Chapter 108 Is it her Ah Ling?
Pingyang Prefecture has convenient water resources, but compared to Guangning Prefecture's thriving canal transport, it relies more on fishing and textile production.
This area boasts the largest silkworm industry in the county, and textile and embroidery are prevalent. Walking down any street, you'll see fabric shops and countless embroidery workshops of all sizes. Many young girls, only a few years old, sit on small stools, patiently embroidering, occasionally trying to attract the attention of passing merchants.
Song Jin was amazed.
Although the girls in their town could learn some needlework, it was mostly simple mending and patching. Very few could embroider flowers and birds like this; they had little embroidery skill, and the embroidery techniques were quite different.
Meanwhile, little girls as young as five or six were embroidering with remarkable skill.
Niu Tielan looked at her head, which was almost sticking out, and said coolly, "Stop looking. You have no hope of becoming an embroiderer in this lifetime. You can't even embroider a leaf properly."
Song Jin pulled her head back, tilted it back, and said proudly, "I don't make a living from this, Mother. Wait a moment, I'll go hunt a wild boar for you. It's much more profitable than embroidery."
Niu Tielan was exasperated: "Get out of here, or I'll have to hit you!"
Song Jin stuck out her tongue, went over and sat down next to her, leaning on her shoulder, and whispered, "Didn't we all think about this before we came? If it really is Grandpa, he's over fifty now. It would be strange if he's been alone for so many years, wouldn't it?"
Niu Tielan was indeed in a bad mood. Although she knew that her mother had been missing for many years and that it was normal for her father to remarry and have children, this was still a blatant indication of her true feelings.
Things have changed. Even if her father is still alive, he's not just her father anymore, and that home is no longer hers.
Niu Tielan stroked Song Jin's head, sighing, "But it's better this way. If he were really alone, I wouldn't feel good about it."
Song Jin raised her head and sneered, "How could that be? Mother, don't you understand men? Have you ever heard of a widow who stays single her whole life? Have you ever seen a widower who stays single his whole life? Those who are too poor to find a wife don't count."
That's a bit too much.
"I've seen it."
"See, pass".
Inside the carriage, two men spoke, one in front and one behind.
Qu Maoze glanced at Qi Zheng, who promptly shut his mouth. He nodded in satisfaction, then looked at his wife and children, and said with a smile, "Jin Jin, you're mistaken. Although there are many unfaithful men, there are also many devoted ones. I've even seen people die for love."
Song Jin chimed in: "Idiot!"
Qu Maoze's smile froze for a moment, then he continued, "There are quite a few men who, after their beloved wives have passed away, are raising their children alone."
Song Jin glanced at her: "What if you don't have children?"
Qu Maoze couldn't explain it. He was surrounded by high-ranking officials and nobles. Even when he had a wife and children, many people wanted to take advantage of him. How much more so when he was without a wife and no children?
There was only one such person in the entire Dayan Dynasty.
However, he's just a complete oddball; even Qu Maoze himself couldn't bring himself to say anything about love or deep affection.
He was completely defeated by this proposition.
Seeing that he couldn't refute her, Qi Zheng composed himself and said, "I've seen it."
Merchants value profit, politicians value power, and江湖人 (jianghu people) value loyalty.
He had seen many people who, after losing their beloved wives and children, spent the rest of their lives alone, among whom the most typical...
"My master is..." Qi Zheng's dark eyes looked at Song Jin, who had a disdainful expression, but were filled with seriousness. "He had a beloved wife and two children in his early years, but he unfortunately lost his life in a matter of the martial world. After that, he never cared about it again and traveled all over the country, upholding justice. I have met more than a dozen people like him."
Among these people, some may be utterly wicked and harbor sinister intentions, but when it comes to marriage and love, they are exceptionally pure.
Qi Zheng smiled, a rare occurrence, and said with absolute certainty, "Me too."
If you find a single-minded person, all others are like wood.
The sneer on Song Jin's face vanished considerably. She slightly pouted, suppressing the urge to smile, her eyes sparkling like crystals.
Qu Maoze found everything about her displeasing and maliciously shattered the awkward atmosphere between the two, saying, "Just because you say you are someone else doesn't mean you are! Your father was so desperate for your mother back then, but he still found someone new in less than two years."
Qi Ye's harem wasn't small, but it wasn't empty either. Each woman was beautiful, but fortunately, they weren't of high rank and had no children, so they didn't pose much of a threat to Qi Zheng. If Qi Ye hadn't been poisoned back then, and some of his harem members had given birth to children over the years, it was hard to say who Qi Zheng would favor upon his return.
Qi Zheng's expression changed, and his mood clearly dropped.
Song Jin's good mood vanished, replaced by annoyance: "What, are you not looking for them because you don't want to, or because you're afraid of dying or being framed?"
Niu Tielan couldn't stand it either, and sneered, "So what? His father is a heartless man, what does that have to do with him, who grew up outside? It's you, who hangs out with him all the time, practically inseparable from him, who's exactly like him."
Qu Maoze was speechless: "...Who exactly is family with you all?"
Mother and daughter: "It wasn't you anyway."
scumbag
Qu Maoze felt aggrieved, and his dislike for Qi Zheng grew even stronger. So young, yet resorting to such petty tricks; a grown man pretending to be weak—how shameless!
Deeply scheming
Not a good match
Sensing his displeasure, Qi Zheng remained silent.
Anyway, whether he does good or bad, this person won't give him a friendly look; he should just try to please the people he should.
...
The carriage stopped outside the most famous restaurant in Pingyang Prefecture.
Nanxinlou
The restaurant was grand and dignified, a complete contrast to the exquisite and luxurious Linglong Pavilion. The patrons were dressed in opulent attire, each with their own air of grandeur. Restaurants like this in the city primarily focused on dining; they generally didn't offer many rooms.
Out-of-town merchants rarely stay in such expensive accommodations; wealthy families in the city have their own homes and are mostly entertaining guests when they're out.
It's lunchtime now, which is also a busy time.
The restaurant was packed, but there were plenty of staff; as soon as they entered, a waiter greeted them.
"Sir, would you like to eat or stay overnight?"
Song Jin looked around and thought it was indeed quite nice, saying, "For accommodation, three superior rooms, and a table full of good food."
As she spoke, she casually took out a few copper coins as a tip.
The waiter cheerfully accepted the invitation, saying enthusiastically, "Sir, please come with me. We happen to have only three superior rooms left. Would you like to stay one night, or perhaps book two more? It's the end of the year, and there are many merchants coming and going, so we might not have rooms available tomorrow."
Song Jin looked at her mother
They came here for her mother to reunite with her family; as for how that reunion will take place, that's up to her mother.
Niu Tielan pondered for a moment: "Let's book three nights first."
Although it's a family reunion, it's not appropriate to just show up at their door; she'd better observe first.
Waiter: "Alright, if you're going to eat, would you like to eat now or wait a bit? If you eat now, you can only go to the first floor; if you go to the second floor, you'll have to wait another 45 minutes."
The first floor is noisier than the second floor, which is next to the street and offers views of the outside.
Niu Tielan: "Let's go upstairs, let's pack our things first."
The waiter responded, and the accountant stood by, registering their travel permits.
They came from the capital, their destination being Andong County.
Song Jin, Niu Tielan, Qu Maoze, Yan Zheng
They looked ordinary, but given their striking good looks, the accountant remained silent, though he was secretly keeping a watchful eye on them.
"These are your door locks. There are many outsiders in the city here, so please remember to lock your doors when you go out during the day."
The waiter then took them to their accommodation.
The accommodations are on the third floor. Each room is about 20 square meters, very spacious, and has a private small bathroom. If you need to wash up, you can ask them to bring you a bathtub. The rooms are very clean and comfortable.
Song Jin immediately lay down on the bed. The soft, clean bedding smelled of sunshine and was very comfortable.
They spent the last two days on the ship. Although there were small beds, it was very basic—just a hard deck. While she had often stayed in much worse conditions before, it was difficult to go back to simplicity after arriving in the capital.
She used to think that clothes costing a few hundred coins were fine, but now, clothes costing a few tens of coins are definitely a bit too tight around her neck.
Song Jin wailed softly, "It's over, I've been corrupted by money."
Niu Tielan said irritably, "Get up! You haven't even changed your clothes and you're still lying in bed. Aren't you dirty?"
Song Jin rolled over, landing on the floor with a thud. Completely unconcerned, she rolled onto Niu Tielan's side, put her hands behind her head, crossed her legs, and lay down on top of him: "Now that's what you call dirty."
Niu Tielan's eyebrows twitched, and she kicked Song Jin in the shin, glaring at her: "Song Jin!"
Song Jin chuckled as she got up, patting her bottom: "This floor looks like it's been mopped; it's very clean."
Niu Tielan sneered: "I think you've made the floor dirty."
Song Jin: "...It's my own mother! Shall I change my clothes?"
Niu Tielan: "Wipe your face and comb your hair again."
The small bathroom has a stove and warm water that were prepared earlier, so you can wash up quickly.
Although Song Jin felt she was clean enough and didn't need to redo her hair, she obediently went to wash up under Niu Tielan's angry glare.
After all that fuss, a quarter of an hour passed in no time, and then there was a knock at the door.
Qu Maoze's voice came through: "Are you all packed?"
Niu Tielan: "Just open the door and come in."
Qu Maoze gently pushed open the door, and Song Jin was being pressed down by Niu Tielan who was combing her hair, making her wince in pain.
Niu Tielan didn't feel sorry for her at all. She took a wooden comb and carefully combed out the knots in her hair, glancing at her and saying, "Serves you right. You were lazy and didn't comb your hair properly before."
Song Jin wailed, "My hair is too long! Can't I just cut it? Shoulder length would be so much better!"
Niu Tielan sneered: "Our bodies and hair are gifts from our parents. If you want me to leave sooner, cut off more of my hair."
Song Jin sighed, "It's feudal superstition, but there's nothing we can do. Your daughter is filial, so let's keep it."
Niu Tielan tightened her grip on the hairpin, tidying it up and adding two simple gold hairpins. It looked quite presentable now.
She was slightly satisfied: "Let's go out to eat."
Song Jin stood up. Her dress was a thick, indigo-blue, lotus-leaf style with fur trim at the collar and wide sleeves. It was predominantly green with touches of pink, exuding both elegance and girlish charm, and it suited her perfectly.
She yawned, clutching her rumbling stomach: "I'm starving! Have they served the food yet?"
Outside the door, Qi Zheng had also tidied himself up briefly, changing out of his previous coarse gray clothes and into a pure black brocade robe embroidered with cloud patterns in silver thread, matching the silver crown on his head. As for his hairstyle...
It all depends on her face.
He kept his eyes glued to the outside, not glancing even once into the room, and replied, "It should be ready. I just saw the person by the window finish eating."
Song Jin came out: "Let's go order first."
Her mother was busy combing her hair and hadn't even taken care of her own yet.
Qi Zheng watched as the pearl hairpins in her hair swayed gently. She was still without makeup, but after being carefully dressed, most of her unruly and wild air had disappeared, replaced by the bright and flamboyant beauty of a young girl.
Song Jin looked over and blinked: "What are you looking at?"
Qi Zheng pointed to the spot beside his ear.
Song Jin understood, touched the area below her left ear, and pouted, "I think it was when I was ten years old. I got hurt carelessly in a fight. It wasn't serious, but my mother made me eat only water and vegetables for half a month, and she kept applying medicine and powder. It was such a hassle."
She's actually not prone to scarring, so the fact that she still has noticeable marks despite all this care suggests that the injury must have been quite severe back then.
Qi Zheng said in a low voice, "Let's continue practicing our swordsmanship when we get back."
Given her lousy swordsmanship and reckless nature, it's no surprise she got injured.
Song Jin crossed her arms and glanced at him: "I thought you were going to say something protective."
Qi Zheng: "It's my fault for not being good enough."
Song Jin smiled and said, "It's alright. If you lack ability, you can make up for it with your background. In this respect, few can compare with His Highness Prince Qi."
Qi Zheng chuckled: "You're too kind, Your Highness is no less so."
The two walked side by side downstairs.
Nanxinlou is very large, with a spacious second floor containing private rooms separated by screens. Even so, it still had about twenty tables set up.
There were six tables near the window; they had reserved them before coming up, right on the main street. Logically, now that the previous group had left, the tables should be empty.
But after they came down, people were sitting at the table that had been tidied up again.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Oh, so you got cut in line?"
Qi Zheng frowned: "I'll go ask the waiter."
Song Jin grabbed him, arguing firmly, "What's there to ask? I'm not giving in. It would be too embarrassing. There's no reason for His Highness to abdicate."
Qi Zheng: "...It doesn't matter."
Song Jin scoffed: "I don't care."
As she spoke, she pulled Qi Zheng over, sat down directly, and crossed her legs: "This is the table we reserved."
Tai Qingxin, who was looking out the window at the table, was startled.
Lan Yan, standing beside Song Jin, frowned, noticing Song Jin's displeasure. She patiently said, "Miss, our lady has already taken this seat. Please choose another one."
Song Jin swung her legs: "No, we choose first, first come, first served, understand?"
Lan Yan hadn't seen such an tactless person in many years, and said, "Miss, are you from out of town?"
Song Jin: "Why do people from out of town have to give up their seats?"
Lan Yan was speechless. Song Jin's clothes weren't cheap; her family must be well-off. And with that face, Lan Yan would definitely recognize her if she were local. Besides, if she really were local...
She said, "If you are a local, you should know that this restaurant belongs to our Lady Hou."
Then you should be even more sensible and step aside.
The other diners around were almost done too; they couldn't wait much longer.
Song Jin hadn't thought of that yet. Upon hearing "Madam Hou," she raised her eyebrows and sized up Tai Qingxin opposite her.
She had fair skin and delicate features, but the fine lines on her face betrayed her age; she was probably in her forties. She wore a dark blue dress, adorned with a wooden hairpin and sandalwood beads, and exuded a dignified and elegant air. Her almond-shaped eyes looked slightly familiar.
but
Song Jin was somewhat surprised: "The wife of the Marquis of Andong?"
Older than she had imagined
Qu Maoze said that this person got married fifteen years ago. She thought that an old man like the Marquis of Andong, well, even if he married later, would be a little younger. The Marquis's wife should be about the same age as her mother.
Tai Qingxin looked at the bright and flamboyant young girl and smiled: "Yes, little girl, which family are you from?"
Since she can remain so calm, she must not come from an ordinary small family.
Song Jin shrugged: "I'm not telling you."
Tai Qingxin: ...
Okay, I guess I have a higher status than she thought.
Tai Qingxin hadn't encountered such a rude person in many years. She wasn't angry, just found it somewhat amusing. She had a good temper, but in this situation, offering her seat wasn't something to be proud of.
She smiled and said, "This table is quite large, so let's all sit together. Otherwise, you can move to another table, and your meals will be waived for the next few days."
Song Jin pursed her lips, picked up the teapot beside her, poured herself a cup of tea, and handed it to Qi Zheng next to her, as if she had ordered it herself, saying, "If you're not short of money, sit here. Weren't you distributing grain outside just now?"
Looking at her flamboyant demeanor, Tai Qingxin's eyes were filled with emotion, and her voice was gentle: "It's over. What's the little girl's name?"
Song Jin smiled and said, "My surname is Song."
Tai Qingxin paused for a moment, then hesitated: "Song, is the young lady from the capital?"
Song Jin nodded
Tai Qingxin was somewhat surprised, but upon further reflection, it made perfect sense.
After the founding of the Great Yan Kingdom, only the families of the former Duke of Yingguo and Duke of Renguo remained; all others were marquises. If a junior member of an ordinary marquis's family knew that she was the wife of a marquis, they would certainly be more cautious.
If it were the young princess of the Song family, then it would indeed be different.
Although Tai Qingxin hadn't left the house in a long time, she had heard plenty of stories about her "great achievements," and compared to the Duke of Ying's mansion, her current attitude was already quite friendly.
"I've long heard of the Princess's reputation, and seeing her today, I can confirm it's well-deserved," Tai Qingxin exclaimed, taking a sip of tea before turning to Qi Zheng beside her. "This is the second young master of the Song family? I heard from outside that he went to Changdu Prefecture to pick someone up a couple of days ago. You've already found him so quickly?"
Song Shunzhi and his entourage traveled along the official road without any delays, so it should be time for them to arrive.
Those people had never seen Qi Zheng in person, and Li Qingshan could fool them for quite some time, but it would be absolutely impossible for Qi Zheng to fool them.
Marquis Andong had met Qi Ye before and recognized him at a glance.
Qi Zheng didn't hesitate for long and said softly, "Madam Hou, you misunderstand. I am Qi Zheng."
Tai Qingxin's hand trembled as she drank her tea. She gently wiped it with a handkerchief and was about to get up.
Qi Zheng: "Madam, please don't stand on ceremony. I've come privately, so please keep a low profile."
Tai Qingxin then stopped and sat back down, appearing more serious than before: "This humble woman has been impolite. Please forgive me, Your Highness. I will leave immediately so as not to spoil Your Highness's enjoyment."
She was naturally not afraid of a mere princess, nor did she need to show any deference. But a prince, and the Emperor's undisputed crown prince, required her to be cautious and yield without losing face.
Seeing Qi Zheng's change of expression, Song Jin pouted and, before Qi Zheng could speak, slapped the table: "Alright, sit down. It's not like we're kicking you out. It's not like there's no room."
Tai Qingxin looked at her in surprise, then at Qi Zheng next to her, and only then did she notice that the two of them were indeed sitting quite close.
He showed no displeasure at Song Jin's casual interruption, calmly replying, "The princess is right. There are enough tables and chairs; please, Madam, sit down."
Having served as the Marquis's wife for many years and seen all sorts of things, Tai Qingxin thought for a moment and didn't refuse. She sat down generously and said with a smile, "Then I shall accept your invitation. This is Your Highness and the Princess's first time here, so I must treat you to this meal. Please don't stand on ceremony. Lanyan, go downstairs and have someone order the food."
As she spoke, she gave Lan Yan a look.
First, deliver the message home.
If something were to happen to this prince and princess, they couldn't possibly bear the consequences.
Lan Yan had taken care of her for decades, so she immediately nodded, bowed, and withdrew.
Song Jin watched them exchanging glances without saying a word, then twisted her neck and looked towards the stairwell leading to the third floor; her mother and the others hadn't come down yet.
Seeing her like this, Tai Qingxin asked, "Is the princess still waiting for someone?"
Song Jin glanced at her and nodded: "Yes, my mother is still behind us."
Tai Qingxin: "The Prime Minister's wife has also come? I heard she's not feeling well and has had a long and bumpy journey. This inn is rather ordinary, why don't you all stay at the Marquis's residence for a few days?"
Song Jin didn't respond to that, but instead said meaningfully, "Your information is quite accurate."
This Lady Hou is quite perceptive; she recognized them not only by their names but also knew about Niu Tielan's situation. When they were at home, the Marquis of Andong must have told her about these things quite often, indicating a very good relationship between the couple.
Tai Qingxin chuckled: "The princess is so famous, it's hard not to know her."
Several months ago, Song Shang disappeared, and her lord had been keeping a close eye on the situation there, so he naturally knew the details very well.
Song Jin scoffed softly, then remained silent, quietly sipping her tea.
About fifteen minutes later, Niu Tielan's figure finally appeared at the top of the stairs.
She changed into a light green dress with camellia patterns, and because she was cold, she wore a rabbit fur cloak. Her hair was loosely tied up with a jade hairpin. From a distance, she looked like a young woman in her early twenties, beautiful and elegant.
She glanced around, her brows furrowing slightly, and walked over. Standing by the table, she looked at Tai Qingxin, who sat alone opposite her, and said softly, "My daughter is unruly; I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Madam. Please rise and we'll sit at another table."
Knowing her daughter's personality, she knew what was going on without even asking.
Song Jin protested: "We agreed on this beforehand, Mother."
Niu Tielan glanced at her, his voice neither loud nor soft: "I said, let's change tables."
Song Jin quieted down and muttered, "Fine, let's change it. Why are you being so fierce?"
Niu Tielan: ...
Where was she being fierce? The guilty party is always the one accusing the innocent first; this brat is the one who gets away with it the best.
The mother and daughter were having a tantrum
Tai Qingxin sat down, her gaze fixed on Niu Tielan's face, unable to look away. She was stunned for a moment before quickly saying, "The table is big, please sit down and eat with us. This is Mrs. Song?"
Niu Tielan frowned and looked at Song Jin.
Song Jin's eyes darted around as she fidgeted with her fingers. "Ah, Mother, let me introduce you. This is Lady An Dong, the wife of the Marquis of Andong. We just happened to run into her."
Niu Tielan was taken aback, then annoyed. She subtly glared at Song Jin, slowly composed herself, and then turned to Tai Qingxin as if nothing had happened: "Then I'll have to trouble Madam Hou."
As she spoke, Niu Tielan sat down, carefully observing Tai Qingxin, her 'stepmother,' across from her.
With her elegant appearance and gentle temperament, she was clearly a lady of high birth, possessing the air of a matriarch.
Before coming, she had refused Qu Maoze's intelligence, and only just now had she mentally prepared herself to listen to his detailed account. According to him, Tai Qingxin and Ruan Donglin met in the north sixteen years ago, then married. Over the years, they have had twin sons, now twelve, and no concubines.
The couple has a deep affection for each other, are devoted to each other, and have a harmonious family.
Thinking of this, Niu Tielan felt a pang of sadness, but also a sense of relief.
This is fine too.
Tai Qingxin was also sizing her up.
Compared to Song Jin's striking and assertive beauty, Niu Tielan possessed a captivating charm reminiscent of a Jiangnan beauty. With delicate features, a slender figure, and a gentle, elegant demeanor, every smile and gesture was captivating. She was a picture-perfect woman, a beauty that could behold anywhere.
Now that her child is so grown up, she must be in her early thirties at the very least, yet she still looks so beautiful. She must have been even more radiant and captivating in her youth, leaving a lasting impression.
Tai Qingxin sighed, no wonder she could sway the heart of Song Shang, a powerful but unyielding man.
Unfortunately, our fate was shallow and our feelings were weak.
She glanced at the gentle and refined Qu Maoze beside her, then looked away and asked with a smile, "May I ask your name, Madam, so I may address you?"
Niu Tielan instinctively: "Niu" (牛)
"Ruan Jinling"
Qu Maoze interrupted her, poured tea into her palm, a smile playing on his lips, and leisurely poured tea for Song Jin as well, glancing across the table.
The tea spilled from Tai Qingxin's hand onto her sleeve, but she didn't notice. She just asked, somewhat dazed, "What did you say it was called?"
Qu Maoze held Niu Tielan's hand without asking or answering.
Niu Tielan glared at him, pursed her lips, and said somewhat awkwardly, "Ruan Jinling, Ruan with round ears, Jinling with golden bells."
Tai Qingxin's throat felt as if it were blocked by glutinous rice cake; she couldn't speak and stared intently at Niu Tielan.
Is that her Ah Ling?
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