Chapter 53 No More Pretending
"You two have forgotten, but my rented courtyard is just two streets away, a quarter of an hour's walk. I usually do the accounting at the shop under Prince Qi's name, and in my spare time I copy stories and calligraphy. After work, I come here to help out, which earns me some extra money each month..."
Qu Maoze's voice was clear and gentle, speaking slowly and deliberately, like a flowing spring stream, accompanied by a pleasant gaze and a smile at the corner of his mouth, carrying an air of inexplicable ambiguity and tenderness.
Song Jin narrowed her eyes: "Really? You've lost your memory, yet you can write poetry, do accounting, and even treat illnesses, but you don't remember your background. You've got a good eye for things."
Qu Maoze remained unfazed: "Yes, what a coincidence. These past few days, thanks to Prince Qi's connections, I've been looking at local chronicles from various places and listening to different dialects, but I still can't recall anything. Looking around, I feel no sense of familiarity, and I can't remember anything."
Song Jin scoffed, "You really do a lot every day, huh? Accounting, calligraphy and painting, seeing doctors, reading books—what else do you do besides these?"
Qu Maoze smiled: "Miss Song is intelligent. I noticed that many children around here had nothing to do, so I opened a small school in the courtyard, teaching for half an hour every day and charging a small fee every ten days. It also keeps me busy. I thought that doing more work might help me remember something. Besides this, I also found two reliable neighbors. I provide the money, and they provide the labor..."
Goodness, judging from what this person does, he's working for ten out of twelve hours a day!
Song Jin couldn't help but want to give him a thumbs up, but it was impossible; the more this person did, the more suspicious he became.
She chuckled, still wanting to continue her sarcastic remarks.
Niu Tielan glanced over indifferently: "All you do all day is feed the fish and scatter flowers, and catch birds and mice. You still have the nerve to laugh? Aren't you ashamed?"
Song Jin: "..."
This person is her nemesis; every time she runs into him, she gets scolded.
"They say a day apart feels like three autumns, and I used to think that was just an empty phrase, but seeing you today, Madam, it's truly the case," Qu Maoze chuckled lightly, only to be met with another angry glare from Song Jin. He continued slowly and deliberately.
"Compared to that day in Shangyang Village, Madam looks radiant now. It seems she hasn't been affected by the rumors and gossip during this time, which puts my mind at ease."
Song Jin couldn't hold back any longer: "What business is it of yours whether I'm at ease or not?"
Qu Maoze smiled again: "Miss Song's personality is as carefree as ever, I'm relieved."
Isn't this definitely a sarcastic jab at her?
Song Jin was so angry she could only glare helplessly, unable to refute. Under her mother's warning gaze, she moved her lips and said, feeling resentful, "I'll go check on the dogs over there. You two talk, Mom."
She stomped her feet and ran to the dog cage across the street.
This dog, whose owner is unknown, is the size of a cheetah, with thick, fluffy white fur, blue eyes, a round head, and a round body—perfectly matching Song Jin's aesthetic preferences.
She squatted beside the cage, taking out some jerky from her pocket to feed the dog. While seemingly feeding the dog, her eyes secretly glanced at the two people talking. To hear better, she subtly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, but unfortunately, no one noticed her little gesture.
Niu Tielan's attention was not on her daughter at all.
Given Song Jin's lively and energetic nature, her only concern is whether others will be alright.
Her gaze fell on the young man before her, who seemed just like an old acquaintance. She subconsciously thought of the burly performers on the streets outside, and a few unsettling memories surfaced. She couldn't help but lower her eyes slightly and take a step back.
"Young Master Qu has just recovered from serious injuries. He should take good care of himself and get plenty of rest. Money is a minor matter; his health is the most important thing."
She guessed that this person did so much work every day in order to repay their money as soon as possible.
Fifty taels of silver wasn't much to them, but in those days, an ordinary family could live comfortably on two taels of silver a month. She knew Qu Maoze had a job arranged by Prince Qi, so his monthly income wouldn't be too bad, but saving money for other things would take time.
Brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—everything costs money.
With fifty taels, one could buy basic necessities, whether it be tables, chairs, benches, writing brushes, ink, paper, or inkstones—not necessarily the finest.
Qu Maoze lowered his head, looking at her face, which was more radiant than before, and said in a slightly lower voice, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. I'm fine. I have no relatives or friends here, so I might as well find something to do. But Madam and Miss Song, are you having any troubles? I've heard some rumors these past few days, and I'm a little worried, but I haven't been able to visit you in person."
Niu Tielan paused for a moment, her eyebrows furrowing slightly: "What's going on?"
Qu Maoze chuckled softly and casually recited a few lines from the most popular story told by the teahouse storyteller recently: "Miss Song inherited her father's business, caused a great disturbance at the Sanqing Temple, bravely fought against the Duke's mansion, and declared war on the royal family on behalf of the Song family..."
Niu Tielan: "...It's already spread outside?"
Is the capital city really that small? The speed of information dissemination here is no slower than in their rural areas!
Niu Tielan's almond-shaped eyes widened, her expression a mixture of shock and something else entirely, and she seemed inexplicably dazed.
Qu Maoze chuckled softly: "The capital is still mostly populated by ordinary people. They love listening to the lively discussions of high-ranking officials and powerful families. The Duke of Ying's mansion is very famous in the capital, and the Sanqing Temple is practically the residence of the Imperial Preceptor. Plus, Miss Song was incredibly brave and fearless back then, able to take on ten men single-handedly."
Niu Tielan suddenly felt a throbbing pain in her head. She pressed her hand to her head and said in a pained voice, "Okay, okay, stop talking. My head is going to explode if you keep talking. What kind of mess is this...?"
Song Jin was eavesdropping while playing with the dog in its cage. Upon hearing this, her expression froze, and she silently withdrew her hand from the dog, taking small steps forward from her crouching position.
One step, two steps
Before he had taken three steps, Niu Tielan's loud shout came from behind: "Song, Jin, Jin!"
Song Jin, no longer caring about being sneaky, immediately stood up and ran towards the backyard, with Niu Tielan close behind. Whether it was the effect of the drug or excessive anger, she was unusually strong. After running two laps around the yard, she caught Song Jin by sheer strength.
Clutching a broken branch in her hand, she lashed it at Song Jin.
"Look at you, look at you! Are you the reincarnation of a theatrical troupe? You're everywhere!"
"Because of you, I've lost all face in this town, and now I've lost face in the capital—no, I mean in the palace! You're really something."
"Can you run next time? Can't you fly? Can't you fly earlier?"
...
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!"
After being reprimanded, Song Jin grimaced and cried out in pain. This time, she wasn't faking it; she was genuinely in pain.
She bared her teeth, rolled up her sleeve, and several red marks on her fair wrist were particularly noticeable.
Because of her martial arts training, Song Jin has thicker skin than the average person, and her skin is generally unmarked. In the past, when Niu Tielan patted her a couple of times, Song Jin would just pretend to offer some emotional support.
Seeing these marks today, she exclaimed in shock, "Mother, did you eat some super spinach?"
That Lingnan Gu technique is incredible!
Niu Tielan was also somewhat surprised. Seeing Song Jin's red wrist, she struck it again with the stick. In a short while, another red mark appeared, showing that her strength had indeed increased considerably.
She murmured, "Am I possessed?"
Song Jin rubbed her hands, annoyed: "...I've been bitten by bugs."
The mother and daughter found it unbelievable, so they temporarily reconciled and went upstairs hand in hand to find Old Man Insect. Unexpectedly, as soon as they reached the attic, they saw a sign hanging on the locked door.
'In three days, insects and dogs are invited in'
"..."
Song Jin rolled her eyes, picked up the sign, and flipped it open, only to find words on the back.
'As long as a person is alive, they will not die.'
Good grief, they don't even offer any after-sales service!
Song Jin then ripped off the wooden board and broke it in half.
Niu Tielan grabbed her and pulled her outside, saying, "Forget it, we already said three days later, so let's come back in three days."
Song Jin followed reluctantly.
Walking into the backyard, Qu Maoze stood at his sides in the corridor, looking up at the willow branches drooping for miles. He stood tall and straight, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a gentlemanly and dignified air. He had the kind of appearance that filled one with righteousness at first glance.
If this person did indeed resemble her biological father, Song Jin could understand why her mother had said that her father looked like a good person.
Their phoenix eyes are both similarly rounded, and upon closer inspection, while they are indeed phoenix eyes, they also resemble peach blossom eyes, with clear black and white, and a bright, sparkling appearance.
but
Song Jin's face is rather narrow, making her eyes appear long and narrow, giving her a more aggressive look.
Qu Maoze's wider face made him appear more dignified and gentlemanly, giving him a reliable look at first glance.
If he hadn't shared the same name as her biological father, coincidentally looked similar, and suffered from amnesia, Song Jin wouldn't have been so wary and suspicious of this man.
Looks are important, but intuition is even more important.
Song Jin was absolutely certain that this person had a problem; she was just waiting to see when he would slip up.
Qu Maoze watched the mother and daughter approach, and seeing Song Jin glaring at him, he smiled and said, "Miss Song is so energetic. If I have a daughter in the future, I want her to be as carefree and joyful as Miss Song."
It's definitely an insult to her.
Song Jin glared at her fiercely, about to open her mouth and curse.
Niu Tielan precisely covered her mouth, then her gaze towards Qu Maoze softened. She finally remembered; this man wasn't an old acquaintance, but rather, he seemed to be the son of an old acquaintance, and would one day have a wife and children.
She said calmly, "I hope Young Master Qu will think the same way in the future. Jin Jin and I have other matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave first. Take care of yourself, Young Master Qu."
Qu Maoze chuckled: "Madam and Miss Song, please take care."
The mother and daughter left like that.
Qu Maoze stood there, watching the mother and daughter's contrasting backs.
One figure was slender and graceful, moving unhurriedly; the other leaned against someone, dragging her feet, looking crooked and unseemly.
"Hello"
Song Jin leaned mostly against Niu Tielan, seemingly reluctant, but her eyebrows and eyes were actually beaming, clearly in a good mood. She lazily raised her hand, a green paper packet in her hand, and tossed it over from several meters away.
The light, fluttering paper package shot straight at Qu Maoze's face like a flying knife.
Qu Maoze gently raised his hand and firmly grasped the paper package. Without needing Song Jin's mockery, he smiled and said, "Looks like I knew some martial arts before I lost my memory."
They've really stopped pretending.
Song Jin scoffed, "I'm giving it to you since I'm in a good mood. Use it to treat your wound; it smells of blood."
Qu Maoze chuckled: "A stray cat came to the house, and I didn't notice it got scratched."
Song Jin rolled her eyes at him, grabbed Niu Tielan, and left. Just as they were about to exit the corridor, the man's voice came again.
"Around the Mid-Autumn Festival each year, the golden bell flowers on Jinling Mountain are in full bloom and are quite beautiful. If you and Miss Song have some free time, you can go and see them. I heard them say that the golden bell flower is also called the 'brocade flower,' which is just like Miss Song's name."
Niu Tielan turned around abruptly, looking at him with surprise and uncertainty, her mind in turmoil.
What a coincidence!
Golden bell flower, variegated flower
Does this flower really exist?
Song Jin didn't notice her mother's unusual behavior, only finding Qu Maoze's behavior inexplicable, and said with disdain, "What's so interesting about a lousy flower? Mother, let's go."
She then pulled the person away.
The figure in the background seemed less cheerful than before.
Qu Maoze withdrew his gaze, opened the green paper packet in his hand, and found it filled with a strong medicinal smell—high-quality hemostatic powder. He smiled gently, put it into his pocket, and left the backyard to complete his 'work' for the day.
Only after handling the tasks at hand can one better appreciate the golden bells scattered everywhere.
**
Song Jin didn't know whether it was Jinling or not; she only knew that the osmanthus flowers were blooming.
It's time to eat mooncakes!
Back when they lived in Linxi Town, they would make their own mooncakes every year and then go to the county to enjoy the lantern festival in the evening.
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the county town was brightly lit, with all kinds of exquisite lanterns hanging in the streets and colorful lanterns floating on the water, making it extremely lively.
Logically, the lantern festival in the capital should only become more lively and fun, perfectly suited to Song Jin's love of excitement, but this time she had no expectations whatsoever.
Because she had to attend the palace banquet.
This sounded a bit pretentious, after all, attending the palace banquet was a great honor, but Song Jin didn't like it. Don't be fooled by her confident demeanor when speaking to the Emperor last time; she was prepared to die for whatever she said, good or bad. Deep down, she was still nervous.
After all, no matter how fragile the emperor may seem, he still has a million-strong army under his command, each capable of crushing her with a single kick, not to mention the ever-watchful expert Qi Zheng beside him.
Cannot afford to offend
On the day of the palace banquet, besides the emperor, there were also a group of concubines and princes of unknown personalities.
Song Jinguang felt a chill run down her spine just thinking about it, but she couldn't stop herself from going. So, before going, she tried to find some fun for herself—like making mooncakes.
Thanks to Tuo Qumaize's reminder, Song Jin finally remembered this recreational activity, so early the next morning, she dragged the listless Niu Tielan to Mingjin Garden.
Song Qingzhi explained: "Jin means gold, and autumn is golden autumn. Mingjin Garden is full of autumn flowers and trees, including osmanthus, hibiscus, maple, chrysanthemum, and hibiscus, and many others. The flowers bloom continuously from early autumn to late autumn, making it the most suitable place to enjoy the autumn scenery."
Song Jin suddenly realized, turned to look at her mother, and grinned, "Mom, I misunderstood you. So my 'Jin' is the 'Jin' of 'autumn'? Hey, you know, Song Qiutian isn't bad, is she?"
Niu Tielan had been dwelling on events from over a decade ago all night and was rather listless. Hearing this, she coldly retorted, "Were you born in autumn, Song Qiutian? I think you just want to experience the cold winter. Be careful, or I'll change your name back to your old one."
"Ox, Gold, Gold"
"Hahahaha!" Before Song Jin could react, Song Qingzhi burst into laughter. "Niu Jinjin? That's a good name too! Little sister, Niu Jinjin, it sounds so strong and healthy! Hahaha, Jinjin, gold, ox!"
His smile froze.
Song Jin stomped heavily on his foot, a half-smile on her face: "Huh? What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly."
As she spoke, she rubbed her feet together again.
Song Qingzhi's face contorted in pain, but he gritted his teeth and laughed, "I said your name is really beautiful, like gold and jade brocade, as beautiful as flowers, just like you, dazzling and radiant. This Mingjin Garden was simply made for you."
Song Jin then moved her foot, gave a soft snort, and slightly raised her chin: "You're smart to know what's good for you."
Song Qingzhi forced a smile, barely managing to maintain it, until they turned and continued walking. Only then did she clutch her foot, wince, and silently weep inside.
This little sister is so hard to take care of!
He knew that if his second and fourth brothers wouldn't do it, it couldn't be a good job, but...
He truly is his father's child.
He rubbed his foot, then continued to limp along, explaining the situation at Mingjin Garden to them.
Song Jin and her group brought Xiao Er and Xiao Mei with them this time.
The two young maids have been learning the rules and popular hairstyles of the capital from Chun Yuan and the others for the past few days, as if they were taking an exam. They practice every day from the moment they wake up, and they think they're quite something.
After ten days, the two had learned all the clothing and customs of the capital. While they couldn't say they had memorized all the etiquette, they could roughly distinguish which greeting to give and what to be mindful of before and after meals. Even their walking was quite proper.
Unlike Song Jin, who always walked with long, sweeping strides, she suddenly jumped up, grabbed a handful of hanging osmanthus blossoms, their fragrance intoxicating. She picked a few and popped them into her mouth, her eyes lighting up.
"Mom, Mom, come and try some! These flowers smell so good; the mooncakes made with them will definitely be delicious."
Niu Tielan walked over in small steps, tasted it herself, and her expression softened: "It is indeed fragrant, and a little sweet."
Song Qingzhi's lips twitched. How could he not want these? These were all osmanthus trees meticulously cultivated by the Lingnan Flower Clan. Each tree took over ten years to grow, and even at a price of a thousand taels, they were incredibly rare. No wonder they were so desirable!
Just then, Song Jin's voice came again: "Fifth Brother Song, how many people are there in the manor? Let's make more and distribute them to everyone. It's such a waste for so many flowers to fall to the ground."
Listen to that tone, anyone who didn't know better would think it was just an ordinary roadside tree.
However, these flowers are indeed much like ordinary miscellaneous trees in the mansion, with no one to appreciate them, and they just fall to the ground every year to serve as fertilizer, which is quite a waste.
Song Qingzhi sighed, "There are too many people in the manor. We can't make that many. We'll have the kitchen staff come over to pick them and then we'll divide them up."
Song Jin thought for a moment
The mother and daughter, along with their maids, servants, and Wang Lao Er, made seven people in total. Adding the three Song brothers, that makes ten. Chun Yuan and her head maids also needed to be 'bribed' to prevent them from hiding anything or bullying Xiao Mei and Xiao Er.
And then there's Qi Zheng. Why not latch onto such a powerful figure? She still has two roast chickens she hasn't claimed yet; this is a perfect opportunity to get them back.
Thinking about it, she exclaimed, "That's right! Then come over and help shake the tree. We need to eat just as much, and pick some hibiscus and chrysanthemums too, a little of everything. Hahaha, Mom, your hair has turned golden..."
She stood on a branch, excitedly shaking it. Her voice was clear and loud, sounding somewhat noisy in the quiet Song mansion, yet so vibrant, 'noising' away the lifelessness that had long plagued the mansion.
A flicker of emotion crossed Song Qingzhi's green eyes, and a slight smile crept onto his lips: "I'm here. I'll help. Be careful not to fall."
Fine, I'll reluctantly forgive the second and fourth kids this time. I'll just double their allowance next month.
...
Just as Song Jin was happily shaking the tree, Qi Ye, far away in the palace, was buried in memorials taller than himself, his heart filled with a bitter taste, as if he had swallowed a bitter pill.
He said heavily, "I'm starting to miss Minister Song."
Sun Gonggong reassured him, "Your Majesty, please accept my condolences. Lord Song is a lucky man and will surely return safely."
Qi Ye sighed, "Back again? Forget it, I don't want to think about these things anymore. Let's see what suggestions these idiots are making this time. Especially those censors, always bringing up trivial matters. Am I a village official? Do I have to mediate all this gossip?"
Eunuch Sun smiled and said, "Your Majesty, as the ruler of the country, you have the final say on everything, big or small."
"That'll exhaust me! Let me see... Hmm, the illegitimate son of the Zhao family is playing with crickets. What a mess! Oh, he went to their ancestral temple. This kid, let them make their own trouble; I can't control him. And look at this one, the Minister of Rites' legitimate daughter is having an affair with an outsider." Qi Ye couldn't help but curse a couple of times.
"Useless thing, can't even control his own wife. Besides, if there's a problem, go find some other man, why come to me? Want me to give him one? A toad lusting after a swan. Forget it, let's move on to the next one: Song Jin of the Song family beats up the heir of the Duke of Yingguo and curses the old lady to death."
"Um?"
Qi Ye doubted his eyes. He looked again, and there it was, clearly written in black and white: Song Jin, daughter of the Grand Secretary Song. He threw the memorial down and sneered, "What a duke! Song Shang's fate is unknown, and they're bullying his only daughter like this? Truly cowardly and shameless!"
Eunuch Sun was certain he hadn't misread it; the memorial did indeed state that the Duke of Ying's mansion had suffered a loss. But as the emperor's chief eunuch, whatever the emperor said was law.
He immediately replied, "After the old Duke of Ying passed away, the Duke of Ying's mansion declined steadily. I remember that just two days ago, the Duke of Ying's heir bumped into His Highness Prince Qi's carriage. It was only because His Highness is skilled in martial arts that he was unharmed."
Qi Ye sighed, "Ah Zheng has suffered too much in the common people. He's used to swallowing his grievances and never tells me anything. Unlike the Second Prince, who dared to take action directly when the Second Prince was a bit careless because of Song Shang's troubles. Tell me, how can there be such a big difference between princes?"
Eunuch Sun comforted him, "That's certainly different. Prince Qi is His Majesty's own son, a true dragon and phoenix. His nature is different from birth. His Majesty should be happy."
Qi Ye smiled with relief: "That's true, but they're still young. Never mind, you can pick up the memorials. No matter how wrong the Duke of Ying's family is, they are still founding fathers. The old lady is getting on in years; she needs to be appeased after being offended. Look, she's so angry she can't get up. Let her stay home for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in a couple of days. The children of the Duke of Ying's family are also the most polite and filial; it wouldn't be good to let them go to the palace alone. Let them stay home with the old lady."
Eunuch Sun respectfully said, "Your Majesty is compassionate."
Qi Ye took the memorial, thought for a moment, and then waved his hand.
"That girl has been back these past few days, always laughing and joking, running around like a little tiger, while I have to sit here all day. Sigh, I should send her a few lady-in-waiting to keep her company and prevent her from getting bored."
Eunuch Sun smiled: "Your Majesty is wise."
...
So, just as Song Jin and the others finished wrapping the mooncakes and were about to bake them in the oven, a carriage carrying several meticulous and dignified female officials arrived at the Song residence from the palace.
Without prior notice, they made their way to the kitchen.
At this moment, Song Jin had golden osmanthus blossoms in her hair, white flour smeared on her face, and her clothes were wrinkled. She sat on a stool with her legs crossed, munching on a freshly roasted sweet potato. Her hands and mouth were covered in soot, and when she smiled, her mouth was full of crumbs.
The female officials frowned, their faces solemn, their hearts sinking.
The one that will ruin their reputation has arrived.
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