Chapter 1 Entering the Capital to Enjoy Wealth
The carriage moved slowly along the dirt road, its wheels squeaking monotonously over the gravel. The horse's hooves clattered against the ground, raising fine dust that shone faintly golden in the morning light.
Song Qianzhao huddled in the open carriage, the biting cold wind forcing her to clasp her arms tightly against her chest. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably, making tiny, creaking noises.
Suddenly, a thick coat flew through the air. Song Qianzhao quickly caught it and nodded in thanks to the man on horseback. At this moment, Xunjiu, who was standing beside him, suddenly sneezed loudly. Song Qianzhao turned to see Xunjiu's nose red, his mucus running, and his thin body trembling like a fallen leaf.
She stared at the coat in her hand for a long time, finally sighed, and threw the coat to Xunjiu.
"Master, I'm not cold." Xun Jiu waved his hands hurriedly, but there was an obvious tremor in his voice.
"Put it on." Song Qianzhao said firmly.
"But Master..."
"Just wear it if I tell you to." Seeing that he was still trying to refuse, Song Qianzhao's voice suddenly turned cold.
Wang Feng, a bearded man on horseback, saw this and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You're a good kid. You'll definitely be able to make a big splash in the capital in the future. But you should change your habit of bragging."
Song Qianzhao rubbed the tip of his nose, which was red from the cold, and said helplessly, "I really am Song Jian's grandson!"
Xunjiu also chimed in, "My young master didn't lie!"
Everyone burst into laughter again when they heard this.
"If you are really the grandson of Lord Song, then I am still his son!" the leading escort joked.
Wang Feng patted the saddle and advised earnestly, "Everyone knows that the Song family has no male heirs. Although you can brag to the sky, you just said this to us for fun. If you still act so ignorantly after entering the capital, you will get into trouble."
Song Qianzhao looked at the disapproving expressions of the crowd and could only smile bitterly and shake his head. This kind of conversation had been repeated countless times along the way.
But Song Qianzhao really didn't lie.
Late one night last month, she half-asleeply called a friend who was enthusiastically recounting the plot of a novel. Through her drowsiness, she could only vaguely recall a few details: During the previous emperor's reign, a corrupt and powerful official, Li Shufeng, formed a clique for personal gain. After the previous emperor's death, the newly ascended emperor issued an imperial decree to confiscate the property of his followers and execute them; there was also a character named Song Qianzhao, who offended the powerful Prince Su and was ultimately murdered; and then there was the incident of the lightning that struck Qianyuan Hall.
She was so sleepy that she fell asleep before her friend could finish. Unexpectedly, when she woke up, she had transformed into Song Qianzhao from the book. Looking back now, she felt a surge of regret. If she had forced herself to listen to the entire story, she could at least make a living in this world by playing tricks on others with her foresight.
This body's biological father had abandoned his wife and daughter before she was born to pursue his studies far away, rarely returning home. In the strict patriarchal dynasty, a single daughter was destined to be looked down upon and criticized. Her mother gritted her teeth and raised her as a boy, a disguise that lasted for eighteen years.
This year, my mother passed away due to illness from overwork.
Before the white banners in the mourning hall were removed, a letter arrived from Ru'an in the capital by express horse.
Song Jian, formerly a high-ranking official, was framed by his political enemies five years ago and exiled to Guangyin County, Mingzhou. Due to his remarkable achievements in flood control and land reclamation, the emperor summoned him back to the capital and promoted him to the rank of Ming Sizhongjian. However, after twenty years of ups and downs in the political arena, he still had no son to carry on the family line, a fact that weighed heavily on his mind.
By chance, the biological father who had been wandering for ten years met Lord Song, who was impressed by his good character and outstanding knowledge and made an exception to adopt him as his adopted son.
As the saying goes, "If one son becomes a monk, seven generations of ancestors will ascend to heaven." When Lord Song was promoted, his son Song Qianzhao, as his adopted son, naturally benefited as well.
The carriage moved slowly forward. Song Qianzhao leaned against the cargo, her eyes fixed on the sky, and she stopped arguing with the people around her. Since she was in power, her clansmen had already sent a dozen men to escort her on her journey in order to curry favor with her. However, they had never imagined that they would be intercepted four times, and almost all of their guards were killed, leaving only Xunjiu. If she hadn't boarded this caravan, the consequences would have been disastrous. Now that she was without her many guards, her story alone was completely unreliable, so it was understandable that others didn't believe her.
The duck-green river water spread out like brocade, reflecting the azure sky with a few white clouds floating leisurely. The scenery was clear and bright, and Song Qianzhao's mood also became relaxed. She half-closed her eyes and began to imagine the luxurious life in the future, playing with birds and flowers.
It was almost noon, and the breeze was gentle. The sun shone through the gaps between the branches and leaves, wrapping the body in a warm and drowsy feeling. Song Qianzhao leaned lazily against the railing of the car, his eyelids gradually growing heavy.
"Master! Master! We're in the capital!"
Xunjiu's exclamation suddenly woke her up. Song Qianzhao rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked up - she saw the towering city gate in the distance, with its red lacquered eaves, carved beams and painted buildings, gleaming in the sunlight, so magnificent that it took her breath away.
Someone couldn't contain his excitement and shouted, "This trip to the capital is a journey to a bright future!"
This remark struck a chord with everyone, and for a moment, there was a burst of agreement. Song Qianzhao was in a good mood. He stood up, holding onto the carriage railing, and said loudly: "This trip to the capital will bring you all the wealth and splendor of the world!"
As soon as he finished speaking, there was another burst of laughter. Wang Feng glanced at him and shook his head helplessly.
"Snap!" The horsewhip cracked and the wheels rolled. Before Song Qianzhao could stand firmly, he stumbled and fell onto the carriage board.
The Jubao Gate stood majestically, like a coiled dragon and crouching tiger, dominating the heavens and the earth. Seeing their destination approaching, everyone's heart surged with excitement, as if they had already seen the magnificent scenery behind the gate, piled with splendor and prosperous like a dream.
…
After entering the city gate, everyone bowed and said goodbye, each going their own way.
Wang Feng noticed Song Qianzhao who was about to get off the car, and asked curiously, "Little brother, where are you going?"
Upon hearing this, everyone who was originally in a hurry to visit the streets of Beijing stopped and looked at Song Qianzhao in unison.
"To my grandfather's house."
As expected, this remark caused another burst of laughter.
Wang Feng shook his head helplessly, took out twenty coins from his pocket and stuffed them into Song Qianzhao's pocket: "Your sister-in-law is very strict, and these are all I have left. If you have any difficulties in the future, you can come to the Zuifeng Teahouse on Mingchuan Street to find me."
Before Song Qianzhao could even thank him, the driver whipped his horse to spur him on. The horse snorted, puffing out a puff of white air, neighed loudly, and broke into a spurt of its hooves. In a flash, the carriage disappeared around the corner.
Song Qianzhao looked down at the copper coin in his palm and said to himself: Zuifeng Teahouse, I got it.
This place is still far from Song Mansion.
Song Qianzhao asked seven or eight passers-by on the street before he finally figured out which road to take to get to the Song Mansion.
Of course, Song Qianzhao did not give up enjoying the street scenery while walking.
Divided by a stone arch bridge, there are endless shops on both sides, including cloth shops, drug stores, pawn shops, rice shops, bookstores, shoe stores, etc.
The calm lake surface was stirred up by waves, and the mood of Song Qianzhao and the others was as joyful as the waves. Standing here, it felt as if they were in the ancient painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival".
The two of them walked around for a while and finally arrived at their destination.
Two bluestone lions squatted in front of the Song Mansion, with curly manes, wide-open eyes, and stone beads rolling in their mouths, but they did not move at all.
There were about ten people in gorgeous clothes and hats sitting in front of the door.
The entrance is wide and bright, with a high platform. The ground of the gate is three to five inches higher than the street. When Song Qianzhao stepped onto the steps, he felt like he was climbing higher and higher.
Just as she was about to explain her purpose, a shout came from the gatekeeper, who frowned and said, "Stop! Is this the place where you can beg?"
"We are from Ruzhou, and our surname is Song."
The servant seemed stunned, his mouth open, unable to speak for a long time. After a long while, he said, "Really?"
Just as Song Qianzhao and the other man's expressions relaxed, a mocking laugh was heard.
"Haha! This month, I've seen people from Ruzhou named Song no less than eight times."
After saying this, the servant's face became solemn, and his tone was a little more angry. He said in a loud voice: "Go back to where you came from. How dare you pretend to be someone like that? Get away from me now! Don't be an eyesore here!"
Song Qianzhao didn't say much. He took out the seal and the letter written by his father from his bag and threw them directly in the servant's face.
“Here’s the proof!”
The servant was about to yell back angrily, but after hearing these words and seeing that the man was very courageous, unlike others who were dull and empty-mouthed, his face froze. He picked up the document on the ground and took a look. The words on the paper were actually true!
Knowing he had offended his true master, the servant's face changed color and he quickly bowed and smiled apologetically: "I am blind and have offended my master. I truly deserve death! Master, please give me a beating or scolding. I am willing to accept the punishment."
Song Qianzhao said lightly: "No need!"
The servant was frightened to the point of turning pale. He cursed himself inwardly and said pitifully, "There are so many people impersonating others these days. You think it's the same as before."
"Okay," Song Qianzhao said helplessly, "I understand, I understand. Take me to see the elders quickly."
"Young Master, this way please!"
After turning a corner and passing a screen wall at the entrance, a winding corridor suddenly unfolds before your eyes. Beneath the bluestone steps, a corridor paved with colorful cobblestones glows warmly in the sunlight.
The servant led Song Qianzhao to wait in the corridor for a while, and soon brought in a middle-aged man.
The man was of medium build, about forty years old, and wore a plain, starched, indigo shirt. His features shone with a calm wisdom, and his every move exuded a dignity that commanded no slight.
"This is the steward Huang from the mansion." The servant bowed and introduced.
The steward stepped forward and bowed properly: "Greetings, young master." His voice was neither humble nor arrogant, and his face was as calm as water.
Song Qianzhao returned the greeting and said, "Please take me to see the elder."
"It's really unfortunate today," Manager Huang bowed slightly, "The master is discussing important matters with his son-in-law. Young master is tired from the journey, so it's better for you to rest as soon as possible and go to see him tomorrow when you have the energy." Although his voice was slow, it revealed that there was no room for negotiation.
Although this makes sense, it still sounds a bit strange.
Manager Huang was polite, but Song Qianzhao still saw a hint of indifference on his face.
Among all the people, he was able to take over the position of manager, which shows how important he is in his grandfather's heart.
This person's ambiguous attitude also indirectly reflects her grandfather's likes and dislikes towards her.
What's more, his father Song Fu recognized Song Jian as his father, so the servants naturally called him Master, and Song Jian was naturally one level higher and was called Old Master.
At this moment, there is no change in the title, which shows that my father is really not loved by my grandfather. If he is not loved, why would he be adopted as his son?
Did something happen before she came?
Song Qianzhao thought deeply.
My father is the heir of the Song family in name only, so I am also the young master of the Song family in name only.
Then, the life of luxury that she had imagined before would be a joke.
What happened? Song Qianzhao couldn't figure it out, but the ancients said: Filial piety comes first, and being unfilial is a sin. So in order to avoid being criticized in the future, he must go and pay his respects today.
Thinking of this, Song Qianzhao said coldly: "Serve your parents with respect, are you trying to stop me from being filial to my elders?"
Manager Huang was shocked and quickly denied it.
"In that case, why don't you take me to meet my grandfather?"
Seeing that he was so persistent and would not tolerate any discussion, Manager Huang felt helpless and had to step forward to lead the way.
The Song Mansion's grandeur was truly extraordinary. Its blue brick walls snaked like a dragon, its black tiles stacked in layers. Passing through the doorway, the view suddenly opened up. Pavilions and towers were built according to the terrain, their eaves and brackets revealing ingenuity.
When they reached a moon-shaped door, Steward Huang raised his hand to stop. He bowed slightly and said in a calm voice, "Young Master, please wait here for a moment." After saying that, he turned and disappeared into the depths of the corridor, leaving Song Qianzhao standing alone.
A path leads to the top of a small hill on the lakeshore, where a pavilion stands. Its glazed tile roof gleams in the morning sun.
A person under the pavilion is warming a cup and turning it, which looks like a flywheel spinning or dancing flowers.
The other person was talking non-stop.
The steward walked up a few steps of stone stairs and came to the pavilion's corridor. He walked along the corridor to the center of the pavilion and said to the two of them, "The young master has arrived!"
"arrive?"
The two were surprised.
He Jingyi paused as he poured the tea, bewildered, "Is Mingtai here? He hasn't had his day off yet, so shouldn't he be studying at the academy right now?"
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