Chapter 135 Go find your father
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, we joyfully welcome spring; on the second day, we visit our maternal home; and on the third and fourth days, we visit relatives and friends.
Song Jin isn't married, so she doesn't participate in this event. As for her mother's family home, Donglin County is too far away; they just returned last month, so it's impossible for them to make another trip.
Although she couldn't go back, Niu Tielan had prepared gifts well in advance and had them delivered by a caravan half a month ago. Similarly, the Ruan family also prepared various gifts and sent them over in large and small packages.
They are all valuable items.
If it were back in town, when Song Jin hadn't seen much of the world, she might have been interested in these things. But now that she's seen so many nice things, she doesn't even glance at these boxes and chests. She just stares at her mother with her phoenix eyes, like a hawk in the mountains, without blinking.
She stared—
She stared again—
She stared again and again.
"What's gotten into you this time?"
Because of the heavy snow, the goods from Donglin County were delayed by a few days and only arrived on the fourth day of the month. Niu Tielan directed the maids and servants in her household to move the goods into the storeroom in the courtyard in batches, and then sort them out and send them to the various courtyards of the household.
It mainly consists of precious materials, furs, and local food.
Although the Song family has Song Qingzhi as their source of wealth and doesn't lack these things, they are still a token of her appreciation as an elder.
Niu Tielan carefully tidied up these things, as if she had done it countless times before.
She had indeed done it countless times. In the past, when she was in the girls' garden, she was in charge of all the food and supplies for the entire girls' garden. It was because of this that she was able to escape later and was able to live a peaceful life after leaving.
Niu Tielan used to hate the women's kindergarten, and also obsessively thanked it for teaching her so much. But that was in the past. Now she has children, a lover, and her parents are alive and well, and those messy memories have faded away.
Of course, this doesn't mean she's let go of those grudges; it simply means that these matters are no longer her concern.
Qu Maoze is in charge of the Gu practice, and everything is going smoothly for now. She doesn't need to worry about suddenly dying one day and leaving her unreliable child alone to create this mess.
As for the enemy behind the scenes
The Yu family of Jiangnan is not easy to deal with, but Marquis Ruan Donglin of Andong is even more difficult to associate with.
Ruan Donglin didn't know that his enemy was the Yu family. Although he knew a lot about their messy affairs, as long as they didn't cross the line or get too dirty in front of him, he wouldn't be so righteous as to investigate and pursue everything. He didn't have that much free time.
Now that he knows the Yu family is the culprit who caused his wife and daughter to be separated and suffer, he has plenty of reasons to find fault with them.
The Yu family has been anything but peaceful over the years. Leaving aside petty acts like bullying men and women, they've engaged in serious bribery, embezzlement, and extortion...
There's not much to say, but we need to obtain solid evidence and find the right opportunity to release it, so as to achieve a fatal blow.
However, before that, Ruan Donglin would not sit idly by and wait for his death. He simply added fuel to the fire, and the head of the Yu family was doomed.
The current head of the Yu family has inherited his father's shamelessness and disgusting ways. Over the years, instead of nurturing his own family members, he still only thinks about currying favor with others. He has a large number of wives and concubines and controls the most brothels in Jiangnan.
Year after year, countless men and women have died as a result.
Most of them were destitute and alone; if they died, they died and no one cared. But there were always exceptions.
The twelfth concubine in the backyard of the current head of the Yu family is an exception. She originally came from a wealthy family, but was targeted by the Yu family. In the end, her family was destroyed, her property was seized, her family skills were taken away, and she was forced into the Yu family.
Over the course of twenty years, she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Two of her sons died in the power struggles within the family during those years, and her two daughters were sent away when they were only twelve or thirteen years old, their remains never found. The remaining son disappeared early on, and everyone assumed he had already died.
Unexpectedly, she hid the person and gave him to her uncle who had survived by chance. Over the years, the uncle and nephew became a镖行 (bodyguards/escorts), traveling all over the country. They had some manpower, as well as courage and hatred.
Taking advantage of the fact that the Prince of Qi was on a tour and the forces in Jiangnan dared not make any rash moves, the Yu family man returned to the Yu family with his men.
In just two months, the head of the Yu family was on his deathbed, and the family was in disarray...
It was much faster than Niu Tielan had thought of, but upon closer reflection, it wasn't surprising.
As early as the time of Emperor Huangdi, the Yu family was extremely prosperous, but gradually declined afterward. It was for this reason that they resorted to such underhanded tactics and tried every means to maintain their superficial prosperity.
But if wealth and status were so easy to maintain, there wouldn't have been so many changes of powerful families over the centuries.
The more prosperous a family is, the easier it is to decline; the more it declines, the more anxious it becomes; and the more anxious it becomes, the more flaws it reveals.
Intertwined internal and external factors...
Niu Tielan couldn't wait for all these people to die. There was no sense of melancholy or empathy involved. Just thinking about their suffering made her happy. Her face was rosy all day long, and she was visibly beaming with joy. If it weren't for the maids around her, she would probably be humming a song.
It is said that no one knows a daughter better than her mother, and the reverse is also true.
Song Jin's mind, though not very sharp, was quick to work, but her eyesight was excellent.
Niu Tielan couldn't help but think of the phrase Song Jin often uttered when she was a child: "Bu Ling Bu Ling." Although the words might not have meant it that way, it felt very apt, and it made her eyes hurt.
She couldn't help but grab a handkerchief from the side and throw it at him to stop him, scolding, "What are you doing now? Talking so strangely."
Song Jin was completely covered, but the handkerchief was thin enough to see through. So she didn't lift it up. With the handkerchief over her face, she crossed her arms and squinted at her mother: "Mother, you're hiding something from me."
She spoke with absolute certainty, without the slightest doubt.
Niu Tielan glanced at her and tossed her a handkerchief: "If you have nothing better to do, go and sort out the accounts."
Song Jin took down two handkerchiefs, gave a soft hum, and then approached like a puppy huddled around for food, staring at the person: "Mom, tell me, I'm a year older now that the New Year is over, and in a few months I'll be of marriageable age, a mature young lady, you have to believe me."
If someone were truly reliable, they wouldn't say such things.
Niu Tielan remained silent, lowering his head to record the things in the courtyard, each stroke revealing a greater sense of urgency than usual.
Song Jin became increasingly certain that her mother was hiding something from her, and leaned closer to continue pestering her: "My dear mother, please tell me, please tell me, mother, mother, mother..."
She never stopped talking, driving Niu Tielan to the brink of despair.
But can I tell this to this brat?
Definitely not.
The Chu family harbors ill intentions, but their exact thoughts and intentions are still unclear. Whether it's just one family or several families behind them requires time to investigate and find evidence. They should proceed cautiously to avoid being cornered and resorting to desperate measures.
Can you explain these things to this crazy girl?
It was indeed hard to explain, but Song Jin just wanted to hear it, so she started pestering people all the way.
Niu Tielan tried to block out her incessant chatter even with two pieces of cotton stuffed in her ears, but to no avail. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he grabbed her shoulders, turned her around, and pushed her aside toward Qu Maoze, who was watching the commotion.
Qu Maoze held a history book in his hand. He was a man who would not flinch even if someone died in front of him. But now, under Song Jin's chattering voice, he was clearly distracted. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, unable to hide his feelings of emotion and envy.
When will his daughter start acting like this, spoiling him?
Humans are indeed greedy creatures. Just five days ago, he was smug and satisfied because of the words "pretty boy dad," but now he wants to compete with the child's mother for treatment.
Qu Maoze sighed and suppressed this overly selfish thought.
He hasn't held a child in over ten years, and even now it's a fake body. Even if he gave her a million-dollar fortune, the title of princess, and five unlucky brothers who are capable of both enduring hardship and causing trouble, what does it matter?
As children grow up, they develop their own ideas, and you can't force them to change.
But it's the child's mother.
Qu Maoze smiled, closed the history book in his hand, and slowly stood up: "The guests will be here soon. They are all women, so I shouldn't disturb them. You and your daughter can have fun. I'll go prepare the medicine."
As he spoke, he strolled slowly through the courtyard as if nothing had happened.
Pretentious and cunning.
Niu Tielan opened her almond-shaped eyes and realized more clearly than ever before that men were truly unreliable, only thinking about reaping the benefits and teasing their obedient children, without wanting to endure the hardships of raising children at all.
Is this girl hers alone?
Unlike Niu Tielan's annoyance, Song Jin was quite pleased with his tact. She squinted as she watched his figure disappear completely at the courtyard gate, then turned her head with satisfaction, grabbed her mother's arm, and wanted to ask her about her little secret.
A mother and daughter, how could they possibly keep secrets from each other?
Song Jin: "Mother, mother, mother, mother, mother..."
Niu Tielan, unable to bear it any longer, said: "Go find your father! Why do you keep asking me for everything? Do you think I'm that free?"
She now has to prepare a dowry for this girl, manage the household, worry about all sorts of messy grudges, and take care of her health. Her days are packed with activities, so she seems to have nothing to do in front of this child.
That person must be really idle, spending all day reading lousy books and watching the fun.
Enraged, Niu Tielan began to neglect Qu Maoze's important tasks, such as treating the Gu poison, obtaining medicine, and investigating people.
Anyway, the child isn't just hers; we can't just blame her for having the baby.
Song Jin stared at her with wide eyes, unable to believe her eyes.
Niu Tielan's heart softened instantly. The brat was a bit annoying, but she had relied on him for survival all these years and had never asked about his father. If she pushed him over like this, he would definitely get hurt.
She was soft-hearted and wanted to say that she didn't mean it that way.
Song Jin looked shocked and complained indignantly, "You talked to him but not me? Mother, you really are sexist, you value men over women, you despise your only daughter..."
Niu Tielan: ...
Once an unlucky kid, always an unlucky kid.
"I value smart people more than stupid ones." Niu Tielan couldn't take it anymore and slapped Zhang on the butt. The movement wasn't hard, but it was extremely hurtful. She was annoyed. "Go find your father if you have any problems. Don't bother me."
He should be the one to worry about these things.
Song Jin covered her bottom, puffed out her cheeks, and turned to leave angrily. As she walked out of the courtyard, she ran into Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi, who were visiting with their daughter. Without pausing, she turned and walked in the other direction.
His aggressive demeanor made it clear he was looking for trouble.
Yang Yanjun held Xiaohua, who was dressed in red fox fur, tightly, and asked with some puzzlement, "What's wrong with her now? She's in such a bad mood during the New Year. It seems we came at the wrong time."
But the visiting cards were sent in advance, so there was nothing that could be done once they arrived.
Fortunately, the capable mistress of the Song family has never been Song Jin, so whether she's angry or not doesn't matter.
Yang Yanjun shook her head and continued to lead Xiaohua toward the courtyard.
Xiao Hua tilted her head, watching Song Jin's back from afar, her lips pursed, looking listless and lacking her previous energy.
Back at the Minister's residence, she naturally had no shortage of food and drink, but studying this and that every day was driving her crazy.
Xiao Hua couldn't understand it at all. Why should such a young child learn so much when she can't eat or drink?
She had originally planned to find a like-minded princess to speak ill of her.
well.
Song Jin, who shared the same interests, didn't pay attention to the others. She hurried towards the backyard, only thinking about causing trouble for that hypocritical bastard Qu Maoze. She had created opportunities for him, deliberately moved her place for him, and yet he was competing with her for her affections, and even had a little secret he wasn't telling her.
Ah, men.
Song Jin was so imposing that she walked down the street like a whirlwind, making it impossible for anyone to pretend they didn't know her.
Qu Maoze had just walked back into the courtyard and opened the box full of medicinal herbs when he sighed softly, "Not playing with your mother anymore?"
Song Jin crossed his arms and scoffed, "Playing, playing, playing? What's going on in a grown man's head? Neglecting your duties."
Qu Maoze sighed softly, then took out the medicine from the box: "Would you like to see the medicine? Your mother is currently taking a medicine with fire worms as the main ingredient, which is best for dispelling cold, but it also causes intense heartburn..."
Song Jin looked at the box full of various dried insect corpses, densely packed, hideous and foul-smelling. To the naked eye, they did not look like medicine, but more like poison. However, upon closer inspection, each insect that could be used as the main ingredient carried an aura. Although it was not strong, it could be called a spiritual insect, which explained its miraculous effects.
She squatted down to one side, resting her chin on her hand, listening quietly to him without saying a word. The fierce fire within her subsided, leaving her silent, mirroring the falling snow outside the window.
Looking at him like this, he does resemble Niu Tielan somewhat.
Qu Maoze's voice became much softer. In addition to what Niu Tielan needed, he also introduced her to other Gu insects and talked about the Gu clan.
He had never actually lived in the Gu Clan, but during those years, his mother talked about it to him every day, and he seemed to have become someone who had grown up in the Gu Clan, knowing everything about Gu. So much so that when he went back alone later, he was able to easily control the last Gu Clan heir, the Chong Lao family.
Song Jin listened to him quietly for a while, then looked up at him and asked, "Does it hurt?"
Qu Maoze sighed softly, "It will hurt, but don't worry, I've tried my best to suppress it and won't let your mother suffer too much."
Song Jin: "I'm talking to you."
Qu Maoze was taken aback and turned his head to look.
She buried her chin in her arms, only revealing the upper half of her face, as if it were just a casual question, but her narrow phoenix eyes looked over, her dark pupils reflecting his figure, unblinking.
Qu Maoze couldn't quite describe his feelings. Looking at her face, which resembled his own, he whispered, "It doesn't hurt."
Song Jin didn't speak, her eyes, like a wolf's, staring at him.
Qu Maoze raised his hand and rolled up his sleeve.
Beneath the wide sleeves, his wrists were fair and flawless, making him look like a wealthy person who had never suffered any hardship. But beneath the glamorous exterior, his wrists were actually riddled with holes.
He laughed and said, "Your mother is worried about me and won't let me bleed. I recover quickly, so it's nothing to worry about."
Song Jin stared intently for a while, then said, "Liar."
Qu Maoze chuckled: "Actually, it's good that I'm more tolerant of pain than most people, and I can also exorcise the Gu, so it really doesn't hurt."
Moreover, having experienced such torment and pain, these physical pains were nothing to him.
Song Jin didn't say anything, but the word "liar" was still clearly written in her eyes.
Qu Maoze looked at her squatting opposite him and felt a little itchy to touch her. After resisting for a while, he couldn't help but reach out and gently place his hand on her head. It was soft and round.
He raised his lips and said, "What's wrong? It's the New Year, we should be happy."
Surprisingly, Song Jin didn't slap his hand away. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, like a cabbage that had been hit by frost, or a puppy that had been soaked in the rain, looking listless and dejected.
Qu Maoze felt a pang of heartache, and his voice softened even more: "What happened? Tell your father, did someone bully you?"
Song Jin said in a muffled voice, "You and my mother never talk to me about things, treating me like an outsider."
Qu Maoze withdrew his hand as if it had been burned. Looking at her listless appearance, he could see a wet puppy with its ears perked up, acting furtively and pretending to be something it wasn't.
He wondered why things had suddenly become so strange; it turned out this was what was waiting for him.
Not bad, not bad, you've all learned to beat around the bush.
Qu Maoze found it both amusing and helpless. He didn't have the same confidence as the child's mother, nor could he treat people so casually. Looking at this child who was unusually willing to pretend, he pondered for a moment, stood up, walked to the shelf to the side, and picked up a book.
"How could Jinjin be an outsider? It's just that you're still young. Knowing too much might stunt your growth. You should read more books. Once you understand the books, you'll naturally know more."
Some things are easy to say, but some are hard to say; ultimately, you have to figure them out for yourself.
He felt that with his child's intelligence, there was no problem in him figuring things out.
Song Jin stared at the history book, which was as thick as her palm, her hair practically standing on end. Then, seeing Qu Maoze's gentle warmth, she stood up abruptly and sneered, "Despicable scoundrel."
Did you think she would fall for that?
Dogs don't read books.
She was rarely willing to go through the motions to find out information from him, and not only did he not offer the truth, he even dared to play her for a fool.
Song Jin glared at the person fiercely, spat, and left in a huff.
Qu Maoze was taken aback by the speed of the change in attitude.
Looking at the history book recording Wanli's life in his hand, and then at Song Jin's aggressive back, he couldn't help but feel a sense of haste in fleeing in disarray.
After a long pause, he chuckled and murmured, "You can't possibly not understand any of it, can you?"
Disliking something and not being able to do it are two different things.
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