Chapter 128 Don't Try to Take It From Me
"Ah-woo-woo-woo-hua-la-la-la"
"Song Jin!!"
"Hmm"
...
As dawn broke, Song Jin was brushing her teeth outside the house with a porcelain bowl in her hand. The Dayan region was economically developed, and there were many kinds of toothbrushes. The most common one was a willow twig for rinsing, which could be easily obtained by picking one outside. Pig bristle toothbrushes were more expensive, but ordinary families could afford them, although they were a bit stiff.
Wealthy families like the Song family used ox bone and horsehair brushes, which were soft and effective at cleaning, but also expensive and unaffordable for most people.
In ancient times, there were no cures for dental problems, so people could only try their best to protect their teeth. Even though Song Jin could go for days without washing his face, he was still very particular about brushing his teeth.
She stood there gargled and rinsed her mouth thoroughly, inside and out, then chewed on a willow twig to practice her teeth, making a crunching sound. She was wearing only a gray undergarment, her hair disheveled, her feet dangling, shoes on, leaning against the pillar, exuding a carefree, wandering air.
Niu Tielan's eyes hurt just looking at him; she didn't know why, but the child seemed to be getting worse and worse.
She wasn't like this when she first arrived in the capital.
At most, they're just not particular, a bit down-to-earth. These days, everyone's eating, drinking, and dressing in a certain way, but that certain air about them just doesn't seem right.
Although Song Jin remained as flamboyant as ever, when she first arrived, beneath her flamboyance lay a wildness and resilience, like a taut string that was still somewhat restrained. Now, she exuded a relaxed and carefree attitude from the inside out, her flamboyance carrying a hint of wantonness. If she frowned, she would be a true playboy.
Money and power corrupt people far too quickly.
Niu Tielan was exasperated: "Can't you tone it down a bit? Look at the other girls, look at you!"
Song Jin lazily chewed on a willow twig: "What little girl? Someone like Yang Yanjun? Or one of those other idiots who squat in the backyard all day?"
Niu Tielan scolded her, "Stop talking badly about people all the time!"
Song Jin muttered, "Then why do you talk bad about me every day?"
Niu Tielan was annoyed: "Song Jin!"
Song Jin shut her mouth, spat out the willow twig twice, rinsed her mouth, and then slipped back to her room to change her clothes.
I won't listen, I won't listen, my mother is chanting scriptures.
...
With more than two weeks to go before the Spring Festival, Yong'an City is bustling with activity. Vendors hawk their wares daily, and shops are welcoming the busiest month of the year.
At this time of year, the Song family mansion would already be bustling with activity, preparing all sorts of things needed for the New Year and decorating and tidying up the residence.
This year, due to the passing of Song Shang, the Song family has kept everything simple. They haven't hung any colorful ribbons or window decorations, and their clothing and food have been noticeably reduced. They've also gone out to buy fewer things. At least in previous years, the new clothes they bought would have arrived by this time, but this year there haven't been any.
Song Qingzhi made a special trip over and respectfully explained, "Everyone is keeping things simple this year, so please make do, Madam and my younger sister."
Niu Tielan glanced at the pile of jewelry and gold and silver in the room, which was almost overflowing with space, and the wooden chests filled with new clothes. She really couldn't see where they had made do.
She shook her head: "There's already enough."
Looking at her understanding demeanor, Song Qingzhi thought to himself, "My father really has good judgment. No wonder he's remained indifferent to others all these years. I used to wonder if my father had some kind of health problem."
He smiled and said, "Besides making some purchases, I came here today to let Mother see this year's accounts. Although we have a steward in charge of the accounts, Father always takes a couple of days to look at them around this time of year. Now that he's not here, I thought Mother should have a look."
Upon hearing the word "mother," Niu Tielan was instantly taken aback.
Song Jin, who was playing with the mechanical beast nearby, widened her eyes. In a moment of carelessness, she tore off the beast's leg and threw it at it, standing up angrily: "What are you yelling about?"
Trying to steal her mother? You're asking for it, aren't you?
Song Qingzhi had prepared himself mentally before coming, so he remained unhurried. His light green eyes, like ripples on a green lake in the northern desert, shimmered, and he smiled, saying, "My little sister is our little sister, her father is our father, and her mother is naturally our mother too."
Since Song Jin and her daughter arrived in Yong'an City, Song Qingzhi and his five brothers have always been close to and indulgent towards Song Jin, always calling her "little sister." They have shown great respect to Niu Tielan, but have always addressed her as "Madam."
One reason was that her relationship with Song Shang was not yet certain, and another was that Song Jin was somewhat possessive.
Just like now, she charged forward, crushing the wooden beast in her hand. The pieces clattered to the ground, her white teeth bared, her phoenix eyes narrowed, filled with threat, as she spoke, word by word: "Your father is your father, and my mother is my mother."
Song Qingzhi: "This doesn't make sense, little sister."
Song Jin: "I don't care if it's reasonable or not, you're not allowed to call me that."
Song Qingzhi squinted his green eyes, unusually unyielding, and said calmly, "Mother and Father are one family, so we brothers should naturally address them the same way."
Their father is always by their little sister's side, and has almost forgotten about his five sons. They haven't said a word about it, and now even when they call her "Mother," their little sister is unwilling.
That's too much!
Song Qingzhi was only a year older than Song Jin. He hadn't had an easy time lately, being ignored and looked down upon at home, and dealing with all sorts of messy and troublesome things outside. His wolfish spirit was starting to emerge.
He bared his teeth, his light green eyes fixed on Niu Tielan with a determined and competitive air: "Father raised us all, just like our own father. You're with him, so naturally you're our mother too, right? Mother? Mother? Mother?"
Enraged, Song Jin rushed forward and grabbed his hair: "I told you not to call her that! She's my mother! I'm not trying to take her from you, and you're not allowed to try to take her from me!"
Song Qingzhi grimaced and insisted, "We didn't forbid you from calling her that. Anyway, your mother is still our mother."
Whether she calls him "Dad" or not, it's still hers; they're different.
Song Qingzhi resolutely refused to change his address, continuing, "Mother, mother, mother, mother."
Song Jin's eyes blazed with anger as she angrily pulled at his mouth, "Don't shout! Don't shout! Don't shout!"
...
The two were locked in a fierce struggle, the fifteen or sixteen-year-old behaving like a child.
From initial shock to worry, and then to speechlessness, Niu Tielan reached up and rubbed her forehead: "You two, that's enough."
No one paid any attention to her, and the two continued arguing while pulling each other's hair.
"My mother is my mother, and she belongs to me alone."
"It's yours, and it's also the mother of us five brothers."
"Shut up, shut up, it's all mine alone."
"I won't listen, I won't listen, I won't listen!"
...
Niu Tielan's head ached. She called out a few times but no one paid any attention. She wanted to go and stop them, but looking at the two five-year-old children, she felt a bit disgusted. She rubbed her forehead and left. As soon as she went outside, she saw Qu Maoze sitting there leisurely drinking tea.
Song Shunzhi and Song Anzhi sat upright to one side, not touching their teacups.
What a loving father and filial son!
Niu Tielan frowned, walked behind the man, gently tapped his shoulder, and scolded, "They're almost fighting inside, and you're just listening?"
Qu Maoze handed her the freshly poured hot tea, covering her hand with it, and chuckled, "It's alright, Xiao Wu wouldn't dare fight back."
Niu Tielan said irritably, "Is that what I meant?"
Qu Maoze smiled and said, "Then I'll go in and pull the person out?"
He had a handsome and refined appearance, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. His eyes held a smile as he looked at her. Although he appeared dignified and upright, the smile at the corners of his mouth carried a hint of teasing.
Niu Tielan suddenly realized: "You started this?"
Qu Maoze held her hand and said slowly, "Madam, what are you saying? I was just concerned about you. I was worried that you would be bored and have nothing to do. I also thought that the young men in the family are too young to manage things, so I asked you to take a look. How did that become me stirring up trouble?"
Niu Tielan bent down, her almond-shaped eyes glaring at him, and gently bit her lip: "Then, what were you shouting about?"
Forget about mothers and daughters; even she herself felt uncomfortable listening to that.
Qu Maoze chuckled softly and asked in return, "Did I call you by the wrong name?"
Niu Tielan frowned, his expression hesitant.
To say that you called her the wrong name wouldn't be accurate; in fact, "mother" is even more formal and respectful than "madam."
But to be honest, calling them correctly only works for two- or three-year-olds; they're all in their teens or twenties now.
Niu Tielan subconsciously glanced at the Song brothers, Song Shunzhi and Song Anzhi, sitting upright opposite Qu Maoze. One had thick eyebrows and big eyes, exuding a steady and mature air, while the other had a beautiful face, a long waist, and dark hair. Both were in their early twenties, not much younger than her.
She really wasn't prepared to be an elder.
She bit her lip gently, her brows furrowed, looking exceptionally hesitant.
Song Shunzhi and Song Anzhi exchanged a glance, took a deep breath, stood up simultaneously, and respectfully said in unison, "Son greets Mother."
Niu Tielan was startled and took two steps back, her face filled with unconcealed panic. She looked around, momentarily at a loss for words.
Qu Maoze smiled and put down his teacup: "You should all go back now. Although we are not attending court now, we shouldn't waste our time."
The two brothers looked at each other and respectfully replied, "We understand."
Qu Maoze tapped the table lightly: "This is the last time."
He sat in the chair, looking up at the two brothers. His voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it struck them like a heavy hammer.
The two men instantly became more respectful and changed their tone, saying, "Understood, Young Master Qu."
Qu Maoze looked at the two tall, straight figures behind them, and his expression showed a slight satisfaction.
The five people were all very different, and each had a more tragic background than the last. He met them during his most depressed period, and on a whim, he brought them back.
I originally envisioned raising them like venomous insects, letting them fight, kill, and amuse each other. But ultimately, venomous insects are venomous insects, and humans are humans. While the venomous insects devour each other in their carnage, humans, even amidst their struggles, can still find mutual respect and sympathy.
He originally planned to throw them out after he'd had his fill of teasing them, but as the years went by, the five of them grew into a respectable bunch, so he's just left them there until now.
Qu Maoze didn't intend to plant willows, but the willows took root and spread their branches, forming a shady grove, which wasn't bad at all.
His thoughts drifted, and he turned his head. Niu Tielan stood beside him, her almond-shaped eyes slightly reproachful. She pinched his arm and snorted, "Young Master Qu is truly impressive."
Qu Maoze grasped her hand and chuckled, "Not as fortunate as Madam gaining five handsome young men."
Niu Tielan retorted angrily, "How dare you! All this roundabout talk! I'm doing this for your own good, and you call me ungrateful?"
Qu Maoze smiled, speaking in a serious tone: "No, it's just that I prefer to do things myself."
While the affection begged for is also pleasing, it feels somewhat bland compared to the satisfaction of catching it yourself.
Niu Tielan slapped his hand away impatiently, gave a soft snort, and turned to walk back into the house.
Men are unreliable; she should try to mediate the fight herself.
...
"Madam, Miss, our guests have arrived."
Fights may break out, people may argue, but the prepared feast must still begin on time.
Yan Sheng had already started preparing before coming to the capital. After finishing the exams, he earned some money and was just waiting for the results of the provincial examination.
On the list
He breathed a sigh of relief. Although his results weren't outstanding, the exam focused on poetry and prose, his weakest areas, so he was quite satisfied with his score. The current emperor values practical matters more, and the palace examination mainly tests policy and classical texts, so he still had some hope.
Even if it doesn't work, there will be another chance after the New Year.
Yan Sheng was confident in himself and felt he had the face to meet his benefactor and his beloved.
Following behind the servant, he gazed at the magnificent and stately Song residence, and couldn't help but quietly adjust his new clothes. He had specially bought these clothes at a high price, hoping to look his best for the occasion.
It backfired.
Yan Sheng glanced at the servant in front of him, who was dressed in the same material, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. He felt a pang of regret.
Although he knew the Song family was extraordinary, seeing it in person was the only way to truly appreciate its grandeur. His special preparations seemed contrived; he might as well just wear his usual clothes.
He sighed softly.
After arriving in the capital, I became somewhat restless.
The capital city is teeming with talented people and wealthy families. As a country boy with no connections, even with the title of a scholar who passed the imperial examination, he felt as if he had returned to the same rootless state he was in as a child.
He had thought that doing well on the exam would make them look at him differently, and perhaps he could salvage the situation. Now he realized it was wishful thinking; the gap between them was widening.
Yan Sheng felt bitter.
Shu Chenghao walked beside him, looking at his somewhat lost and dejected appearance, and curled his lips.
Half a year has passed, and he is much thinner than before. His former timidity has also disappeared, and he looks much more energetic.
He had long since given up on the idea. Didn't he know his childhood friend well? Even if there were only a sliver of a possibility, she wouldn't be so heartless, not sending a single letter for almost half a year, and now that she's back, she hasn't even bothered to contact them.
"You're so heartless, Song Jinjin. Now that you've made it big, you look down on your old friends, don't you?"
Looking at the person in front of him, laughing as radiantly as he remembered, Shu Chenghao felt a sting in his eyes, but he forcefully suppressed it. He had already lost love; he couldn't lose friendship as well.
Those ten-odd years of friendships weren't fake.
Faced with her old friend's accusations, Song Jin's eyebrows were raised high, her eyes sparkling. She still had that bright face and that same radiant spirit, but she was still different from before.
In town, she dressed simply and rarely dressed up. Occasionally, she would wear a silver hairpin, which was already quite a feat. She was flamboyant and resilient, like a tiger resting in the mountains, unrestrained and unable to conceal her wildness.
Now, adorned in fine clothes and jeweled hairpins, she resembles a phoenix leaping from a sacred mountain, flamboyant and noble.
Song Jin strode forward, her demeanor still casual, still the same person she was constantly being criticized for, but she had actually undergone a complete transformation. A smile played on her lips as she walked over and patted Shu Chenghao heavily on the shoulder, laughing heartily.
"You're absolutely right, kid."
Shu Chenghao staggered from the blow, almost falling. He clutched his shoulder and gasped for breath. Just as he regained his footing, he heard her smug voice again.
"I am now a princess. By the way, how should you greet a princess?"
Shu Chenghao's lips twitched. He looked up and met her bright, smug eyes. He wanted to complain, but couldn't help laughing along. He gave her a half-bow in a very proper manner, and said in a drawn-out voice...
"My name is Shu Chenghao, the last-place candidate in the provincial examination of Qingjun Prefecture. I pay my respects to Your Highness."
Song Jin laughed heartily and waved her hand, "No need for formalities, keep up the good work, and do well on the next exam."
Seeing her like this, Shu Chenghao's smile gradually blossomed: "I will try my best. You've become a princess now; it would be so embarrassing if I remained a mere scholar."
"Good to know," Song Jin said with a chuckle, then looked at Yan Sheng beside her. Her expression was more restrained. Although she still teased him, she was more distant than she was with Shu Chenghao. "Congratulations, Yan Gongsheng! Did you get any offers to marry someone after you passed the exam today?"
Yan Sheng felt a pang of sadness, but quickly composed himself and smiled helplessly: "It's not that exaggerated. I'm just a mere tribute student. I had to swallow my pride and come to your door. The gifts are meager; I hope the Princess and Madam won't find them offensive."
As he spoke, he presented the gift in his hand.
That was a painting
Song Jin raised an eyebrow and opened the painting directly. The painting depicted the streamside of Linxi Town.
There stood a locust tree there, so large it would take five people to encircle it. Children played around it, and across from them, a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl, wearing a straw hat, rode a cow, legs dangling, a straw dangling from her mouth, leisurely enjoying herself.
A young woman sat beside a cow, holding a fishing rod. Although her face was obscured by a veiled hat, her slender figure and the chin revealed by the lifted veil suggested her beauty.
Song Jin looked at the painting, her smile gradually brightening. After a while, she closed it and hugged it to her arms, saying, "Thank you, I really like it. You painted it very well."
Seeing her genuine smile, Yan Sheng's anxiety gradually subsided, and he smiled back, saying, "I'm glad you don't mind."
Song Jin genuinely loved the painting and was even eager to go back and share it with her mother. After saying a few more casual words, she led them towards the main hall where guests were to be received.
Niu Tielan waited there, whispering to Qu Maoze about the two younger generations, Yan Sheng and Shu Chenghao, and also recounting their past in Linxi Town.
Generally speaking, they have been doing quite well over the years.
He has some family wealth, harmonious interpersonal relationships, and is acquainted with doctors and officials.
The mother and daughter each have their own strengths and contrasting personalities, making them a perfect complement to each other.
Qu Maoze listened intently, his gaze fixed on Niu Tielan's face, filled with admiration.
She was even more capable and competent than he had imagined.
The two of them spoke softly and tenderly, their voices warm and affectionate.
Just then, heavy footsteps came from outside, and Song Jin's loud voice rang out: "Mother, Mother, look, look! I used to be so small!"
Niu Tielan and Qu Maoze paused, their faces showing a mixture of helplessness and amusement, wondering what she was up to now.
How could she not be small? She's only fifteen this year!
Niu Tielan stood up to greet her, but before she had taken two steps, Song Jin rushed over, opened the scroll, and excitedly pointed to herself in the picture: "Mother, look! It's us!"
To be honest, the mother and daughter weren't short of money when they were in town, but they never really had the idea of having their portraits painted. This picture could be considered their first "photo together," so it's no wonder Song Jin was so excited.
Even Niu Tielan was taken aback when he saw it, stroking the little figure in the painting with a mixture of nostalgia and joy.
She looked past Song Jin towards the handsome young man behind her, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She thought that there was a reason why she had been willing to tolerate those fools in the Yan family all these years.
Yan Sheng is indeed very good at manipulating people's hearts; he has a bright future ahead of him.
Unfortunately, her daughter was as slippery as an eel, preferring to crawl into her own hole and disliking being manipulated.
No fate, no destiny
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