Chapter 81 A Ghost
"Ta-da!"
"When the rooster crows and the donkey brays, it's time to get up early for duty; remember to keep warm."
...
As always, the night watchman called out his wares around Yong'an City under the cover of night.
As summer fades, the sunrise times become later each day, and even the temperature drops daily.
A sudden autumn rain last night brought a chill to the air, marking the arrival of late autumn.
"Ache, it's getting cold today, put on another layer underneath."
In the flickering candlelight of the room, the servant rubbed his arms and breathed on them to warm them, saying very considerately, "I noticed you were cold, so I told the kitchen to make some ginger soup. Master, the eldest young master, and the third young master, please have a cup before you leave."
Song Shunzhi was also being reckless. Although he was in good health, he couldn't afford to be careless with colds; if he wasn't careful, he would inevitably get a runny nose and sneezing.
On ordinary days, when there's nothing to do, this is how it is during court.
Even if His Majesty is magnanimous and doesn't mind this slight lapse in decorum, their constant sniffling is still somewhat inappropriate.
After getting dressed, Song Shunzhi asked, "Isn't it getting cold a bit early this year?"
The servant rubbed his nose: "It's half a month earlier than usual, and much colder. Nobody has changed their blankets yet; everyone must have been freezing tonight."
Song Shunzhi frowned: "What about Madam and my younger sister?"
Servant: "I just ran into Xiaomei. She said that as soon as it started raining, the young master sent someone to remind her, so she didn't get cold. Don't worry, sir."
Song Shunzhi, who slept wrapped in a blanket last night: ...
The eldest brother's treatment of men and women is clearly different.
Song Shunzhi: "...Remember to tell them to make more ginger soup, and remind the kitchen to cook more, add more sugar, and you should all drink more to avoid getting sick."
The servant laughed, "Alright, thank you for your thoughtfulness, young master."
Song Shunzhi: "Stop with the nonsense. Get out of here. I'm going to check on the third brother and see what he's really thinking."
Servant: "The Third Young Master will be alright, don't worry. The road is slippery, so watch your step."
...
The long-delayed assassination case has finally made some progress, but no one knows the exact results of the interrogation; all that can be gleaned is that several assassins committed suicide out of guilt.
The outcome, and how it will be judged, depends entirely on Emperor Qi Ye.
This matter concerns Song Shenzhi, and even the development of the entire Song family.
As the eldest and second eldest brothers, Song Xingzhi and Song Shunzhi were naturally worried, so the two of them, with perfect understanding, went to Song Shenzhi's courtyard.
The backmost and most secluded courtyard of the house
It wasn't because he was rarely home, nor because he was the least influential of the five brothers; it was simply because...
He's too noisy.
Song Shang disliked weak scholars; even if one couldn't excel in martial arts, one still needed a healthy body. Therefore, all five brothers had a special master to teach them martial arts from a young age.
However, his requirements weren't high; aside from the most basic training, anything beyond that was up to the individual.
Over the years, only Song Shenzhi in the family has persisted in this practice. He gets up half an hour earlier every day to practice martial arts.
It's strange today; the courtyard was quiet when the two brothers came over.
He did not practice martial arts.
Song Xingzhi and Song Shunzhi were somewhat relieved.
I thought to myself, at least they don't just know how to fight and kill.
At this crucial moment, we must conserve our energy and spirit.
With this thought in mind, the two brothers entered the courtyard and saw a dark figure standing under a tree. The branches and leaves swayed, and the shadow was heavy.
The man was dressed in red, with disheveled hair, a distorted face, and red eyes.
Song Xingzhi was so frightened that he jumped back and howled, "A ghost!"
Although Song Shenzhi was also startled, he wasn't as timid as him. Upon closer inspection, he frowned deeply: "Third brother? What are you doing?"
Song Shenzhi stood under the tree, head tilted back. A cool breeze blew around him, and icy raindrops from the book fell and hit his face, feeling icy cold, but he found it quite comfortable.
He said, "It's so hot, let me blow on it."
The two brothers, who were so cold they were wearing thick clothes underneath, looked like they were freezing.
Is it hot in this weather? He must be a furnace!
Song Xingzhi was startled and said irritably, "What's with the heat? I think you're just worried about the court assembly. Don't be shy, just tell your brothers what's on your mind."
As he spoke, he walked over. The road was wet, so he walked carefully and didn't look closely until he looked up.
"A ghost!"
He let out another howl, but this time Song Shunzhi wasn't there to hold him back. He slipped and fell flat on his face, instantly wincing in pain.
Looking up again, Song Shenzhi was already standing in front of him. His hair was disheveled, and it was unclear how long he had been standing there; his hair was wet and clump-like.
His face was red and swollen, covered with bumps, and even in the dim light, his eyes were clearly bloodshot...
Like a zombie crawling out of a tomb
Song Xingzhi scrambled forward, crying out, "Second brother, second brother, help! Third brother has turned into a zombie!"
Song Shunzhi's lips twitched as he looked at the two figures, one disheveled and the other scrambling and crawling, his head spinning.
He sighed deeply and followed them over. Upon closer inspection, the sight was even more appalling: "Third brother, what happened to you?"
Song Shenzhi didn't react. He continued to tilt his head back, looking at the dark sky. A raindrop fell into his eye and slid down the corner of his eye. He blinked.
"I don't know, it's a bit hot, maybe a caterpillar crawled on it."
Song Shunzhi's lips twitched: "Where would you find caterpillars at this hour?"
Song Shenzhi, with his swollen face, asked, "Then tell me what happened?"
Song Shunzhi looked at it again and again, still not quite sure, but he couldn't rule out the possibility that it was caused by insects or even rats. Those things are very poisonous, but there are far fewer of them this time of year.
And it's so serious, especially at this critical time; their luck is just too bad.
Song Shunzhi worriedly said, "How will you attend court looking like this?"
Song Shenzhi touched his face, feeling a burning, stinging pain, but his heart was at its calmest it had been in a long time.
He said nonchalantly, "Just go like that, I can't see it anyway."
Song Shunzhi had a headache, but still said, "While we still have time, we should see a doctor first. Otherwise, if we end up with a face full of scars, we'll never find a wife."
Song Shenzhi: "It won't affect anything, let's leave it at that."
Upon hearing this, Song Xingzhi's expression changed slightly, and a look of surprise and doubt flashed in his eyes. He couldn't help but scrutinize Song Shenzhi more closely.
My face is covered in pimples, the whites of my eyes are turning red, my neck is thick, and my ears are bulging outwards...
As he watched, Song Shenzhi suddenly grinned at him, but the smile vanished in an instant. He turned and went back into the house, saying, "I need to tidy up a bit. You guys go back now, see you at the door later."
Upon seeing this, Song Xingzhi instantly understood, and he cursed under his breath in annoyance.
"That kid"
...
Because of Song Shenzhi's delay, they still arrived at the back door at the usual time.
The three brothers always went to court together. Each was young and handsome, with their own unique charm. Dressed in their bright official robes, they were a truly dashing sight.
today
"Yo"
Seeing Song Shenzhi's astonished expression from afar, Song Jin, who had originally planned to hide and scare them, jumped down from the roof of the carriage.
Still startled, Song Xing took two steps back.
Song Shunzhi and Song Shenzhi quickly pulled the person back, lest they fall again; they only had two sets of official robes, and if they fell again, they would have nothing to wear.
They steadied themselves and looked at Song Jin, a dark figure in the night, instantly understanding her intention.
How childish
Having been startled three times in a row, Song Xingzhi gritted his teeth and said, "What are you doing here so early in the morning instead of sleeping?"
Song Jin looked completely innocent: "Are you just laughing at me?"
Song Xingzhi was furious: "Fine, fine, go ahead and watch the show. I'll come to your yard to watch next time your mother punishes you."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, looking nonchalant, and said, "I'm not stopping you."
The kind of thing that involves making fun of someone depends on the attitude of the person involved. Take Song Jin, for example, with his shameless attitude...
Song Xing was angry, but he couldn't do anything about it.
Seeing that even the eloquent Song Xingzhi was defeated in an instant, Song Shunzhi shook his head from the side.
It's often said that when a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless; there's definitely some truth to that.
Song Shenzhi, who was usually very enthusiastic towards Song Jin, was unusually calm today, and even took two steps back.
It's strange
But looking at his still unsightly face, upon closer inspection, it wasn't so strange after all.
Song Shunzhi even considerately stepped forward, trying to shield Song Shenzhi. However, as the tallest person in the family, Song Shenzhi's size was too obvious, and Song Jin had noticed him early on.
She stepped forward and reached out to pinch you: "What's wrong? Did you have an allergic reaction to something you ate?"
Song Shen took two steps back, trying to force a smile, but he couldn't. His face no longer itched or hurt, but it had become numb, completely devoid of feeling.
That's really ruthless.
Song Shenzhi lightly touched the corner of his mouth, looked at Song Jin who was blinking curiously in front of him, took two steps back, and said succinctly: "Don't touch it, be careful not to catch it."
Song Jin immediately stepped back; she didn't want to have those ugly bumps on her face too.
As for the Song brothers, Song Shunzhi and Song Xingzhi, there's nothing more to say.
Anyway, they'll be fine if they get infected, right?
The two men immediately tried to take two steps back, but Song Shenzhi grabbed one of them with each hand and made them stand in front of him to separate Song Jin.
He said, "We still need to discuss matters concerning the court, so we'll be leaving now. It's getting colder today, so you, my lady, should take care to keep warm. Have the steward distribute some charcoal and light the stove."
"I'll ask my mom later. I'm not cold anyway. Oh, and this..."
As Song Jin spoke, he pulled a food box from behind his back, waved it at the three brothers, and placed it in front of Song Shunzhi: "This is for you."
Song Shunzhi was taken aback, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up in a smile.
"Give this to Prince Qi for me, don't let him, and don't let him either," Song Jin continued, specifically pointing to Song Xingzhi and Song Shenzhi, emphasizing, "They can't touch it, I don't trust them."
The two brothers: ...
I've been hurt again and again.
The contrast brings joy; Song Shenzhi had won another round, his heartache had faded, and he felt more relieved.
Look, among the brothers, the youngest sister trusts him the most.
He took the food box, somewhat curious: "What's in it?"
Song Jin: "Aren't we entertaining guests today? Inside are the pastries we made yesterday, the new wine from the wine shop, and the medicinal wine I made."
Qi Zheng has been quite busy lately. There's a ton of work at the horse farm, he can't neglect his studies at the Imperial Academy, he's investigating the assassination plot, and he's frequently summoned to the palace by the Emperor.
The last time Song Jin saw him was when she was wandering around on the road and encountered him going out of the city to investigate.
She yawned and said to the three brothers, "But I asked for you, and he said that General Song is protecting the country, and the Emperor knows what's going on, so you don't need to worry too much."
She had originally planned to go up last night, but she was worried about her mother, so the two of them squeezed together for the night. The two quilts were just enough to get through the chilly autumn night.
The three brothers were clearly surprised that she knew this; they paused for a moment, their thoughts a jumble of emotions.
"Prince Qi, Prince Qi is still talking to you about this?"
In the capital, Qi Zheng was notoriously stubborn and tight-lipped; trying to get information from him was like trying to get the truth from a stone.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Can't I say?"
The three people: ...
What else?
Song Jin suddenly realized: "Oh, I see!"
Is it really that important? Wasn't this supposed to be mentioned at court right away?
Song Jin didn't understand, but that didn't stop her lips from curving upwards and her eyes from shining brightly. She said smugly, "Then you'd better thank them properly. Make sure you take the things with you, okay? I'm going back to be with my mother now."
...
Today was a busy day.
As dawn broke, all the maids and servants in the Song household sprang into action.
Although it was unfortunate, if God insisted on raining, there was nothing they could do about it.
The eaves of the corridor need to be mopped dry, and the fallen leaves and twigs in the garden need to be picked up.
Meanwhile, in Chunhui Garden, Xiaomei and Xiaoer were arranging the things needed to entertain guests.
Tea, fruit, spices...
Although it's still the same few items, there are now many more varieties and specifications compared to the countryside.
Niu Tielan sat under the eaves, raindrops falling intermittently from the green tiles. The sky was overcast, as if it were about to collapse.
At this time of year, most people rarely go out, especially in the mountains, where the roads are slippery and insects and snakes slither about, making it very dangerous.
She looked up at the birds flying under the gray sky and whispered, "It was like this when I was running back then."
Although it was early spring then, the temperature was about the same as it is now.
Song Jin squatted down beside her, holding her mother's hand, which was icy cold. She picked up a hand warmer and placed it over her mother's hand, whispering, "It must be very cold."
Niu Tielan laughed: "Actually, it was alright. It got a bit hot while running. Thinking about it now, I was actually quite healthy back then. You're always running around like that, maybe you took after me."
Looking back now, she thinks she was amazing back then, managing to run alone in the forest for half a month in such drizzly weather.
Besides being in good health, she also knew a lot about herbs and plants, which helped her avoid many problems in the mountains.
Song Jin listened to her mother's teasing but couldn't laugh. She lay on her mother's lap, squeezing her cold hands, and said, "When you're better, Mom, I'll go back with you to see her."
Niu Tielan laughed: "Okay, let's go find your grandpa and grandma again. We don't even know if the house is still there. If it is, we'll buy it back."
Song Jin: "It's definitely there."
...
The mother and daughter sat under the eaves, talking softly, watching the autumn wind rise in the courtyard, watching the leaves sway and the autumn rain fall suddenly.
This is really not a good day to go out.
Ordinary people don't go out unless they have important business to attend to, let alone a wealthy family like the Dai family.
Jin Yu Ge is the largest gold shop in Yong'an City, with branches in various locations. Earning a fortune every day is not just an exaggeration.
Therefore, even though they were merchants, they held considerable influence in Yong'an City—the younger sister-in-law of the Dai family married into a noble family; the man was capable, having passed the imperial examinations to obtain an official position; even though he was an illegitimate son, the marriage ties remained strong.
Over the years, the two families have complemented each other, and they still have some standing when they go out.
Hou Qiaohe hadn't had to visit in such a torrential downpour in a long time. She lifted the carriage curtain, looking at the Song family's plaque barely visible through the rain, her heart filled with trepidation.
She had heard of the mother and daughter who had returned from the Song family before, and at the time she had even remarked that they were quite capable. Now, if they were from the Women's Garden...
That would be even more impressive. I just wonder what she wanted from her this time.
She didn't spend much time in the girls' garden, and in recent years she has rarely gone out. Even when she does go out, she usually wears a veil and is very careful.
She felt she shouldn't have been recognized.
But since that person was able to detect her son's problem, cure him, and even specifically mention her...
Hou Qiaohe knew she had been exposed, and she had no ability to resist whatsoever.
This is the Song residence!
Even though the fate of their head of household is currently unknown, they are not people that ordinary dukes and marquises can afford to offend.
In her anxiety, a raincoat was draped over her shoulders.
Dai Yuanhua complained in a low voice, "Mom, don't get caught in the rain, be careful not to catch a cold. If you get sick, my older brother will beat me again."
Behind him, Dai Yuanhong said coldly, "Just tell me if you should have smoked it or not? You'll go in and kowtow to me properly to admit your mistake. You'll do one good thing, but you'll cause just as much trouble."
Dai Yuanhua stammered, "How could I have imagined that?"
Hou Qiaohe looked at the two brothers, tightened her raincoat, and found herself unable to comfort them.
She had only two sons. The elder son was reliable and capable, showing a talent for business from a young age. She saw him as her hope. The mother and son were cautious and prudent, rising from insignificant concubines and illegitimate sons to become the mistress and successor.
By the time Dai Yuanhua was born, he and his mother had already established themselves. He was handsome and charming, with a sweet tongue, and also had health problems.
He was spoiled growing up; he was good at nothing but playing.
In the past, it didn't matter because his older brother, Dai Yuanhong, would take the blame, but now...
Hou Qiaohe forced a smile and said, "Yuanyuan, listen to your older brother."
Dai Yuanhua deflated: "I know, Mother."
Hou Qiaohe was somewhat relieved. They sat in the carriage until the Song family confirmed their identities, and then, led by them, they went around to the back and entered the Song residence, which was always shrouded in mystery in the capital.
If Jin Yu Ge is making a fortune every day, then the merchants under Song Qingzhi's control must be making many times more.
That was truly an extraordinary person.
In just a few years, they raised funds to establish a trading company, which gradually expanded until it now directly monopolizes the merchants in the northern desert. Their furs, jewelry, fruits, dried goods, and exotic products have amassed wealth at an alarming rate.
Dai Yuanhong had met Song Qingzhi and could see the ambition in him despite his young age, and he could also feel his good fortune.
The whole family is united, and the brothers help each other.
Unlike the Dai family, which is divided into several factions that resort to underhanded tactics for a share of the family fortune, showing no concern for long-term development, the only one they can truly trust is their younger brother.
Dai Yuanhong turned his head, looked at Dai Yuanhua who was staring at the courtyard with wide eyes like a country bumpkin, and shook his head.
Forget it, let's not talk about it.
The family of three followed the guards, walked through the long corridor, and arrived at Chunhui Courtyard.
Xiao Mei stood at the courtyard gate, smiling, "Madam and the Princess are waiting inside. It's raining heavily outside. Why don't you two gentlemen go to the other courtyard to rest?"
Dai Yuanhong and Dai Yuanhua hesitated
Hou Qiaohe suppressed her worry, clenched her hands, and said, "It's alright, you guys go wait over there, I know what I'm doing."
The two brothers were still a little uneasy, but it was all women inside, and it really wasn't appropriate for them to go, not to mention they had no room to negotiate.
The two could only follow the guards to the other side with worry.
Hou Qiaohe followed Xiao Mei forward.
The rain grew heavier, and she could see nothing through the rain curtain; she could only hear the pattering of raindrops on the oil-paper umbrella, which made her heart pound along with them.
As she drew closer to the courtyard, her heart pounded louder and louder, until she reached the eaves.
Outside, the rain poured down, but inside, everything was spotless.
The extended eaves tiles separated the rain curtain outside, like two dividing lines.
Hou Qiaohe looked at the person sitting on the wooden chair in front of her, sipping hot tea with ease, and her face turned pale instantly. Memories of the past flooded her mind, and she no longer harbored any hope.
Amidst thunder and lightning, she staggered a few steps, her face pale, then knelt heavily with a thud, before kowtowing repeatedly.
"Girl, please spare my life!"
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