Chapter 71 My daughter is rude
Since Song Shang disappeared, the Song family has been practically deserted.
Every day, the carriages came and went, carrying only the family's masters. The only outsider was Qi Zheng, who often got a ride home.
It is said that a guest came to visit that day.
Although the visitor was the daughter of the Minister of Rites, who had been engaged to their eldest son years ago but then broke off the engagement, and whose recent divorce from Marquis Xuanping had caused quite a stir.
The servants perked up and swept and mopped the area in front of the gate repeatedly. They even replaced the stone lions, making the gate so clean that there wasn't a speck of dust.
The servants guarding the gate, their faces beaming with joy, eagerly awaited their arrival.
"They're here! Go quickly and inform the young lady!"
"Tell the maids and servants inside to be careful."
As the carriage approached from afar, the sharp-eyed servants recognized it as today's distinguished guest and quickly sprang into action.
Those who call out, call out; those who come forward, greet.
"That's really strange."
Inside the carriage, Yang Yanjun lifted the curtain, looking at the newly renovated Song mansion ahead and the joy on the faces of the gatekeepers. She clicked her tongue, her eyes filled with a mixture of mockery and nostalgia.
"Last time I came here, I was stopped at the door."
At that time, she was young and impetuous. She disapproved of Song Xingzhi's playboy ways and was also wary of Song Shang's reputation. Although the engagement was only arranged by her parents.
Later, he encountered the heir apparent of the Marquis of Xuanping at the time, and was deceived by his handsome appearance and sweet words, and now he is paying the price.
It just goes to show that experience counts; her father's acceptance of the Song family's marriage proposal wasn't, as she thought, due to pressure from powerful figures.
But there's no point in talking about this now.
She smiled and opened her arms: "Ali, come here and Auntie will give you a hug."
A beautiful little girl ran over, took off her shoes, and nimbly climbed onto her lap, swinging her toes.
Cheng Siyi warned: "Ali"
The little girl immediately pouted, pulled her wobbly feet back, and was about to go downstairs to put on her shoes.
Yang Yanjun hugged Ali, her gaze towards Cheng Siyi filled with disapproval: "Ali is still young, Yiyi, don't be so strict. It's so good for a little girl like this."
Three-year-old Ali knew her aunt was speaking up for her, so she nodded her head, her chubby face full of agreement, and said in her childish voice.
"That's right, that's right, Ali is still young."
Cheng Siyi couldn't bear to look and snapped at Yang Yanjun, "I think you're still young. When we were three years old..."
"I can recite the Hundred Family Surnames and the Three Character Classic fluently, and I also have a smattering of knowledge about poetry, classics, and history," Yang Yanjun replied, shaking her head, before sighing.
"Yi-yi, why are you just like my mother? Back then, you were always crying and complaining about having too much to learn."
Cheng Siyi: "I was young and didn't know any better back then."
Yang Yanjun hugged Ali tightly, shaking her head: "I won't listen, I'm still young."
Cheng Siyi was both amused and exasperated. Looking at her daughter making faces along with her, she sighed.
"Suit yourself. If you spoil this girl, you'll have to take responsibility for raising her."
Yang Yanjun said happily, "I couldn't be happier! Our Ali, your aunt will prepare a generous dowry for you in the future."
Cheng Siyi paused: "Your dowry..."
Yang Yanjun's expression softened slightly, and she shook her head: "We've gotten everything we could. Let's leave it at that."
Cheng Siyi was eager for her to escape her misery as soon as possible, so she didn't try to persuade her further: "Let's cut our losses and not talk about this anymore. The carriage is almost here; get ready to get off."
Yang Yanjun nodded, put Ali down, and started fixing her hair and clothes.
Little Ali doesn't care about appearances in front of her family, but she still has to look beautiful in public.
If her Guoguo were still alive
Yang Yanjun's eyes dimmed slightly, but she quickly tidied herself up and carefully led Xiao Ali downstairs.
Both women were from noble families and were already married. Their demeanor and attire were far superior to those of unmarried girls. Their perfectly chosen jewelry from head to toe exuded elegance and sophistication.
Unlike Song Jin, they didn't just leave whenever they wanted. They were accompanied by two head maids and followed by guards, with a group of people standing in front and behind them, making quite an impressive entourage.
Of course, the guards wouldn't go to the backyard with them; they were instructed to wait in the outer courtyard.
The two of them, holding the child's hand and accompanied by a maid, walked inside.
Halfway through, Song Jin and the others also received a notification and came out.
With Lady Zheng present, the mother and daughter dressed up very carefully.
The clothing shouldn't be too extravagant; such deliberate attempt will only make one look less impressive. Simple dresses and jewelry are best; quality is more important than quantity.
For example, the deep-sea pink beads around the neck of the cowgirl are plump and round, and their high value is evident to the naked eye.
For example, there's the kingfisher feather phoenix hairpin on Song Jin's head, and the simple black and gold tortoiseshell bracelets with gold inlay on her wrist.
Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi exchanged a fleeting glance, then looked away, thinking in perfect unison...
The Song family's wealth is indeed extraordinary.
It is said that during the previous campaigns, Song Shang served as the strategist, leading his troops all the way from the north to Yong'an City. Along the way, he plundered the homes of powerful families who had been harming the people for an unknown period, distributing the spoils to the civilians and soldiers. This is how he amassed his army.
After the dynasty was established, not to mention the aristocratic families, countless riches were confiscated. Although most of their wealth was turned over to the national treasury, how accurate is that?
Furthermore, the fifth son of the Song family went into business and amassed a vast fortune at a young age, with countless gold and silver treasures, making his family's wealth comparable to a second national treasury.
Look at Song Jin and her daughter now, they are radiating golden light.
According to observant individuals, the couple wore no duplicate clothes or jewelry when going out during this period.
The Song family's wealth was indeed beyond the reach of ordinary families.
However, with Chief Minister Song around in the past, no one else dared to covet it.
Now, with the fate of Grand Secretary Song unknown, the Song family, having lost their greatest backer, is brimming with gold and silver, occupying the best location in Yong'an City, and possessing all sorts of treasures...
It became a hot commodity.
It's hard to say what will happen in the future.
Just look at Song Shenzhi, the most promising of the Song family's sons this time, and you'll know.
Those people tried everything, but they never expected the Song family to produce another figure like Song Shang.
But who can say for sure?
Yang Yanjun sighed inwardly, but showed no sign of it on her face. She stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Just like now, the woman in front of me, who was seen as an illegitimate daughter and an adulterer by the people of the capital when she first returned, has, in a short period of time, risen to become a high-ranking princess.
Representing royal status
Even when she was the wife of a marquis, she had to bow; let alone now that she was just an ordinary daughter of the Yang family.
She sized up Song Jin, and Song Jin was looking at her too.
The last time I saw Yang Yanjun was at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. At that time, she was both the daughter of a high-ranking official and the wife of a marquis; her noble status goes without saying.
However, her marriage was ultimately unhappy, and she seemed troubled. Afterwards, they had another fight.
Song Jin has been out and about these past few days and has heard a lot of rumors about Yang Yanjun.
Some say she was a wicked woman who murdered her husband; others say she was jealous and intolerant of others; still others say she was a barren hen and deserved to be divorced.
No one cared that Marquis Xuanping had used sweet words first and then acted shamelessly.
Looking at Yang Yanjun's slightly haggard but still determined eyes, Song Jin asked thoughtfully, "I heard you got a divorce? Was it successful?"
Yang Yanjun: ...
This person really doesn't know how to talk.
Niu Tielan stood to the side, pinched her waist, gave her a warning look, and then spoke gently to Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi.
"My daughter is young and straightforward, so please don't take it to heart, Miss Yang and Cheng Xuezheng."
The two: ...
How young they are! It would be their fault if they really held a grudge.
However, Song Jin was indeed nearly ten years younger than them. In an era where fifteen or sixteen-year-olds could become mothers, they could be considered from two different generations.
Niu Tielan smiled again, then squatted down and gently touched Xiao Ali, who was only about the height of her thigh, with a tender expression.
"What a sweet little girl, what's your name?"
Little Ali stared blankly at Niu Tielan, her chubby cheeks suddenly turning red. She tugged at Niu Tielan's sleeve, her voice still sweet and childish.
"Fairy, fairy sister"
Such a gentle and beautiful person must be a fairy.
Niu Tielan chuckled, smiling faintly, "I'm not some little sister."
Little Ali blushed even more, and after a few shy movements, she tried to snuggle into Niu Tielan's arms.
Song Jin reacted quickly, grabbing her and lifting her up with narrowed eyes, his expression fierce.
"What are you doing, you little brat? This is my mother. If you want to hug her, go find your own mother."
This fierce and menacing appearance
Little Ali's eyes reddened, and she was about to cry.
Niu Tielan slapped Song Jin's hand away, took the still-smelling baby into her arms, patted her back familiarly, and murmured softly, then glanced at Song Jin with a cool look.
"I think you're getting older and older."
Song Jin stared wide-eyed at the little brat who had been easily appeased and was now clinging to his mother, then turned to glare at the child's mother through gritted teeth.
"Look at your brat, aren't you going to do anything about it?"
Cheng Siyi was momentarily at a loss, unsure whether to take her child back or feel helpless that the person in front of her was half a head taller than them and was trying to take her child away from a small child.
But since she was in someone else's house and the two sides weren't that familiar with each other, she whispered, "Ah Li."
Little Ali clung tightly to Niu Tielan with her chubby arms, ignoring his voice. She loved this sweet-smelling older sister.
Niu Tielan was thin, and a three-year-old child was already quite heavy. When she carried the child, her shoulders were tense, as if they were about to collapse under her weight.
However, she didn't mind. Her health had improved a lot recently, and her strength was gradually returning. She could manage the short distance in the courtyard without any problem.
She chuckled lightly, "Please excuse our poor appearance. Some food has been prepared in the courtyard; let's go over there now."
Cheng Siyi: "The child is heavy, Madam, please put her down and walk by yourself."
Song Jin wholeheartedly agreed. Exactly! How could she let her mother hold such a chubby little rascal?
Niu Tielan: "It's alright, we'll be there soon. Please follow me."
She turned gracefully, her steps light and steady, her skirt swaying gently; even her back view was beautiful.
Song Jin, standing beside her, was much taller. She hunched her back, gritted her teeth, and angrily lifted her foot heavily, then landed lightly and silently, strangely resembling a bear stealing bees.
"..." Yang Yanjun nudged her gently, her eyes filled with teasing.
Look at how capable your daughter is! She snatched the prize from this newly crowned tyrant of the capital.
Cheng Siyi sighed silently.
Well, the person next to him isn't much better off.
She shook her head, turned around, and slowly followed Niu Tielan and her daughter.
The group slowly walked along the wooden corridor toward the inner courtyard.
In the garden, Lady Zheng and her maids had already prepared a feast, featuring only the finest teas, fruits, and cakes.
Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi immediately recognized that there were many royal tribute fruits and tea leaves among them. Could it be the tribute tea that cost two taels of gold for one tael of tea?
This tea grows atop a high mountain, known for its refreshing and invigorating properties, and it fetches exorbitant prices around the time of the annual imperial examinations. Despite this, countless wealthy families still vie to buy it, hoping to ensure their children are in the best spirits for the exams.
Is it just going to be left here haphazardly?
What a waste! Do you even understand what you're drinking? Just like that...
Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi approached, watching helplessly as Song Jin strode over, picked up a large bowl, and drank a large gulp of the prepared cold tea. They felt a pang of heartache.
That's not how you drink tea!
But Song Jin didn't care about all that. She just thought the tea was delicious. After brewing it with well water and letting it cool, it was sweet but not cloying, and she had been drinking it frequently lately.
She felt she was still quite particular about her appearance, drinking slowly and deliberately, and even wiping her mouth with a handkerchief afterward.
"This water was brewed last night and frozen in the ice cellar overnight. It's very refreshing. I don't know if you can drink it. If not, we have freshly brewed hot tea here."
"Of course you can drink it, why can't you?" Yang Yanjun was heartbroken; such good tea leaves had been ruined like this. She forced a smile.
"It's still a bit hot today, could you please bring me and Xiao Yi two drinks?"
Hot tea is nice, but we can only enjoy it occasionally at home. I've never made iced tea before and I'm reluctant to part with it; today, however, I'm determined to give it a try.
Song Jin: "No trouble at all, please sit down. Oh, and please hold your kids while they sit; they're big adults, don't tire my mother out."
Cheng Siyi: "...Ali"
Little Ali had been carried the whole way, and now she was quite content. She took a handkerchief and gently wiped Niu Tielan's sweat, then ran back with a blushing face, hugging her mother's leg shyly.
Song Jin pouted: "Now you know you're embarrassed? Where were you before?"
Niu Tielan snapped, "Pour your tea!"
How can a grown man argue with a little baby?
Song Jin snorted and started pouring water from the cup beside her.
This shows that yesterday's impromptu lesson given by Lady Zheng was ineffective.
Seeing her reach for the tea box to brew more tea, Yang Yanjun couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She held her hand down and couldn't help but complain.
"Let me do it. What kind of tea did you brew? It's such a waste of good stuff."
Song Jin muttered, "What's with all this talk about waste? This stuff's just for drinking! Stop being so fussy."
Yang Yanjun glared at her: "What nonsense are you talking about? Different brewing methods result in different flavors. With your method, the flavor is almost completely masked."
Song Jin: "Tsk, aren't 'one' and 'two' both drinking?"
Yang Yanjun: "...It's like casting pearls before swine. You're not allowed to move. I'll do it myself."
Song Jin wouldn't steal anyone's job for no reason; she was happy to relax. She walked over and sat down next to Niu Tielan, separating her from the restless brat over there, her eyes flashing dangerously.
"Come any closer and I'll beat you up!"
Little Ali pouted and buried her head in her mother's arms to hide, so that she wouldn't be 'seen'.
Cheng Siyi patted her back and said softly, "Ali, I'm sorry for your rudeness. I hope the Princess and Madam will forgive me. I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's so young and clingy, crying and making a fuss at home, I just couldn't bear it."
Niu Tielan smiled and said, "Children are cuter when they're lively. Cheng Xuezheng is asking too much of her."
Cheng Siyi smiled and said, "Three years old isn't too young anymore; she can start learning poetry, calligraphy, and painting."
Listening to this, Song Jin's initial disdain for the little brat turned into sympathy, and she muttered under her breath, "Child abuse."
Back then, they didn't value reading poetry and books. These things are useless; reciting them over and over is like a monk chanting scriptures. What's the point?
Niu Tielan nodded to Cheng Siyi, sighing, "A three-year-old can indeed start learning. When Jinjin was three, I had a serious illness and didn't have much energy to take care of her, so she just stayed in the countryside and ran wild."
So the way this brat turned out has absolutely nothing to do with her.
real
Cheng Siyi chuckled: "It's amazing that you raised the children all by yourself, Madam. I didn't realize it before, but now that I'm a mother myself, I understand how difficult it is. You have to take care of their daily lives, but you can't give up your studies and literature. You can't be too lenient and let them go astray, nor can you be too strict and lack affection."
"We also need to be careful of colds and epidemics," Yang Yanjun added softly, glancing at Xiao Ali and Song Jin beside her with a hint of envy in her eyes.
"Yi-yi and her husband are lucky; their child has been healthy since childhood. In my opinion, no matter how many other things a child has, good health is the most important."
Her children, one by one, died of illness.
Before she arrived, Lady Zheng had mentioned these things as well.
As a mother herself, Niu Tielan naturally understood this kind of pain. She comforted her, saying, "Perhaps it's just not the right time yet. Miss Yang is still young. Right now, you should just eat and take care of yourself. If you take good care of your health, you'll have it all in the future."
Yang Yanjun gave a wry smile: "Will there be more?"
Niu Tielan: "Of course, you're only twenty-four or twenty-five. When I was in the countryside, I even saw old women in their forties or fifties give birth to babies. Those babies were very healthy, and they would cause trouble at school all day long. They would get beaten every few days, and their howls could be heard throughout the whole town."
Yang Yanjun murmured, "It sounds so energetic."
Niu Tielan picked up a plate of pickled fruit from the side and handed it to him, saying gently, "Try it, it's very sweet."
She understood the pain of losing her child, and the bitterness of being deceived by the one you love. Her gaze towards Yang Yanjun softened with pity.
What a pitiful little girl! She's the same age as Hua'er, not much older than her son Jinjin.
Suddenly, she felt that it wasn't so bad that her daughter was so clueless about love and so unruly; at least she wouldn't get hurt by it.
Niu Tielan smiled very gently.
Yang Yanjun thought of her mother who had passed away at a young age. Although she still couldn't remember her face clearly, her mother had always been just as gentle.
She wiped her slightly moist eyes, picked up a candied fruit and put it in her mouth. It was very sweet, but not cloying, with a refreshing hint of green plum.
She warmed up, saying, "Madam, please call me Junjun. My mother used to call me that."
Niu Tielan: "Alright, don't call me Madam, just call me Aunt Lan."
Yang Yanjun: "Great, Sister Lan, you're just like my mother!"
...
What a way to promote oneself on the spot!
Song Jin sat to one side, now wary not only of the baby over there, but also of Yang Yanjun, who was clearly up to no good.
Song Jin was extremely frustrated and wanted to kick everyone out, but her mother was sitting there.
She knew she'd get beaten up if she spoke, so she could only stare intently at the three 'unruly guests,' signaling with her eyes for them to behave themselves.
However, the effect was zero.
The mother and daughter sat together, and it was obvious to anyone with eyes that Niu Tielan was in charge.
She has a gentle nature, speaks softly, is knowledgeable, and has her own insights into things. It's very comfortable to talk to her.
And there's so much delicious food and drinks!
Yang Yanjun paid no attention to Song Jin, and sat affectionately next to Niu Tielan, telling her about interesting things in the village.
Whether in a village or a capital city, people are all people. Although they are openly divided into refined and vulgar, the underlying stories are still quite similar.
Niu Tielan rarely spoke to these young women, but this conversation piqued his interest.
The group chatted happily.
Song Jin endured it all, but finally couldn't take it anymore. She pushed Yang Yanjun, who was leaning against Niu Tielan, away, then picked up the little one sitting in her lap, forcing a smile.
"After all this talk, what exactly brings you here today?"
Niu Tielan glanced over.
Song Jin didn't care; she was furious that her mother had been robbed of her all day.
She snapped, "You're not allowed to speak!"
Niu Tielan: ...
Although it was a bit disappointing, it really was getting late.
Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi arrived shortly after lunchtime, and now the sun is setting, it's almost dinnertime.
Yang Yanjun didn't argue with her, took a sip of the hot tea she had brewed, and smiled.
"Sister Lan and Jinjin, do you still remember the autumn banquet we mentioned before?"
At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet that day, she had Song Qingzhi tell her about the Marquis of Xuanping's illegitimate son, in exchange for taking them to the Autumn Banquet.
It shouldn't be an ordinary banquet.
Yang Yanjun smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes: "The Autumn Banquet is a grand event I organized. Most of the noble ladies in the capital will attend. We'll all enjoy ourselves together, and it will also raise funds for winter quilts for the orphans in the capital. It's one of the three major gatherings among the women of the capital."
Song Jin understood; it was a charity organization. She turned to her mother, distressed, "Mother, but we just bought the shop, and now we're out of money!"
Niu Tielan coldly replied: "I'll get money if I sell you."
cut
Having failed to gain sympathy, Song Jin turned her head back, pouting and reluctantly agreeing.
"Okay, we'll go then."
She seemed so unwilling; you'd think they forced her to go. So many people want to go but can't.
Yang Yanjun felt a little aggrieved, but still patiently explained to her, "It's not just about money, and the money isn't just donated randomly. Everyone will prepare some items for auction. You can bid on other people's items or buy them yourself. If you and Sister Lan want to participate, you'll also need to prepare some handkerchiefs, sachets, embroidery, jewelry, calligraphy, and paintings. Even if you don't make them yourself, you'll still have to get involved."
Donating money to show off wealth is a minor matter; displaying skills is a much bigger deal.
Song Jin: "...This is so troublesome"
She can't do any of them.
Niu Tielan found it interesting and replied, "How long until the Autumn Banquet?"
Yang Yanjun: "It's not always the case; it depends on the weather. But it's usually after the horse race, or two days after the Double Ninth Festival."
Niu Tielan seemed to be deep in thought.
In that case, it coincides with the time she needs to be treated, but I don't know if I can go.
A hint of melancholy flashed in Niu Tielan's eyes, but she nodded: "Alright, we understand. If we can go, I will definitely take her with me."
Yang Yanjun: "Will Madam have something to do at that time?"
Niu Tielan sighed softly: "I'll probably need to see a doctor in the next few days."
Yang Yanjun asked in confusion, "There's still half a month left. Is it possible that some legendary healer is hard to find? Does it have to be those few days?"
Niu Tielan shook his head and didn't say anything.
Song Jin's expression gradually faded; she had lost the will to make a scene. She said...
"We'll definitely go if we have time, and even if we can't go, the money will still arrive, so don't worry."
Yang Yanjun: ...
Although the banquet involves money, there's no need to be so blunt.
However, seeing that the mother and daughter's expressions had cooled, Yang Yanjun knew it wasn't appropriate to stay any longer, and she said...
"Yi-yi and I would like to welcome the Princess and Madam. It is getting late, so we will take our leave now and visit again another day."
...
The two of them left like that.
Before leaving, Yang Yanjun unceremoniously took the remaining tea bags with her, since they would just be wasted if left behind.
Song Jin lay sprawled on the small table, speechless: "They really don't treat themselves like outsiders."
Niu Tielan sipped his tea: "Like you."
Both are straightforward, but one is more restrained and polite, and more knowledgeable, while the other...
Oh well, she's my own daughter, I can't blame anyone else.
Song Jin was displeased: "That's not true at all. I'm not that stupid."
Niu Tielan knew she was referring to divorce, and was initially relieved, but then suddenly remembered something and asked...
"Why haven't I seen Prince Qi these past few days? Didn't you two agree to a sword duel?"
Song Jin's face immediately fell, and she said sarcastically, "They are princes and nobles, high and mighty kings. If they want to make an appointment, they can. If they don't, can we commoners say a word?"
Niu Tielan understood: "You two had a fight? Weren't you fine last time, making plans to visit General Song?"
Song Jin got even angrier when she brought it up. She was so angry when she came back that day that she didn't even mention it. Now, after venting her anger to everyone, she finally felt relieved.
She complained, "Mom, don't you think that guy is incredibly stingy? A grown man, and a gangster at that, and he's so petty!"
Niu Tielan quietly sipped his tea, and when he finished, he gently put it down and slowly stood up.
"I'm going to the restroom, you play by yourself."
These children's pretend games are so annoying to listen to.
She had initially thought General Song Shenren would be reliable, but now it seemed he might be even less trustworthy than that playboy Song Xingzhi.
Song Jin: "...You told me to say it, but you won't listen."
As she spoke, she slumped back down resentfully, poured herself a cup of tea, and gulped it down.
Pooh
It burned her to death.
It's all that damned prince's fault.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
