Chapter 27 Your Beloved?
Song Jin is 15 this year, a year away from her coming-of-age ceremony, and is indeed a proper young lady.
At least in terms of age, that's the case.
In terms of appearance, she possesses a striking and radiant beauty. She matured into a young woman by the age of twelve or thirteen, standing out among the other girls her age. Now, at fifteen, her long, jet-black hair, flowing straight like a waterfall, adds a touch of assertiveness to her already striking and elegant appearance.
Especially her phoenix eyes, bright and sharp, like mirrors, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at them.
No one would associate her with the word "young girl".
Song Xingzhi remained silent for a long time. Under Old Liu's wary gaze, he sighed deeply and looked at Old Liu with pity: "I didn't say it for your own good."
He genuinely cared about Old Liu, but in Old Liu's eyes, his reaction was a sign of guilt.
Old Liu sneered, "I've done nothing wrong, and even if you're of royal lineage, I'm not afraid. Stop beating around the bush and just tell me. If you can't give me a straight answer, then we'll see you at the county office."
Standing behind Old Liu, Song Jin felt a warmth in her heart, yet also a pang of unease, looking at the old man who was a head shorter than her yet still protecting her.
This perfectly good master-disciple relationship has suddenly turned into a blood feud. Won't it drive this old man crazy?
She coughed lightly, her voice earnest, "Old Liu, I've taken care of everything, so don't worry. Don't you trust me?" Instantly, Old Liu's vigilance increased. He pointed at Song Xingzhi, his expression stern, "Speak!"
Song Jin: Hello
Faced with Old Liu's distrust, Song Xingzhi had no choice but to clasp his hands in a fist and palm salute: "I am Song Xingzhi, and my father is Song Shang."
"..."
The scene was as if it had been paused; there wasn't a sound.
Song Jin waited for a full five minutes, but Old Liu remained motionless like a statue. She couldn't help but reach out and poke his back, but there was no response. She looked again, still no reaction. Finally, she could only tug at his hair.
Old Liu finally reacted. He slapped the hand away and, as if nothing had happened, continued to point at Song Xingzhi, shouting in a strong voice, "What makes you think this brat is your sister?"
Unsure of his meaning, Song Xingzhi carefully considered his words and said, "She looks a lot like my father."
Old Liu squinted: "How similar?"
Song Xingzhi hesitated: "...seven points"
After hearing this, Old Liu slowly turned around, put his hands behind his back, and squinted at Song Jin's face, which he had seen since childhood, recalling the past.
Starting with Old Liu's great-grandfather, his family had been in the medical profession, and he was the most talented member of his generation, even passing the imperial physician examination and entering the palace. However, the previous emperor was dissolute and the harem was in chaos, rendering these imperial physicians largely ineffective.
It wasn't until the establishment of the new dynasty that he finally got a chance to prove himself, standing out from a group of imperial physicians, only to be implicated in a case and thrown into prison.
The person in charge of interrogating them was Song Shang.
That year, he wore a dark gold robe, stepping into the shadowy prison with golden light.
The young Liu Tou had barely glanced up when his eyes were blinded by crimson blood, and he never dared to look up again. Of the five imperial physicians imprisoned that year, only he staggered home; the others were reduced to mangled remains before Liu Tou's eyes.
For many years afterward, Old Liu couldn't even hold a silver needle.
His mother took him away from the capital and they started over as a village doctor, gradually picking up their medical skills again. Eventually, by chance, they settled in Si'an County, where they have lived a simple and peaceful life for many years.
Old Liu thought those past events in the capital were far removed from him, and he thought he would never have any contact with that demonic man again in his life.
I never expected this!
Old Liu stared at Song Jin like this, as if he were seeing her for the first time, making Song Jin feel uneasy and wonder if the old man had gone mad with anger.
She shrank back, about to offer some words of comfort, when she saw Old Liu suddenly clapping and laughing, then slapping Song Jinyuan hard on the head, catching her completely off guard.
? ? ?
Song Jin stared in shock, her small mouth slightly agape, when her ear was grabbed again.
Old Liu gritted his teeth: "So that's why my hands itch every time I see you, you brat! You've been hiding it well, thinking I'm a fool, haven't you? Ouch! I'll beat you to death, you brat! Why aren't you fighting back? Go ahead and fight back if you dare..."
If anyone else had done this, Song Jin would have broken their arms and legs.
But at this moment, she gritted her teeth and endured it.
The old man is in such a sorry state, she should let him have some space.
Let's give way a little more time.
Let me give way again
Song Jin stood there, trying her best to endure, endure, endure, until finally she couldn't bear it any longer. She turned around, jumped onto the table in the far corner, swept the clutter off the table with her foot, and put her hands on her hips.
"Old Liu, that's enough! Don't think I don't know you're taking this opportunity to get revenge. If you're so capable, go find that treacherous minister! Come on, come with me, I'll take you to beat him up."
Imagining that scene, Old Liu's face twitched. He glared fiercely at Song Jin, then shrugged and slung his hand behind his back.
"You brat, if you want me dead, just say so. I'm leaving. I'm just a country doctor, I can't control you all. Do whatever you want. I'm leaving, unlike you, I'm busy every day."
Song Jin breathed a sigh of relief, crossed her arms, and raised her chin: "Don't miss me too much after I leave. I'll come back as soon as my mother gets better."
"Don't ruin yourself and then I'll have to collect your corpse."
Old Liu stopped at the doorway, but ultimately didn't turn back. After speaking, he strode out, seemingly deciding not to get involved anymore.
Song Jin watched the door close gently, stood on the table for a while, and then gently lifted her foot and plopped down on the table, one foot on the ground and the other on the table, her posture casual and nonchalant.
She casually picked up a piece of ginseng that had been turned over and put it to her mouth, asking in a muffled voice, "When are you leaving?"
Song Xingzhi couldn't stand this sitting posture. He rubbed his forehead and sighed, "It will take at least three days, maybe ten days. If you have anything to tell us, do it quickly. Come back with us then. It takes half a month to get from Si'an County to the capital. The journey is long and not safe. Although we can hire a security escort agency, they can't compare to well-trained guards."
Song Jin pursed her lips, about to retort
He continued, "You are skilled in martial arts, so you have nothing to fear. But what about your mother? Or are you going to leave her here?"
Song Jin's expression changed: "Don't even think about it. Wherever I go, my mother will go."
Song Xingzhi: "Isn't that right? Besides, the specifics of the red thread gu on her body are unclear. The sooner she seeks medical treatment, the better. Si'an County is still a bit small, and there are few reliable doctors."
For example, this former imperial physician here, his patient was stabbed and beaten, lying there for half a day only to have his injuries worsen, and this person wouldn't even examine him.
Song Xingzhi had no trust in the doctor from Si'an County whatsoever. He raised his stakes, saying, "The capital is full of talented people, and there are countless medical books. There must be some clues in them. And Father, he's quite knowledgeable about Gu poison; perhaps he has a solution."
Song Jin remained silent. She was determined to go to the capital, unafraid of the unfamiliar environment and lifestyle, and indifferent to everything she had acquired here. She only cared about...
Will her mother be able to live a good life?
The Song Dynasty merchants are the biggest uncertainty.
Song Jin looked quietly at Song Xingzhi: "Does he really have a way?"
Song Xingzhi wasn't sure if Song Shang had a way to deal with the Red Thread Gu, but he was certain: "My father wouldn't just stand by and watch his child's mother die."
That one sentence is enough.
Song Jin jumped off the table, patted her skirt, and said, "I'll bring my mother over the day after tomorrow at the latest, along with two maids and two servants. Is that alright?"
Song Xingzhi reliably replied, "No problem, a few more wouldn't be a problem either. I'll arrange the transportation."
Upon hearing the word "carriages and horses," Song Jin suddenly remembered that she still had pets at home. She turned around hesitantly and said, "There's also a mule and a big cat."
The naive and ignorant Song Xingzhi didn't see anything wrong with what she said. He thought to himself that Song Jin was still a young girl, and she even kept a cat. Looking at how she asked questions about everything she brought, he smiled sincerely and gave her his assurance.
"No problem, bring whatever you want, there's plenty of room."
Song Jin smiled genuinely, snapped her fingers, and said with a carefree and flamboyant air, "Alright, it's settled then. I'm off."
...
After leaving the ward, Song Jin did not see Old Liu again.
She knew this man was definitely hiding. No matter how he acted, Song Jin knew he definitely didn't approve of her going to the capital to find Song Shang.
This person is too dangerous; getting close to him is like getting close to a whirlpool.
But there was no other way; even if he was surrounded by dangers, Song Jin had to brave them.
She stepped out of the clinic, looked at the blue sky and white clouds outside, took a deep breath, then stretched her arms and yawned, revealing a big smile.
"Phew, it's still a beautiful sunny day."
After laughing, she took Little Black's hand and walked towards Wenyuan Academy.
I'm leaving soon, so let's say goodbye.
Because Song Jin couldn't say for sure whether this would be the last time they met.
**
The imperial examinations had just ended two days ago, and the area around Wenyuan Academy was even more bustling than usual.
Those who weren't confident about passing the exam studied hard, hoping to do better next time; those who were confident should seize the time even more and strive for the provincial exam two months later.
Along the way, Song Jin saw many familiar faces; she could tell how well they had done just by looking at their faces. She thought of her friend, who had said she wanted to take the exam with her last time; she wondered how she had fared.
She quickened her pace toward the bookstore.
The bookstore was bustling with people. As soon as she entered, she saw the beaming Old Master Shu, chatting with someone, his face rosy and his joy practically written all over his face.
Song Jin leaned closer curiously: "Grandpa, are you in a good mood today?"
Grandpa Shu was startled and glared at him, puffing out his beard and eyes wide: "Don't you make a sound when you walk?"
Song Jin shrugged: "You're taking this too seriously. Where's Shu Chenghao? I haven't seen him."
Speaking of his grandson, Grandpa Shu's face lit up with pride: "He's at home reading."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Oh, haven't you already taken the provincial exam? Why are you still studying?"
Grandpa Shu was furious: "What do you mean, you brat? What do you mean, 'You're still studying after the provincial exam?' Aren't there still the provincial and metropolitan exams to come? I've told you to study more, but you don't listen. You really don't understand anything!"
Song Jin: "...Okay, I don't understand. You continue reading, I'll go find Shu Chenghao."
Seeing that she was about to leave, Grandpa Shu quickly stopped her: "What are you looking for? He's studying at home. Don't disturb him. Look for him after the exam."
Song Jin stopped, looking the old man up and down, confused, suspicious, and shocked: "No way? He passed the imperial examination and became a scholar? Old man, this is a serious crime punishable by confiscation of property! You can't make a mistake like this!"
No wonder Song Jin looks down on her friends; it's truly unimaginable.
They're really close friends, and she thinks they're about the same level of education.
Grandpa Shu glared and puffed out his beard: "You think he's like you, spending all his time playing with cats and walking dogs? Before you came, he was diligently studying at home every day."
"...Are you sure you're not asking about the storybook?" Under Old Master Shu's angry glare, Song Jin waved her hand in surrender, saying somewhat helplessly, "Alright, alright, I won't say anymore. I came here to say goodbye, and since he's busy preparing, I won't disturb him. Please tell him for me that we'll meet again in the capital someday."
Grandpa Shu was taken aback: "What are you going to the capital for?"
Song Jin shrugged: "Take my mother there for treatment. It might take a few months, it might take a few years, it might take a lifetime. Anyway, just leave it at that."
Grandpa Shu frowned: "It will take at least half a month to get from the county to the capital. The road is not safe, and food and drink will not be cheap in the capital. How will you live there? There are definitely more skilled doctors in the capital than here, but there are countless powerful people in the capital. How could it be your turn?"
Although he disliked Song Jin for corrupting his grandson, he ultimately meant no harm and sincerely advised, "Doctor Liu is a former imperial physician; there aren't many in the capital more skilled than him. I think you'd be better off staying here and recovering slowly."
If Niu Tielan were merely frail and sickly, Song Jin would agree with Old Master Shu's words. But that's not the case; she's been afflicted with a curse, and only the capital and Lingnan offer any hope of a cure.
Song Jin smiled and said, "I appreciate your kindness, but my mind is made up. I have already made arrangements for my journey and my stay in the capital, so you don't need to worry."
How could Old Master Shu not be worried? He frowned: "What arrangements did you make? Most of those traveling merchant escort agencies are chaotic, and you're a widow and her child... well, never mind. You're stubborn, and I, an outsider, can't persuade you. If you really want to go, one of the escort agencies our bookstore partners with is going to the capital soon; I'll help you get in touch."
Song Jin smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm following Magistrate Xiao's lead; I'm working with the government."
Master Shu stopped trying to dissuade him. In this day and age, if it's not safe to travel with government officials, then there's really no such thing as safety.
He sighed, "Take care, everyone. I'll talk to Hao-ge about it."
The implication is that Song Jin shouldn't go to see Shu Chenghao, as it might affect her exam.
Song Jin smiled, bowed to the person in farewell, and left the bookstore she had visited countless times before, a place she would probably never return to.
She has always believed that relationships between people depend on fate.
If we are destined to meet, we will; if not, then so be it.
...
After leaving the bookstore, Song Jin planned to leave immediately.
She came to say goodbye to Shu Chenghao, her good-for-nothing friend, since once she left, they would most likely never see each other again.
As for Yan Sheng standing next to him, Song Jin didn't plan to ask anyone for help.
Firstly, this person is so academically gifted that, even if he doesn't pass the imperial examination, he's certain to pass the provincial examination and go to the capital to participate in the metropolitan examination; there's nothing to say goodbye to.
Secondly, Xiao Er's words from last night are still ringing in my ears.
Her marriage to him?
That's not true.
Absolutely, definitely, absolutely not.
Although they grew up together, from a young age, one diligently studied serious books, while the other loved all sorts of random books; one was quiet, the other active. They couldn't even talk to each other, and their relationship was simply the bond of growing up together—nothing more.
Song Jin had always thought that her mother's kindness to others was a gamble, a way to curry favor later. Now, thinking about it, she got goosebumps.
This really won't work.
Not at all
She looked at Yan Sheng as if he were a historical figure from the *Records of the Grand Historian*, her eyes utterly devoid of emotion, even showing a growing indifference to desire the more she looked at him. As for the Yan family, forget about it; they were simply incompatible, destined never to be family.
So, Song Jin, as soon as she came out of the bookstore, acted like a thief, grabbing Xiao Hei and trying to run away.
But as they say, what people fear most is what often comes to pass.
Song Jin hadn't run two steps when she came face to face with Yan Sheng, who was dressed in a scholar's robe. She was startled, but quickly cheered up. Because Yan Sheng was accompanied by a beautiful young woman, her delicate figure adorned with gold and silver, and her shy demeanor... it was clear there was something... going on.
She preemptively exclaimed, "Wow, Brother Yan, the young lady next to you is so beautiful! Could she be your fiancée? When did you get engaged? I hadn't heard anything about it. You're really not being fair; you kept it a secret so well!"
Yan Sheng, who had initially been pleased to see Song Jin, changed his expression drastically upon hearing her words. He hurriedly said, "No, no, don't talk nonsense. I have nothing to do with her. This young lady is...yes, I helped her with something before, and she was very polite, so she came to thank me."
Song Jin laughed, her expression meaningful: "I see."
Yan Sheng then realized she had misunderstood and continued to explain, "Jin Jin, don't misunderstand, I really have nothing to do with her, I like her."
This time, Song Jin's expression changed. She immediately interrupted, grinning, "By the way, since I just happened to run into you, I'll tell you in advance that my mother and I are leaving in a few days. I hope that next time we meet, you'll be an official."
Yan Sheng wondered if he had misheard, somewhat bewildered: "Go? Go where?"
Song Jin: "My mother's relatives in the capital came looking for us, so we're planning to move there and probably won't be coming back."
That's not necessarily true, but you have to tell him that.
There's no possibility between her and Yan Sheng, so it's best to cut ties cleanly from now on, to avoid any strange things coming up later.
She smiled and said, "My mother and I have been so well taken care of by you all these years."
Yan Sheng grew anxious: "Why are you leaving? Has someone bullied you? What relatives? They haven't contacted you for so many years, what if they're scammers now? What if they have ill intentions?"
Song Jin: "Don't worry, it was Magistrate Xiao who took the lead. Don't you trust his character?"
Magistrate Xiao is like a brick; he'll be moved wherever he's needed.
Magistrate Xiao had served in Si'an County for many years and was highly respected by the people. Everyone trusted him, and Yan Sheng was no exception; he was simply even more bewildered.
"So, you just left?"
Song Jin: "Yes, I'm leaving in a couple of days."
Yan Sheng's lips moved slightly, his expression somewhat helpless: "Then I... I... I'll ask for leave to go back..."
“No need, Brother Yan. The provincial examination is just around the corner; the exam is more important. My mother and I have Xiaomei and the others; we can handle it.” Song Jin interrupted him, her smile light and cheerful, but her eyes were unusually serious.
"Although the results of the provincial examination haven't come out yet, I believe you've definitely passed. I congratulate you in advance on becoming a scholar, passing the imperial examination with flying colors, and winning the heart of a beautiful bride."
Yan Sheng was a smart man and naturally understood her rejection. He stared blankly at Song Jin's indifferent expression, a pang of pain shooting through his heart.
He likes Song Jin; he's liked her since he was little.
She is flamboyant, radiant, and unrestrained, like a randomly placed sun in a traditional Chinese ink painting, bright and dazzling.
He was ashen-faced, like the most unremarkable weed under the rocks. He wanted to climb up, to reach the cliff, to grow into a pine tree, and hide the dazzling sunrise.
Yan Sheng smiled wryly: "Jin Jin, you can be frighteningly smart sometimes."
"That doesn't sound like a compliment," Song Jin first pursed her lips, then smiled brightly. "But I'll take it as a compliment, Brother Yan. See you again someday."
"See you later," Yan Sheng murmured, staring blankly as she gracefully led the half-man-tall mule, skipping and hopping away into the street.
"Goodbye, capital."
The capital city, it will one day pass away.
Thinking of this, Yan Sheng perked up again. He stepped aside and bowed to the beautiful woman beside him: "Miss Xu, thank you for your kindness, but I already have someone in my heart. I'm sorry."
With that, he waved his hand and robes, intending to return to the academy to continue reading.
Whether for his future or for the person he loves, he is determined to pass this imperial examination.
"Yan Sheng"
He hadn't taken two steps when his classmate called out to him; it was Tao Zhiyi from the county magistrate's household. He looked at Yan Sheng with a hint of jealousy and said irritably, "Where are you going? Teacher Chu wants you to go upstairs."
Master Chu was Chu Shao, a renowned Confucian scholar of the time, who was temporarily staying at their Wenyuan Academy. He was a rare and difficult person to invite. Tao Zhiyi's grandfather went to great lengths to get him to meet outside the academy, but upon arrival, he barely exchanged a few words with Tao Zhiyi before turning his attention to Yan Sheng.
How could Tao Zhiyi not be angry? He glared at Yan Sheng: "Don't think you're something special just because Master Chu has taken a liking to you temporarily. It's still too early to say who will be more capable in the final exam."
Yan Sheng was already used to his provocations, and smiled gently: "Brother Tao is absolutely right, Shenghui will continue to work hard."
Tao Zhiyi: ...
He's so angry!
But no matter how angry he was, he still had to take the person up to see Chu Shao.
Yan Sheng entered the room and bowed to Chu Shao: "What business does the Master have with me?"
Chu Shao stood by the window, his gaze falling on where Yan Sheng had just been. A glint flashed in his eyes, but his face remained as refined as ever: "Was that person just now your sweetheart?"
Yan Sheng was taken aback, then bowed respectfully: "Yes, Jin Jin and I grew up together, and I have long admired her. But rest assured, teacher, this will not affect my exams."
Chu Shao turned to look at the boy from a poor rural background. His manners were rough, and his knowledge was not outstanding. He appeared docile and amiable, but his back was always straight, and the naive ambition in his eyes impressed Chu Shao, which was why he offered him some guidance.
It was meant to be funny, but it unexpectedly brought some positive results.
Chu Shao looked at Yan Sheng, who had his head bowed, and smiled slightly, but the smile was completely insincere: "There's no need for that. It's a joyous occasion for a young man to fall in love. I just don't know what your sweetheart is like, and whether she's worthy of you in the future."
Yan Sheng pursed his lips, his expression suggesting he was defending his beloved, and laid bare the entire past.
In detail, meticulously
...
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