Chapter 44 I Plead Guilty
Before the Dayan Dynasty, there were eight recorded dynasties, lasting a total of 1,662 years, with the previous dynasty occupying 660 years of its own.
Over these long 660 years, a long and prosperous period of development accumulated a great deal. Even though the last emperor was extravagant and dissolute, nearly squandering everything, he still managed to create grand projects during those years of widespread suffering, projects that would have been impossible under normal circumstances, laying the foundation for the prosperity of the new dynasty.
The towering city walls that encircle the four seas, the wide roads that run in all directions, and the magnificent water conservancy projects...
All of these paled in comparison to the imperial palace, which had undergone countless hours of labor and more than a decade of reconstruction.
The palace walls, even taller than the city walls, impenetrably withstood all prying eyes. Even deliberately planted explosives were rendered harmless as stone projectiles beneath the thick, hard bluestone.
The guards at the city gate, wielding long halberds and clad in dark iron armor, their helmets obscuring half their faces, swept their sharp gazes over anyone approaching the gate. Their imposing presence commanded respect, deterring anyone from looking directly at them. From dawn till dusk, day after day, they stood watch at the gate, protecting the emperor within.
They are the guards raised by today's parents.
The current Emperor Qi Ye commands twelve personal guards, each with a hundred men. While seemingly small in number, they are all highly trained, each capable of taking on ten men. The guards are divided into two categories: those trained from childhood as orphans with no family ties, and young men from respectable families selected from the army and subjected to rigorous life-or-death training. Each is exceptionally talented and physically gifted.
Regardless of their category, they were all completely loyal to the emperor.
Today, the Sixth Personal Guard, Dark Scale, is stationed at the city gate. Led by Captain Dark One, they are divided into several groups, patrolling inside and outside the city, and alternating with the regular guards.
Since the incident involving Song Shang, the security of the imperial city has been doubled. Any slight movement will be watched. Not only will anyone sneak in, but even insects and rats on the road will be executed on the spot.
All the guards stood ready, their eyes fixed intently on the approaching carriages.
"Whoa~"
The three carriages came to a steady stop half a mile from the palace gate. This was the designated safe distance; unless otherwise notified, all carriages and horses could only stop here.
The car stopped, and Song Qingzhi, with her light green eyes, got out first. She pulled up the curtain, about to remind the people inside to be careful when getting out.
Song Jin landed nimbly. She turned her head, looking at the imposing guards in front of her with some amazement and curiosity. Her first thought was how to escape if something happened, but she quickly suppressed that thought and peeked into the carriage.
"Mother, what's wrong?"
Inside the carriage, Niu Tielan peered through the narrow door at the imposing city wall, her brows furrowing slightly. But what was done was done; worrying was useless. Her gaze fell on her daughter's radiant face, and she sighed softly, helping her daughter down from the carriage.
The mother and daughter stood together, looking at the palace gate ahead, one filled with curiosity, the other with worry.
Song Qingzhi spoke up: "Madam, there is no need to worry. His Majesty is wise and benevolent, and has a very good relationship with Father. Now that Father's life or death is unknown, he will certainly not make things difficult for you. He is probably just curious about my little sister."
These words did nothing to comfort Niu Tielan. She knew her own family situation best. The two of them were imposters, and it was one thing for them to stay in the Song family, but to run to the emperor was a crime of deceiving the emperor.
She forced a smile, grabbed Song Jin's ear, and emphasized with concern, "Behave yourself once you're in the palace, understand?"
Song Jin: "...Okay, I'm tired of hearing you say that. Do you think I'm such an unreliable person?"
That's the emperor, the most powerful person in the world. She, a mere nobody, would certainly show him respect unless absolutely necessary. Has she really fallen that low in her mother's eyes?
Feeling annoyed, Song Jin turned to Song Qingzhi and said irritably, "We're here, you can go back now."
Song Qingzhi felt a pang of sadness: "...His Majesty is busy with affairs and won't see you for long. I'll wait for you here. When you go inside, be careful with your words and actions, pay attention to the princes and concubines, and try not to clash with them. Don't touch any food other than what His Majesty gives you. Little sister, also be careful not to separate from Madam unless His Majesty orders you to. Although with His Majesty present, others shouldn't dare to act recklessly, but just in case..."
Song Jin replied seriously, "I know that without you telling me."
As she spoke, she linked arms with Niu Tielan and swaggered toward the palace gate, as if she had grown a bear's gall bladder and was fearless of anything.
Watching from behind, Song Qingzhi didn't know whether to sigh or feel gratified.
He quickly followed them to the city gate, and gave a slight bow to the guards in charge: "I am Song Qingzhi, here by His Majesty's decree to escort my younger sister and wife to the palace."
An had received the news early on, nodded, brandished his halberd, and said in a deep voice, "Open the gate and escort Miss Song and Madam Song into the palace."
As soon as the words were spoken, the heavy city gate opened, revealing a line of guards standing in neat rows behind it, their long halberds poised on the ground. Their voices were unified: "Madam Song, Miss Song, please."
The scene was quite grand; Song Jin and Niu Tielan had never seen anything like it before. They subconsciously turned to look at Song Qingzhi.
At this moment, Song Qingzhi frowned, looking at the unusual patrol guard. He wanted to say something, but considering the personal guard beside him, he could only whisper and emphasize, "Please take care, Madam. His Majesty is benevolent, don't worry."
Niu Tielan had too many things on her mind, it was impossible not to worry. She frowned slightly, her face filled with sorrow.
Song Jin stood beside her, squeezed her hand, and smiled broadly: "Let's go, Mother, this is our first time entering the palace, we must make sure we get our fill of sightseeing!"
Niu Tielan's worries and fears vanished, and she immediately glared at the unruly child, warning, "Behave yourself!"
Song Jin grinned and pulled Niu Tielan inside. As they walked, the patrolling guards beside them followed, their steps synchronized, their voices booming, and their armor clanging as they moved—clearly the result of rigorous training with real firearms.
They walked towards the palace.
Along the way, Song Jin surveyed the vast imperial city. The city was expansive, with neatly maintained brick roads, clearly meticulously repaired. Whether by coincidence or design, they hadn't seen a single person. After walking for about half an hour, Song Jin stopped and called out to the group of imposing guards...
"Stop, stop, stop! Slow down, I can't walk anymore!"
The one who couldn't walk any further was naturally Niu Tielan, who wasn't in good health. After walking non-stop for so long, her face had turned pale, and her feet were aching. Although she tried her best not to say anything, Song Jin could tell that she was finally reaching her breaking point.
Niu Tielan tugged at him: "I'm fine, don't make a fuss."
Song Jin took out a handkerchief to wipe her face, ignoring her protests, and looked straight at the group of guards, saying irritably, "Is it fun to take a detour? You're going further and further away. What, have you guards been bribed to come here and cause us trouble?"
Guard: "...Miss Song, please be careful what you say. The palace is quite large; we'll arrive in a little while."
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "I don't believe those officials need to walk for half an hour to get to court. Don't bother, just go directly to the Emperor. Your eyes are tired from looking around all the way, and I'm tired from walking too."
"..."
The guards naturally couldn't admit it, but they slowed down when they set off again, walking slowly for another quarter of an hour. In total, it took them a little over half an hour to reach their destination.
Imperial Study
The plaque in the study has a dark background with bright gold lettering, understated yet luxurious, much like the palace itself—both solemn and extravagant. Every brick and every wall is spotless, and the daily expenditure of resources flows like water, yet it is also a symbol of the growing strength of the new dynasty over the past twenty years.
At the entrance to the Imperial Study, eunuchs in dark blue robes stood tall and straight, while those in dark red robes were clearly senior eunuchs.
He saw them from afar and led his men to greet them, smiling warmly: "These must be Miss Song and Madam Song? His Majesty has been waiting for quite some time."
Just as Niu Tielan was about to apologize, Song Jin stopped her, took the lead, and said with a smile, "It's all because these patrols led us astray. It's our first time in the palace, and we're unfamiliar with the place. Eunuch Sun, you must put in a good word for us."
Eunuch Sun smiled and said, "This servant is of low rank and his words carry little weight. It is Miss Song's own words to His Majesty that carry more weight. Miss Song and Madam Song, please come with me."
He turned and led the way.
Song Jin stood there, pouting, then felt a sharp pain in her waist. She turned to her mother with a grin, "Mother, it's alright, just watch me."
Niu Tielan said irritably, "You'd better behave yourself."
Song Jin chuckled, pulled her along to catch up with Eunuch Sun, and together they arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Study.
Eunuch Sun announced loudly, "Your Majesty, Miss Song and Madam Song have arrived."
A moment later, footsteps could be heard inside. The door opened, and a pale-faced eunuch appeared with a beaming smile: "Greetings, Miss Song and Madam Song. His Majesty requests your presence."
Song Jin, arm in arm with Niu Tielan, walked in slowly.
Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the long, golden carpet that stretches from the entrance to the sandalwood desk opposite, which is covered with numerous memorials. A middle-aged man dressed in a dark red robe embroidered with gold dragons sits upright on the desk.
He looked to be around forty years old, with long, jet-black hair, broad shoulders, a tall and straight figure, deep and handsome features, dark eyes, a serious and sharp expression, and an extraordinary aura.
Song Jin glanced at him briefly before looking away, then obediently bowed to Niu Tielan, her head lowered, and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects! Long live the Emperor!"
The Imperial Study was quiet.
Niu Tielan kept her head down, and apart from their breathing, she could hear nothing. Gradually, her face turned pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Her heart was filled with panic.
Having clung to life for so many years, she was naturally afraid of death, but even more afraid of implicating her children.
Her daughter is so young, both flamboyant and unrestrained, and vibrant and beautiful.
She can ride horses across the grasslands, swim freely in rivers, and even cross icebergs and deserts. She has so many futures and possibilities ahead of her—as long as she isn't the burden of being a mother.
Lost in thought, and still no sound from above, Niu Tielan took a deep breath, about to speak, when she heard that familiar, audacious, crisp voice.
Song Jin had raised his head at some point, his face grave: "Your Majesty, I confess my guilt."
Niu Tielan held back a breath in his heart
Qi Ye's deep voice rang out: "What crime have you committed?"
Song Jin raised her chin, looking quite defiant: "I shouldn't have cursed you in my mind just now."
Qi Ye sat in his chair, clearly taken aback by Song Jin's words. After a long silence, he frowned and said, "How dare you! What have you done to me?"
Song Jin frankly said, "I scolded you for not acting like an elder. At your age, you're still causing trouble. People who don't know better might think you're a wicked mother-in-law, making things difficult for us orphans and widows."
"..."
Niu Tielan, who was initially apprehensive, closed his eyes deeply.
She was wrong. She shouldn't have worried about this brat; she should have been worried about whether she'd be dragged down with him and torn to pieces.
She had already made up her mind, but she didn't expect...
Hahahaha
The usually stern and aloof emperor burst into laughter.
The silence in the imperial study instantly dissipated.
Qi Ye smiled, his whole demeanor very amiable. He waved his hand, "Alright, get up quickly, Xiao Fuzi, make seats for the Song family girl and Madam Song."
The eunuch who had opened the door for them immediately placed a stool down.
Niu Tielan hesitated, while Song Jin became more forthright, pulling her mother up with her as well, and smiling at Qi Ye: "I knew Your Majesty, as the father of Prince Qi, you must be a kind and benevolent person just like him."
Qi Ye's smile widened even more: "You've got a way with words, girl. You're way better than your father."
Song Jin laughed, "People have different personalities. I grew up in the countryside and didn't learn any etiquette. I can't say those roundabout things. I'm just bold, thick-skinned, and only know how to speak the truth."
Qi Ye laughed: "Oh, that sounds a lot like a peddler bragging about their wares."
Song Jin grinned: "That's just Song Jin bragging. But, Your Majesty, you should also know that although my surname is Song, I'm not the Song of the Chief Minister Song."
Qi Ye raised an eyebrow: "How would I know? Everyone outside is saying you're Song Shang's daughter."
Song Jin saw it clearly: the emperor did indeed have a good relationship with Song Shang, just as the Song brothers had said. She then said, "What people say outside is unreliable. They all say that Chief Minister Song is a great traitor. Your Majesty, do you think that's true?"
Qi Ye's smile faded, and after a long while, he sighed: "Song Shang dedicated his life to the country and its people. Without him, there would be no prosperous Dayan Dynasty. How could those people outside understand his good intentions?"
Song Jin: "Your Majesty is mistaken."
Qi Ye looked over, his expression authoritative without being angry: "What's wrong?"
Song Jin laughed again: "That's true. Without you, there would be no prosperous Dayan Dynasty. I grew up in the countryside and have heard many of your deeds. You are the pillar of our Dayan Dynasty, unmatched by anyone. As for Chief Minister Song, although I have never met him, I think that the fact that he has so much power and influence yet still allows rumors to spread proves that he doesn't care about such external fame. His merits and demerits are not in the present, but in the history books, left for future generations to judge."
"So, what you're saying is completely wrong in every way."
Looking at Song Jin's seemingly unserious yet actually composed and confident demeanor, Qi Ye felt as if he were seeing a younger version of Song Shang. Back then, he hadn't lost his parents, nor had he experienced so much bloodshed and intrigue; he was still a vibrant young man, sincere, gentle, and kind.
Thinking of those past events, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, "You were right after all. Come out, you won."
Song Jin and Niu Tielan were taken aback and subconsciously turned to look at the curtain on the side.
There should have been a small couch behind it, so they didn't pay attention. Just then, the curtain swayed slightly, and a man stepped out. His face was solemn, and he bore a five-tenths resemblance to the current emperor, yet he was even more handsome and tall. This was none other than Qi Zheng, the Prince of Qi, who had been traveling with them earlier.
The father and son were fine when they were separated, but now that they are standing together, their similar faces are quite striking. No wonder Qi Zheng was found even when he was among the common people.
Song Jin looked at this and that, a flash of inspiration striking her, and she blurted out, "Wow, I'll bet you!"
Qi Zheng remained silent, but Qi Ye smiled and looked at Song Jin mischievously, saying, "Yes, you little girl, you made me lose a thousand taels of silver. How are you going to compensate me?"
Song Jin stared accusingly at Qi Zheng and said, "Your Highness Prince Qi caused me so much fright, shouldn't you give me half of it?"
Qi Zheng nodded silently: "Okay."
Song Jin immediately beamed with joy, then turned to Qi Ye triumphantly: "Your Majesty, did you hear that? I've helped you earn back five hundred taels, so now you've only lost five hundred taels."
Qi Ye raised an eyebrow: "Oh, so you're trying to bribe me with my five hundred taels of silver?"
Song Jin smiled and said, "How could that be? You and Prince Qi are father and son, so his money is your money. His five hundred taels are still yours, and mine are mine. You see, it's gone from losing a thousand taels to losing five hundred taels?"
Qi Ye was taken aback, then laughed and cried at the same time: "You little girl, you're so cunning at such a young age, who taught you that?"
Song Jin proudly declared: "Self-taught."
Seeing that little face, Qi Ye felt both amused and annoyed. He shook his head and looked at Niu Tielan, who had been silent all along. His expression softened, but he was less affectionate than when he spoke to Song Jin. He asked, "Your name is Niu Tielan, right? I heard about your situation from Aqi. Do the Song family boys have any solutions?"
Niu Tielan became cautious and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, the matter has been temporarily resolved. The doctor advised me to focus on recovering my health first and then proceed with further treatment later."
Qi Ye nodded: "It's good that there's a solution. Although there are many imperial physicians in the palace, they know very little about Gu worms. However, there are many extraordinary people in the folk. But the imperial physicians are more skilled at recuperating. I'll send one of them to the Song residence to take a look at you in a bit."
Song Jin immediately prostrated herself, her voice clear and resonant: "On behalf of my mother, I thank Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Your Majesty, you are truly the kindest person in the world!"
Niu Tielan looked at her with complicated emotions. She composed herself and bowed in return: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your concern. However, I dare not conceal the truth. I have no relation to Chief Minister Song whatsoever. My late husband's surname was Qu, and he passed away in an accident many years ago. By chance, I took on my current identity in order to make a living. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Qi Ye raised an eyebrow: "Your surname is Qu? What's your given name?"
Only now did he properly examine Niu Tielan in the audience.
Due to the Red Thread Gu and the bumpy journey, Niu Tielan had become somewhat thin, but her stunning beauty and figure were still undeniable. However, even more striking than her beautiful face was the resolute look in her eyes.
Niu Tielan pursed her lips and said, "Maoze, Qu Maoze. As for the specifics, I'm afraid I don't know."
"Qu Maoze?" Qi Ye raised an eyebrow, his smile enigmatic. "It's difficult for a weak woman like you to raise a child. I forgive you. Get up, all of you. Look at how nervous you are. I'm not going to eat you."
Song Jin pulled Niu Tielan to her feet, smiling broadly, "As the emperor, your imposing presence is intimidating even without you saying a word. Don't blame us for being timid."
Qi Ye chuckled: "Trying to fool me? I think it's you who's really good at fooling people."
Song Jin looked completely innocent and waved her hands, "No way, Your Majesty, I'm innocent!"
Qi Ye shook his head: "Alright, stop pretending. Take your mother back. Since you're here, just stay put and don't think about anything else."
Song Jinfeng's eyes widened slightly, and her eyebrows danced with excitement: "If I heard correctly, you mean I should act like the daughter of the Prime Minister, and follow the proper manners of a Prime Minister's daughter, right?"
Her appearance was flamboyant and radiant; she clearly had a smooth life and had never experienced hardship.
A child who loves to laugh should continue to laugh all the way.
Qi Ye curled the corners of his lips: "It's not 'as', it's 'as'."
Song Jin was stunned for a moment: "Huh?"
Looking into her slightly rounded phoenix eyes, Qi Ye chuckled twice, then stared intently at him, his voice firm and resolute.
"I said you are a daughter of the Song family, therefore you are."
...
The door to the Imperial Study closed again.
Qi Zheng withdrew his gaze and looked at his father, with whom he hadn't spent much time, and said, "The bet is settled, Father. Remember to have someone send the money to my residence."
Qi Ye said irritably, "You child, although you've been wandering the martial world since you were young, you're highly skilled in martial arts. You shouldn't be short of money. How come you're as obsessed with money as the fifth son of the Song family?"
Qi Zheng looked at him quietly, "Father, are you going to back out?"
Qi Ye choked, then immediately waved his hand: "Get out, get out, get back to your Qi Prince's Mansion!"
Qi Zheng remained expressionless, gave a proper bow, and said, "Song Jin has rendered meritorious service in saving the city; Father, please do not forget her reward."
Qi Ye chuckled: "Didn't you say she had an unknown background and needed to be watched? Why are you asking for a reward for her now?"
Qi Zheng said earnestly, "Song Jin's martial arts skills are unfathomable, and her appearance was too coincidental. I mentioned her to Father so that you would be more careful and avoid her falling into danger. As for the reward, it is rightfully hers. We shouldn't deny her merits based on unfounded speculation. Her unclear origins do not mean she is a bad person."
It just means this person is dangerous.
Faced with his rigid manner, Qi Ye felt both helpless and gratified. He patted Qi Ye's shoulder and smiled, "Alright, I know. I wrote down her reward yesterday, but after looking at it today, I need to make some additions and revisions. I'll go down later tonight. Are you relieved now?"
Qi Zheng: "Father is wise."
"With your rigid, inflexible manner, you must have suffered a lot of injustices while wandering the world, right?" Qi Ye turned his head to look at the child who had been lost since childhood. While he felt gratified, he was even more heartbroken. He sighed.
"Why did you come here today not to say you were worried about Song Jin's assassination attempt? Instead, you challenged me to a bet: you've been back for half a year, and unless I summon you, you never come to the palace to see me on your own initiative."
Qi Zheng lowered his eyes, respectful yet distant: "Father is busy, I dare not disturb you."
Qi Ye felt a pang of resentment, and even more so, a deep hatred for those who had acted against him back then. He thought, "Don't think that just because so many years have passed, things are over. Sooner or later, I'll drag those people out and tear them to pieces!"
Waiting for the right opportunity
He took a breath and said seriously, "Not Father, but Dad. I am your father, and you are my only child. Your name is Qi, which means 'peace under heaven,' Zheng, which means 'unyielding,' and Zhen, which means 'precious treasure.' Do you understand?"
Qi Zheng was taken aback; that strange suspicion surged up again, but he quickly suppressed it.
He's a wild boy who came from the countryside and has barely spent any time with anyone. If he thinks he's something special just because he received a couple of days of pity, he'll sooner or later walk into the river of blood and become one of those withered bones.
Royal families are fickle, let alone the person before you.
He became even more cautious and respectfully replied, "Understood, Your Majesty."
Qi Ye, suffering a heart attack, took a deep breath to suppress his urge to curse and continued with concern, "This trip to Qingjun Prefecture was quite eventful. You've been traveling a lot, so get some rest when you get back. Don't go to those messy banquets if you don't want to, and drink less alcohol."
Qi Zheng's heart tightened: "Father, rest assured, I will certainly fulfill my duty."
He understood that this meant he should have less contact with other officials.
Qi Ye angrily waved his hand: "...Get out, get out, get out of here right now, I get annoyed just looking at you."
Qi Zheng's figure disappeared through the doorway. Qi Ye slammed his hand on the table, then slumped back in his chair, gritting his teeth.
That brat is infuriating!
He is his father
biological father
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com