Chapter 92 Actually, I have a soft heart
"The situation in the hall changed in an instant. Prince Qi said, 'I—'"
Young Master Dai of Jin Yu Ge said: "I am willing to die and accept punishment, but I beg to save my mother's life."
"The fate of Chief Minister Song is unknown."
...
In the largest storytelling hall in Yong'an City, the storyteller, holding a wooden clapper, excitedly recounted the events of yesterday's Yingtian Prefecture.
Even as the most skilled storyteller in Yong'an City, he rarely encountered such an interesting case. Upon returning yesterday, he quickly wrote it down and, drawing upon his years of storytelling experience, vividly recounted it.
Pauses, rhetorical questions, creating atmosphere
Even though many people already knew the final outcome, they still listened with joy and astonishment.
If Song Jin weren't a party involved, she would surely have listened with great interest. But as a typical victim in this case, she sat on the second floor, cracking sunflower seeds every now and then, feeling quite depressed.
The story is good, but she's tragic.
Song Jin pouted slightly, slumped onto the table, and said dejectedly, "What's all this fuss about? It has nothing to do with me, and they even locked me up. I didn't even have time to spend with my mother, and that scheming man took advantage of the situation..."
Qi Zheng sat opposite her, watching her listlessly slumped there. Her already poorly styled hairpin had come loose, and her hair was loose and fluffy, swaying gently with her movements.
His fingers twitched slightly, but he couldn't resist reaching out to remove the wooden hairpin.
Her smooth, dark hair cascaded down like a waterfall, spreading over her shoulders and onto the table.
Song Jin, who had been complaining, turned her head, her phoenix eyes flashing as she looked at the window light: "What?"
Qi Zheng didn't speak. He lowered his eyes, his large hand gently running through her dark, glossy hair, combing it lightly, and then gently twisting it into a neat bun.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, reached up and touched her hair bun, surprised: "You have this skill too?"
In her past life, Song Jin always had short hair that reached her neck for convenience. Even though she'd been wearing her hair long for over ten years here, back in town she often tied it with a rope before putting it in her hair, which made things much simpler.
Now that she's in the capital, she can't be so carefree anymore.
If you get used to being lazy, your hair-pinning skills will suffer.
Her hair was long and heavy, and because she moved around a lot, it often got all messy while she was running.
Qi Zheng has been roaming the martial arts world for so many years, and while he may not be known for his fancy hairstyling skills, his consistency surpasses that of most people.
He rubbed his hands together; they still carried the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms—the scent of the golden osmanthus from the Song family mansion. She must have brewed it after returning home yesterday to have this aroma.
Thinking about it this way, Qi Zheng felt a little uncomfortable again and replied, "Isn't there a maid to help you?"
Song Jin pouted, looking dejected: "My mother let them go out to play."
Qi Zheng: "...All the maids?"
Song Jin: "I'm not very familiar with the other maids, and besides, I'm not short of hands; I need someone to do my hair."
It's just not very skillful.
Qi Zheng remained silent, picked up the teacup beside him and sipped it, then asked, "Where is Madam? She's supposed to have her treatment tomorrow, why aren't you with her?"
Instead, she has time to go out and have fun, which is not in line with her usual style.
Hearing this, Song Jin raised her head: "My mother asked me to come out and check out the shop."
As soon as she came out, she ran into Qi Zheng's carriage, and they rushed to the storytelling hall, completely forgetting her important business.
Song Jin retorted confidently, "What's so interesting about a few shops? They're all managed. Besides, it's only been a few days."
Thinking about what had happened in the past few days, Qi Zheng said softly, "We'll know once we go and see."
Song Jin curled her lip in disapproval.
But the work still has to be done.
She picked up the teacup and took a couple of sips, then emptied the food from the table into a cloth bag, and finally kicked Qi Zheng's chair over the table with her foot.
Qi Zheng sighed softly and beckoned, "Waiter, the bill!"
...
The storytelling venue is located in the West District, which is quite a distance from the East District.
They traveled by carriage, and it took them almost half an hour to arrive.
The first shop was, as always, the most familiar tavern. The shop was deserted; a few little kids, dressed in clean clothes and wearing little red flowers, sat on the steps in front of the shop, looking utterly bored.
Exactly different from before
Song Jin lifted the carriage curtain and was stunned by what she saw: "It...it went bankrupt?"
Qi Zheng was also somewhat surprised. Logically speaking, after this case was closed, there should have been a lot of people in their shop.
Both of them got off the car with questions in their minds.
The carriage was parked outside the shop. As soon as the two men stepped out, the children saw them, their eyes lit up, and they came running over excitedly.
"Princess~"
When they finally ran over and saw the cold and stern Qi Zheng, their excitement gradually faded. They stood at attention and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Qi."
Song Jin let out a "oh"
It's only been a few days, but these little rascals are already quite the sight; they must have suffered quite a bit.
However, he brought it on himself. Of all people to choose, he had to pick on this old-fashioned, upright new prince who was always studying.
Qi Zheng ignored Song Jin's teasing and nodded to the four children: "No need for formalities. Why is the shop empty today?"
Brother Fu scratched his head: "Everything's sold out. We're out of wine in the shop, even the warehouse is empty. Boss Cao went back to the village to get more. We're just sitting here for a bit, we're about to close."
Song Jin was surprised: "Sold out? Even the store's signature wine is sold out?"
If she remembered correctly, the wine cellar had ordinary wines worth five or six hundred taels each, and the fine wines were made from the best wild ginseng, worth a thousand taels each, kept as the store's prized possessions.
Xiao Hua proudly declared, "Sold out! So many people came yesterday and today, buying huge quantities at once. Today, some even came to buy them all! Boss Cao didn't agree, limiting each household to a maximum of one large jar, but it still sold out by noon!"
Song Jin frowned.
Qi Zheng: "Everyone in the capital is shrewd. When the Song family was weak, they all wanted to kick them while they were down. Now that the Song family is powerful, they're trying every possible way to build connections."
The mother and daughter's shop is the most obvious example.
Even the businesses under Song Qingzhi's name are like this.
The Song family's fortunes have been quite ordinary during this period of weakness, a stark contrast to when Song Shang was in power. Now, seeing that the five sons of the Song family can shoulder the burden, and sensing that Emperor Qi Ye truly has no intention of eliminating the Song family, the situation has shifted again.
Song Jin clicked her tongue, her gaze turning slightly cold: "A bunch of spineless opportunists."
Qi Zheng said softly, "It's just a way for small people to survive."
It's often said that it's easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to offer charcoal in the snow. In fact, simply not kicking someone when they are in a weak position is already better than many other things.
The children in front of me are all very well-behaved; they are all people who value loyalty and righteousness.
Song Jinjiu wasn't shy at all, and hugged Ningning, the little dumpling on her leg, pretending to be disgusted: "You're all sweaty, don't hug me."
Ningning said in her childish voice, "Smells good, Ningning smells good, Ningning has a sachet."
She stood on tiptoe, swaying the small purse at her waist.
Compared to the initial empty, tattered purse, she now carries sachets, red strings, and hairpins...
It's not worth much money; it's the old kind. Brother Fu could make it for her himself. It's just that for these orphans with no connections, dressing well in public isn't necessarily a good thing.
Now they have a place to live, jobs, and even a bit of ceremonial support; they are no longer the pitiful little creatures they once were.
Ningning hugged Song Jin's leg and said sweetly, "Princess, so good."
Song Jin pinched her cheek: "Sweet words won't work."
Despite saying that, she still gave her the packaged pastries and peanuts.
She certainly wasn't short of money; she could easily treat these kids to every meal. But a little kindness breeds resentment, and there was no need for that, especially since the children also had their own self-esteem.
No one would want to continue being a beggar if they could earn and save money with their own hands.
We don't need those flashy but impractical handouts.
This is just right and easy to use.
If it were something nicely packaged, the group would hesitate, but this one looked very casual. Ningning immediately let go of Song Jin, happily opened the bag, and ran over to share it with Brother Fu, Xiaohua, and Brother Sheng.
The four of them have gotten along very well these days, just like a family.
Song Jin clicked her tongue and shook her head, then crossed her arms and looked at the other person: "Why are you here again? Are you so free?"
Yang Yanjun shrugged: "Being alone, you can be anywhere. But you, with your rosy cheeks, you must have had a good time in jail these past few days."
Song Jin said smugly, "A mere dungeon is nothing."
Yang Yanjun greatly admired this attitude and couldn't help but ask, "You really don't care at all? That's going to jail!"
Song Jin: "Eat well and drink well. There are a bunch of interesting people in prison. What's there to care about?"
Yang Yanjun couldn't help but say, "For example, marriage."
Song Jin clicked her tongue: "What is that thing?"
Yang Yanjun: "The gossip behind my back, the strange looks"
Song Jin: "Behind you? I can't hear you. If you're so capable, say it to my face. As for your gaze, let me take a look."
As she spoke, she counted on her fingers and turned to look at the surrounding shops and pedestrians.
Those people immediately looked away, pretending to chat, and looked elsewhere.
Song Jin withdrew her gaze and said indifferently, "What's there to care about?"
Looking at her calm and resolute expression, Yang Yanjun opened her mouth and closed it repeatedly, her expression gradually becoming more complicated. She whispered, "You're better than me."
She couldn't do any of that because she was afraid of being judged, didn't want to be pitied or ridiculed, and didn't want to admit her mistakes, so she persisted in that marriage year after year.
Until now
It was said to be a matter of cutting losses, but after the divorce, she lost her status as a marquis's wife and most of her dowry, which she had been supporting. Her own father also had to take care of her younger siblings. Her treatment outside the home was indeed vastly different from before.
In response to her self-deprecating humor, Song Jin, not one to be considerate, retorted smugly, "Isn't that obvious? I'm definitely better than you."
Yang Yanjun smiled wryly: "You're right."
Things are good at first after a divorce, but as time goes on, differences in various aspects become apparent.
She moved out of her home and resettled her mansion all by herself, bought new maids and servants, prepared new supplies, and rented space...
Yang Yanjun smiled wryly: "By the way, I should tell you that the Autumn Banquet will probably be postponed for a while, and it's uncertain whether it can be held at all."
Song Jin was surprised: "It can't be that bad, can it? Even if you're divorced, you're still the daughter of a high-ranking official. At worst, some people won't come. You can't expect everyone to come, can you?"
Yang Yanjun sighed, "The venue isn't suitable. These are all noble ladies; we can't just find any house, can we? It's better not to do it at all."
Most of the good estates in the capital are already owned. In comparison, Marquis Chang Wenshan has more prestige. Her previous deal was intercepted, and now she doesn't know when she'll be able to find a new one and rearrange things.
Purchasing things is even more troublesome. In the past, she could just send someone to do it, but now she has to do it all herself.
Trouble everywhere
Although Cheng Siyi helped, she wasn't the head of the household; she had in-laws above her and sisters-in-law below her, so her assistance was limited. As for the others...
If she, as the organizer, doesn't even have the ability to host a banquet, and the host of the Autumn Banquet has to change hands next year, then she will be a complete joke among the noble ladies of the capital.
Song Jin didn't quite understand these intricacies, but considering the thought of hosting a dinner party, she knew it was going to be a troublesome affair.
Back when they lived in Linxi, her mother would host a banquet every year or two for 'highly respected' people like Mayor Lin. It usually only had about thirty people, and Song Jin would get a headache just looking at it.
The autumn welcoming banquet easily attracts over a hundred people, so the potential troubles are obvious.
Song Jin waved her hand, looking troubled, and said, "If we don't want to do it, then we don't. It's much easier. Besides, with the money from that half-banquet, it would be simpler to just donate it."
Yang Yanjun chuckled
That's not wrong, but, sigh...
“I remember, the Lotus Garden isn’t under the name of Marquis Xuanping,” Qi Zheng suddenly said. “How could it not be borrowed?”
In the capital, most families hold banquets at home, such as weddings, birthday celebrations, and other festivities. However, private events, like poetry gatherings or other activities, are usually held in the courtyard outside.
Having your own place is ideal, but if not, renting is a common practice.
After all, not all officials were born into aristocratic families. Some, from humble backgrounds, lived in cramped quarters. It might be fine for their own living, but not ideal for entertaining guests.
At times like these, they would rent other courtyards.
Lotus Garden is a favorite spot for the women, with its unique scenery, complete sets of handmade ornaments, and reasonable prices. It's a regular location for the autumn banquet.
Yang Yanjun was filled with rage at the thought, gritting her teeth: "That bastard Chang Wenshan colluded with the park owner and booked the venue in advance."
Qi Zheng frowned slightly: "Isn't the owner afraid of ruining his reputation?"
Yang Yanjun suppressed her anger and said in a low voice, "That garden has long been under the name of the Prince of Jin."
Qi Zheng seemed to be deep in thought, then suddenly said, "The Song family has a manor near Jinling Mountain, which is in no way inferior to Lotus Garden. You can rent it from Song Jin."
Song Jin was shocked and pointed at herself: "Me?"
Qi Zheng nodded: "Under your name"
Song Jin was even more shocked: "When did this happen? How come I didn't know?"
Why doesn't she have any recollection of this?
Qi Zheng said helplessly, "How come you don't know anything?"
Song Jin glared at her: "How do you know everything?"
Qi Zheng sighed: "You'll know when you get back and ask."
Seeing that he was really serious, Song Jin was confused and somewhat bewildered: "Is the Song family really that generous?"
The manor in Yong'an City... she didn't know exactly what it was like, but just hearing the name made her realize it must be very expensive; otherwise, Yang Yanjun wouldn't be so troubled.
You gave her something so expensive?
These brothers in the Song family really have money to burn; do they really think she's some kind of Song merchant?
Song Jin was quite confused. She looked at Yang Yanjun, who was equally surprised, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "I'm not sure either. I'll go back and ask. If there are no problems, I'll rent it to you at the market price."
Yang Yanjun hesitated: "Is...is that alright?"
Song Jin patted his chest: "Of course! If it's under my name, can't I make arrangements?"
Yang Yanjun was touched. She pursed her lips, and a smile slowly bloomed on her face: "Thank you very much."
Song Jin suddenly said, "In that case, is it possible for me not to prepare any items for auction?"
Yang Yanjun replied without hesitation, "No, everyone needs to prepare."
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "Goodbye, I'm going to check out other shops. You guys have fun."
Yang Yanjun smiled and said, "I'm fine too, let's go together."
Ningning and Xiaohua raised their hands, "Me, me, me, we'll go too!"
...
She didn't build the road, and since they wanted to stay, Song Jin couldn't just kick them out.
The group then went to other shops, and the situation was basically the same as at the liquor store.
These shops were all small businesses, and the goods weren't expensive. Even people who were just there for the fun of buying things could get some, not to mention those who were serious about it. One person would buy, another would sell, and soon the goods were almost gone.
The iron shop performed the best; besides selling the stock they had, they also received a ton of orders. Even if we don't look far ahead, they'll be busy for at least the next two months.
Xiao Mei and A Mao were in charge of the accounting and writing the bills, while Xiao Duo, still shirtless, stood in front of the iron stove making a racket. Xiao Er, with her sleeves rolled up, was chopping meat filling, seemingly preparing to make dumplings.
Song Jin crossed her arms and watched the four of them from a distance, then clicked her tongue and said, "Never mind, with the four of them here, there's nothing to worry about."
Qi Zheng, standing beside him, also said, "They're very capable."
The group of people from the countryside adapted to Yong'an City in a short time. They were quite adept at both interpersonal relationships and work, and they were hardworking and persevering. They certainly wouldn't be limited to just this place.
Song Jin sighed, "Yes, they're all grown up now; it's time for them to leave home."
Qi Zheng: "...They should be older than you, right?"
Song Jin pouted: "You don't understand."
When the group arrived at her house, they were all children. But to Song Jin, who had lived two lifetimes, they were definitely children; she had watched them all grow up.
The group of people are all quite capable now, and it won't be long before they can get the shop on the right track.
That's great!
Song Jin smiled, then turned her head and saw Yang Yanjun, who had promised to come with her, squatting to the side, wiping Ningning and Xiaohua's mouths with a handkerchief. Her eyes were very gentle, without the slightest bit of airs of a young lady.
She tilted her head: "Has she been coming over to see the children quite often these days?"
Qi Zheng looked over and said calmly, "I don't know."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Don't you know everything?"
Qi Zheng lowered his eyes, his dark pupils fixed on her, and said firmly, "That's you."
Song Jin suppressed the upward curve of her lips, said "Oh," and then asked, "Don't you think they look somewhat alike?"
Qi Zheng glanced at the three of them and said, "Madam Yang has been married into the Xuanping Marquis's household for seven years. She miscarried a son in the first year, gave birth to her eldest son in the second year, drowned two years later, and gave birth to a daughter the following year, who died of an epidemic."
Song Jin seemed thoughtful: "Judging by the time, she was about three or four years old? Do you know the exact month?"
Qi Zheng: "May of the sixteenth year of Qing'an"
Song Jin immediately chuckled: "Didn't you say you didn't know?"
Qi Zheng calmly replied, "In the sixteenth year of Qing'an, a great plague struck the capital, killing many people. The old Duke of Yingguo's mansion also passed away due to the plague."
Song Jin pouted: "Is this all you learn in a day?"
Qi Zheng: "If you're curious, I'll show you around in class next time?"
When the topic of reading came up, Song Jin abruptly ended the conversation, then turned to look at the group of one adult and two children, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.
What a coincidence!
However, there are countless coincidences in the capital; with millions of people involved, it's impossible to investigate without specific clues.
Song Jin withdrew her gaze and asked again, "What do you think the Duke of Ying's mansion will do?"
Yesterday in court, after Dai Yuanhong betrayed his allies on the spot, Song Shenzhi and his brothers led troops to the Duke of Ying's mansion to arrest people. They eventually found Yang Wu, whom Dai Yuanhong had mentioned. He had no northern nomadic blood and was easy to investigate. After searching further, they found Hou Qiaohe.
Thus, the case of her murder as a princess was completely solved.
The case of Song Shang has been reopened. Following the clues provided by Dai Yuanhong, it's only a matter of time before the Duke of Ying's family is apprehended. Finding a murderer out of thin air is difficult, but once the murderer is known, investigating the clues becomes much easier with the combined efforts of millions.
Qi Zheng's gaze darkened as he thought of the shattered carriages and horses at the bottom of the cliff, along with the dripping blood and flesh.
Whether Song Shang and his group had anticipated this or not, his survival wasn't due to the Duke of Ying's mansion showing mercy; it was simply a matter of his skill and good fortune.
Qi Zheng said in a deep voice: "Those involved in this matter shall be beheaded; the rest shall all be exiled and forced into service."
Song Jin pursed her lips slightly and remained silent.
Qi Zheng looked down at her. Her forehead was smooth and full, her nose was high and straight, her cheeks were rosy, and her lips were bright red and thin. She was strikingly beautiful, with a strong sense of aggression.
But she has a kind heart.
She would help beggar children on the street, assist elderly people who couldn't walk, donate money, and give them food...
Actually, I have a soft heart.
Qi Zheng lowered his eyes and suddenly spoke: "I once met an old man in the northern stratum. He was warm and hospitable, kind-hearted, and would give money to those in the area who were poor. He would encourage everyone to study and let them send their children to school for free."
Just as Song Jin was wondering if beheading was too easy, without anything like being torn apart by five horses, she snapped back to reality and said doubtfully, "It's great, you rarely encounter such a kind person."
The book this person wrote is full of experiences, and the people and things he encountered were all incredibly difficult. It's rare to find even one kind person among them.
Qi Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "That sounds like it. Later, I discovered that the money he kindly lent out would increase tenfold in just one or two months. The school was his; although it was free, he would have the women from his family pay off the debts. His hospitality was because he could drug passersby and sell them."
Song Jin: "..."
She wasn't surprised at all.
A hint of helplessness flashed in Qi Zheng's eyes. In all his years of wandering the martial world, the smoothest thing he'd ever experienced was actually that escort mission with Yang Qingshan. But now he realized that he'd also been swindled out of several hundred taels of silver on that trip.
This luck
He sighed softly, "According to the law, he deserved to be beheaded, so I sent him to the yamen without giving it much thought. It wasn't until two years later that I saw him again in another place. He had changed his appearance and was living under a different identity. After making some inquiries, I discovered that his children, thanks to his efforts over the years—one passing the imperial examination and donating money to become an official, and the other marrying into a prominent family—had managed to rescue him."
"This man had countless lives on his hands, his crimes were unforgivable, but in his children's eyes he was a good father and a good teacher. Naturally, they wouldn't stand idly by and watch him be executed, so they ultimately saved him. I don't know if they knew about the crimes their father had committed, or if they were involved, but the family fortune derived from those crimes was ultimately wiped clean and fell into their hands."
"I've seen countless cases like this. The system of collective punishment may be cruel, but if you don't nip the problem in the bud, the resentment of the dead will never be quelled."
Song Jin understood; they were worried she would be too soft-hearted.
She was both amused and exasperated: "Do you think I would feel sorry for those people?"
Of course, there were innocent people in the British Duke's mansion, but they were just ordinary servants who had no choice. Their lives were miserable; they didn't have good days, and they had to die with them in bad days. As for those who lived in luxury and ate and drank well every day, what was there to feel sorry for?
In ancient times, given the current kinship and clan relationships, if one person committed a crime and the other was held responsible, the powerful families would be overjoyed, as they could inherit their lineage forever.
Although collective punishment is outdated and may implicate innocent people, it is often quite satisfying.
Instead of worrying about the well-being of the families of criminals, she should be more concerned about the basic needs of ordinary people.
Furthermore, the most backward thing in ancient times was ultimately the imperial power.
Song Jin's mind was limited, and she couldn't think of all that. She shook her head and sighed, "I was just wondering, wouldn't beheading be too easy? Is there anything more exciting like being torn apart by five horses? I've never seen that before. And what about 'service'? Is it forced labor or something? Will they become official prostitutes or military prostitutes? I think men could do that too; they're tough and resilient, so they should be even better at it..."
"Mmm mmm mmm"
It's more suitable; someone who's both capable and hardworking is perfect!
Waste Utilization
Qi Zheng closed his eyes tightly, his face dark, covered her mouth, and pushed her back, his voice deep: "It's noon, hurry back and report the shop's situation to Madam."
Song Jin: "Mmm, I don't want to, mmm!"
...
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