else in the future, just send someone to the mansion to let us know."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce immediately bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Grandma. Let me escort you back!"
"You're just a young boy, take a good rest. The sedan chair is waiting outside the hanging flower gate. You should go back to your courtyard and rest too." After saying this, Aunt Song got up to take her leave.
Master Song hurriedly led Song Ce to respectfully see Aunt Song out of the mansion. Only after their figures disappeared around the corner did the father and son turn around and return to the mansion.
“Father, if there is nothing else, I will return to my courtyard,” Song Ce said.
"Come with me!" Master Song said coldly, his face turning slightly pale.
Song Ce smiled gently, then followed Master Song to the front hall.
As soon as Master Song entered the front hall, he angrily slammed the teacup on the table to the ground. Song Ce heard a "crack" and saw the shards of the teacup scattered all over the ground at his feet.
"Father, why are you angry?" Song Ce asked calmly.
Master Song pointed at Song Ce and said angrily, "I didn't know that my son had become so capable! He actually invited your aunt over behind my back to interfere in the affairs of the mansion. Even though your aunt is your elder, you still criticized her in front of everyone. I want to ask you, where is your dignity? Where is your manners? Do you even have any respect for me as your father?"
Song Ce remained expressionless and said slowly, "Father, I really have no choice. Mother is bedridden, and this Aunt Ru is causing trouble in Mother's courtyard. I am worried that things will fall into chaos in the mansion, so I sent someone to invite Aunt Ru to take charge of the situation."
"Shut up!" Master Song slammed his fist on the table. "Don't forget, I'm the master of this Song mansion now! A mere young lady like you has no right to interfere in the affairs of the household! You're so young, yet you've already learned to run around seeking help from outside. If I ever say a word to you, won't you be riding roughshod over me?"
“Father, I have no intention of offending you. It’s just that things are in chaos at home. I was thinking of sharing your burdens and letting Mother recover in peace. How can you think of me like that? Besides, my aunt is just trying to be kind. Father, you are really exaggerating.”
Upon hearing this, Master Song's eyes widened in disbelief: "How dare you question your father?"
"I wouldn't dare."
Looking at Song Ce's indifferent expression, where was the shame and embarrassment he used to feel? Master Song dared not think too much about why his eldest son's eyes no longer held the usual filial piety and respect.
"In short, you must understand that she came to our mansion only to show off her current power. From today onwards, you are not allowed to disturb your aunt's mansion anymore. I will handle the affairs of the mansion myself, and it is not your place to worry about them!" Master Song was full of anger and burning with rage.
Song Ce lowered his eyes, a hint of mockery flashing in them, and a slight smile appeared on his lips, looking obsequious: "Your son will follow your teachings, Father."
"Alright, stop getting in my way and go back!" Master Song snorted.
Song Ce responded and then quickly left the front hall.
He knew perfectly well that Master Song was merely venting his anger out of embarrassment, and didn't really want to admit that he was incompetent at managing his household.
Song Ce glanced at the servants sweeping around him. Their eyes held a mixture of respect and fear as they looked at him, as if their young master had matured overnight, making him awe-inspiring.
He did not return to his own courtyard, but went directly to Madam Song's courtyard.
"Young Master, you've finally arrived! If it weren't for all of us trying our best to stop you, Madam would have rushed out to support you, disregarding her own health," Mama Li hurriedly stepped forward and whispered.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce nodded and slowly entered the house.
Madam Song was leaning against the headboard, her face pale and her appearance haggard. When she saw Song Ce enter, her eyes immediately reddened: "My son, you have really suffered."
"Mother, as long as you are here, your son will not suffer." Song Ce walked to the bedside and said softly.
Madam Song raised her hand, wanting to touch Song Ce's face, but her mind was preoccupied, and her hand trembled uncontrollably. Seeing this, Song Ce quickly took Madam Song's hand and placed it on his cheek.
“My son, I really don’t know what to say. Today, thanks to you for inviting your aunt to the manor, otherwise I don’t know what a joke would have happened. My son is so young, yet he has such a hard life in the manor. It’s all because of my poor health that I can’t help you… help you…” Madam Song couldn’t continue, her voice choked with emotion, “It’s all my fault.”
"Mother, please don't say that. As your son, how can I watch my own mother suffer such injustice?" Song Ce paused, then lowered his voice beside Madam Song and said, "Mother, I want to tell you something important."
"You all go out first and guard the door. Don't let anyone in," Madam Song ordered the maids and servants inside the room.
"Yes, madam."
After everyone in the room had left, Song Ce asked softly, "Can Mother trust her son?"
"My child, of course your mother believes you."
"Mother, if you trust your son, please let me keep your dowry shop and clothes for you for a few days!" Song Ce said in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Madam Song immediately took out a box with a hidden pattern from a secret compartment inside the bed. After carefully opening it, she found various silver notes and land deeds neatly arranged inside.
"Mother, I'm not sure if this is true either. This is something I prepared in advance. Please switch these two." After saying this, Song Ce took out a stack of similar papers from his pocket and handed them to Madam Song.
"My son, is our house about to be robbed?" Madam Song asked in surprise.
"I hope I've misunderstood, Mother. Everything will be clear in three days," Song Ce reassured her.
Upon hearing this, Madam Song immediately understood. She stuffed the silver notes and land deeds into Song Ce's arms and snorted, "I see they're no longer able to do anything about me, their mistress. They've even started to covet my property. How hateful!"
“Mother, there’s no need for you to get angry over these petty people. I’m going back now. If this goes on for too long, some people in this courtyard will start to get suspicious.”
"Go, my son."
After leaving Madam Song's room, Song Ce went straight back to his own courtyard.
At this age, the original owner of this body was at the point where he was territorial. Normally, without his permission, Shuyuan and Shuxi were not allowed to enter his bedroom, which conveniently made it easier for Song Ce to act.
He carefully hid the silver notes and land deeds he was carrying in his pocket inside an inconspicuous vase on the display shelf, and strictly forbade them to enter the bedroom, not even to tidy them up. Shuyuan and Shuxi nodded in agreement.
"Young Master, it's time to eat." Mo Yan walked in carrying a tray. "The kitchen has prepared all your favorite dishes."
Song Ce hummed in agreement: "Have you sent it to Mother and Sister?"
"Don't worry, the kitchen just made it and immediately sent it to Madam and Miss," Mo Yan said.
"Then let it go."
After dinner, night fell quickly. Song Ce quickly washed up and went back to his bedroom.
The moonlight streamed into the room through the carved window like water. Song Ce lay on the bed, wide awake, his mind racing as he considered his next move, looking for any loopholes or inappropriate actions. As he pondered the possible mistakes, the merit bead on his chest emitted a gentle warmth, making him feel lighter. He soon fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Song Ce got up early, dressed neatly, ate a few bites of breakfast and then put it aside. He instructed Mo Yan, who was standing by his side, "Go and invite Steward Wen over for me."
Mo Yan accepted the order and left. Not long after, Steward Wen rushed over. "Young Master, what brings you here?"
Upon hearing this, Song Ce raised his eyes and smiled slightly, "I have nothing to do and would like to take a look at the accounts of the manor over the past few months. I would like to trouble Steward Wen to bring them to me."
"This..." Butler Wen looked somewhat uneasy, forcing a smile: "Young Master, the accounts in the manor are usually handled personally by the Master. Without the Master's permission, I would not dare to make any decisions on my own!"
“Last time, Father told me to learn more about the affairs of the manor. You were there, Steward Wen. Why, do I want to start by looking at the accounts? Is there something wrong with them? Or is there some kind of item in these accounts that you're worried I'll find out?” Song Ce said calmly.
"Young Master, what are you saying?" Butler Wen's expression changed slightly, and after hesitating for a moment, he said, "Please wait a moment, I will go and fetch the account books."
"No need, I'll go with you." Song Ce chuckled lightly, his meaning ambiguous.
Having no other choice, Steward Wen led Song Ce to the accounting room, turned around and took out six large ledgers from the cabinet, placing them on the wooden table in front of Song Ce.
"These are all the accounts of the manor in recent years. Please review them, young master." Steward Wen was betting that this twelve-year-old boy knew nothing and hadn't even attended a private school for many years. He figured he was just making empty threats and trying to scare people.
Song Ce calmed himself down and began to examine the ledger page by page. He quickly discovered several suspiciously large expenditures, many of which were unclear and their purpose vaguely stated. He sneered inwardly but remained outwardly composed, pointing out only a few large sums: "Steward Wen, there seems to be something wrong with these accounts. Come and take a look. Where did these funds go?"
Butler Wen shuddered at the sight. Now he understood that this young master was quite capable! If he had tried to fool him because of his young age, he would have been in deep trouble today.
"This... these are all instructions from the master, who said they have important uses outside. Young Master, I've been keeping these accounts as instructed by the master. For details... you can ask the master." Butler Wen stammered.
What Steward Wen didn't mention was that when the master took money from the public funds, he also secretly pocketed some of it.
Song Ce snorted coldly: "What, you're trying to pressure me with Father's name because you can't answer? I bet it wasn't Father who ordered it, but someone lining their own pockets! Steward Wen, you're an old hand in the Song family, I advise you to be more discerning and honestly tell me where the money went, otherwise..."
Otherwise, Butler Wen knew better than anyone else. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and he inwardly groaned. He never imagined that this seemingly honest, obedient, and easy-going young master would be so meticulous.
“Young Master, please understand. This matter… perhaps my mind was a bit muddled when the Master told me, so I only remember the details vaguely. I’ll go ask the Master right away and give you an answer then.” After saying this, Butler Wen thought of leaving the accounting office, this place of trouble. As long as the Master knew about this matter, he wouldn’t have to be interrogated by the Young Master about the inside story anymore.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce calmly replied, "Steward Wen, don't be in such a hurry to leave. Are you going to inform Father, or are you planning to confess your embezzlement to him as well? Hmm?"
Butler Wen froze in his tracks, his face turning pale and then red, and he stammered, unable to speak.
Song Ce smiled, stood up, and slowly walked to Steward Wen: "Steward Wen, there must be something important at home that forces you to take this risk. If you agree to do something for me, I will remember our past relationship and let this matter go. You are a smart man, and you can surely see the situation in this mansion clearly, so I don't need to say anything more, right?"
Butler Wen's expression changed slightly as his thoughts raced, silently weighing the pros and cons. On one hand, he knew that if the master found out about his mistake, he would face his wrath and punishment, potentially losing his respectable butler position and being forced to return the money. But now, judging from the young master's words, it seemed he was being given a way out. Who could guarantee this wasn't a carefully laid trap?
"Young Master, what... do you want me to do?" Butler Wen gritted his teeth, deciding to sound out Song Ce first.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce sat back down in his chair and said gently, "Actually, it's not a difficult matter. I want you to keep an eye on Zhao Mama in the manor. If she does anything inappropriate, please tell me immediately."
"Zhao Mama? Isn't that someone from Madam's courtyard?" Butler Wen asked in surprise.
"You'll find out the specific reasons later. So, what do you think, Steward Wen?" Song Ce said calmly.
The young master clearly wanted him to act as an informant to keep an eye on Zhao Mama. He hesitated for a moment, not understanding what the young master was planning... But right now, he couldn't think of any other way to get out of this situation except to agree.
"Young Master, rest assured, I will do my best to keep an eye on Zhao Mama. But... I'm not sure how long I'll have to keep an eye on her," Butler Wen said, raising his head and sincerely expressing his loyalty.
Song Ce stared into Butler Wen's eyes and said calmly, "It will only take three days. When the time comes, you just need to do this and that..." After explaining the details to Butler Wen meticulously, he finally sent the butler away.
At this moment, Song Ce thought to himself, "Now I can just wait patiently for the fish to bite the hook."
...
Two days passed in this way. Song Ce was not idle either. He first prescribed a medicine for Madam Song according to her condition and instructed Mo Yan to personally prepare and decoct the medicine and not to let others do it.
After some investigation, Song Ce roughly figured out the situation in the mansion.
Now, only one shop remains in the family's possession. The reason for this is that the land deed is in Madam Song's hands, which is why Master Song couldn't sell it. The other shops have long been pawned or sold. Currently, all that's left on the books are a hundred acres of fertile land cultivated by tenant farmers, Madam Song's dowry, and this house.
Early on the third day, Steward Wen rushed over to report that Zhao Mama had secretly gone to the side gate to see the master last night, but he was too far away to hear what they were saying.
"I understand. You may leave now. This matter must not be made public. Have you remembered what I told you?" Song Ce asked.
"Don't worry, young master, I won't forget what you asked me to do for a moment," Butler Wen said hurriedly.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce remained indifferent and simply gave a soft "hmm".
Once everything was prepared, the evening glow faded, and twilight descended upon the Song residence.
At this moment, someone had already quietly hidden in the shadows, patiently waiting for the right opportunity.
-----------------------
Author's Note: A long chapter of 10,000 words is here! Sending love and confetti to all my little angels! [starry eyes]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
