Chapter 41 Your sister might cause trouble.
"Thump—thump thump thump thump"
"At the crowing of the rooster at dawn, one rises to go to work."
...
As dawn approached, the night watchman, dressed in a dark blue uniform, carrying a large gong and drumsticks, patrolled the area, calling out every few steps. His piercing voice and the resounding drumbeats shattered the sweet dreams of the people.
As the night watchman's drum fell silent, the night outside remained deep, but lights began to illuminate the rooms one by one.
The dim candlelight and swaying lanterns, as the night deepened and the roosters crowed, gradually illuminated Yong'an City in the darkness.
"Cough, cough cough"
A cough came from the quiet room. Song Jin, who was lying on the small bed, immediately opened her eyes, picked up the oil lamp that burned day and night, and brought it closer to the bedside.
The wooden bed was exquisite and spacious, with intricate patterns embroidered on the thin, sheer gauze curtains. Lifting the curtains and letting candlelight stream into the bed, the silver light shimmered on the moon-white silk quilt, and glimpses of dark hair were visible beneath the soft, cool blankets. Intermittent coughs could be heard emanating from within.
"Mother, are you alright?" Song Jin hung up the kerosene lamp, carefully pulled Niu Tielan out, and gently patted her back to help her catch her breath, her voice soft.
Niu Tielan was covered in sweat, her hair soaked, her forehead and neck drenched. She shook her head, only managing a dry cough, her voice hoarse: "Water."
Song Jin went to a small table to the side, where an exquisite jade teapot and six cups were placed on a blue-and-white porcelain plate; their price was visibly high. However, she didn't care about the price; she casually poured some water and ran back to the bedside.
Niu Tielan snatched the cup, looked at the small cup, suppressed his coughing, and drank it all in one gulp with a heavy heart. He then rolled out of bed, his bare feet stepping on the cold stone floor, and went to the table.
Song Jin followed behind, saying, "Be careful not to fall."
Niu Tielan didn't speak, but looked at the pretty but useless cups with some disdain. She picked up the teapot, opened the lid, and drank directly from it. The lukewarm water gurgled down her throat, making her feel a little better, but only for a moment. Soon, her mouth was dry again, and it felt like something was stuck in her throat.
She rubbed her neck uncomfortably: "Is there any water left? It's so dry."
Niu Tielan sat on a small stool. Because she was sweating too much, Song Jin was afraid that she would catch a cold, so she specially changed her into a thinner gauze dress. Now she was sleeping in a mess, with large areas of her snow-white skin exposed. Her fair and delicate skin was like jade, which made the blood red patch on her chest even more eye-catching.
Song Jin stepped forward and used her internal energy to sense the situation inside. Leaving aside the Gu worms that were visible to the naked eye yesterday, even the initial faint movements were gone; it was completely silent, as if the Gu worms had vanished. However, the glaring red color suggested otherwise.
She frowned and moved her hand away from her mother's face.
Niu Tielan had lost a lot of weight from traveling so much. Her face was already small, and now her chin was so sharp it almost felt prickly, but her skin was exceptionally smooth and warm, and her complexion was rosy...
Song Jin narrowed his phoenix eyes and looked her up and down.
Niu Tielan felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze. She lifted her loosened gauze skirt, lowered her crossed leg, and pinched her neck, saying, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Song Jin crossed her arms and asked, "Mother, are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
"Hey, now that you mention it, I feel so cheerful today!"
Niu Tielan twisted her neck and bones, equally astonished. She jumped off the stool, tiptoed, and waved a few times. Compared to before, she felt as heavy as if her hands and feet were bound with iron weights; now that the iron ball was rolling away, she was still somewhat unaccustomed to it.
The feeling was both strange and familiar, quite peculiar. However, Niu Tielan stopped again after a while, pinched his neck and swallowed, somewhat annoyed: "Cough, cough, it's just too dry today. Go find me some water. This house is so big, using this tiny cup is no different from keeping a mosquito in a birdcage."
Song Jin glanced at the teapot, which could hold at least a pound of water, then looked at Niu Tielan, who was still ravenously thirsty, and said with some surprise, "It's not that exaggerated. Why are you pinching your throat like that? Come here and let me take a look."
Niu Tielan also felt something was off. She'd drunk so much water, her stomach was bloated, and her throat was still incredibly dry, as if something was stuck in it. She mumbled something as she opened her mouth.
"You didn't feed me while I was asleep, did you?"
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "Do you think I'm such an unreliable person? Open your mouth wider, huh?"
Niu Tielan: "Ah"
Song Jin held the kerosene lamp close, its dim light insufficient to illuminate the area, but her eyesight was excellent, and she could see clearly even in such a dim light. She pressed the wooden hairpin in her hand and quickly noticed something different.
She frowned: "It feels like there's something there. Mother, you didn't eat a bug because you were hungry last night and it's stuck in your throat, did you?"
"...Don't disgust me. You might as well say that the Gu worm can't break through and is trying to crawl out of my mouth." Niu Tielan was speechless. As she spoke, she felt disgusted with herself. Her throat tightened, her face changed slightly, and just as she was about to say something, she spat out a mouthful of blood.
Song Jin was caught off guard and sprayed in the face. She stood there watching Niu Tielan squat on the ground, dry heaving.
Instead of immediately rushing to help, she stood there with a frown, quickly grabbing the unusual drop of blood from the splattered blood.
It was a small, thumb-sized lump, dark in color, and constantly wriggling. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be composed entirely of tiny insects the size of ants.
Over there, Niu Tielan, who was squatting on the ground, was still coughing up blood, with small insects occasionally appearing in it.
She was right.
Song Jin walked to the side, put the clump of insects into the empty teapot, and then picked up the scattered insects, the size of ants, one by one, stuffing them in, alive or dead. Once she was sure none were missing, she went over to Niu Tielan and picked up the ones on the ground, leaving none behind.
Niu Tielan coughed until tears streamed down her face. Looking at the tiny, ant-like creatures, her eyes truly welled up with tears. She coughed dryly, "Cough cough, you, you don't touch it, Mother, Mother, come here."
She was afraid that these things would also end up on Song Jin.
Song Jin remained calm: "It's alright, these aren't Gu worms, they're just like ordinary little insects, don't worry."
If it were just one or two, Song Jin might have been a little worried, but with this huge pile, there was no danger at all. Song Jin carefully placed them all, making sure nothing was missing, and then covered the teapot to ensure that the things inside couldn't escape.
She then used one hand to pat Niu Tielan's back, while using the other hand to apply internal energy upwards from his heart.
"puff"
Niu Tielan's face changed drastically, and she coughed up blood again, this time splattering it all over the ground in patches. After repeating this several times, she finally stopped coughing, but she was exhausted, nauseous, and worried.
Song Jin helped her to a stool and comforted her, "Mother, please sit down. I'll go get some water."
Niu Tielan gasped for breath, looking worriedly at her blood-covered body: "You..."
"It's okay, I'll change it in a bit."
Song Jin smiled, wiped her face with her sleeve, turned around, and her smile vanished as she strode out.
This is the Song family's residence. They live in Chunhui Garden, one of the two finest courtyards in the very center of the house. The courtyard is adorned with blooming flowers, rockeries, and flowing water, and is very well-lit. The rooms are also exceptionally spacious.
The room Niu Tielan stayed in was more like a suite than a room. It was a small bedroom with a bed, with a screen separating it from the main hall. To the left was a dressing room for clothes, and at the other end was a separate small study. There was also a small cubicle for showering and using the toilet. It had everything you needed.
The Song family was a wealthy household, and they always kept candles lit at night, so they didn't have to search for a candle in the dark when they got up. Although the light wasn't very bright to avoid disturbing sleep, it was still enough for people to see where they were going and avoid bumping into things.
While wiping her face, Song Jin smoothly crossed the small obstacles on the road and arrived at the main entrance, where she unlatched the door and opened it.
The maids at the door had heard the commotion inside, but couldn't make out the details, so they hadn't gone in, only standing guard at the door. Now that the door was open, they instinctively greeted her, but when they looked up and saw the barely concealed bloodstains on Song Jin's face, their expressions changed drastically.
"Miss, miss, what's wrong?"
"Madam is coughing up blood again? I'll go find a doctor."
The little girl pounced on Song Jin from behind her eyebrows and ears, anxiously looking at her. She skillfully picked up a handkerchief and wiped away the remaining bloodstains, asking her all sorts of questions.
Song Jin stood there letting the two men wipe her face, looking at the others outside.
Six maids stood at the door.
The four girls behind them were dressed simply, with plain hairstyles and little jewelry. They looked unassuming, but the fabric they wore was clearly expensive, and there wasn't a single patch on it. They were obviously maids from a wealthy family.
The two maids guarding the gate at the front, though called maids, were more like young ladies than ordinary girls.
The two women were dressed in intricately patterned and brightly colored silks and satins, their hairpins swaying gently in the breeze. They had delicate features, fair skin, and tall figures, and they also carried a pleasant fragrance.
Song Jin, with her hair disheveled, clothes rumpled, and face a mess, stood in stark contrast to them.
Even with Song Jin's easygoing nature, there was a moment of speechlessness.
In recent years, Song Shang's household has been deserted, and he no longer favors the attire of maids. He only has five sons, so his household is mostly staffed with servants, with very few proper maids.
None of the five sons of the Song family were married; the only one with a wife was Song Xingzhi, that womanizer.
The arrival of Song Jin and her daughter was sudden, and Song Shunzhi and his group couldn't spare any manpower right away. After much deliberation, they decided to send two well-mannered people from Song Xingzhi's backyard.
Although she was called a maid, she was clearly someone from the household.
Song Jin, unfazed, simply instructed, "The floor inside is dirty. Go fetch some water to clean it up, pour two fresh pots of clean tea, and boil some hot water for washing. My mother and I need to take a bath."
Chun Yuan: "Greetings, Sixth Miss. I'll make the arrangements right away."
Xia Hua asked worriedly, "Is Sixth Miss alright? Is Madam alright? I'll go and fetch the doctor right away."
Song Jin shook her head: "Just get ready to wash up early, no need to do much. Xiao Mei, come inside with me to take care of Mother. Xiao Er, you wait here for the water. No one else is allowed to enter the house unless I call them."
Chun Yuan and Xia Hua exchanged glances, then replied, "We'll do as Miss Six says."
Before being summoned, Song Shunzhi specifically instructed them that once they arrived, they should obey Song Jin's orders, good or bad. As maids, they naturally had to do whatever their masters arranged. Moreover, Song Jin looked remarkably similar to Song Shang; just a frown from her eyes was enough to deter anyone from saying anything.
Seeing this, Song Jin led Xiao Mei inside, leaving Xiao Er to guard the door.
Xiao Er stood at the doorway, tiptoeing and puffing out her chest to barely meet the people's gaze. Her voice was clear and crisp: "Then I'll trouble you all to help. Xiao Mei and I are new here and don't know anything, so please teach us. Once we're more familiar with things, we can do it ourselves."
Chun Yuan and Xia Hua exchanged a knowing glance as they watched this lowly maid, who was even considered inferior to the lowest-ranking servants in their household, speak to them in such a manner, but their expressions remained unchanged as they smiled.
"Don't worry, little sister, leave it to us."
Chun Yuan stayed behind, while Xia Hua took two maids to prepare. Their steps were graceful and elegant; they looked absolutely beautiful.
Xiao Er's eyes lit up.
Will she and Xiaomei end up like this in the future?
...
Xia Hua, envied by Xiao Er, led her maid to arrange the bathing and washing. Carrying a lantern, she walked briskly along the cobblestone path, leaving the small courtyard and entering the outer courtyard.
Although it was still dark, Zhaoming Courtyard was already brightly lit, with lanterns lit to illuminate the inside and outside, and servants carrying buckets of water going back and forth.
Xia Hua walked into Zhaoming Courtyard, smiling and greeting people: "Brother Liangji, please inform the Second Young Master."
Liangji: "Please wait a moment, young lady."
It was the time when Song Shunzhi was preparing to go to court. He was sitting in the room, having another servant wash his hair and tidy his clothes.
Liang Ji: "Young Master, Xia Hua is looking for you."
Song Shunzhi frowned slightly, stood up, and hurried outside, asking, "What happened to Miss Liu?"
Xia Hua was a servant in Song Xingzhi's household and wouldn't come to see him unless there was a reason. So, at this time, it could only mean that something had happened to Song Jin and the others.
As expected, Xia Hua bowed slightly and said softly, "I noticed that Miss Liu has quite a bit of blood on her, so I thought about calling a doctor, but Miss Liu said it wasn't necessary. After thinking about it, I still feel I should tell the Second Young Master."
Song Shunzhi pondered for a moment: "Do exactly what the Sixth Miss says. Do whatever she asks for, according to the highest standards. If you're unsure about anything, consult the butler and Xiao Wu. Under no circumstances should you be negligent in the slightest."
Xia Hua replied solemnly, "Second Young Master, rest assured, Xia Hua understands."
After briefly explaining, Song Shunzhi returned to his room, donned his official robes, washed up, and then limped over to Chunhui Courtyard, knocking on the door.
Xiao Mei came to open the door, paused for a moment when she saw him, and bowed: "Good morning, Young Master Song. Please wait a moment, Miss, Young Master Song has arrived."
Song Jin, sitting inside the house taking Niu Tielan's pulse, wasn't surprised and said, "Let him in."
As soon as Song Shunzhi entered the room, he smelled a strong stench of blood. He frowned and stepped forward with concern: "How is Madam? Is she really not needed a doctor?"
Song Jin shook her head: "No need, my mother is fine. She just vomited up a bunch of bugs; she was just disgusted."
Moreover, Niu Tielan's health at this moment is somewhat beyond imagination.
This old insect is really something!
Song Jin looked at the wooden box hanging above the bed, lost in thought.
Just the day before, she was worried that no one would be able to treat her mother's illness, but now that everything has been resolved so quickly, she feels it all happened a little too fast.
That's it? That's it?
Something just doesn't feel right.
Song Shunzhi was taken aback by these words and subconsciously glanced towards the bedside. The room was dimly lit, but it was clear that Niu Tielan's complexion was much better than yesterday, and her look of disgust was very genuine.
He glanced at you briefly before looking away, saying, "That's good. It's still late, so you and your wife can rest a little longer. I took a leave of absence recently, and it's not convenient for me to ask for leave again today since I'm back at court, so I can't accompany you. However, Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince are free, so have them take you to Elder Chong's place. You can also take a stroll around Yong'an City. If you need anything, just tell Fifth Prince; he manages the finances at home."
Song Jin then looked at him seriously, sizing him up: "You still have to go to court?"
Song Shunzhi: "...In this dynasty, even sixth-rank officials are required to attend court every day. My fifth son is a merchant and doesn't need to. My fourth son is a seventh-rank official, but he's a bit short. He attends court on the first and fifteenth of each month. My eldest and third sons, as well as I, have to attend court every day, but they're all out, so only I go."
Song Jin became curious: "I know that idiot Song Xingzhi, he's still in Qingjun Prefecture. And what does the third brother do?"
Song Shunzhi didn't correct her, and said, "The third brother is a general, he's been guarding the border for two years, he's far away, and it's troublesome for him to come back. He won't be back for several days."
Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Justice, General, Merchant—these all sound like dangerous positions.
Song Jin couldn't help but sigh, "Your family sounds so dangerous. First your father had an accident, and now it's your turn, isn't it?"
Song Shunzhi remained silent for a while before saying, "No, His Majesty and Father have a deep bond. As long as we uphold our duties, even if things are difficult for a while, nothing will happen."
He was certain of this.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "You don't suspect that the person above you is involved in your father's affair?"
Song Shunzhi said sternly, "Little sister, be careful what you say. His Majesty would never do such a thing."
It seems he still trusts that person.
Song Jin didn't know if his loyalty was blind or if it was the truth. Ultimately, she didn't understand the person above her, nor did she know the relationship between the emperor and Song Shang. She simply shrugged and said...
"Alright, then you'd better hurry up and go to court, lest you be late and get caught again, and suffer the consequences."
As she spoke, Song Jin looked meaningfully at his limping leg, realizing she didn't need to worry so much; this man wasn't as simple-minded as he seemed.
Song Shunzhi pretended not to see it and remained silent. He bowed to Niu Tielan and said, "Madam, please take good care of yourself. If there is anything wrong at home, please let us know. If any servant offends you, no matter who it is, do not tolerate it. Just drag them away and sell them."
Niu Tielan took a sip of water from the small cup and said, "Alright, thank you for your hard work. Go to court now."
After he left, limping away, the mother and daughter began to properly wash up.
After ten days of continuous travel, they had only given each other a quick wash. Now they needed to soak and scrub themselves thoroughly, inside and out.
**
As the first rays of dawn pierce the darkness, a new day officially begins.
The sixteen-story Star Tower stands tall, receiving the first rays of sunlight and offering a panoramic view of the entire capital city. Rows of high-rise buildings and courtyards, with their vermilion roofs and green tiles, carved beams and painted rafters, are arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, forming the magnificent capital city of Dayan.
The palace, standing quietly to the north, was solemn and majestic. Beneath its tall and imposing gates, rows of carriages, some ornate, some solemn, and some simple, were lined up neatly, awaiting the opening of the palace doors.
"The city gates are open; esteemed officials, please proceed to court."
As a voice, neither male nor female, rang out, the officials who had been waiting on the sidelines, dressed in dark red court robes, gathered in twos and threes, holding jade tablets, pushing and shoving each other, and walked noisily inside.
Among the crowds, many eyes were still fixed on Song Shunzhi, who had not attended court for many days and was now back.
Today, when he went to court, his carriage had changed from the fine horse-drawn carriage he used to travel with his family of three to a small carriage for one person. At this moment, he stood alone at the back of the officials, his face still bruised and purple, his eyes dark and swollen, and his whole body haggard and thin, lacking his former spirited demeanor.
The officials sighed inwardly, but still turned and left without hesitation.
The officialdom is like a battlefield. The Song family used to be so arrogant, but now that their backer, Song Shang, has fallen, it's time for them to taste the bitterness of powerlessness.
Now, their task is to determine who should fill the vacancy left by Song Shang's downfall. Amidst numerous hidden agendas, undercurrents are surging among the seemingly amicable bureaucrats.
Song Shunzhi walked unhurriedly behind the others, his leg slightly limping, pondering matters of the court. He ignored the other gazes until he heard a cold yet slightly concerned voice beside him.
"How are Mrs. Niu and Song Jin?"
Qi Zheng stood to the side. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and narrow-waisted, a man of stern and aloof bearing. His dark red court robes accentuated his imposing presence, giving him the air of a nobleman who commanded respect and made it difficult to look him directly in the eye.
Judging by his appearance alone, no one would guess that he was just a wanderer who had lived a nomadic life since childhood.
Song Shunzhi bowed and said, "Greetings, Prince Qi. Yesterday, your wife fell ill and her condition was critical, but fortunately, an old acquaintance of my father found a way to stop it. This morning, I paid my respects, and your wife's complexion has improved considerably; she is temporarily out of danger."
Qi Zheng's expression softened slightly as he reminded her, "That place would be much better. Madam Niu and Song Jin have relied on each other for many years and have a deep bond. If something were to happen to Madam Niu, your sister might cause trouble."
This includes, but is not limited to, breaking into the palace, murder, arson, theft, and tearing down houses and digging up the ground...
She has the courage and the ability.
Having been through so much trouble yesterday, Song Shunzhi easily understood the implied meaning. Suppressing his twitching lips, he said, "Thank you for your concern, Prince Qi. I will be careful."
Qi Zheng nodded to him: "Let's go together. Today's report involves Vice Minister Song and your sister, so you can stay next to me."
Song Shunzhi was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Your subject will obey the will of Prince Qi."
The positions of officials like Song Shunzhi who attended court were arranged in a specific order. Song Shunzhi's official rank was not high, and his position was basically at the very back, so he couldn't see the emperor at all, nor would he be seen by him.
But led by Qi Zheng
The two people, one waiting leisurely and the other limping, arrived late amidst the powerful and unified chants of "Long live the Emperor!"
Qi Ye, dressed in a golden dragon robe, sat on a large golden throne, looking at his son who resembled him remarkably much yet surpassed him, and then at the limping young man beside him. His brows furrowed, and his voice deepened.
"What happened to Shunzhi's leg?"
Below the imperial court, many people's expressions changed slightly.
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