Chapter 104 Three People Drinking Together
Song Sanchun's eyes flickered, knowing that Song Yiqiu knew.
She stubbornly turned her head away:
"I... I'm just repaying the favor of sparing your life before. From now on... we're even!"
After saying that, as if afraid that Song Yiqiu would say something else, he left quickly, almost as if fleeing in panic.
Watching Song Sanchun's departing figure, Ruan Tianxin asked curiously:
"So Miss Sanchun is Sister Yiqiu's older sister? I never expected that."
Song Yiqiu replied calmly:
"I guess so. You know her?"
Ruan Tianxin immediately perked up and said with a touch of pride:
"Of course! She's quite famous at Feizhi Pavilion. I even tried to get a painting from her before, but I haven't seen her there much lately. Miss Sanchun's paintings have superb artistic conception, first-class brushwork, and... the prices are especially reasonable!"
Bai Mei exaggeratedly covered her mouth:
"I didn't expect Miss Sanchun to be so amazing."
Looking in the direction she disappeared, I couldn't help but laugh:
"But it's really interesting. He was clearly very worried, but when he saw that the young lady had returned safely, he couldn't wait to confirm it. Yet he still had to pretend to be indifferent. It was so awkward and cute."
Song Yiqiu smiled slightly, said nothing more, and turned to walk into the main courtyard.
The people inside must be getting impatient.
As soon as Song Yiqiu stepped into the main courtyard, Wang Feiran, who had been waiting by the stone table, immediately stood up, quickly stepped forward, his eyes slightly red, and was about to bow deeply to Song Yiqiu:
"Miss Song!"
Song Yiqiu reacted quickly, gently supporting her arm to prevent her from actually bowing down.
“Miss Wang, there’s no need for such a grand gesture.”
Wang Feiran looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude:
“Miss Song, if it weren’t for you and His Highness the Crown Prince speaking up for justice before the Emperor and proving the innocence of my Wang family, my entire Wang family would probably have already… already lost their heads. How could I have the chance to stand here and speak to you?”
“You saved the lives of my entire Wang family. This kindness and virtue is heavier than Mount Tai. From now on, I, Wang Feiran, am willing to follow General Song’s lead. I will never refuse any command.”
Looking at her sincere expression, Song Yiqiu couldn't help but smile and patted the back of her hand:
“Miss Wang, you flatter me. I’m helping you not because I want you to do anything for me. It’s just that we are both descendants of loyal and virtuous people. If we let these loyal and virtuous people be wronged and their bloodline end, wouldn’t that chill the hearts of all those with aspirations in the world? Who would be willing to serve this court and this world in the future? This is my duty, so there’s no need to worry about it.”
Wang Feiran shook her head vigorously, her attitude resolute:
“Miss Song has a magnanimous mind and a broad heart, which I greatly admire. But a life-saving grace is a life-saving grace, how can I not thank you? If Miss Song ever needs my help or the Wang family's help in the future, please just ask, and the entire Wang family will do its utmost!”
Seeing her insistence, Song Yiqiu stopped refusing and took her hand, smiling as she said:
"Since you've put it that way, Fei Ran, then I won't stand on ceremony. Speaking of which, there is indeed something I'd like to ask for your help with right now."
Wang Feiran immediately said seriously:
"What is it, Miss? Please speak. As long as it is something Fei Ran can do, I will definitely do it without hesitation."
"It's about the poetry gathering last time, the one I asked you about my grandmother, Madam Shen, and her past relationships with the palace... especially with the late Consort Hui."
Wang Feiran nodded knowingly and whispered:
"My father couldn't discuss this matter in detail last time because His Highness the Crown Prince was present. He later specifically instructed me that if there was an opportunity, I should invite Miss to the manor for a chat, and he would tell you in detail about some of the old stories he knew."
Song Yiqiu understood and nodded, saying:
"Alright, then I'll trouble Feiran to arrange the time."
"You're too kind, Miss. Just call me Feiran."
Wang Feiran's tone became much more friendly.
"Okay, Fei Ran."
Song Yiqiu readily agreed and immediately turned to instruct:
"Bai Mei, go and fetch that jar of fine locust blossom wine that I've been keeping in my room, and prepare a few refreshing side dishes. Today, we reunite with an old friend, and my grievances have been cleared; let's raise a toast!"
"Yes, Miss!"
Bai Mei happily responded and left.
Ruan Tianxin, who had been quietly observing, blinked her big eyes and leaned closer:
"Wow! There's wine! Sister Yiqiu, Sister Feiran, it seems I've arrived just in time! How could I miss out on such a joyous occasion?"
She took Wang Feiran's hand in a familiar manner.
"Sister Feiran, it's been a long time! You're Sister Yiqiu's friend, so you're my friend, Ruan Tianxin's friend too. If anyone bullies you in the capital, count me in."
Wang Feiran was infected by her lively personality and smiled as well. Although she was not very familiar with this Miss Ruan, she must be a person of character to have won Song Yiqiu's favor.
Song Yiqiu looked at the two of them, a slight smile playing on her lips, and raised the locust blossom wine that Bai Mei had just filled, the delicate fragrance of locust blossoms surrounding the three of them:
"Today, Fei Ran has escaped his predicament, and Tian Xin is by his side; it is all fate. This capital city may seem prosperous, but in reality, there are turbulent undercurrents, and one cannot stand alone. The three of us, though from different backgrounds and with different circumstances, share the same ideals. Why not join hands and walk together? From now on, we will share both fortune and misfortune, and help each other. What do you say?"
Having experienced a major upheaval in his family, Wang Feiran knew all too well the horrors of power struggles. Without hesitation, he raised his glass and solemnly said:
"Sister Yiqiu has given me a second life, and Sister Tianxin is sincere and lovely. It is a great blessing to be able to join hands with both of you. From now on, we will be of one heart and one mind and never betray each other!"
Ruan Tianxin also put away her joking expression and became unusually serious:
“Although I, Ruan Tianxin, am of humble status, I will never back down from the people and things I have decided on. Sister Yiqiu helps me protect my family business, and Sister Feiran is from a family of loyal and virtuous people. It is a great honor for me to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. From now on, we are all in the same boat, sharing both good times and bad.”
The three cups gently clinked together.
...
In the stillness of the night, the moonlight shone like a ribbon.
Wang Feiran and Ruan Tianxin have been safely returned home. The courtyard has quieted down, with only the occasional faint chirping of cicadas.
Song Yiqiu leaned alone against the old locust tree in the courtyard, covered with a thin blanket left by Qingzhu.
She picked up another unopened flask of wine, broke the clay seal, tilted her head back, and took a swig. The spicy and sweet wine slid down her throat, and the moonlight blurred in her eyes.
Qingzhu, still worried, came out to check again and whispered:
"Miss, it's late and the dew is heavy, why don't you go back to your room?"
Song Yiqiu waved to her, her gaze falling on Bai Mei, who was fast asleep by the stone table, smacking her lips. She spoke lazily:
"It's alright, I'll sit for a while longer. You all go and rest, don't worry about me."
Knowing her temperament, Qingzhu could only sigh, help Baimei up, and silently retreat.
Song Yiqiu drank another half pot of wine by herself, her eyes growing increasingly unfocused, her thoughts seemingly drifting away.
Just then, she vaguely saw a figure leaning against the shadows at the courtyard gate.
The man was dressed in a crimson robe, and his upright posture made him stand out in the moonlight.
Seeing Song Yiqiu looking over, he slowly walked closer, a roguish smile reaching his ears:
"General Song, you're drinking alone here without even inviting your subordinates. Isn't that too much of a formality? I've been running around doing everything for you, handling all those shady and troublesome matters."
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