Chapter 96 Dog-Training Style of Child Rearing
"Are you all useless? What's this pretty boy doing here?"
"Thieves have already broken into the house, and you all remain indifferent, utterly useless!"
...
In the courtyard, Song Shenzhi, his face bruised and pale, looked at his brothers, wanting to drag them all away for a good beating.
Something that is completely unaware
Compared to his agitated and haggard appearance, Song Xingzhi, dressed in white with a jade pendant, his freshly washed hair still damp, gently wiping himself, looked every bit the handsome young man, a refined gentleman. There was no trace of the blood-stained hands he had shed in prison for several long nights.
He slowly replied, "First, we are not useless. Second, 'entering the inner sanctum' is not used like that; you should go back to your studies. Third..."
Song Shenzhi coldly said, "Third my ass! Second brother, you tell me, are you just going to admit to this?"
He knew that the boss was a coward, afraid of everything. In his opinion, this kind of scheming pretty boy should just be caught and thrown into the river. Why bother thinking so much?
That pretty boy doesn't even know if he has the ability to steal his father's woman.
Because of the incident during the interrogation of Song Shang, Song Shenzhi hadn't rested for several days. He was still wearing the clothes he'd worn in Yingtian Prefecture that day, stained with blood and emitting a foul odor. His hair was a mess, and his face, already rough from the harsh winds and sun of the northern desert, looked even more sallow and dark, making him appear exceptionally agitated; his reason was teetering on the edge.
Looking at him like this, Song Shunzhi sighed softly and said, "You should go back and rest first. Look at the state you're in."
Although he seemed to be trying to change the subject, he was genuinely sincere.
The brothers were all brought back and raised by Song Shang, and they all had a deep bond. However, the deepest bond was undoubtedly with the third brother, Song Shenzhi. His original self wasn't exactly a good person, but he didn't have many memories, unlike the others who lived a wealthy life and harbored deep-seated hatred.
Before coming to the Song family, Song Shenzhi's most profound experience was the bullying he suffered as a beggar. After joining the Song family, he suddenly became someone of high status. This sense of class difference meant that, in his eyes, Song Shang was not only a father figure, but also a benefactor, leader, and mentor—all figures of great respect.
In an army where hierarchy is clearly defined, his respect for Song Shang was unparalleled by his other brothers.
This made him somewhat stubborn.
If it weren't for Song Xingzhi and the others stopping him, he would have already found someone to teach Qu Maoze, that 'pretty boy' who dared to steal his father's woman, a lesson. He wouldn't have tolerated it any longer. Now, under interrogation, his blood was boiling, and his rationality had almost completely vanished.
Seeing that he wasn't helping him, Song Shenzhi's bloodshot eyes became even more prominent. He sneered, determined to settle things today. He glanced at Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi on the other side, drew his long sword from his waist, held it horizontally in front of him, and grinned menacingly.
"What do you guys think? Should we kill the traitor as a traitor, or come with me to kill that pretty boy?"
Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi, who had always held little status, took a step back, glancing at their expressionless eldest and second eldest brothers, and then at their ferocious third brother.
Song Anzhi couldn't help but complain: "Seriously, you three usually treat me and Lao Wu like we don't exist when things are going on, but when it comes to times like this, you drag us into being cannon fodder. Is it really necessary?"
Song Qingzhi was also annoyed: "That's right, that's right. Third brother, don't think you're so great just because you have a mansion and money. Can you even calculate how much money your army costs me every year?"
Song Shenzhi's expression grew increasingly ferocious. His bloodshot eyes darted from one person to another, before finally letting out a cold laugh: "Fine, fine, Father really has raised a bunch of ungrateful wretches. If you won't go, I will."
With that, he strode off with heavy steps, wearing a light helmet, and walked menacingly toward the other side.
Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi had no status or military power, so they could only shout a couple of times before anxiously looking up at Song Xingzhi and Song Shunzhi above them.
"Aren't you going to do anything about it, eldest and second eldest brothers?"
"Don't let this get out of hand, little sister has a bad temper."
"Madam is pale; if she falls ill from anger, we will be the ones who truly commit a heinous crime."
...
Song Xingzhi dried his freshly washed hair, watching his hurried, brisk retreating figure, and cursed under his breath: "Idiot, an idiot who only knows how to fight, he won't even know how he'll die someday."
Song Shunzhi was a man of few words; he only glanced at the scene a few times before following after them.
The four brothers still followed.
They've been busy outside all this time, some conducting interrogations, some making arrests, and others investigating leads. Five days have passed in this flurry of activity, and they've finally apprehended everyone involved in the assassination attempt on Song Shang. Now they await tomorrow's court session for the Emperor's final judgment.
Over the past five days, Song Shenzhi was undoubtedly the busiest person. He barely closed his eyes before charging over with murderous intent. Song Jin, who had been leisurely sitting next to her mother just moments before, instantly straightened up, kicked a nearby stone bench, and smashed it over.
After she finished, she picked up another stone stool, stepped on it, and looked at him with a half-smile: "What do you want to do?"
Song Shenzhi dodged the stone bench, stepped on it, and said menacingly, "My little sister and madam have been back at the Song family for quite some time now. There are some rules I should tell you about."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth slowly curving upwards, her gaze gradually turning cold: "What, are you going to set some rules?"
She looks about seven-tenths like Song Shang. You wouldn't notice it in her usual arrogant and domineering manner, but now, with that ambiguous smile, she really does resemble him.
Song Shen froze instinctively, then grew even angrier. He slammed the hilt of his long sword on the ground with a loud bang, and said menacingly, "Without rules, there can be no order. Little sister, you are a grown woman, and Madam is also getting on in years; you should know this principle."
Aside from her own daughter, Niu Tielan, who was being told she was getting on in years for the first time, subconsciously touched her face. Although her complexion had returned to paleness due to the Gu practice, it still felt as smooth and delicate as snow, without a single wrinkle.
But being in your thirties is indeed quite an age.
She glanced instinctively at the man beside her who still looked to be in his early twenties, her expression gradually softening. She gently clutched her chest, which was feeling a bit tight: "Just say what you want to say."
She could roughly guess the man's intentions.
But these generals, why don't they just speak properly instead of resorting to personal attacks?
Song Jin could guess what he was thinking. This person had made it very obvious from the beginning. Although Song Jin was against it just like him, why should this person care about his mother?
What her mother wants to do is her own business. Let alone finding one person, even if she finds two or three to support a whole house, what right do these people have to come here and point fingers?
Song Jin chuckled, counting on her knuckles, a forced smile on her face: "Go ahead and say it."
Song Shenzhi glared at the group, his usual suppressed righteousness rising, and combined with his current appearance, he truly resembled a street thug. His dark gaze swept past the mother and daughter, landing on Qu Maoze, who sat beside Niu Tielan, a gentle, bright, and righteous figure. He spoke in a sinister tone.
"According to the Song family rules, no more than three gigolos can live in one house."
The three people: ...
Song Jin, who had already decided to move to her own princess's mansion, twitched at the corner of her mouth, expecting him to say something unpleasant.
You know what, this rule unfairly harms everyone.
Not only Qu Maoze, but Song Xingzhi and Song Anzhi over there also turned green with envy. Indeed, only they themselves knew what they were worth.
Song Jin asked, "So?"
Song Shenzhi picked up his long sword again and smashed it into the ground, his arm muscles bulging. His face was contorted with rage as he snarled, "Pretty boy, either get out of here now, or we'll fight and you'll die!"
Song Jin turned her head and saw that Qu Maoze's usual smile had disappeared. She couldn't help but slap the table and burst into laughter: "Yes, yes, pretty boy, want to go fight? We didn't get enough of the fight at the Taoist temple last time!"
Qu Maoze's expression relaxed, and he looked at her helplessly: "You're so naughty."
Song Jin was disgusted by him; her smile vanished instantly, and she moved the stone bench further away.
Three days have passed since the last full moon. While Niu Tielan's condition has stabilized, she has returned to the state she was in in Linxi Town—pale, weak, and exhausted. It will take her several more days to recover.
Song Jin didn't understand anything about Gu poison, and the old insect spirit had disappeared, so her mother had to be cared for by Qu Maoze, who had been staying at the Song family's house for the past few days.
This wasn't a conspiracy; Chunyang had plotted it, but she still couldn't do anything about it.
So as long as Song Shenzhi didn't involve her mother, Song Jin would wholeheartedly support him in dealing with Qu Maoze. She said to the sinister-looking Song Shenzhi, "What are you standing there for? Didn't you want to fight? Go fight over there."
Normally, Song Shenzhi would have been suspicious, but now his mind was in chaos, and his bloodlust overcame his reason. He only wanted to kill this pretty boy in front of him who dared to steal his father's child. He raised his long sword and shouted, "I'm asking you, do you dare?"
Qu Maoze looked at his dirty and foolish state with a cold gaze: "Young Master Song seems to need some rest."
Song Shenzhi sneered: "I don't need to rest; I can crush you with one hand."
Qu Maoze: "I see."
Song Shenzhi: "Stop acting all coy like a woman. If you're too scared to fight, then get lost. I can't stand cowards like you."
Qu Maoze remained seated, not getting up, and sighed softly.
With a thud, Song Shenzhi, who had been standing steadily there, suddenly collapsed like a stone, crashing into the nearby flowers and plants, lying there stiffly.
This scene looks incredibly familiar.
Song Jin looked at the culprit, Qu Maoze.
He sat there composedly, his gentle and bright smile shifting, gradually deepening with a more meaningful tone as the corners of his mouth curved upwards: "See? I told you the Third Young Master was overworked and needed a good rest. Gentlemen, please take him back to rest."
Song Xingzhi felt a chill run down his spine at his smile. He put down his hand that was drying his hair and forced a smile: "Young Master Qu is right. My third brother has been overworked these past few days because of Father's affairs, and his blood is rushing to his head. I hope you won't take offense."
Qu Maoze chuckled: "In that case, the Third Young Master must be the most filial among all the young masters, right?"
Song Xingzhi, who had just been speaking well of others, suddenly changed his expression and said without hesitation, "My third brother is naturally filial, but when it comes to the word 'most important,' I've put in just as much effort as he has these past few days."
Qu Maoze replied lightly, "Really?"
Song Xingzhi stepped forward and respectfully said, "Of course, I was in charge of searching Hou Qiaohe and the criminals behind her. We've already implicated the forces behind her, but they're all small fry, making it difficult to pinpoint the real people behind them. We still need to investigate further. The families involved have all been arrested, and their intentions are clear. We await Your Majesty's judgment..."
This scene looks all too familiar.
Goodness
Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi stared wide-eyed.
Song Shunzhi had already stepped forward and stood beside Song Xingzhi, respectfully saying, "Eldest brother and third brother hold high official positions, so naturally they have put in the greatest effort in investigating the case. However, they were a bit impulsive after all, and the excessive interrogation resulted in many people losing their ability to serve, causing a waste of manpower. Tomorrow they will inevitably attract criticism from the court officials. If it were me..."
Song Xingzhi's expression froze, and he stared expressionlessly at the person offering hindsight advice.
Now that the results are in, it's easier to figure out a solution. They were in a rush back then, and with all those complicated relationships, it was incredibly difficult for them to investigate. What does this person know, yet they're just spouting nonsense?
Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi exchanged glances, their eyes gradually brightening, and then they stepped forward to add to the discussion one by one.
Song Anzhi: "My abilities are naturally not as good as my older brothers', but my worries are no less. I have been working hard to develop several torture instruments, just waiting for this moment to use them..."
Song Qingzhi: "I don't have much ability, but this matter involves too many people and servants, so settling them down has taken some effort."
...
The four of them were vying to show off, while also subtly mocking each other – it was clearly not the first time.
Song Jin sat next to Niu Tielan, watching the group's behavior, and said speechlessly, "Why are they acting like dogs?"
Fight before fighting over food?
Niu Tielan sat there sipping his hot tea.
This isn't ordinary tea; it's a special kind of insect tea. It's said to be made by stir-frying the tea leaves with the excrement of tea insects that have eaten them. Compared to regular tea, it's smoother, more mellow, and richer in flavor—quite remarkable.
Looking at Qu Maoze raising his son like a dog, and considering his true nature, she could already imagine how he had raised those children.
Her lips twitched, and she whispered, "It's a good thing you didn't grow up with him."
Song Jin chuckled: "Mother, do you think I'm afraid of him?"
How dare he scold her like that? She'd bite that idiot to death!
Niu Tielan said lightly, "That's exactly why I'm afraid."
It's impossible for a father and daughter to live together.
Song Jin gave a soft snort, turned her head to rest on her mother's shoulder, took her arm, and complained, "How can you dislike your own daughter like that?"
When she got so close, Niu Tielan instinctively pulled her hand back, frowned, and paused for a moment.
Song Jin looked up in confusion: "What's wrong?"
Niu Tielan relaxed her brow and said softly, "When have I ever disliked you?"
Song Jin muttered, "When did you stop caring? Don't think I don't know. When I was little, you were particularly fond of Da Jiao Jiao from that straw sandal seller, and you even wanted to take her home and raise her."
Niu Tielan's lips twitched: "...You were only three years old back then, weren't you?"
What should be remembered is not remembered, while a lot of things should not be remembered.
Was she trying to raise a child? She knew her health wasn't good and wanted to buy a maid to take care of the girl, but then the brat ended up ruining someone's stall, and she had to pay compensation and apologize.
Song Jin pouted, released her arm from Niu Tielan's, and instead grabbed Niu Tielan's hand, manipulating it as she muttered, "Anyway, don't even think about abandoning me."
Niu Tielan sighed softly, "I'm perfectly fine, aren't I? You're not a baby anymore, you don't need me to follow you every step of the way."
Song Jin continued to mutter, "Why don't we need it? Mother, are you discriminating against older children?"
Niu Tielan was too lazy to say anything, letting her hold his hand, while he picked up his teacup with his other hand and took another sip.
Besides its delicious taste and health benefits, the most significant effect of this tea is actually pain relief.
Beside her, Song Jin held Niu Tielan's hand and subtly lifted the wide sleeves, revealing a white undergarment underneath, which was then covered with white gauze, concealing all her skin.
But the more this was the case, the more Song Jin could imagine the horrific scene below. She wondered why her mother hadn't let her near her these past few days.
Song Jin looked at her arms, which were wrapped up tightly, let out a long sigh, and gently lowered the wide sleeves, pretending not to have seen anything. She then asked...
"When will that old insect come back? Mother, when is your next meeting?"
Hearing this, Niu Tielan's fingers trembled slightly, and she said softly, "Maybe in a couple of days, but the first wave is the hardest. Things will get much better after that, so don't worry."
Song Jin didn't expose her, and grinned, "That's good. Once you're better, Mother, we'll go back to see Grandpa and Grandma."
Niu Tielan looked at her awkward smile, patted her head, and gently hummed in agreement.
Qu Maoze, sitting beside them, naturally heard the mother and daughter's conversation. His expression shifted from a slight smile at the beginning to a blank one later on.
The four Song brothers also fell silent. They stood there in a row, their shoulders ramrod straight, yet each one of them carried an undeniable air of unease and tension.
Qu Maoze picked up the teacup beside him and took a small sip.
Song Jinfan: "Don't you have your own cup? Why do you insist on drinking my mother's? Have you no shame?"
Qu Maoze finished his tea, put down the cup with a smile, and said insincerely, "Sorry, I didn't notice."
As he said this, he casually placed his hand on Niu Tielan's knee.
Song Jin glared at him fiercely, then took another cup and poured tea for her mother.
Throughout the ordeal, Niu Tielan remained silent, letting the father and daughter engage in their battle of wits, as calm and serene as a secluded orchid in a mountain stream.
Song Xingzhi and his three companions took in the actions of the three men, exchanged glances, and grew even more cautious, standing there motionless like wooden poles stuck in the ground.
It wasn't until Qu Maoze spoke calmly, "The four young masters of Song are indeed filial. If Lord Song's spirit in heaven knew, he would surely be proud of you," that things changed.
Song Xingzhi's heart sank. Looking at Qu Maoze's face, which was about the same age as his own, he couldn't help but step forward: "Although my father has had an accident, as long as his body has not been found, he is still alive."
Qu Maoze praised, "Young Master Song's filial piety is understandable, but so much time has passed. If Prime Minister Song were still alive, he would have returned long ago. The four of you should take heed of your grief."
Song Xingzhi's face gradually tightened, and he looked at Qu Maoze with a complicated expression, as if seeking confirmation: "He's really not coming back?"
Qu Maoze sighed, "Please accept my condolences."
If anyone else had said such things to them, Song Xingzhi and the others would have been furious and wanted them dead. But when it was Qu Maoze's turn, they all fell silent, hesitant and awkward, looking like abandoned stray dogs, inexplicably pitiful.
Niu Tielan couldn't bear to see them like this.
During their time in Yong'an City, the brothers have always treated the mother and daughter with utmost respect, providing them with the highest standards of living. Now, they are considered proper juniors.
“If someone’s gone, there must be some remains, right? So many people have searched for so long, couldn’t they have been kidnapped by someone with ulterior motives? Or…” Niu Tielan put down her teacup, a hint of mockery in her voice, “They left on their own, what were they plotting behind the scenes?” Qu Maoze smiled, calm as if nothing had happened, and laughed, “Maybe they just haven’t found them? Although, after all this time, they haven’t even found a body.”
He glanced at the five people over there and said dismissively, "What a waste."
The four people standing, plus Song Shenzhi who had woken up but dared not face the truth: ...
Song Jin, munching on a candied fruit, said, "Then where do you think it should be? I even followed them around for a bit, but I couldn't see it."
Qu Maoze immediately changed his expression to a smile and said gently, "How careless!"
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "Stop being disgusting, where are you?"
Qu Maoze chuckled: "So many people have searched for so long and still can't find it, how could I possibly obtain it?"
Song Jin's fist hardened, and he banged on the table.
Thump, thump, thump. Niu Tielan shook his head helplessly, pressed her hand down, and turned his head: "Then where do you think it would be?"
Qu Maoze: "Sigh, you guys really know how to put me in a difficult position."
Song Jin glared at her: "Are you going to tell me or not?"
Qu Maoze remained silent, leisurely sipping his tea from Niu Tielan's cup, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
Song Jin clenched her fists; she really wanted to punch someone.
Niu Tielan looked at this one, then at that one, and then glanced at her brothers who were staring at them expectantly, looking like they were about to break. She reached out and pinched Qu Maoze's arm, scolding him angrily, "Can't you speak properly?"
Qu Maoze casually took her hand and placed it on his knee. Under her slightly annoyed gaze, he said leisurely, "A body would float in water. Since we haven't seen it for so long, it's definitely not inside. It's even less likely to be nearby; it can only be on the cliff."
Song Jin squinted at his hand, wanting to break it off, but she restrained herself and said, "We've searched both up and down the cliff."
Qu Maoze chuckled: "Really? Are you sure? You've searched the entire cliff?"
He emphasized the word.
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "I already said I've searched, searched, searched so many times, they've practically uprooted all the trees on the cliff."
Qu Maoze smiled but remained silent.
Song Shenzhi, who was lying on the ground, suddenly stood up, stared intently at the changed Qu Maoze, knelt down heavily, kowtowed deeply, and then strode outside.
Song Xingzhi and his companions followed closely behind, kneeling down one by one before leaving.
He staggered, looking exceptionally tragic.
Qu Maoze sat there leisurely sipping his tea, not even glancing at him.
This time, it was Niu Tielan's turn to glance at him and whisper a mocking tone.
"Heartless person"
Qu Maoze gently squeezed her wrist, looked at her quietly, and said slowly and deliberately, "Not as good as you."
...
Watching the two of them exchanging glances, Song Jin rolled her eyes, then stood up and strode after her brothers, who were deeply agitated.
She wanted to see where the body was hidden.
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