Chapter 99 What a coincidence, she was also...
"She's still not up?"
The sun hung high in the branches, breaking through the morning frost and bringing a touch of warmth.
In mid-October, autumn was drawing to a close and winter was fast approaching. People on the streets and in the alleys put on extra layers of clothing, and every household began preparing charcoal fires to get through the long winter.
Niu Tielan had always lived in the south, where the weather was hot and humid, and he had never seen snow. But in Yong'an City, there was always a long snow season of about a month every winter, and this year, in particular, heavy snow was clearly on the horizon.
She plans to go out for a stroll and buy some things.
Although the Song family lacked nothing and could simply have the best delivered to their door, the best wasn't necessarily the most beloved. She had rarely left the house for nearly a month, but now that she felt a little better, she wanted to go out for a walk.
In addition, today was the day those people were exiled, so they made a pact to go out and join in the fun.
Even though everyone was about to leave the city, Song Jin's door remained tightly closed.
Niu Tielan frowned, opened the door and went inside.
There was breathing in the spacious room; someone was inside.
Thankfully, Niu Tielan breathed a sigh of relief and walked a little further in. She found him lying peacefully on the soft bed, his sleeping posture as chaotic as ever.
Song Jin lay sprawled on her back, her head buried in the pillow, arms outstretched to the sides, the blankets piled almost to the bottom of the bed, and one leg dangling off the edge.
Even such a big bed isn't enough for her to sleep in alone.
Niu Tielan frowned, looking at the person with obvious disdain.
This was the first time Qu Maoze had ever seen someone asleep. His phoenix eyes brightened slightly, and he softly remarked, "Our daughter is so adorable when she's asleep."
Niu Tielan rolled his eyes, too lazy to reply.
Qu Maoze's fatherly love is so deep, it's just so endearing.
Look at that round back of the head, that graceful neck and shoulder line, those beautiful leg lines—she looks like she could kick two people to death with one kick! Isn't that wonderful?
There's absolutely no need to worry about being bullied.
He said softly, "Let her continue sleeping. It's normal for kids to sleep in."
Niu Tielan chuckled coolly, "Sleeping in? I bet you're just tired from playing. Get up, Song Jinjin. Don't pretend to be asleep. Where did you go having fun last night?"
The soft snores on the bed suddenly stopped.
Song Jin, sprawled out on her back, rolled over, wrapped herself in the blanket, and crawled further into the bed. With messy hair and a flushed face, she turned over and gave an embarrassed smile.
"Mom, why are you up so early?"
Niu Tielan crossed his arms and glanced at her: "Good morning? The exiled people will be leaving the city soon."
Song Jin immediately sprang out of bed, jumped down, and hurriedly ran to the side to find her clothes, exclaiming, "Oh dear, it's so late already? Mother, really, you didn't wake me up earlier..."
Niu Tielan walked over and pinched her ear: "Did you run out of the city again last night? Did you take Prince Qi with you again? You're really something, spending your days playing with cats and dogs is one thing, but you even bring Prince Qi along to be a spoiled brat? I think you're too stubborn."
Song Jin cried out, "Mom, you're making it sound like I led him astray! I didn't kidnap him; he wanted to go himself! Ouch, ouch, ouch! Okay, I was wrong. I won't play with him next time, okay? I'll go find him in a bit and tell him my mom won't let me play with him. Ouch, ouch, that hurts! Whose mom are you anyway?"
Niu Tielan laughed in exasperation and slapped her on the head: "Shameless brat, get yourself together!"
Song Jin rubbed her reddened ears, made a face, and continued searching for clothes in the closet. It was clear she hadn't listened at all and was treating the person behind her like air.
Niu Tielan looked at Qu Maoze, who was being treated like he was invisible, and sighed helplessly. Before Qu Maoze could speak, Niu Tielan went over, grabbed his sleeve, and pulled him out.
"She's gone, she's changing clothes."
Qu Maoze swallowed the words he was about to say, his gaze fixed on the person who was about to disappear into the closet, his disappointment barely concealed.
Once they reached the door and it was closed, he immediately asked, "Is she on good terms with Prince Qi?"
Niu Tielan nodded.
Qu Maoze knew from her expression that this was what he was thinking. His face changed, and he said in a low voice, "You should be able to guess that Prince Qi is the future crown prince, right?"
Niu Tielan nodded again.
Qu Maoze: "Then you should know it's inappropriate, right?"
Niu Tielan glared at him: "What's wrong with it? My daughter isn't good enough for you?"
Qu Maoze replied without hesitation, "How could that be? It's just that others aren't good enough for her."
Niu Tielan felt a little better and asked again, "Then what's inappropriate?"
Qu Maoze's gaze turned slightly cold: "Even with three palaces and six courtyards, no matter how noble the women are, my daughter will not suffer such injustice."
Niu Tielan found him somewhat more agreeable: "Prince Qi isn't that kind of person."
Qu Maoze: "Trust him? Or trust me? How many good men are there?"
Niu Tielan smiled: "I believe you're no good."
Qu Maoze's face stiffened, and he coughed lightly: "I'm different from them."
Niu Tielan rolled her eyes at him, too lazy to ask what was different; they were both bad people anyway. She turned and walked towards the pavilion, where a stove held warm tea. She poured herself a cup and sipped it gently.
Qu Maoze sat down opposite him, casually picked up a chestnut and peeled it. He quickly composed himself, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at the person huddled in the rocking chair, and softly...
"Jinjin is still young."
Niu Tielan sipped his tea, letting it cool slightly: "Small? He's not much shorter than you, is he?"
Qu Maoze smiled: "Madam has taken good care of herself. You've worked hard all these years." Niu Tielan lowered her eyes, sipped her tea, and remained silent.
Is it tough? Raising a child alone is certainly tough, but even more so, it's the struggle to survive. These hardships have nothing to do with the child; even without children, she would have to learn to survive on her own.
Besides, the child is hers, and she doesn't need to hear such things.
Qu Maoze's long, slender fingers quickly peeled the chestnuts. The chestnuts were soft, sweet, and large. He smiled gently and said, "Just a little something, nothing special."
She'd rather eat it than let the Grand Secretary peel it.
Niu Tielan reached out and pinched a chestnut about half the size of her hand between her fingertips. She tried to take it but found she couldn't lift it. She glanced over and met Qu Maoze's smiling eyes.
He held the chestnut firmly, his long fingers reaching out to grasp the fruit and her hand together in his palm. He gently pinched her jade-like fingertips and said slowly, "But judging from your appearance, Madam, you haven't had a bad life these past few years. You're really amazing. How do you know how to run so fast?"
Niu Tielan pinched it with her fingertips, leaving a crescent-shaped mark. She scoffed, "None of your business?"
In conclusion, although it was all a series of unfortunate events, upon closer reflection, she realized that the people outside the marriage she mistakenly believed to be dead were doing quite well. She was managing the household and raising the children on her own, and her situation wasn't any worse than being a mistress or concubine of him.
Although Yong'an City is wealthy, it also has its share of troubles.
At this event, at that banquet, there's backstabbing and intrigue; you can easily fall into a trap if you're not careful.
It's not as leisurely as living in the countryside.
Niu Tielan finally picked up a chestnut and put it in her mouth, chewing gently. She leaned back in her chair, her black hair styled in a bun, her light blue cloth shoes swaying gently beneath her skirt. Compared to when she was around ten, she had lost some of her liveliness, but gained a more serene and beautiful air.
Song Shang sipped his tea, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
He's absolutely right; how many good men are there anyway?
If she hadn't been so beautiful, he wouldn't have kept her by his side to investigate personally; he would have just casually handed her over to his subordinates to handle.
Ultimately, it's nothing more than lust at first sight.
Putting aside everything else, those people certainly had a knack for seducing women.
**
The streets were bustling with people
Today is the day of execution.
The once high-ranking Duke and Minister are now prisoners, about to be executed in public, and countless people have surged forward to watch the spectacle.
Of course, some people felt a sense of regret.
"It would be a cause for celebration if that treacherous minister were to die."
"The Duke, the Minister, wronged."
"His Majesty is confused!"
...
It's already October. According to previous years, the palace examination will be held in March next year. Those with better qualifications will arrive in Yong'an City in advance to prepare for the subsequent provincial and palace examinations, while those with less favorable conditions will rush to come later, since food and drink are not cheap in the capital.
These previous successful candidates in the imperial examinations also incurred considerable expenses each time, so it was best to save money wherever possible.
This time, those who arrived early were lucky to have caught the right moment.
The imperial court is holding an additional imperial examination, and with only a month left, even if people from other places hear the news and travel overnight, they will inevitably be exhausted. Those who arrive early can then prepare properly.
The people speaking were those who had arrived early, and some even looked familiar.
Song Jin sat by the window, listening to the scholars' indignant complaints. Her hand, holding the teacup, paused. Without thinking, she flung the cup and water at them.
What are you doing?
The person in the middle, speaking the loudest, covered his forehead and looked over. The tea had run down his head and white clothes, leaving obvious yellow stains mixed with tea leaves, making him look particularly disheveled.
He glared at Song Jin, but when he saw her beautiful face and her obviously expensive clothes, he paused and asked, still unwilling to give up, "Did you accidentally slip your hand, miss?"
Song Jin didn't answer, but simply poured herself another cup of tea, threw it at him again, and said with a half-smile, "It really was a slip of the hand."
The man was furious, but he forced himself to remain calm: "I have never met you before, young lady. Why are you acting this way?"
Song Jin wore a bright persimmon-colored brocade robe, tailored to fit perfectly with fine stitching. Her hair ornament, adorned with a persimmon-shaped bird and sparkling rubies, was clearly valuable and indicated she came from a prominent family.
She poured herself another cup of tea, held it in her hand and gently swirled it. Under the man's wary and evasive gaze, she took a small sip and said leisurely, "You can't even figure it out? It seems you scholars are nothing special after all."
The man was furious and embarrassed: "Young lady, no matter how illustrious your background is, you shouldn't look down on us scholars like this. If word gets out, how will your father and brothers face their families?"
Song Jin said, "Oh, what a coincidence. My father just died a few days ago. As for you, brother, why don't you go and debate with them and make them die of shame?"
The man choked with anger: "Absurd, absurd! My father and brother just died, and look at what you're wearing! What you're wearing!"
That brightly colored outfit makes you think it's a joyous occasion!
Song Jin: "Why are you so angry? Shouldn't you be happy?"
Man: "Ridiculous! Why should I be happy? You are such an unruly woman; indeed, women and petty men are the most difficult to deal with."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "You scholars seem to particularly like saying this. When I was at Wenyuan Academy, those idiots liked to say the same thing. But aren't you people who like to talk badly about others behind their backs the behavior of petty people? Why do you always like to criticize yourselves?"
The man retorted angrily, "When did we ever talk badly about people behind their backs?"
Song Jinyou said, "Wasn't that what happened just now? You kept calling them treacherous officials and talking badly about the dead. You seem so sorry for the prisoners at the execution ground, why don't you go up and keep them company? His Majesty personally issued the decree, and the crimes are heinous and punishable by death. But in your hands, it's become Han Yuan going to jail. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were more powerful than His Majesty."
"Young lady, be careful what you say."
"That's not what we meant."
"Prime Minister Song's infamy is widespread; we can only sigh in sympathy."
...
The other scholars' faces changed; none of them dared to linger, and they quickly pulled the man whose tea had been spilled away, hurrying off.
They're all cowards.
Song Jin clicked her tongue, put down her teacup with disdain, and looked up to meet Qu Maoze's teasing gaze. She rolled her eyes and said, "Don't overthink it. I just hate these scholars. I curse every single one of them. A bunch of idiots."
Qu Maoze looked at Song Jin with a smile in his eyes, a mixture of pride and indulgence, and laughed: "Scholars are indeed mostly fools. They've all read so much that it's all gone to waste. They're just filling their heads with water, and their butts are moving faster than their brains."
It's clear that he harbors considerable resentment towards scholars.
Coincidentally, she felt the same way. Song Jin found all those scholars and books utterly tiresome, spending all day memorizing and reciting. Most of them were just bookworms who ended up causing trouble for the people.
She praised, "That's something you do well."
Qu Maoze smiled and picked up his teacup: "Here, let me toast you."
Song Jin found him agreeable, so she generously clinked glasses with him.
The father and daughter, both with identical phoenix eyes, gently clinked their glasses; beneath the clinking, lay two people with the same personality.
Arrogant and haughty
Niu Tielan sat to the side, frowning, looking at the two of them with a hint of disdain. She was speechless: "According to you, if scholars are so bad, why don't you become a military general?"
Her daughter can barely read, what will become of her if she continues to hate school?
This man himself is skilled in poetry, literature, and martial arts, but he can do whatever he wants with his daughter, right?
She glared at him.
Qu Maoze chuckled and considerately poured her another cup of tea to calm her down, saying leisurely, "Military generals are sour-tempered, empty-headed, and full of brute force, just as bad as scholars."
He wasn't biased; he just disliked everyone equally.
They're all idiots
Niu Tielan rolled her eyes and was about to speak.
Song Jin, standing nearby, slammed her hand on the table again, pointing at Qu Maoze: "You have your thoughts. I also think that's how those martial artists are. They can't even win a fight, yet they think they're so great. All they do is boast. They're incredibly annoying."
Qu Maoze raised an eyebrow and held out his hand: "Another drink?"
Song Jin: Again
Niu Tielan, suffering from a heart attack, picked up his teacup, about to drink it all in one gulp, to calm himself down.
Two cups were raised, and the father and daughter stared at her with similar phoenix eyes, shimmering with light. Even through the layer of artificial flesh, she seemed to see two identical people.
I'm even angrier now!
She had a child and raised him for over ten years, but the child didn't look or act like her at all.
Niu Tielan held his breath, glared at the two of them, drank his tea, and slammed the cup down: "Let's go. What's so interesting about killing people?"
These two have killed countless people, and they're just putting on an act here.
She got up and left, seething with anger.
Without a second thought, Song Jin glared back at the other person: "It's all your fault!"
After saying that, she strode after her mother, put her arm around her, and walked downstairs.
Qu Maoze raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, "He doesn't have the habit of glaring at people."
He smiled slightly, downed the remaining tea in his cup in one gulp, and leisurely followed.
Just as they descended the stairs, in the distance, in the center of the execution ground, amidst a throng of heads, cleavers fell, blood splattering and staining the bluestone slabs below. At the same time, several men rushed in, kicking viciously at one of the heads, and amidst screams, they knelt and wailed, blood dripping from their wounds.
"That damned bastard is finally dead! My poor daughter, not even fourteen, was defiled by that scoundrel, the heir of the Duke of Lu, and then forcibly given away to another man. She died in childbirth when she was only fifteen. They deserve to die! They deserve to die!"
"My child was only two months old. In order to earn some money to support my family, I went to help out. In the end, not only did I not receive any money, but I was also beaten and had my leg broken by the people from the Minister's mansion. That's how I died."
“My dad dug up a century-old ginseng last year, which they bought at a low price. That wasn’t all; the very night they bought it, someone came to rob us. We hid it so well, who else could it be but them?”
...
Bloodstains were visible beneath the execution ground where criminals were dealt with.
Outside the execution ground, five men stood expressionless, gazing at the large crowd gathered around them, their faces a mixture of sorrow and mockery.
Song Xingzhi waved his fan, a look of satisfaction on his face: "I don't have Father's magnanimity. To think I'd just leave this world cleanly and innocently? Dream on!"
Song Shang's reputation has always been bad. Even now, as a complete victim, he has "died," and many people are still cheering, calling those scoundrels a pardon for the people.
Pooh
His father did have a bad temper, but he always targeted aristocratic dukes and corrupt officials. Even though his methods were ruthless, the evidence was always solid, and he was ultimately protecting the interests of ordinary people.
In fact, the reason he was resisted by so many powerful families and officials was precisely because he was helping ordinary people.
These fools, just listen to them. Listen to how many ordinary people's corpses they trampled over to get to where they are, the people they think are so great.
Let's see who truly serves the people and who truly harms them.
As they listened to the gasps and exclamations coming from ahead, a sense of elation welled up within them, but they couldn't quite bring themselves to feel it.
Their father really won't come back.
People already didn't like to talk to them, and now they're even harder to find.
Song Shenzhi leaned against the wall, feeling dejected: "So that's how it is?"
With Song Shang's death confirmed, the others were temporarily suspended from their duties due to the mourning period for their fathers. The duration of this mourning period depended on the Emperor's decision.
Song Shunzhi leaned against the side with his arms crossed, considered for a moment, and said, "Perfect timing, I was planning to go to Andong County to pick someone up."
Song Qingzhi and Song Anzhi, who were arm in arm discussing where to go for fun, immediately let go of each other's hands.
Song Anzhi looked at him excitedly: "Second brother, are you going to pick up your fiancée?"
Song Qingzhi stroked his chin and sighed, "No, you can't. Father's gone. You have to stay for at least a year, right?"
Song Shunzhi's lips twitched. After a moment of silence, he said, "Her mourning period ends tomorrow in April. Another six months is just the right amount of time to prepare."
This is a bit rushed, but their father has just changed his identity and is still alive and well.
They were sad as they were, but they composed themselves and went back to doing what they needed to do, so as not to get into trouble later.
Song Shenzhi patted his shoulder heavily and praised, "My future sister-in-law is a weak woman; I wonder if she'll be bullied outside. You really should go there yourself. It's a two-week journey from Yong'an City to Andong County. Anyway, I have nothing else to do, so I'll go with you."
Now that things have turned out this way, Song Shenzhi really doesn't feel comfortable letting him go alone.
Song Anzhi sighed twice, "I want to go too, I haven't been out much yet."
He wasn't in good health and spent most of his time in Yong'an City. The farthest he had ever traveled was a five-day journey. He had long wanted to go out, but had never had the time.
Song Qingzhi was also delighted: "I'll go too! I have a shop over there, it's time to take over."
Several people had already expressed their opinions, leaving Song Xingzhi, who folded his fan in frustration: "I can't leave. The Emperor sent someone to hint to me that I'll go back in a few days under the pretext of needing people for the imperial examinations."
The four brothers chuckled: "Look at you, so capable!"
Song Xingzhi: ...
He really wants to rest, doesn't he?
But the four didn't believe him. Of the five people in the family, he was the eldest and the one who liked to show off the most. He had been downcast for a while because of the two maids, and now he was showing off again.
Song Shenzhi: "Never mind him, let's go. The four of us will find a place to have a drink and discuss our upcoming itinerary."
Song Qingzhi immediately said, "Then let's go to Huixianglou. They have some really good dishes today."
Song Anzhi licked his lips: "Watching this is actually making me a little hungry."
Unable to get a word in edgewise, Song Xingzhi continued to stand aside, feeling dejected, and casually hummed in agreement.
Seeing that the others had made their decisions, Song Shunzhi, who was usually silent, cast his dissenting vote and said, "Let's not go to Huixianglou, let's go to Zuixiangge for a drink."
Song Qingzhi immediately objected: "What kind of lousy place is that?"
Song Shunzhi: "The wine shop under the names of my wife and younger sister"
Song Qingzhi: ...
Song Shunzhi added, "They'll definitely be out today. They usually patrol the West District after they go out. If nothing unexpected happens, Young Master Qu should be there too."
The other four turned and left without hesitation.
Drinking, drinking, what's so good about the food?
A real man should drink.
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