Chapter 70 The Prodigal Brother (Part 10): The Merchant's Son's Path to Becoming a King of a Different Surname...
At this moment, everyone's eyes darted back and forth between Mr. Song and Mrs. Song. After a long silence, Mr. Song finally found his voice, "Madam, I disagree."
They've been married for many years, how can they just get a divorce like that? Has Mrs. Song forgotten all the affection they shared in the past?
He didn't believe it.
Looking at Mr. Song's sorrowful face, a complex emotion flashed in Madam Song's eyes. She sighed softly before saying, "Husband, let's save some dignity for each other."
Upon hearing the word "husband," Master Song froze on the spot. He seemed to have forgotten how long it had been since Madam Song had called him that.
"Sanzhi." The second uncle stood up upon seeing this and said earnestly, "Now that things have come to this, it's time for you to wake up. Madam Lu has already done more than enough by giving you half of your dowry, seeing that you have little property. If you still want to save face, you should agree readily and stop dragging this out."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Song seemed to lose all his strength instantly. He slumped into his chair, staring blankly ahead. He knew in his heart that the situation was now beyond saving.
"Enough, enough." Master Song raised his chin and said coldly, "Madam, I will grant your wish today. Divorce is divorce. I only hope that you will not regret it in the future! Clan leader, I will have to trouble you with this matter."
Song Tongsheng nodded, and then the butler who was waiting nearby immediately stepped forward and presented him with a pen and ink. Seeing this, Master Song looked up at Madam Song, and seeing that she turned her head away and no longer looked at him, he smiled self-deprecatingly and lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought.
Soon, Song Tongsheng put down his pen and carefully placed the divorce papers aside. Once the ink on the paper had dried, the butler presented the divorce papers to Master Song.
Master Song was a man who cared a lot about his reputation. He only glanced at the document a few times and, finding no errors, gritted his teeth, waved his hand, signed his name, and then pressed his fingerprint on it.
After Master Song finished signing, the steward presented the documents to Madam Song.
Madam Song's eyes immediately reddened as she looked at the document. She took a deep breath to calm herself, then slowly extended her hand and solemnly signed her name on the divorce papers, followed by her fingerprint.
"Mother." Song Ce gently grasped Madam Song's hand and called out softly.
"Ce'er, Mother is alright."
After the divorce papers were signed, Song Tongsheng immediately instructed his steward: "Go to the county government office immediately and submit these papers to the authorities. There must be no mistakes."
Upon hearing this, the steward bowed and accepted the order without hesitation. He took the document and hurriedly left the ancestral home, heading quickly towards the county government office. Not long after, he returned.
Song Tongsheng took the divorce papers that had already been formally approved, walked to the center of the council hall, and said solemnly, "Today, the divorce between Song Sanzhi and Madam Lu is settled. Their fate has run its course, their feelings are incompatible, and their marriage is unsustainable. From now on, may both of them be well, part amicably, and leave each other alone."
As Song Tongsheng finished speaking, the council hall fell silent.
Madam Song closed her eyes slightly, tears slowly sliding down her face. Seeing this, Mr. Song felt a sense of relief. Before he could even feel smug, he saw Madam Song open her eyes, her gaze revealing a hint of relief and…expectation?
Madam Song straightened her back, took Song Ce's hand, and said softly, "Ce'er, let's go."
"Yes, Mother."
Under the complex gazes of the Song clan elders, Madam Song smiled faintly, bowed to everyone in the council hall, then turned her head away without looking at Master Song again, and walked out of the hall.
Now that they are divorced, they can no longer live in the Song residence.
Song Ce stayed close to Madam Song. Although Madam Song's expression was indifferent, he could sense her complex emotions. He stepped forward and said softly, "Mother, please stay at the estate for a few days. After a few days, I will definitely find a way to get you and Yu'er a bigger house."
Madam Song smiled faintly upon hearing this, taking it as Song Ce trying to cheer her up. Indeed, he was so young; what kind of solution could he possibly come up with?
"Then Mother and Yu'er will wait for my son's courtyard," said Madam Song.
When the gatekeeper saw the mother and son returning to the mansion together, he quickly and obsequiously called out, "Madam and Young Master have returned to the mansion!"
Madam Song, no, she should be called Lu Wu Niang now. That's what her family called her before she got married.
Upon hearing this, Lu Wuniang stopped and said with a faint smile, "From now on, you don't need to call me Madam anymore." After saying that, she walked straight towards the inner courtyard.
The gatekeeper was momentarily confused by this and turned to Song Ce, saying, "Young Master, what's wrong with Madam...?"
“From now on, my mother will have no further connection with this household.” Song Ce said with a smile, and then quickly followed Lu Wu Niang to her courtyard.
"No further connection? I don't quite understand what the young master was saying today..." The gatekeeper muttered, but dared not chase after them to ask more questions. He could only stare blankly in the direction the two had left, pondering deeply.
Lu Wuniang walked into the courtyard and stopped in her tracks, looking at every plant and tree that was carefully tended to.
She had once carefully planted all these things, treating him as her beloved and diligently managing their home. Even the hardships and exhaustion were endured without complaint. But now, standing here, she felt none of the past emotions. Those sweet memories, like a fleeting dream, had gradually faded away.
Just then, Li Mama came out from the inner room and saw Lu Wu Niang staring at the flowers and plants. She quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "I've seen this scenery in the courtyard for so many years, I'm really getting tired of it."
Upon hearing this, Lu Wuniang sighed and turned to say, "Mother, go and tell the servants to bring out all my dowry chests. Let's take a careful look at them today."
"Madam... could it be that things have already succeeded?" Madam Li exclaimed in surprise.
Lu Wu Niang nodded slightly upon hearing this.
"I congratulate you, young lady!" Mother Li's nose tingled, and tears fell down her cheeks.
She had followed the girl since she was eight years old, watching helplessly as she transformed from a beautiful and vibrant young woman into the emaciated figure she was now. Now, upon learning that Lu Wuniang had finally escaped this hellish state, she could no longer contain herself and uttered the familiar, girlish name she had used for Lu Wuniang before her marriage.
"Look at you, this is a good thing, why are you crying?" Lu Wu Niang took out a handkerchief and personally wiped away Li Mama's tears, smiling as she spoke.
"Yes, yes, the young lady is right." Madam Li smiled through her tears and turned to instruct the servants to carefully check the dowry chests in the courtyard. Before long, all of Lu Wu Niang's dowry was carried into the courtyard and laid out in a row.
Just as Lu Wuniang was taking stock of her dowry, the concubines in the backyard all received the news.
Confined to her room, Aunt Ru leaned against her dressing table with a worried expression, gently smoothing the stray hairs from her forehead in front of the bronze mirror.
Just then, a maidservant rushed in from outside and whispered something in her ear. Upon hearing this, Aunt Ru immediately stood up, her face beaming with joy, and asked, "You...you're telling the truth?"
The maid nodded hurriedly and whispered, "It's absolutely true! This is a message that just came from the ancestral home. My cousin works at the clan head's house and came here specifically to tell me. Madam, you didn't see it, but Madam's face was very pale today. As soon as she got back to the manor, she ordered the servants to move the dowry from the storeroom!"
Aunt Ru's eyes lit up with admiration, and she said sweetly, "Good girl! I haven't spoiled you for nothing! Has your cousin told you in detail what the master and mistress were talking about when they divorced?"
"This...cousin may not know either. All I know is that the divorce papers have been written today, and the matter has been officially formalized. Now, the lady is no longer the lady!" the maid said in a low voice.
“Alright, alright, I have ten taels of silver here. Go and get it for your cousin, so he won’t have made this trip for nothing,” Aunt Ru said with a smile.
"Then I will thank Auntie on behalf of my cousin!" The maid took the silver and went out happily.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Aunt Ru, without turning around, smiled and said, "What's wrong? Did you forget something?"
No one answered.
Aunt Ru was startled and turned around to look. She saw that Aunt Wen's capable maid was waiting at the door with an arrogant expression. Then, she invited Aunt Wen, who was holding a round fan and swaying gently, into the house.
"What are you doing here?" Aunt Ru suddenly stood up and asked warily.
Aunt Wen, gently waving her fan, said slowly, "Sister Ru, look how nervous you are. Do you think I would eat you? I just came to visit you because I was thinking of you."
Aunt Ru snorted coldly upon hearing this, "You would be so kind? I think you've heard some rumors and can't sit still anymore."
Aunt Wen was not annoyed. She simply covered her mouth with her fan and said with a coquettish smile, "I won't beat around the bush with you, sister. Do you know that the whole mansion knows that Madam moved her dowry back to the mansion today? I think this matter is not so simple, so I came here to talk to you about it."
A hint of suspicion flashed in Aunt Ru's eyes, "There are more than just me as a concubine in this backyard, why don't you go find Aunt Xin and Aunt Jing?"
After listening, Aunt Wen paused for a moment before speaking slowly and deliberately: "Sister, what you say is true. Although we sisters often quarrel, when something really happens, I naturally think of you first. Aunt Xin stays cooped up in her room all day and never leaves the house, and although Aunt Jing likes to go out, she is timid and easily flustered when something happens. It would be a waste of breath for me to talk to them. It would be better to consult with you first, so that the two of us can come up with a more comprehensive idea."
As Aunt Ru's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, she sat back down at her dressing table and said rather nonchalantly, "Since you're so concerned, then tell me, what's strange about this matter?"
Aunt Wen frowned slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes, and said in a low voice, "Sister, tell me, those dowry chests have been in the storeroom for more than ten years. Why would Madam move them out of the blue?"
Aunt Ru smiled and casually combed her hair, replying, "Who knows? Perhaps Madam just wants to take them out for inventory, or maybe she wants to take out some old items to repair."
Aunt Wen shook her head. "Sister, we both know Madam's temperament. She is always dignified and composed, and her actions are always steady. If it weren't for something important, why would she suddenly think of fussing over these dowries? I think there might be something more to this."
As Aunt Ru's gaze met Aunt Wen's through the bronze mirror, she smiled and said, "An essay? Then tell me, what kind of essay does Madam intend to write? Could it be that you've already heard something?"
Aunt Wen paused, then slowly sat down on a chair nearby: "Sister, please don't tease me. In my opinion, Madam's actions are either, as you say, just a way to tidy up her dowry chests out of boredom, or..." She deliberately paused, clearly keeping him in suspense.
"Or what?" Aunt Ru finally couldn't help but ask curiously.
Aunt Wen leaned closer to Aunt Ru and lowered her voice, "Either something has happened between Master and Madam."
Aunt Ru was stunned when she heard this. She hadn't expected that Aunt Wen, who looked so gentle and weak, would have such a sharp mind. She had actually guessed the truth of the matter.
"Sister? Why are you spacing out all of a sudden?" Aunt Wen asked.
"I was just thinking... that my sister's guess was a bit too bold," Aunt Ru said softly, clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand.
“Sister, you should also think carefully about your own situation. If the master and madam really are... then isn’t this your chance?” Aunt Wen’s eyes flickered, her tone tinged with a hint of probing, as she smiled.
“Opportunity?” Aunt Ru snorted softly, tilting her head slightly. “You don’t need to urge me on here. I was redeemed from the brothel by the master. I know my status is lowly. As long as the master can still come to the backyard to keep me company from time to time, I will be content.”
Upon hearing this, Aunt Wen looked at Aunt Ru with some surprise. She really hadn't expected that Aunt Ru, who seemed to always strive to be first and win favor, would actually be so clear about her own position and status.
"Sister, you are so insightful; I underestimated you. But, sister, aren't you even a little curious about this matter?" Aunt Wen came back to her senses, her gentle smile returning to her face, and asked in a low voice.
A hint of disdain flashed in Aunt Ru's eyes: "If you're so inclined, then go ahead and do it. I'm tired. Please leave."
Aunt Wen's smiling face stiffened slightly upon hearing this before she said, "Then, sister, please rest well. I'll be going now."
On the other side, Lu Wuniang was carefully counting her dowry in the courtyard.
She opened each of the dowry chests one by one, then took out the items inside to examine them. Looking at these exquisite items from the past, Lu Wu Niang no longer felt any attachment. She smiled and beckoned Li Mama over, saying, "I remember you have a nephew who has been working outside. Does he have any free time now?"
Madam Li said, "If Madam needs Junping's help, just give the order. This boy is a tough fellow, and it's a blessing for him to be able to run errands for Madam now."
Lu Wuniang laughed upon hearing this, "You always know how to make me happy. Today, you should have Junping go out and inquire about the market, and sell all these useless things."
Upon hearing this, Madam Li was greatly alarmed: "Madam, this is unacceptable! These are all dowry items that the Old Madam personally prepared for you!"
Lu Wuniang said, "A dowry is an inanimate object, but a person is alive. In the future, our family will need money for everything, including food, clothing, and daily necessities. What's the point of keeping it? I might as well sell it all together and save myself trouble in the future."
"Madam, you've been wronged." Mother Li wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief and said, her voice choked with sobs.
“You!” Lu Wu Niang grasped Li Mama’s hand: “From now on, all the days will be good, and there will be no more grievances.”
"Yes, yes, I understand. Madam, please rest assured, I will go to Junping now and explain everything in detail," said Mama Li.
"Go then."
While Lu Wuniang was tidying up her dowry, Song Ce told her that he had something to do and needed to leave the mansion. After receiving Lu Wuniang's permission, he carried a bamboo basket and went to Yongyang Taoist Temple.
Autumn had arrived, and there were noticeably fewer people heading to Yongyang Taoist Temple. Instead of going directly into the temple, Song Ce quickly walked towards the back mountain of Yongyang Taoist Temple.
After walking along two long paths, Song Ce finally heard some noise. He followed the sound and finally found the little dog whose front leg was caught in a wooden trap.
The puppy was clearly well cared for; its gray and white fur was glossy and it was wearing a brocade jacket. When it saw Song Ce coming over, it didn't reject his approach, but instead looked at him with a wronged expression and whimpered.
Seeing this, Song Ce laughed and picked up the dog, holding it in his arms. "Don't move, I'll help you take the wooden clip off."
The animal trap must have been set by a hunter living nearby, probably thinking that if some unlucky rabbit or pheasant stepped on it, it would bring in extra income. Little did he expect this little dog to accidentally step on it. Soon, Song Ce removed the wooden trap and carefully placed it back where it was.
The little dog wasn't afraid of strangers, and since Song Ce had just rescued it, it drooped its head and nestled obediently in Song Ce's arms, whimpering softly. Song Ce smiled at this and carried it all the way into Yongyang Taoist Temple, carefully explaining the situation to the young Taoist priests there.
The young Taoist was kind-hearted; after hearing this, he led Song Ce into the temple.
As the two were walking, they saw two servants coming from a distance, anxiously calling out, "Dexi, where have you been playing? Come out quickly! Dexi, little Dexi!"
"I don't know where this little rascal has gone to play. We've been looking for him for so long but haven't found him!" one of the taller servants said anxiously.
"This is the master's lifeline! We have to hurry!" another round-faced servant said, and then imitated Dexi's barking a few times.
At this moment, Dexi, in Song Ce's arms, heard the familiar voice and responded with a few barks. The two servants' eyes lit up when they heard the noise, and then they saw a young man in blue holding the little darling not far away, with a little Taoist boy beside him.
The two servants rushed forward, their voices trembling with tears: "Oh, my little darling, we've finally found you!"
The young Taoist priest was a lively boy, and upon seeing this, he quickly said, "Young men, is this your dog? This young master just brought it over, saying it was injured, and we were just about to take it to get some medicine!"
"That's right, that's right, this is our Dexi. He ran out of his room to play today. Little rascal, we've been looking for him for ages!" said the round-faced servant.
"Young master, what happened to Dexi? I just heard it was injured?" the taller servant asked hurriedly.
“That’s right. Just now, when I went to the back mountain to gather herbs, I happened to find this little guy with his front leg caught in a wooden trap, so I brought him here. I have some basic medical knowledge, so I took a quick look at him. The little guy’s front leg is fine. He just needs some medicine and a few days of rest and he’ll be all better,” Song Ce said.
"Good, good! We are very grateful to you for your kindness, young master!" the two said in unison.
"It was nothing, just a small favor. Now that you've found it, take it back and give it some medicine!" Song Ce said, reaching out to hand Dexi to them. Unexpectedly, Dexi bared its teeth and growled a few times, refusing to let them hold it.
"Young master, to be honest, Dexi is quite fierce. Apart from our master, none of us servants are allowed to hold it normally. I didn't expect it to be so well-behaved today. I thought it had changed its nature, but it still won't let us hold it." The round-faced servant said with a wry smile.
"Then... what should we do? It's injured now, and we need to apply medicine as soon as possible," Song Ce said with some worry.
"This might be a problem for you, young master." The taller servant smiled. "Our master is currently in the hermitage talking with Daoist Wuwang, and it's inconvenient to disturb him at this time. Would you please come back with us, young master, and apply some medicine to Dexi first? Is that alright?"
Song Ce looked down at Dexi in his arms and saw that it was looking at him pitifully. He nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll go with you. I'll go home after I've applied the medicine."
"That's wonderful! We are extremely grateful that the young master is willing to come and help," the tall servant said hurriedly.
Before long, they arrived at a quiet courtyard.
"Young Master, we've arrived." After saying this, the round-faced servant stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a short while, the door opened, and a man who looked like a steward came out. When he saw Dexi lying in Song Ce's arms, his expression changed drastically. "Shunmo, Shunbi, what's going on? Why is Dexi so listless?"
Shunmo and Shunbi quickly recounted the whole story. After listening, the steward's expression softened, and he looked at Song Ce and said, "Thank you very much, young master. Please come in!"
Song Ce nodded and followed the butler to a side hall.
The steward first instructed the round-faced Shunbi to bring tea and snacks to entertain the guests, and then asked the tall Shunmo to quickly fetch the ointment that was usually prepared for Dexi.
Song Ce sat in the hall, raising his hand to gently stroke Dexi's head. Dexi didn't resist, whimpering and squinting his eyes in his arms. The steward was also surprised to see this, then smiled and said, "Dexi really likes the young master."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce smiled somewhat embarrassedly and said, "De Xisheng is pleasing to the eye and not afraid of people, so I like him very much."
After the two had talked for a while, the steward had a clear understanding of Song Ce's behavior. It seemed that this was not something the man had done intentionally, but rather an unexpected twist of fate.
Soon after, Shunmo brought over the ointment. Song Ce took it and first used warm water to carefully wash away the dirt around Dexi's wound, then gently applied the ointment to the wound, and finally carefully bandaged the wound neatly with a clean strip of cloth.
Seeing this, the steward felt a greater sense of goodwill towards Song Ce. "Judging from your technique, young master, you must have studied medicine. You are much more meticulous than the servants in the manor."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce smiled shyly and said, "You flatter me. I have only learned a little bit from my master."
The butler nodded after hearing this. He was about to ask another question when a series of hurried footsteps came from the courtyard, followed by a deep voice: "Guan Mao, Dexi, how is he?"
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Author's Note: I forgot to submit this for review, so please kneel down obediently~
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