Chapter 75 It's just a child.
"Mother, Mother, are you feeling better?"
"Let's wait until you're feeling better before doing it. At worst, we just won't go; it's pointless anyway."
...
Song Jin ran back to the yard covered in sweat, buzzing and muttering like a fly.
Niu Tielan sat in the wicker chair, concocting rouge and perfume. Already irritated, she became even more so when she looked into those narrow, phoenix-shaped eyes.
Neither the big nor the small ones are easy to deal with.
She put down what she was holding, glanced at Song Jin's drenched sweat, and tossed a handkerchief over, saying disdainfully, "Go wipe yourself clean, you're filthy."
Song Jin picked up a small stool, squatted down to the side, and laughed heartily, proudly declaring, "No way, this is the glory of the victor!"
Niu Tielan scoffed, "Do you think I'm stupid? You think you can't find out what happened if you don't go? It's just a sword fight; your skills are pathetic."
Song Jin was displeased: "Mother, how can you talk about your daughter like that?"
Niu Tielan scoffed again, too lazy to look at her, and continued grinding the materials to prepare for making incense.
When she had nothing to do, she liked to tinker with cosmetics and fragrances. She didn't use the common brands; the ingredients were all very precious, and she usually kept them for her own use.
She did this partly for the upcoming Autumn Banquet; it's her only skill, so she's just putting on a show.
Anyway, when it comes to donations, who cares about the quality of these things? It all comes down to who can ask for the highest price.
Niu Tielan planned to prepare this, and as for Song Jin, she glanced at her and handed her the wooden mortar.
You do it.
Yang Yanjun also said that even just a token gesture would be fine.
Song Jin said "oh," took the things, and started working. She had helped out a lot over the years, so she was quite skilled at it, though her posture wasn't exactly graceful.
Unlike Niu Tielan, she had a straight back, a slightly bent slender neck, and fair skin. Her movements were light and fluid as she picked, ground, dried, and molded the ingredients...
Every single one of them was as beautiful as a painting.
While watching her, Song Jin pounded the spices in her hands, but as she pounded, she became somewhat absent-minded.
Niu Tielan didn't attend her duel with Qi Zheng today.
She was said to be listless, but she had no fever, no cough, and her complexion was rosy. She didn't look listless at all.
Song Jin slumped down after thinking about it and remained silent for a long time.
After finishing her work, Niu Tielan glanced at her and said, "What's wrong? Can't you handle losing? If you can't beat someone, then practice. What are you doing hanging around here?"
Song Jin said weakly, "I already said I won."
Even if you're the one who gets a handicap, you still win.
Niu Tielan wondered, "Why are you acting like this even though you won?"
Song Jin said dejectedly, "You didn't go see?"
Niu Tielan's lips twitched: "...You secretly went out to fight so many times in the countryside, and I never saw you call me."
She's not buying it now that she's only seen it once.
Song Jin, feigning pitifulness, pouted and said, "This is different."
Niu Tielan: "What's different?"
Song Jin pouted and pointed to the area below her collarbone: "You didn't want to go before, but now it's because other people don't want to go."
Niu Tielan looked down and noticed a small red mark that was particularly noticeable on her fair collarbone. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she tightened her clothes, saying irritably...
"What are you thinking about? It's just a mosquito bite."
Song Jin gave an "oh" and absentmindedly pounded the spices: "If you say so, then so be it."
Niu Tielan said angrily, "It really was a mosquito bite."
People were coming and going at the horse farm, and the thatched sheds were a mess. Where could it be? Where could it be...?
Thinking it over, Niu Tielan tightened her collar, picked up some dried flowers from the side and threw them at the source, angrily saying, "Go play somewhere else, don't bother me here. You're a young girl, if you keep talking nonsense, you'll have to copy a book."
Copying books is quite intimidating. Song Jin composed herself, pouted, and muttered, "Getting angry out of embarrassment. But we agreed, I don't want any younger brothers or sisters."
Niu Tielan roared: "Song, Jin, Jin!"
Sensing danger, Song Jin leaped several meters away, grabbing an apple from the table as she went, and ran off in a cloud of smoke.
...
She planned to go and check out the shop her family had booked.
These are the fruits of their labor over the years; they can't be wasted.
When they first came to the capital, they didn't actually plan to buy a house and settle down. After all, they already owned property in Linxi Town and were familiar with the area, its mountains and rivers, and the good and bad people there.
But after spending some time here, the capital city is indeed quite nice.
The area is bustling and vibrant, surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a perfect place for Song Jin, who is always in a different mood.
As for Niu Tielan, a small courtyard was enough for her; she didn't care where she was.
More importantly, Niu Tielan's chaotic and disorganized Gu cultivation has unpredictable consequences, requiring the old insect elder to keep an eye on him and not leave his side.
Of course, the Song family is doing alright, even if they're just barely doing well.
After much deliberation, staying in the capital was their best option, making earning money essential.
There are many mountains near the capital, but they are far inferior to the vast forests of Panlong Mountain. There are plenty of small wild animals and herbs, but valuable large items are hard to find.
The Song family's money isn't really their own; their living expenses could be cut off at any time.
Therefore, their shops are very important.
The shop's lease has been finalized in the last two days; now it's just a matter of renovation and tidying up, and also hiring staff.
The mother and daughter couldn't open a shop and register it as a business, so they had to rent a place, hire a manager, and then hand over the business to him, splitting the profits.
This was permitted and could not be prohibited during the Dayan Dynasty.
The wealthy desire power, and those with power also desire power; there's always a gray area in between.
Song Jin first visited the former wine shop, Shili Xiang. This was the simplest to set up; the original team was all that was needed, just a renovation.
The decor needs to be more luxurious, the brand more eye-catching, all the wine tanks need to be re-customized, and the prices need to be raised as well.
The worst thing you can do when selling something is to be stuck in a rut, neither high nor low price.
Song Jin didn't understand these things, but Niu Tielan was very good at them.
She used to be in charge of the accounts at the women's garden, where there were hundreds of people, all sorts of different kinds, a complete mess. Compared to that, this little wine shop was like child's play.
Niu Tielan even wrote a booklet for Song Jin, telling her to just follow along.
The first rule in the booklet is: Never physically assault or verbally abuse guests.
Song Jin rolled her eyes and immediately looked at the next item.
Intimidation of store managers, waiters, accountants, and other employees is prohibited.
Is she a terrorist?
Song Jin's lips twitched, she closed the booklet, and still chose to rely on her feelings.
The first thing Shili Xiang changed was its name; it's now called Zui Gui Ge. Their wine is infused with medicinal herbs, making it strong, delicious, and even good for your health, so naturally, the price isn't low.
Twenty coins a pack, twice the price of other wines.
Those without money can't afford it, and those with money look down on it. It's mostly just a few loyal, long-time customers. You can't say it's a loss, but it definitely doesn't make money.
The owner is a sentimental middle-aged man who, even when selling the shop, requested that a small space be reserved to continue selling alcohol. He initially thought it wouldn't sell well, but it went surprisingly smoothly.
The new boss not only continued to let him sell alcohol, but also bought alcohol from him, and even made him the store manager with a share of the profits—essentially making money off him for free.
Boss Cao was all smiles, very attentive to the renovation, and very welcoming to the mother and daughter. He immediately went to greet Song Jin when she arrived.
"The young boss is here? What do you think of this setup?"
With a serious face, Song Jin looked the newly renovated shop up and down. Well, it was brighter and looked a bit wider.
She couldn't see the extra.
But since my own mother is doing it, it's probably for the best if I don't understand it.
Song Jin feigned innocence: "Not bad, not bad, you've done everything my mother said?"
Mr. Cao beamed with joy: "Absolutely! Oh dear, it's embarrassing to admit, but at my age, I'm nowhere near as good at running a shop as you are, Madam. With you doing this, the shop feels much better, and the place feels more spacious..."
Song Jin looked at him approvingly.
That old man has good taste; his mother is just that outstanding.
She found the man agreeable, so she didn't leave immediately. Instead, she sat down, poured herself a small pot of wine, and sipped it slowly.
She asked, "Where is Mr. Cao from around here?"
Boss Cao chuckled, "It's a bit far, and the place is small. I don't know if you've heard of Yang Village. The people there really like my wine, so they sponsored me to open this shop. I never expected it to turn out like this. Sigh, I've really let everyone down."
Song Jin was surprised: "Shangyang Village? The village of that shady merchant Yang Youyang?"
Boss Cao was also somewhat surprised that she knew, but she still explained, "The prices are clearly marked, so it can't be a shady business."
Song Jin pursed her lips, looked Mr. Yang up and down thoughtfully, and asked, "Are you related?"
They still look somewhat similar.
Boss Cao chuckled; "Everyone in the village is related by blood or marriage. Brother Yang is my cousin. I'm from Lower Yang Village, and they're from Upper Yang Village."
Song Jin hadn't expected such a coincidence; these two sheep villages were doing quite well.
She asked, "Your village is in the capital; besides you, are there any other people from your village?"
Boss Cao said proudly, "There are plenty! The village is nice, but people always strive for better things. Everyone comes here when their lives improve. I'm not bragging, young boss, but everyone in our village is truly capable. Let me see, there are grain shops, pharmacies, pawnshops..."
Song Jin felt something was off. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "What about the orphans from your village? Did any of them come here?"
Boss Cao answered every question: "Absolutely, young boss, the junior accountant behind you came from the orphanage. Little Guitar is incredibly fast with the abacus; we were originally planning to send him somewhere else after my company went bankrupt."
Xiao Ji smiled shyly: "I must thank you, Madam and the young boss."
Song Jin smacked her lips, downed a glass of wine, and suddenly remembered something, asking...
"Among those kids who went into the mountains before, the youngest one was called Xiaohua, right? How old was she again?"
Xiao Ji suddenly realized, and exclaimed excitedly, "Is the young boss the one who brought Xiao Hua and the others back last time? Thank you so much! If it weren't for you, who knows what kind of accident might have happened to those children?"
Song Jin: "They're really bold, but how old is Xiaohua again?"
Xiao Ji continued excitedly, "That's right! After being disciplined by the hall master a few times, he's a bit more obedient now!"
Song Jin: "You deserve to be punished. How old are you again?"
Xiao Ji: "Exactly! You're incredibly audacious! Boss, you're such a good person. Don't worry, I won't shortchange you a single penny from now on."
After talking for a while, Song Jin slammed her hand on the counter and said irritably, "I'm asking you, how old is that Xiao Hua?"
Xiao Ji hesitated for a moment: "She's only about four years old, right? She was only two months old when she came to the orphanage, and the clothes she wore were quite nice. Now she's three and a half years old, so she's about four. What, you want to take her in?"
Song Jin was speechless: "I'm still a child, what would I adopt?"
Xiao Ji said regretfully, "Oh, I see."
Although the orphanage treated them well, they were still poor. Song Jin looked wealthy and noble; if she were to adopt the child, the child's future would be very different.
Song Jin had no interest in this; she didn't like children anyway. She just wanted to have two children for her mother to play with.
As for the children outside, or her mother's illegitimate children...
That won't do.
She lost interest, stood up, grabbed a handful of peanuts from the nearby wine bottle, and walked out.
"You guys keep going, I'll go check out the other shops first, and I'll come back in a couple of days."
Boss Cao called out, "Young boss, are you able to handle the workload? Do you need Xiao Ji's help?"
Song Jin waved her hand: "I'm just strolling around."
She had that much self-awareness; her only purpose in minding the shop was to prevent ill-intentioned people from approaching and to let the staff recognize her.
She was very casual while running the shop, spending most of her time chatting with the staff.
These days, the waiters are all very perceptive and know how to talk. Song Jin makes sure to leave some money for dessert at each shop she supervises.
She walked around and came to the rouge shop opposite the military officer's shop, which had now been converted into a weapons shop.
This thing requires capital, so it's not easy for the average person, but it's simple for them.
The weapons shop also had a small section selling things like sesame cakes and handkerchiefs.
There are many martial arts performers here, and they all have big appetites. Whether they are rich or poor, sesame cakes are very popular.
When Song Jin arrived, the weapons shop was still under construction, but a long queue had formed at the makeshift pancake stall.
She was a little puzzled, and went closer to take a look.
"Why is it you?"
It was actually Yang Yanjun!
Why would a former noblewoman and daughter of a high-ranking official sell pancakes here?
Song Jin couldn't help but start speculating about conspiracies. Could this be deliberately targeting her?
Yang Yanjun was dressed simply today. The fabric of her clothes was still expensive, but the style was simple. She only wore a silver hairpin in her hair. Although she was beautiful, she looked like a young lady from an ordinary family.
A long line of grown men standing nearby clearly had ulterior motives beyond the pancakes.
Yang Yanjun was also somewhat surprised to see Song Jin. She quickly wrapped a sesame seed cake for Wu Zi in front of her, then stopped to wipe her sweat.
"Jinjin's here too? It's so lively here. I used to bring Yiyi here often before I got married, but we haven't been here for years since."
Before Song Jin could react, the men in front of the pancake stall had already changed their expressions, their eyes drooping.
Yang Yanjun smiled and continued, "Now that we're divorced, I can come over to visit more often again."
Moreover, because of the divorce, she is even freer than when she was a young girl, and no one can criticize her for her unrestrained behavior.
Song Jin looked at the increasingly enthusiastic men, her lips twitched, and she broke off a meat pie and took a bite.
What are you doing in front of my stall?
Yang Yanjun blinked: "Yours? I heard there's a handsome Taoist priest here, and when I came over I saw this stall. I rented it out for fun since I had nothing else to do."
Song Jin's lips twitched. She suspected this person was deliberately trying to antagonize her mother. A handsome painter, a dashing Taoist priest—he was really trying to steal her away from her.
But the next moment, Yang Yanjun winked at her.
Song Jin followed the gaze and her eyes landed on the burly man silently helping out in her family's blacksmith shop. Looking at his bare, muscular upper body, her lips twitched, and she pulled five coins from her pocket and tossed them over.
"Payment for sesame seed cakes"
"Stop talking, Jinjin, wait for me a moment, I'll be right there!" Yang Yanjun, without a trace of the demeanor of a young lady from a wealthy family, wiped her greasy hands to her mouth and shouted outside.
"We're out of sesame seed cakes for today, so please don't line up and come back tomorrow."
Then, ignoring the disappointed looks from others, she placed the remaining sesame cakes on the table into the hands of the customers in front of her, refused to take the money, abandoned the stall, and pulled Song Jin away.
The two were in the prime of their lives, with outstanding looks and a bright, vibrant aura. Running down the street, they were quite eye-catching, and passersby couldn't help but stop and take a second look.
Admiration, envy, covetousness, rage
"Just now"
Several richly dressed men, sitting by the window of the restaurant, looked at the figures below and wondered if they were seeing things.
After exchanging bewildered glances, they looked at the last man, Marquis Xuanping, whose face was grim.
"It can't be..."
Yang Yanjun, right?
Although they do look quite alike, Yang Yanjun, even before becoming a Marquis's wife, was known throughout the capital for her impeccable manners, despite her somewhat temperamental nature, even as a young girl.
Not only are they appearing on this noisy street now, but they're also running and jumping like this...
Marquis Xuanping, with a sullen face, put down his wine bowl and strode outside.
"They didn't really get divorced, did they?"
"That woman went crazy and embarrassed us at the last dinner party. She's stupid, vicious, and jealous. It's better to leave her."
"However, what about His Majesty?"
A few people whispered among themselves, when suddenly someone hesitated and said, "The one next to her, could it be... Princess Mingguang?"
Now, they couldn't help but look to the other side, where Lu Jingyi, the heir apparent of the Duke of Ying, had been hanging upside down from the branch. He should be familiar with people.
Even if he couldn't recognize him, the Prince of Jin, who had just been frightened by a broken sword and lost his composure, should be able to.
In just a few moments, the once lively table was reduced to a mere handful of people.
Song Jin was pulled across the street. She looked at the person who had stopped, panting and wiping away sweat, crossed her arms, and glared at them: "Why are you running?"
Yang Yanjun gasped for breath: "I just feel like I should run. Aren't you tired at all?"
Song Jin tutted: "If I am tired from just walking this short distance, I will be beaten five times a day when I go out."
Yang Yanjun laughed heartily: "That's true, but it's been a long time since I've run so freely."
Song Jin shrugged: "Your life must have been really boring before."
Yang Yanjun wiped her sweat with a handkerchief: "It was really boring, but it won't be boring anymore. Did you see those men just now? Several of them were quite good-looking, but the best-looking one was the blacksmith from the blacksmith shop. With that physique, he must be very strong."
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "Don't talk to a young girl like me with such crude language."
Yang Yanjun continued to laugh heartily, blinking her eyes meaningfully: "You're not young anymore, you're at the age to get married. Let me tell you, when you look for a man, you have to find someone strong, not someone who's all show and no substance."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "What, is Marquis Xuanping all show and no substance, really?"
Yang Yanjun said innocently, "I didn't say that."
"Yang Yanjun, are you crazy?"
Upon arriving, Marquis Xuanping heard these words and his face turned as black as charcoal; he was about to explode.
"All these years, I haven't complained about not having a son or daughter, and I haven't held your jealousy and malice against you, yet you've been spreading rumors outside."
It concerned his male dignity, and he had to defend it. He took two steps forward, intending to grab Yang Yanjun's arm and take her away.
Yang Yanjun angrily retorted, "Let go, you bastard! We're already divorced!"
Marquis Xuanping: "Don't be unreasonable. It's just a child. No one can threaten your title as the Marquis's wife. Don't be ungrateful."
Yang Yanjun: "It's just a child? It's just a child, why are you sneaking around? It's just a child, why do you have to bring him back..."
Song Jin stood to one side, leaning against the wall, blocking the view of the broken carriage frame by the roadside, watching the two argue with great interest, while a small hand quietly reached out from the side.
She slightly raised her foot to shield herself, took the sunflower seeds from his hand, and cracked them open briefly. Seeing the two of them bickering incessantly, Yang Yanjun was about to be dragged away.
She kicked Marquis Xuanping in the waist, raising an eyebrow: "What? Am I not human? Can't you see me?"
Marquis Xuanping stumbled and regained his balance. His anger flared, and he snapped, "What's it to you? Don't think you're so great just because you have the title of princess! You country bumpkin, get out of here!"
If it weren't for the meddling of the Song family, how could his situation have come to this point?
Since the incident with the Duke of England, Song Jin has rarely encountered such arrogant people.
What's wrong? Did you think she'd become more virtuous and refined after becoming a princess?
Song Jin threw a punch, followed by two kicks, grinning and saying, "You wild girl, huh? Well, that's just how wild girls are. Wild enough?"
When Lu Jingyi and the others arrived, they saw the Marquis of Xuanping being beaten on the ground.
It's a complicated situation, but actually not that surprising.
Having learned from his previous experience, Lu Jingyi dared not act rashly. He looked at the Prince of Jin and cautiously asked, "Brother-in-law?"
The Prince of Jin was also furious. He had lost face in the Song brocade competition and had come here to relax.
Although this area isn't as bustling as the West End, its charm is indescribable.
Who would have thought that before he could even relax, he would run into this crazy girl again?
The King of Jin gritted his teeth: "What are you looking at me for? Why don't you send someone to bring Marquis Xuanping back? Is it glorious to be beaten?"
Lu Jingyi was unwilling to give up: "Are we just going to let it go like this?"
The Prince of Jin sneered: "If we don't settle this way, will you go up there?"
His father made it so clear: he was afraid that it would be too easy for him to become the crown prince, so he had to go against a wild girl like her.
He waved his sleeve impatiently and turned around: "Bring him back. Stop making a fool of yourself there."
Damn it, the Song family is all his nemesis. If I had known, I would have kept Song Shang alive.
At least it's just a loss of substance; at least you still have some face left.
...
Soon, the guards hurried over.
Song Jin didn't make things difficult for them, and decisively moved her foot aside to let them help the person up.
Marquis Xuanping had never suffered such a loss in his life. Even the humiliation at the last palace banquet paled in comparison. He glared at Song Jin with a sinister look: "You just wait."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, clenched her fists, and twisted her neck.
The guards' expressions changed, and they quickly dragged the person away, disappearing in no time.
Song Jin scoffed, then looked to the side. Yang Yanjun looked grief-stricken, her previous cheerful demeanor completely gone.
Song Jin wasn't good at comforting people. After thinking for a moment, she walked back to the abandoned bicycle rack, squatted down, and reached inside.
In no time, she dragged out a little boy with a dusty face.
It was Ningning, the little beggar I met at the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern festival that day.
The group seemed to be playing hide-and-seek; when they later saw the others arguing, they dared not show themselves, fearing they would be used as a target for anger.
Song Jin grabbed the person and shoved them into Yang Yanjun's arms, saying, "Here, you can play with this."
Yang Yanjun, immersed in grief: ...
Ningning's 'parents' standing to the side...
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