Chapter 115 This matter is not over
"Hey, stop spinning! It's hurting my eyes!"
Inside the room, Tai Qingxin sat in front of the dressing mirror, combing her hair. Behind her, Ruan Donglin paced back and forth, spinning dozens of times in no time, almost making her dizzy. She couldn't help but stop him, sighing.
"I know you're worried, but don't rush. Come here and see if I have any more gray hairs?"
Ruan Donglin strode over and, in the dim candlelight, carefully ruffled her hair. Sparse white hairs were visible among her jet-black locks.
She's three years younger than him, and almost fifty.
Ruan Donglin: "Should we pull it out?"
Tai Qingxin sat on the wooden stool, looking at herself in the bronze mirror. She reached up and touched the corner of her eye, sighing softly, "Oh well, I'm getting to this age. If I pluck any more, my hair won't grow back, and it'll be sparse and even uglier."
No matter how much you pluck, you can't stop your hair from turning white little by little in the future.
Ruan Donglin placed his hand on her shoulder and gently massaged it, saying in a gruff voice, "What age? My wife is still young."
He was enormous; his arms were thicker than her calves. His large hands rested on her shoulders, and he looked rather aggrieved.
Tai Qingxin reached out and took his hand, placing it on her lap. His palm was rough, and the back of his hand was covered in scars. She gently stroked it and sighed, "What's so young about him? Your granddaughter is so grown up already. Time really flies, Donglin."
Ruan Donglin half-squatted down, resting his chin on her shoulder, half-embracing her, his voice muffled: "There are many princes in the palace. In the past, it was Prince Gong, Prince Jin, and Prince Li who mattered most. Logically speaking, Prince Jin had the strongest momentum, and Prince Gong was the most stable. In the past, the selection of the crown prince depended on these two. If they were His Majesty's own sons, Prince Qi would be a leisurely prince after his return, which wouldn't really matter. But His Majesty only has him as his own son. With him around, how could he consider anyone else?"
"Even if Prince Qi is incompetent, His Majesty is in good health and can support his child. Moreover, the child is quite capable. Now that Prince Jin and several other factions behind him have run into trouble, it's only a matter of time before a crown prince is established."
Tai Qingxin: "Even so, our Jinjin is no less capable. She is a princess, backed by the Song family, and her children are all capable. Even with the passing of Chief Minister Song, she can still support the Song family. And then there's you. She deserves it."
Ruan Donglin: "He is too deserving of such a position."
Tai Qingxin was stunned.
Ruan Donglin sighed, "Dayan only has a few marquises. If we're talking about it, your husband is the best. We've kept a low profile these past few years to avoid attracting His Majesty's attention. As for the Song family, they're even worse. They've lost Song Shang, and while Song Xingzhi is slightly inferior, he can still fill the role. They also have a fierce general like Song Shenzhi, and the other three are all outstanding in their own ways."
"And what does the Prince of Qi have?"
Tai Qingxin frowned: "He is a prince."
Ruan Donglin: "Yes, he is a prince and has His Majesty, but what about without them? He is weak now, so it's good to have people like us, but what about in the future? Jin Jin is arrogant and can't stand being wronged. If he is just a prince, he can tolerate it, but who can say what will happen if he rises to power one day?"
Tai Qingxin: "I observe that Prince Qi is very composed; he's not that kind of person."
Ruan Donglin sighed: "But people change, who can say for sure what will happen in the future?"
As he spoke, he withdrew his hand, stood up, put his hands behind his back, and started pacing around the room again, sighing as he went. No matter how much he thought about it or paced around, he still couldn't find a solution, and his brows furrowed with worry.
Tai Qingxin was both amused and exasperated. Although she was also somewhat worried, seeing him like this gradually lessened her concerns.
She said, "Stop spinning, I'm really getting dizzy."
Ruan Donglin sighed deeply, stopped, sat down on a stool, and began to pour tea, sipping it while sighing.
I'm very worried, but I don't feel the usual bitterness.
His greatest wish in life was for his wife and daughter. Now that his wife has been found and his daughter is safe and sound, no matter what worries he has, he is in excellent spirits.
Tai Qingxin's expression was gentle as she slowly rose, walked behind him, and gently massaged his shoulders. Her touch was light, like a tickle, and her voice was soft and melodious, like a nightingale's song in a mountain stream.
"Donglin, not everyone changes. As long as you're here, I believe there will be other people like you in this world."
It's often said that most men are unfaithful, and that's absolutely true.
But there are always a few people who, with a strong sense of righteousness, are willing to die for their loved ones.
The bitterness on Ruan Donglin's face disappeared, and his mouth stretched almost to his ears in a wide grin. He tried to suppress it, but couldn't, and could only cough dryly: "Actually, it's alright. A gentleman stands tall and upright, protecting his family and country, and caring for his wife and children. It's only natural."
It's just that nowadays, most people are hypocrites who use nonsensical grand principles as a cover, which makes him seem loyal and righteous.
As Ruan Donglin thought this to himself, his chest puffed out even higher, filled with pride and smugness.
Men like him are the most reliable.
So what if you're older? Being older and more mature? That's just something a thirty- or forty-year-old kid wouldn't know anything about.
Tai Qingxin chuckled, moving her hand from his shoulder to his forehead, gently soothing him: "Young people have their own blessings; we can't worry about that much."
So, there's a layer between them?
The child just came back, and they're already interfering in everything. How are we supposed to live together in the future?
Besides, there's nothing we can do about it.
If it were their daughter, they might worry about her, but with Song Jin's appearance, how could they possibly care?
Ruan Donglin said aggrievedly, "It's all that bastard Song Shang's fault."
Tai Qingxin chuckled, "Alright, she's gone now. Don't say things like that again; it'll upset Lingling."
The time they had to recognize each other was too short; they didn't have time to ask too many questions, nor was it necessary for them to.
If she's happy, she'll say so herself; if she's unhappy, there's nothing more to say.
Excessive beauty is never a good thing, no matter the era.
Tai Qingxin's expression darkened slightly, a hint of sorrow creeping into her brows. She said softly, "I just feel like it's not just about this."
While it's true that getting engaged requires some planning, there's no need to rush it over in a day or two, is there?
However, since Prince Qi Zheng was involved, they couldn't really try to persuade him to stay any longer, so they had no choice but to leave it at that.
Ruan Donglin frowned, considering various possibilities, but ultimately the blame fell on Qu Maoze, that damned man. However, he hesitated, and simply said, "Don't worry, Lingling is all grown up. She's lived alone for so many years and managed to raise the child; she knows what she's doing."
He was still worried about Song Jin.
She lived a carefree life as a princess, and even princes and marquises had to give her face; her life was elegant and unrestrained.
It's unnecessary, really unnecessary.
Tai Qingxin looked at him, hesitated for a long while, and then cautiously said, "I want to go with them to see."
Ruan Donglin remained silent for a long while, then his voice suddenly rose: "No, don't even think about it."
...
How come I didn't know you were getting engaged?
While various speculations circulated, Song Jin also had to face her mother's questioning inside the house.
She lay on the table, her long arms hanging limply, clutching a teacup, her eyes darting around: "Wasn't this to help you out of that predicament?"
Niu Tielan combed her hair and sneered, "Do you think I need your help? Let's see how you try to get out of this mess later."
Song Jin pouted: "It was you who persuaded me in the first place, Mother, and now you're the one saying you're not happy. You've changed your mind too quickly, haven't you?"
Niu Tielan retorted irritably, "I'm telling you, why are you pressuring me to get married when nothing's even started? What if something unexpected happens later? 'Preparing for marriage, preparing for marriage,' I bet you'll be preparing for a year or two! What a lame excuse, it's not as good as what I came up with."
Why is this brat meddling in things that require thinking?
Song Jin muttered, "If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. That's his problem, what does it have to do with me?"
Niu Tielan was annoyed: "Song brocade"
Song Jin shut her mouth, played with the teacup for a while, put it down, and slowly walked to Niu Tielan, who was sulking. She massaged Niu Tielan's shoulders, trying to appease her, "Mother, don't think so much. Thinking too much will make you age faster."
Niu Tielan's face was expressionless, her lips pursed, her mood not good. She said in a hard voice, "Is this something I'm overthinking? This little girl doesn't act like a little girl at all. Doesn't she even think about who Prince Qi is? What will he think of you in the future?"
Song Jin raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "Think what you want. Just because he's a prince doesn't mean I have to consider his thoughts in everything I do. What's the point of having him then? Just to make my life miserable?"
Niu Tielan glared: "That's still unacceptable! Anyone who didn't know better would think you were forcing me into marriage!"
Song Jin pouted: "Those who know think so too."
This is pointed.
Niu Tielan couldn't help but pinch him: "Who are you talking about?"
Song Jin took a breath: "Who cares is who matters, Mother. You're just too stubborn. This is life for yourself. Do what makes you happy. If you're unhappy, you can always get a divorce and find someone else. Why be so cautious? It's not like I can't live alone."
Finding a partner is meant to bring you joy; if you start having all sorts of worries and troubles after finding one, then you're in a relationship.
Why go through all that trouble?
Song Jin couldn't understand her mother. If she was carefree, she was always overthinking things; if she was conservative, she was incredibly daring, raising a child alone in this conservative era while encouraging her daughter's indulgence.
After that, there was silence inside the room.
Song Jin glanced at her mother and saw her sitting there, looking dazed, her eyes downcast, as if shrouded in shadow in the night. Feeling a little guilty, she squatted down beside her, gently tugging at Niu Tielan's sleeve, cautiously...
"mother?"
Niu Tielan didn't reply. She turned her head and quietly looked at the daughter she had raised from a tiny child, watching her bright and cheerful appearance, and reached out to touch her cheek.
Then twist hard.
Song Jin gasped.
Niu Tielan's other hand transformed into an iron palm and slapped out: "You brat, do you think your mother is dead? It's been a long time since I disciplined you, you've grown wings, haven't you? You've got a bunch of twisted logic, I don't care about your freedom or anything, I'm just asking you, are you going to listen or not..."
Song Jin covered her ears and winced, "Listen, listen, it hurts!"
...
Regardless of their intentions, with this matter blocking their way, Ruan Donglin and Tai Qingxin were indeed unable to stop them. Early the next morning, the couple again instructed people to hurriedly pack their belongings and prepare the carriages.
“The journey from Pingyang Prefecture to Yong'an City is long, and there are only a few of you in your group. I'm worried about you. These masters are all skilled in the prefecture, and they travel all over the country and are familiar with the roads. In addition, there are these guards who will escort you to Yong'an City.”
Ruan Donglin pointed to the twenty or so bodyguards and guards beside him and said this.
The journey from Yong'an City was so long and arduous, with treacherous roads and bandits everywhere. There were only four of them; Ruan Donglin was terrified just thinking about it. He had already arranged for skilled men to escort them.
These bodyguards were all tall and muscular, their gait steady and composed; they were clearly experts. The six guards, clad in armor and wielding long swords, exuded an imposing aura and were obviously no ordinary soldiers.
Song Jin didn't care about the number of people; when they came, Boss Cao and his group accompanied them, so having more people now wouldn't be a problem.
Niu Tielan had no objections. She looked at the bodyguards and then at Ruan Donglin, who was rubbing his hands cautiously, and felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.
If possible, she would like to stay longer.
After more than twenty years apart, her parents were getting on in years, and the back-and-forth travel made a meeting no easy feat.
Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs".
Niu Tielan whispered, "Thank you for your hard work, Father."
Ruan Donglin almost burst into tears again.
Tai Qingxin pulled him aside, urging him to calm down so he wouldn't lose face in front of so many people. She then went to Niu Tielan and whispered, "Your mother doesn't have much, just some fabric I prepared for you. Take it home and make some clothes for yourself. Later, your mother will make some more and have someone deliver them to you. You've suffered so much these past years."
Niu Tielan's nose tingled with emotion: "It's not hard, I'm doing quite well, Mother, don't worry about me. I know you mean well, but please don't make clothes anymore, it'll hurt your eyes."
Tai Qingxin gripped her hand tightly, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Can't we really stay a few more days?"
Niu Tielan bit her lip, feeling a little soft-hearted.
Qu Maoze, standing to the side, also said, "Actually, a day or two won't cause any problems."
Niu Tielan took a deep breath, but still hardened her heart and shook her head: "I will write to you regularly after I go back, and I will come to see you in the spring. Mother, you and Father, remember to take care of yourselves."
Tears welled up in Tai Qingxin's eyes. She wanted to say she would go with her, but remembering what Ruan Donglin had said yesterday, she suppressed the thought and simply held onto her hand tightly.
Ruan Donglin came over and patted her back, comforting her as he said, "Your mother is reluctant to part with you. She said yesterday that she wanted to go with you, but she's not well, the journey is long, and it snows in the capital in winter. I'm afraid she won't be able to handle it."
As for him, he cannot go to the capital without an imperial summons; we'll have to wait and see.
Niu Tielan frowned, also disagreeing: "It's cold in the capital, and it's snowed recently. Mother, you should stay home and rest. I'll come to see you again after the New Year."
Tai Qingxin choked back tears: "You must come to see your mother!"
Upon hearing this, Niu Tielan paused for a moment, then patted her hand and said, "If I have the chance, I will definitely come."
Ruan Donglin noticed her unusual behavior, his brows furrowing as he looked her up and down, but couldn't discern anything. He then turned his gaze to Qu Maoze beside him, gave him a look, and left the area.
Qu Maoze sighed softly, then pointed to Qi Zheng on the other side, signaling him to follow.
He and the old man had nothing to say to each other.
Qi Zheng remained silent, looking at the two estranged father-in-law and son-in-law, hesitating for a moment, until Song Jin crossed her arms and followed. He then strode forward and walked to her side.
He asked in a low voice, "Should I tell you?"
Song Jin turned to look at her mother, her expression unusually devoid of a smile: "Go ahead and tell me. It's nothing shameful. It's just an illness; you can get better."
Seeing her unusual silence, Qi Zheng raised his hand and gently patted her shoulder.
"Madam will be alright."
Song Jin didn't speak. She crossed her arms and continued walking, following behind Ruan Donglin, until they reached the neighboring courtyard.
Ruan Donglin turned around and looked at the two young people. He was annoyed that Qu Maoze, that scoundrel, hadn't come over, but he still forced a smile and tried to be gentle, saying, "Your grandma isn't here, so you can talk now, right? Why do you have to leave so soon?"
He still didn't believe their excuses, but since they'd brought up the wedding, it must be serious. His wife wasn't in good health, so it was best to find out more later.
Song Jin didn't answer immediately; her face was expressionless, and it was clear she wasn't in a good mood.
If anyone was most worried about Niu Tielan's "illness," it would definitely be her, though she rarely showed it, only speaking optimistically and keeping all her worries and anxieties to herself.
Qi Zheng pondered for a moment, just about to answer for her
Ruan Donglin thought he was going to try to fool her with the engagement again, and immediately said, "Don't talk about this bullshit engagement. Even if we're getting married, it won't make a difference if we do get married one more day."
Qi Zheng: ...
That's still not good; the auspicious time is very important.
Ruan Donglin no longer cares about his princely status. Since they've already agreed to the engagement, he's practically a prospective son-in-law, a member of the family, a junior member.
If he's not happy, it'll just ruin the marriage, which would be perfect.
Song Jin crossed his arms and looked at Ruan Donglin, an old man with a slightly irritable temper. Unexpectedly, he didn't curse or make jokes, but asked in a deep voice, "What is your relationship with the Zheng family and the Yu family?"
Ruan Donglin's expression turned serious.
Speaking of the Zheng and Yu families individually, they're everywhere, but putting them together, only one comes to mind. Considering their usual behavior, my heart sank deeper and deeper.
Ruan Donglin's face was gloomy, his teeth were clenched tightly, and his hands were clenched into fists that cracked loudly.
"Is your mother's matter related to them?"
He didn't answer directly, but his reaction spoke volumes.
Regardless of their past relationship, if it really is them...
This isn't over.
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