Chapter 126 That's Not Called Master
"I plan to take them both home to raise."
In the courtyard, Song Jin leaned against Huang Huang, yawning, and looked at the person opposite her.
Yang Yanjun sat on a small stool, her shoulders hunched, her hand tightly clutching a handkerchief, looking somewhat uneasy.
She was a woman of extravagance, usually dressed in fine clothes and heavy makeup, her wealth immediately apparent wherever she went. But now, she wore a light blue dress, her hair tied with a simple wooden hairpin, without a trace of makeup, simple and plain, revealing that she hadn't had a good time these past two days.
The clues are already very clear.
Yang Yanjun confronted Chang Wenshan, ransacking nearly half of the Marquis's residence. She confirmed that the child who had contracted the disease had been abandoned by his mother's men, who feared the child would spread the infection to others. However, the men sent to carry out the task were incompetent and lost the child, which allowed him to survive by sheer luck.
But that wasn't her daughter either.
Two weeks before she gave birth, her personal maid, who had taken care of her since childhood, had already given birth. After she gave birth, the maid had other plans and secretly switched her with another maid.
The following month, Yang Yanjun discovered her affair with Chang Wenshan. Out of consideration for their years of friendship, she banished her and even freed her from her slave status. For many years, she had lived in a county town not far from Yong'an City, married with children, and while not extremely wealthy, she was comfortably well-off. When she was found, she confessed to the child-swapping.
Yang Yanjun lowered her eyes, her fingers clenching a handkerchief, drawing cuts on it. Her eyes were filled with resentment: "I believe I've treated her well. She's never lacked gold, silver, or silk since she was little. Even so, I didn't sell her, and I even freed her from her slave status. How could she do this? If only she had told me sooner..."
Are orphanages really such wonderful places?
Leaving aside the issue of food and drink, even a baby a few months old is prone to premature death, even in wealthy families, let alone outside.
When she betrayed him, Yang Yanjun didn't hate her, only felt disappointed. Now, however, she truly can't help but hate her.
Song Jin couldn't be a loyal listener, nor could she be a confidante. She said directly, "Listen to what you're saying. You didn't even buy her, and you even removed her from the slave system. Tell me, isn't every word you're using to treat her like a servant? Why should she be grateful?"
Yang Yanjun looked at her in astonishment, not expecting that instead of comforting her, she would say such a thing.
Song Jin shrugged and said, "Fine, you're probably going to say how other masters are, but like you said, masters are rarely good to their servants. It's because the master is good that the servant is grateful and loyal, not because it's their obligation. Try to put yourself in their shoes. If you had to work every day, take care of people, and live in constant fear and responsibility, would you really be grateful to them from the bottom of your heart?"
Take her for example. Although she's close to Xiao Er and Xiao Mei, a maid is a maid, and a mistress is a mistress. Friends can have disagreements and hurl insults at each other, but these women, if they're truly unhappy, have to appease her.
If anyone dared to harm or insult her mother, she would take revenge, no matter who it was, even if it was the Heavenly King himself. But if it were them, she would assess the situation and tell them to endure it if necessary.
Yang Yanjun was speechless.
Song Jin shook her head, patted Huang Huang's head, stood up, and stretched: "Master and servant are inherently opposites. If you're good to me, I'll be good to you in return; that's being a good person. If you're good to me, I won't be good to you; that's the norm."
Just like now, the maidservants are loyal and hardworking in order to have a better life. And the master treats the maidservants well, partly because he is a good person, but more importantly, isn't it because he wants the maidservants to be more dedicated?
It's just an exchange of interests, so why talk about feelings?
Yang Yanjun was a little annoyed, biting her lip: "You mean I should just put up with it?"
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "I didn't say that. What I meant was, it's normal for maids to have their own little thoughts. Who doesn't want a good life? Once they're servants, do they have to be servants for life? It's normal for them to have ideas, and it's normal for them to be punished if they're caught. Why do you have to pick a reason for all this?"
Why force someone to have a tragic past when there are so many inherently wicked and wicked people? People often get stuck in a rut in a moment of lapse in judgment, especially maids.
Song Jin then asked, "It's hard to say who seduced whom first, but if it were said that your ex-husband forced the maid into it, would you stand up for her?"
Yang Yanjun was stunned, biting her lip as she was about to explain.
Song Jin clicked his tongue: "Don't talk about sending someone away for money, or about making them a concubine or mistress. That's not being a master, that's bullying. True mastery is about beheading the man and sending him to jail. That's what being a master is all about."
For people of equal status, getting together is called flirting and is considered voluntary. But in a relationship like that between a maid and a young master, there is never any voluntary consent.
Once targeted, if the maid is willing, she becomes a thorn in the side of the mistress; if she is unwilling, she becomes a thorn in the side of both the mistress and the young master. What choice do they have?
Yang Yanjun was speechless.
Song Jin chuckled twice, bent down and patted Huang Huang's round head, saying, "Right, Huang Huang, that year a male tiger came to the mountains. It was ugly and smelly, and it even dared to take advantage of you. Didn't your mother kill it for you?"
The tiger skin is still stuffed in the box at home.
Huanghuang didn't understand, but that didn't stop her from enthusiastically responding: "Mmm~"
Her mother is always right.
Song Jin patted its head with satisfaction, then looked at Yang Yanjun, who was clutching a tattered handkerchief, and shrugged: "If you want to adopt both children, you should think carefully. Can you handle the Xuanping Marquis's mansion? If you remarry, will you be able to manage a bunch of children and chores? Xiaohua is a very opinionated girl; it will take a lot of effort to manage her. And Ningning, she seems gentle, but she has a lot of ideas. Don't let her become an enemy."
She felt that Ningning was doing quite well now, with enough to eat and drink, and was happy.
Although most people still consider living in the golden palace of a wealthy family the best, even if they face disdain, are confined to the house, and may never leave the city in their lifetime, it's still a life of luxury.
And then there's Xiaohua, who, despite being controlled and managed by so many people, could still incite people to go up the mountain to catch tigers at the age of four or five, and even dared to hide in the rice jar and run far away. Song Jin didn't think Yang Yanjun could manage everything on her own.
Yang Yanjun had come to her seeking comfort, but instead received this barrage of words. Her original pain and discomfort were replaced by frustration and annoyance. Her face flushed with anger, she snapped, "I wasted my time coming to you!"
Song Jin nodded and sighed, "I think so too."
Who in their right mind would bother to have a heart-to-heart talk with her? They'd rather pick a fight with her than not.
Song Jin was quite self-aware.
Seeing that she showed absolutely no remorse or guilt, Yang Yanjun stomped her foot in anger, threw down the handkerchief, and stormed off.
Song Jin shrugged, sat back down next to Huang Huang, and combed it with its special comb. Finally, she gathered up some fur and rubbed its ears: "I'll send you back after the New Year. If you don't go out soon, you'll really become a fat tiger and won't be able to hunt anymore."
It's eating and drinking well every day and not moving around much, and it's gained a lot of weight in such a short time. If this continues, it'll be terrible!
She went to so much trouble to teach it to hunt, not so it could freeload.
Huang Huang: "Meow~"
Song Jin looked at its cat-like appearance and clicked her tongue twice: "Meow meow meow, all you know is 'meow'."
Huang Huang rolled over, revealing her soft belly, and said sweetly, "Mimi!"
Song Jin rubbed it a couple of times, played with it for a while, and then slowly walked out of the tiger enclosure towards her own courtyard. As soon as she reached the gate, she saw a conspicuous person inside and asked in surprise, "You haven't left yet?"
Yang Yanjun scoffed, "Why would I leave? You're not the only one in the Song residence."
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "So the other person you're talking about is my mother? Or my future sister-in-law?"
Yang Yanjun pulled Niu Tielan aside and complained, "Sister Lan, look at Mingguang, he's so unreasonable. I'm already so upset, and he just keeps making things worse."
Niu Tielan gently patted her hand, comforting her, "When someone breaks her bones, her first reaction is always that the person is powerful. We won't hold it against her."
Yang Yanjun, who had been putting on an act, hesitated upon hearing this: "Really?"
Niu Tielan: "Really, that's just how she is. Just ignore her."
...
Song Jin rolled her eyes as she listened to them talking badly about her. After thinking for a moment, she ran to find her little maid who was about to regain her freedom: "Little Ear, come on, let's go get revenge!"
Little Ear was squatting on the ground building a snowman when she heard this. She immediately jumped up and darted over like a little rabbit, tilting her round face up: "Really? Really?"
Song Jin pinched her apple-shaped cheek and patted her chest to assure her, "Do you think I'm lying, Miss? He's just a minor general. Make him apologize, pay you compensation, and even give you your father's fortune. Otherwise, we'll send them to jail."
Xiao Er's face flushed even redder with excitement, and she clenched her fists: "Go to jail!"
After her parents passed away, the family property should have been hers. However, her uncles not only seized the property but also sold her—although such things are not uncommon, they are not legal. In truth, she should at least get her share of the property back.
Of course, the prerequisite is that one must have power and influence, and also encounter a good county magistrate.
The standards by which county magistrates judge cases should not be so arbitrary these days.
Thinking of all the messy cases she'd heard about over the years, Song Jin shook her head inwardly. Pulling the overly agitated Xiao Er along, she called for Xiao Mei, and then A Mao and Xiao Duo, and stormed off to their destination.
After the young generals brought by Song Shenzhi were rewarded for their merits, some returned to the northern desert, some were assigned to prefectures, and some remained in Yong'an City to serve.
The man who looked very much like Xiao Er stayed in Yong'an City, serving as a seventh-rank Yunqiwei in the military camp. He was a very, very insignificant minor military officer in the capital.
At least that's the case for Song brocade.
But in fact, it's already quite remarkable that he holds such a position at such a young age, and his future is very bright.
Xiao Er had been making inquiries these past few days, and the more she learned, the angrier she became. Clenching her fist, she didn't forget to complain as she walked down the street: "Miss, you have to help me stop that guy later so I can give him a good punch."
Song Jin put her arm around her shoulder, trying to comfort her: "Okay, okay, I'll help you."
Xiao Duo walked silently behind. He was somewhat simple-minded and usually expressionless, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and rugged features. He had been working as a blacksmith lately, and compared to his previous robust physique, he was much darker. His thick winter clothes made him look like someone not to be trifled with.
He mumbled, "I'll help too."
Xiao Er immediately turned her head and glared at him: "You're not allowed to help, you're not allowed to lay a hand on me, or I'll never talk to you again."
Xiao Duo lowered her head dejectedly and muttered, "I'll listen to Xiao Er."
Xiao Er then smiled again, only to be hit on the head.
Song Jin chuckled: "Oh, so you're unwilling to let Xiao Duo put in the effort, but you're willing to let me, Miss, do it?"
Xiao Er quickly looked at her ingratiatingly, tiptoed, and put her hand on her shoulder: "The capable should do more, the capable should do more. Miss is so capable, how can we let others steal your thunder?"
Song Jin clicked her tongue and pointed to her shoulder: "Pay attention to the key points."
Xiao Er, standing on tiptoe, massaged Song Jin's shoulders. Her small frame made her look like a little doll, half-hanging on Song Jin's body.
Xiao Mei and A Mao walked to one side, both unable to suppress their laughter.
The group walked to their destination, the Third Battalion in the east of the city. Training was still underway inside, with shouts and footsteps echoing. Guards stood watch outside the battalion, and upon seeing Song Jin and his group approaching, they immediately stopped them.
The guard's face was stern: "This is a military camp, entry is prohibited."
Song Jin, used to this, calmly took out a black token from her pocket and tossed it over. Without uttering a single unnecessary word, she swaggered inside.
His demeanor was so composed that the guards exchanged bewildered glances, staring at the royal token before hesitating and finally stepping inside.
Song Jin crossed her arms, looked left and right, and then shouted, "Jian Gaoyi, get out here!"
Her voice was loud, and she used internal expansion techniques, so loud that even the voice she had practiced couldn't be suppressed; it quickly carried into every corner.
Everyone looked over in astonishment.
Even a normal person wouldn't use this method to find someone, right? Where did this little tyrant come from?
Those who have never seen Song brocade are completely confused, while those who have seen it are quite surprised.
The man leading the soldiers who was training them over there quickly approached. He was shirtless and sweating profusely despite the falling snow. He should have been angry about being disturbed, but at that moment, only vigilance and solemnity remained.
"Your Highness, what brings you here? May I ask what business you have with Commandant Jian?"
Song Jin sized him up for a while, then suddenly realized, "I've seen you before, Song Shenzhi's underling."
Hu Ling's lips twitched, and he clasped his hands: "I am Hu Ling."
Song Jin nodded, then pulled out the seemingly strong but actually weak Xiao Er, who had hidden behind her as soon as she entered, put her arm around Xiao Er's shoulder, pulled her into her arms, and pinched her cheeks for others to see.
"Get that bastard Jian Gaoyi out here. He'll have to pay off his debts. His whole family is irresponsible, so as his son, he has to settle the debts."
Hu Ling frowned deeply as he looked at the small ear that had suddenly appeared, and hesitated: "This is..."
Song Jin, holding the person's head, said, "My sister. Don't ask so many questions. Quickly call Jian Gaoyi out. Don't even think about running away; you can't escape."
Her aggressive demeanor clearly indicated she was looking for trouble. Hu Ling couldn't fathom what kind of connection they could possibly have, except for this little one in front of him.
The two do look quite alike, but he's in debt, and his own father's remains are nowhere to be found. What debt could he possibly have?
Hu Ling couldn't understand it, but that didn't stop him from not daring to offend the princess in front of him.
She could even hang the heir of the Duke's mansion upside down and beat him mercilessly; he, a mere general, should just obediently admit defeat.
Hu Ling trusted his men quite a bit. He figured, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." They were perfectly justified in their actions; if they had truly done something wrong, they deserved to be punished.
A moment later, someone came out of the house.
Song Jin looked the man up and down. He had to admit that the man was indeed burly, not much less so than Xiao Duo. No wonder he could become a seventh-rank military officer at such a young age. But what was even more striking than his robust physique was his contrasting baby face.
With her round face and round eyes, she looks like a fourteen or fifteen-year-old child, creating a striking contrast.
Song Jin looked at him, then back at Xiao Er, scrutinizing his eyes and nose. No wonder he was the 'enemy' she recognized at a glance; they did indeed look quite alike. She exclaimed, "So your family has a hereditary baby face?"
Little Ear pouted: "Yeah, everyone on my dad's side has this face. My uncles and aunts look a lot like my dad."
That's why she was so convinced that Jian Gaoyi was her cousin.
These days, there aren't many families with such baby faces.
Just as they were talking, Jian Gaoyi had already walked up to them. He looked at the menacing Song Jin, his brows furrowed. The scene of Song Jin dealing with the assassins upon entering the city was unforgettable. He recognized her at a glance as their general's sister—currently the most dangerous person in Yong'an City, yet also the one who loved to cause trouble.
His entire focus was on Song Jin, this extremely dangerous person. As for the fluffy little thing she was carrying, it was too short, and she was looking down, so he couldn't see it clearly. It was probably just someone's child.
Jian Gaoyi didn't care much. He just looked at Song Jin cautiously and carefully considered, "Was it the princess who called me just now?"
He had to be careful; if he upset anyone, he'd be in big trouble when the general returned.
Seeing that he wasn't paying attention, Song Jin picked up Xiao Er and held it in front of him. Now he can see it, right?
Little Ear was so angry she was practically fuming; her face was flushed, and her round eyes glared fiercely at her 'enemy'.
That woman is going too far; she's so arrogant even in front of her.
Like father, like son; neither of them are good people.
Faced with her angry glare, Jian Gaoyi froze, leaning closer to examine her round face. He was shocked by her plump features, then took two steps back, his face showing undisguised bewilderment.
He also had a baby face, round face and round eyes. If you only looked at his face and not his body, he looked like a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy, making it hard for anyone to be wary of him.
Looking at him like this, Song Jin concluded that he knew about the family's wicked deeds and sneered, "So you know what happened? You reap what you sow."
Jian Gaoyi was horrified and instinctively said, "Impossible, I didn't! I'm only fifteen, how could I have a daughter that big?"
Xiao Er already had a baby face and was quite small, making him appear even smaller compared to his taller frame.
Maybe ten years old? No, eight, seven?
Jian Gaoyi guesses
Song Jin: ...
"Aaaaaah!" Little Ear couldn't take it anymore. She broke free from Song Jin's hand, screamed, and rushed towards Jian Gaoyi. With a leap, she landed on his back and grabbed his hair tightly. "This is too much! Your Jian family is too much! I'll curse your ancestors! Ugh, I'm not cursing you, but you're all no good, just like your father..."
Jian Gaoyi stood there like a wooden statue, letting the kitten scratch him.
He's suffered countless injuries over the years, so this little attack is nothing to him; it can't even suppress his confusion.
Xiao Er, Xiao Duo, and A Mao were worried that Xiao Er might lose her balance and fall, so they went over to carefully support her feet. They also tried to stop Jian Gaoyi from doing anything, and they were all busy doing something in a flurry.
Seeing them go up, Song Jin, who had originally wanted to go forward to help Xiao Er catch the person, stopped in her tracks, stood aside with her arms crossed, watching the chaotic scene, and shook her head.
Hu Ling rubbed his head and walked with difficulty to Song Jin's side, saying, "Princess, as far as I know, Gao Yi's parents are dead, and he grew up in the northern desert. I've never heard of any parents. Could it be that you've mistaken him for someone else?"
Song Jin, who was watching the show, paused and widened her eyes: "Huh? He grew up in the Northern Desert? He's not from Qingjun Prefecture?"
Hu Ling had a long story to tell: "I'm not sure if it's true or not, but his hometown is in the northern desert. When he was five or six years old, his whole family was attacked by bandits and died, except for him. He then ended up in the northern desert by chance. He remembers his name and was later adopted by a retired veteran with the same surname. Later, his adoptive father was killed in an enemy attack, and he joined the army and distinguished himself. This is the first time in all these years that he has left the northern desert."
"..."
Song Jin swallowed hard, then turned to look at the scene of the crime. Seeing Xiao Er biting at someone's face with all her might, Song Jin's lips twitched. She instantly flew over, grabbed the person, and pulled the furious Xiao Er off, whispering...
"Stop fooling around, this looks like your brother, your own brother."
The little ear that had been scratching so hard suddenly stopped, as if a seal had been placed on it. Her round eyes, like those of a puppy, were wet and full of confusion. She looked at Song Jin, then at the tall and burly Jian Gaoyi, and subconsciously...
"Little glutinous rice balls?"
She remembered her name; her full name was Jian Gaoming, and her nickname was Tuantuan.
Her only younger brother, who died in that banditry, was born round with fair skin and a black head, resembling a sesame dumpling. Her parents liked to call him A-Xiao, but she preferred to call him Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball).
That happened a very, very long time ago, so long that even now, thinking about it makes her eyes blurry.
Jian Gaoyi's hair was a mess, and he was covered in wet saliva and teeth marks. His round eyes were wet, and combined with his tall, pillar-like figure, he looked extremely pitiful and wronged.
His sister is petite, but she has such a beautiful set of teeth!
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