Chapter 100 The Lady's Father
On the street, young children chased each other, wielding sticks and rattles; peddlers came and went; and idle pedestrians stood by the roadside, chatting loudly, occasionally expressing their worries about life, but mostly talking about their hopes for tomorrow.
Twenty years ago, such a scene only existed in dreams.
Song Shenzhi still has some memories of his childhood.
His family were just ordinary small business owners. His parents were still alive then, but they lived in constant fear, keeping him confined to his home. Before long, they both fell ill, and he was subsequently kicked out of his home, ending up on the streets.
Life is hard for a little beggar, especially for a little beggar who doesn't know how to fight for his rights.
When Song Shenzhi first feigned weakness and broke the leg of a much larger beggar, he suddenly understood why he had been kicked out of his home.
That year, his parents and grandparents passed away one after another, and his family's property was taken over by his uncle. His cousin was domineering and liked to bully him. One winter day, he picked up a stone, smashed someone's head, and pushed the person into the water.
He was severely beaten and kicked out of the house.
They really should get rid of him, otherwise he might actually kill them.
He was ruthless by nature. Although he was kicked out of his home, he thrived on the streets, quickly gathering a group of people, establishing his own territory, begging for food on the streets, and occasionally collecting protection money.
He always carefully assesses his target before making a move, which is why he is always successful and rarely fails.
Song Shang was one of them.
There are no such things as perfect encounters. When he first met Song Shang, he was only attracted by his luxurious clothes, gentle demeanor, and expensive gold and jade. He took advantage of the chaos to steal some of his belongings, then secretly kept them, not intending to tell anyone.
He planned to hide the items, and then, in a couple of years when he was older, pawn them somewhere else and change his identity.
That very night, when he returned with the stolen candy, he saw that pampered man sitting in their dilapidated hideout, flipping through the book he had stolen from outside, looking at his crude territory planning.
His 'brothers' all huddled together like quails, completely motionless.
This is how Song Shenzhi and Song Shang first met.
So Song Shang named him Shen (慎), hoping he would act cautiously in the future. Later, he gradually changed his temperament and sent him to the army, where he stayed for eight years.
Over the course of eight years, he returned home only a handful of times, each trip lasting no more than half a month before he had to rush off to the frontier. He had very few opportunities to spend time with the Song merchants, and he rarely had time to stroll around Yong'an City, let alone spend time with his five brothers together.
The last time they were together was the day before he went to the military camp.
The year he left, the city wasn't like this.
In just a few years, the population and housing in Yong'an City have continued to expand, and the people live and work in peace and contentment.
Song Shenzhi couldn't help but feel moved; only in this way could the selfless sacrifices of the soldiers on the frontier have meaning.
Song Shenzhi, dressed in red armor with a long sword at his waist, walked with a bold and decisive gait, his brows furrowed with righteous indignation, a far cry from his former sinister and ruthless appearance. He sighed...
"Yong'an City is getting better every day. No, it should be said that Dayan is getting better every day. Not to mention Yong'an City, just look at the frontier. When I first went there, there were only soldiers everywhere. Now, merchants and wandering knights come in droves every year, and several small towns have sprung up around it."
Song Qingzhi was most interested in these things. He was born in the northern desert and was a merchant who spent several months of the year traveling for business. He asked, "Are there more people there? How are the land prices over there? Is the soil and water plentiful? If possible, I'd like to buy some land to grow fruit. Last year, some merchants from the northern desert brought over dried fruit, and it tasted sweeter than the fruit here."
Song Shenzhi raised an eyebrow: "The northern desert has plenty of everything except land. Fruit doesn't need to be planted; it's everywhere. But it's difficult to transport it out, so it's not cost-effective."
Now, that area mainly consists of furs, gemstones, blankets, and livestock.
Song Qingzhi's green eyes gleamed with smugness: "You don't understand. As long as the goods are good, you're not afraid of bad luck; you're afraid of good luck."
If you sell too much, you won't get a good price; if you sell too little, it'll be just right.
Song Shenzhi, unaware of these things, shook his head: "Suit yourself, just don't come looking for me if you lose money, I don't have any."
Song Anzhi clicked his tongue and said, "No, Third Brother, you've acquired quite a few good things over the years, haven't you? I haven't seen you take them out. What, are you saving them all up to get married?"
Song Shenzhi rolled his eyes: "Get lost. All the pigs in the military camp are male, where would you find wives? But you, and you, none of you three have made a move. What's going on?"
When this topic came up, Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi fell silent.
One of them was more beautiful than a flower, while the other was busy making money and had little interest in getting married.
Song Shunzhi was about to pick up his fiancée; this topic was none of his concern.
Only Song Xingzhi remained. He had recently been betrayed by two people close to him, and when he talked about it, he looked dejected and said coldly, "What, don't you think my room is messy enough?"
After being betrayed by Chun Yuan and Xia Hua, he now felt uncomfortable looking at everyone else, experiencing for the first time the troubles that come with women.
Seeing him like this, Song Shenzhi was very gloating.
The three of them were brought back one after the other. Song Shunzhi was a little better; he had always been quiet and focused on his own work, and generally wouldn't fight with them.
He and Song Xingzhi were two very different people. One was ruthless because his entire family was wiped out, and the other was inherently cunning. They couldn't stand each other and fought many times.
Now that Song Xingzhi has been betrayed, Song Shenzhi is the one who's most eager to kick him while he's down. He urges, "Hey, it's just two maids missing. I'll go buy you four more, how about that?"
Song Xingzhi looked at him coldly and sneered, "You should mind your own business, you fool who wants to marry into the family."
Song Shenzhi stiffened his neck, his dark face immediately turning red: "What do you know, you...you..."
Why would someone who knows everything say that about him?
His father, too, why only talk to this person? Is he really that bad at keeping secrets?
Song Xingzhi smiled and added, "Exceptionally intelligent, truly deserving of the reputation."
Song Shenzhi chuckled: "Shameless!"
...
The two started arguing.
Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi watched the spectacle with amusement, while Song Shunzhi, who didn't participate, searched the surroundings several times before finally pinpointing the children playing nearby.
"Which way did Xiaohua and the others go? Did they follow the princess?"
The one caught was a brat sent from Shangyang Village who had sneaked out to be lazy. Caught like this, he clutched his head in frustration: "Princess, he was just here a moment ago, then he went that way. Let me see... You should go straight to the martial arts school; they usually go there last."
Song Shunzhi: "So you know all this? Aren't you afraid we're the bad guys?"
The little boy rolled his eyes and pointed at the five of them: "One, two, three, four, five, I know you, the princess's five unlucky older brothers."
Unlucky older brother Song Shunzhi: "...You're quite good at guessing."
He couldn't resist pinching his cheek, and under the man's angry glare, silently pulled out a large coin and handed it to him, immediately earning a big smile and sweet words in return.
The children at the Shangyang Village Orphanage are all incredibly clever; the orphanage director must have put in a lot of effort over the years.
His father is also incredibly kind.
Thinking about it, Song Shunzhi became even more eager to see the person. He quickened his pace and walked towards the martial arts school, arriving here in about fifteen minutes.
Among the various sounds, the clanging of blacksmithing was particularly loud, and the people standing inside looked quite familiar.
"Third Young Master, you're out having fun too?"
Xiao Er was selling candied hawthorns on the side. When she saw Song Shunzhi and the others, she ran over with the hawthorn stick in her hand, looking like a little child, and was a head taller than their waists.
Looking at her giggling expression, Song Shunzhi's lips twitched: "...You're selling candied hawthorns here?"
Song Shunzhi didn't know about the others, but he had heard about Xiao Mei and Xiao Er. The two of them were currently receiving a share of the Song family's money, plus another share from the mother and daughter. They had quite a bit of gold and jade on them, so they didn't need the money for a few candied hawthorns.
With a candied hawthorn in her mouth, Xiao Er said, "Just selling them for fun when I have nothing better to do. Would you like a skewer, Third Young Master?"
As they spoke, Song Xingzhi and his companions slowed their pace and came over. The moment they stopped, each of them was handed a string of bright red, round candied hawthorns.
Song Qingzhi, being young, didn't think it was childish. He took a bite and looked at Xiao Er with a puzzled expression: "What are you doing here?"
Little Ears clicked: "I'm right here. But what brings the five young masters here today? Shouldn't you be at the execution ground?"
She had originally planned to go, but ultimately didn't have the courage. Since she was busy here, she came here to have some fun, and occasionally even managed to greet people.
Song Qingzhi also snapped a few photos: "Look who's here! Little sister, is your wife here? Did you make these candied hawthorns yourself? They're quite delicious!"
Xiao Er shook her head, the jade pendant filling the gap on her left ear quite conspicuous. She asked in confusion, "I bought it from someone else, intending to give it to the little children. Miss hasn't arrived yet. Do you gentlemen have something urgent to discuss with her?"
The other four people who hadn't eaten yet silently stuck the candied hawthorns back onto the haystack.
Song Qingzhi suddenly lost interest in the candied hawthorn in his mouth and gave a dry laugh: "You're so generous? Is your monthly allowance enough to live on?"
Little Ears puffed out: "That's enough, that's enough! The manor provides five taels of silver a month, plus clothes, jewelry, and haircuts. We can't possibly spend it all!"
Song Qingzhi: "You ignorant little girl, five taels of silver is too much? You can't even make a decent silver hairpin."
Small ears and big, bright eyes: "Silver hairpins aren't edible. If I ate refined rice instead, I'd be stuffed to death in a month."
Song Qingzhi clicked his tongue: "Useless."
Little Ear muttered, "What ambition do I, a mere girl, need to achieve?"
Xiao Er had grown up in the Song family since childhood and didn't have a strong sense of master and servant. After she came, her brothers could see that Song Jin and Niu Tielan treated the two maids differently and were not as casual with them as they were with other maids.
Not to mention, Xiao Er is short, has big eyes, a round face with a bit of baby fat, and a lively personality, just like a little doll, making it hard for anyone to argue with her.
Song Shenzhi looked at Xiao Er, pondered for a moment, and said, "You look somewhat familiar."
Song Qingzhi had a hard time explaining: "How could I not recognize the little maidservant beside my sister?"
Song Shenzhi ignored him and carefully examined Xiao Er. He was tall, with dark skin, piercing eyes, and an imposing aura.
Xiao Er only reached his waist, and feeling a little intimidated by his gaze, she took a step back, holding the stack of candied hawthorns in front of her, then hid behind her, becoming wary: "I, I, Miss will be here in a moment."
Song Shenzhi found it amusing, and with a smirk, he teased, "So what if she comes? If she comes, she'll stand up for you and go against me, her older brother?"
Little Ear took two steps back, glaring, "Otherwise what?"
Seeing her confidence, Song Shenzhi raised an eyebrow and twisted his neck: "Then I'll have to give it a try."
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand, the armor on his thick arm clanging loudly, his large palm covered with calluses and scars of all sizes, looking as if he could crush a head with a single slap. He swung it heavily, creating a loud blast.
Little Ear couldn't help but scream.
The sound of wind cutting through the air brushed past her, drowning out her scream.
Song Shenzhi laughed loudly: "You little brat, you're nothing like your young lady!"
Xiao Er's breath caught in her throat. Clutching the candied hawthorn skewer tightly, she gritted her teeth in anger, glared at him fiercely, and stormed back to the blacksmith's shop.
Over there, with her scream, Xiao Duo, who had been diligently working as a blacksmith inside, came out carrying a hundred-pound iron hammer.
Xiao Er ran over and grabbed the person. They were standing far away and couldn't hear what they were saying, but judging from her pointing and gesturing, and her babbling, it was clear she was tattling.
Song Shenzhi laughed: "As expected of someone from my little sister's side, this little thing has some guts."
Normally, a maidservant would either cry or kneel down and beg for mercy if she encountered him like this, but Xiao Er's first reaction was to complain, which showed she had quite a bit of courage.
Song Shunzhi looked at him with a complicated expression: "Haven't you and your little sister had enough of fighting yet?"
Why did you have to go and provoke people?
Song Shenzhi's bones still ached a little when he heard this. He rubbed his ribs and chuckled awkwardly, "It can't be that bad, can it?"
"Is it really that bad?"
Using his light-footed skills, Song Jin leaped down from the wall behind him, slamming a fist into Song Shenzhi's head before kicking him in the backside. Had it been the other four brothers, they would have been sent sprawling face-first into the dirt.
Fortunately, Song Shenzhi possessed genuine martial arts skills. He stumbled and regained his balance, then looked at the furious Song Jin and said sheepishly, "My little sister is over here too. I didn't see her earlier."
Song Jin stared at him expressionlessly, her hands clasped together and cracking as she pried them apart: "Is it fun?"
Song Shenzhi said awkwardly, "...It's alright."
Song Jin chuckled: "Let's go back and have another match."
Song Shenzhi glanced at the approaching figure out of the corner of his eye, his heart filled with bitterness, regretting his impulsive actions.
This wasn't because he'd spent time in the military, getting used to joking around with a bunch of grown men, and besides, Xiao Er looked a lot like that kid, so he'd gotten used to it.
He explained, "There was a reason I did that."
Song Jin threw another punch, a half-smile on her face: "I have my reasons for doing this."
It's just that he was too annoying.
Song Shenzhi wanted to explain further, but Song Jin had already crossed her arms and gone to look at Xiao Er on the other side.
Xiao Er's face was as red as a red apple. She was jumping and stomping her feet, repeatedly saying, "I'm so angry! I'm so angry! How embarrassing! Xiao Duo, am I so embarrassing?"
Xiao Duo held the large iron hammer in one hand and gently pressed her head down with the other: "It's not shameful, he's bad."
Little Ears puffed out and repeated, "That's so mean!"
...
Xiao Duo wasn't very bright, but he was physically strong and was a mainstay of the workforce in town. Compared to Xiao Er, who was tiny and barely reached his chest...
Song Jin clicked her tongue.
The two are compatible in personality, but their body types are not quite compatible.
Song Jin's mind wandered for a few seconds as she looked at her, then she shook off the jumbled thoughts in her head, walked over, and patted her head: "Alright, alright, don't be angry anymore. I'll get revenge for you when we get back."
Little Ear clung to Song Jin, wailing, "Miss, you have to avenge me! I'm so embarrassed!"
Song Jin chuckled: "Alright, alright, I'll help you vent your anger. Where's Xiao Mei and A Mao?"
Little Ear complained, "They took me to the execution ground."
Song Jin glanced at her small stature and thought to herself that it was indeed inappropriate to bring her along; it wouldn't be good if she got squashed in the crowd. She patted her head to comfort her, then looked at the hammer in Xiao Duo's hand and sighed, "Xiao Duo, don't use a hammer to fight unless absolutely necessary."
Xiao Duo immediately acted like a child, hiding the hammer behind his back and muttering in a low voice, "I didn't hit it."
Song Jin praised, "Great! Take Xiao Er inside to play. No fighting! If someone hits you, dodge if you can. If you can't dodge, don't hit their head or chest. Hit their hands or feet, understand?"
Xiao Duo said listlessly, "Okay."
Song Jin nodded and waved her hand: "Go back, you two."
The two of them went into the blacksmith shop with their heads down.
On the other side, Qu Maoze and Niu Tielan strolled over leisurely.
They were originally at the other end of the street, quite a distance away. Song Jin saw Song Shenzhi bullying her and jumped over the wall to run over quickly, only to be caught red-handed.
She watched all four members of her family grow up, just like her younger siblings.
Hearing her instructions from afar, Qu Maoze smiled, somewhat surprised: "I thought she'd say I could hit anyone and she'd take responsibility."
Niu Tielan glanced at him: "Do you really think she's stupid? She knows what she's doing."
If it were anyone else, it wouldn't be a problem. But Xiao Duo is strong and not very bright. Without much instruction, one punch could kill someone. Even if it were an ordinary villain, it would be one thing. But if it were someone of some status, he, as a servant, wouldn't be able to control them even now, let alone before.
Song Jin himself was arrogant and domineering, but he demanded that everyone else be cautious and timid.
These days, the same event can have different consequences depending on one's status.
Thinking this through, Niu Tielan pondered for a moment and said, "It's time to redeem them from their servitude."
There are too many things to do in the capital, and the situations that servants and commoners encounter are different when they are away from home.
Qu Maoze raised an eyebrow: "Are you willing to let them go? Once they leave, they might not be as comfortable with being served by someone else."
Niu Tielan looked up at him, gently tapped his chest with her hand, her eyes sparkling, and chuckled softly, "My daughter and I aren't like some people who are used to a life of luxury. We're self-reliant and don't need anyone to wait on us."
As she spoke, she lowered her hand, only to have it gently grasped again.
Qu Maoze leaned forward slightly, his eyes clear and bright, a smile playing on his lips, his voice soft and suggestive: "Madam, you are mistaken. I have never had anyone serve me since I was a child; on the contrary, I did learn how to serve others for a while. Perfect timing, now that they're gone, I can finally serve you properly."
Niu Tielan's cheeks instantly flushed red. She forcefully pulled her hand back and slapped it away: "Who cares?"
With that, she glared at the person and strode forward.
Qu Maoze chuckled a few times, clicked his tongue, smiled, and followed steadily.
Throughout the journey, his smile remained constant, and anyone could see his tenderness and affection. However, when he turned to face five dashing and spirited young men, his expression softened.
Although the corners of his mouth were still curved, there was a visible coldness and disdain in his expression.
Qu Maoze said softly, "The five young masters, it's been less than half a year since the other patriarch passed away, yet they're dressed so brightly and still have the leisure to stroll around. They seem quite happy to be in charge now."
Five people: ...
No, it was you who said it, Dad.
There's no need for elaborate rituals after someone leaves; one should simply laugh and enjoy life to the fullest.
Have you forgotten? Forgotten?
Song Jin was laughing like a flower beside her, why didn't you say a word?
Song Shenzhi felt extremely aggrieved. Although his father had more than one son, he only had this one father, his only living father. He said, "My father left a letter saying that he disliked white mourning clothes and wailing at funerals."
Qu Maoze curled his lips into a half-smile: "Really? He only dislikes these two? There should be five, right?"
Did you understand? Get as far away from him as possible.
Did they really think he was just playing around with his disguise? If Song Jin and Niu Tielan hadn't suddenly appeared, he wouldn't have revealed his identity at all, and there would be no need for him to continue dealing with these annoying people.
Song Shenzhi was greatly shocked: "Five? Four, right? Right, four?"
The other four also looked at him expectantly.
Yes, there should be four. The other debt collectors are annoying, but we're different.
Qu Maoze looked at his sons, whom he had brought home as children and gradually transformed from crooked trees into saplings, and saw the expectation in their eyes. The corners of his mouth curved into a smile that was both gentle and cruel.
"Of course it's five."
Before he could finish speaking, Niu Tielan stood on tiptoe and covered his mouth, glaring at him angrily and whispering, "If you can't speak properly, then shut up."
That damned bastard can live or die as he pleases and leave whenever he wants, but the mother and daughter still need to stay at the Song residence. Let him offend people and make enemies for them.
Qu Maoze saw her barely concealed soft heart, chuckled softly, and gently licked his tongue.
Niu Tielan instinctively let go, the dampness on her palm infuriating her. "That shameless bastard!" she thought, stomping her foot hard.
Qu Maoze, already prepared, gave a push, his smile halfway through.
Song Jin kicked him from behind, cursing, "Are you crazy? Don't mess with my mother."
Qu Maoze sighed helplessly, "Okay, okay, I was wrong, please don't be angry."
This comparison made all five brothers almost green with envy.
It's so infuriating!
Song Jin gestured with her hand, threateningly saying in an equal fashion, "What are you looking at? Want to fight?"
The five brothers were suffering in silence, unable to express their pain, and they couldn't even win a fight.
Finally, Niu Tielan couldn't stand it any longer. She glared fiercely at both the father and daughter, then pinched each of them with one hand until their yin and yang energy dissipated. Only then did she withdraw, looking gently at the five 'children' who were about to cry.
"What are you doing here? Has the matter at the execution ground been resolved?"
Song Shenzhi said firmly, "Alright, they're all dead. They deserved it."
Although his attitude was firm, his eyes were also the reddest. Niu Tielan was afraid that if he raised his voice even slightly, he would burst into tears in the street, which would be troublesome.
She said gently, "That's good. You've worked so hard lately, you deserve to relax and rest. I didn't have a chance to ask you before, you've been so busy, what are your plans for the future?"
Since Song Shang is 'dead,' based on the initial incident in June, they all have at least six months of mourning left. As for longer periods, three years is uncertain, depending on the Emperor's decision.
These factors also contributed to the targeting of Song merchants.
With Song Shang dead, the rest of the Song family were in mourning, making them easy to deal with.
However, now that those who did the deed have been executed and the two princes have been demoted, even if the others in the shadows have their own agendas, they'll have to keep quiet for a while.
Faced with Niu Tielan's good intentions, Song Xingzhi preemptively replied respectfully, "By imperial decree, I should resume my duties next month, in charge of the imperial examinations. The third son is going to Andong County to fetch his fiancée back to the capital, and the second, fourth, and fifth sons will go with him."
Thinking this way, Song Xingzhi, who had been unable to leave the house, suddenly felt enlightened.
Yes, even though he can't go out, his parents will be there too. He'll be the only son at home then.
Song Xingzhi smiled smugly: "A joyous occasion like this will make them feel better."
The other four: ...
This is absolutely eye-watering.
Niu Tielan was somewhat surprised, then looked at Song Shunzhi and sincerely smiled, "That's wonderful! You're all getting on in years, it's rare to see someone getting married, it's truly a joyous occasion."
"..."
Only Song Shunzhi could laugh about this. He genuinely wanted to get married. He said respectfully and calmly, "Madam is right. This trip will take at least a month to go back and forth. Madam and my younger sister should take care of yourselves at home. I will send a message to Madam's father to find out his opinion. If it is possible, we will bring him back with us."
Niu Tielan was stunned, staring blankly at him: "What father?"
Song Shunzhi hesitated, having been busy with other matters these past few days and forgotten about it. Somewhat annoyed, he said, "It is indeed Madam's father; he is in Andong County."
Niu Tielan fell down
Song Jin steadily supported the person, frowning: "Didn't my grandfather pass away?"
Song Shunzhi carefully considered his words and cautiously replied, "No, I was lucky to escape with my life. Hou Qiaohe mentioned her name at the time, and I asked a few more questions to confirm her identity. If it is that person, he is in Andong County. Father, Young Master Qu should have heard of him as well."
Qu Maoze gently embraced the person, his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, a vague guess forming in his mind, along with an ominous premonition: "Who?"
Song Shunzhi solemnly said: "Lord Andong, Nguyen Nam Lam."
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