Chapter 68 Saving You from Dire Straits
Three days passed in a flash
Song Jin sat on the swing in the garden, looking at the various beauties in front of her, some slender, some plump, some charming, and some alluring, and then sneezed loudly.
"Ah!" She rubbed her nose, looking at Song Xingzhi, who was fanning himself with a fan and trying to look nonchalant, with disdain. "Don't you really find it pungent?"
Before this person returned, these beauties, though they also enjoyed dressing up, were each uniquely beautiful, pleasing to the eye and fragrant, unlike the somewhat cloying scent they have now. It's clear whose taste this is.
That's really a problem.
Faced with her disdain, Song Xingzhi waved his fan and smiled charmingly: "Really? This smells wonderful. You've been back for a while now, so you should know them all by now, right? I have no principal wife in my harem, all the beauties are the same. Just call them by name."
His backyard is simple in some ways, and complicated in others.
There were five in total: two maids, two concubines, and one concubine's wife, all of them beauties. Except for the two maids who had served him since childhood and were very attentive, the others were all mild-mannered, even somewhat timid. Whenever they went out and occasionally ran into Song Jin and the others, they wouldn't even give them a cold shoulder; they'd run away as soon as they saw them.
Song Xingzhi hadn't been to the backyard at all during his few days back, so the few of them had to muster up the courage to come and 'accidentally' run into him. It's hard to say whether to call them cowards or to criticize Song Xingzhi's taste.
Did this person not think her mother was like that before?
You're mistaken. Her mother may look gentle and tolerant, and she can act well, but when it comes to taking action, she's ruthless. Don't be fooled by her love of gardening; if you put her in a flowerbed like this, she'd be like a dodder vine, strangling and killing both the flowers and the trees.
Thinking of that old conflict, Song Jin's eyes flickered, and she curled her lips into a smile, saying, "Speaking of which, I also have a small question."
Song Xingzhi flicked his fan and smiled, "What's the question? Little sister, ask away, and big brother will answer to the best of his ability."
Song Jin: "Why don't you have children?"
Song Xingzhi's smile froze.
Song Jin smiled and said, "You're already twenty-six, and you've been in the harem for years. Really? You look weak, but you're genuinely weak?"
Song Xingzhi gave Song Jin a deep look, his expression gradually darkening. He sighed, "You always know how to hit a nerve. Alright, I won't argue with you anymore. Third Brother is still in jail, so it's not appropriate for the rest of us to visit him. We'd like to ask you to go to the storeroom for us..."
Song Jin readily agreed: "Sure."
Song Xingzhi was astonished
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "What, is that so hard to believe? Am I some kind of vicious person?"
Song Xingzhi quickly said, "How could that be? It's just that you and Lao San haven't properly met yet, and I thought... I thought you wouldn't agree."
Song Jin jumped off the swing, patted his shoulder, and said with a bright smile, "Don't be too surprised. I'll come to see you when you get in."
Song Xingzhi's lips twitched: "...Don't curse me!"
Song Jin laughed a few times, then strode out of the courtyard. Outside, Song Shunzhi, Song Anzhi, and Song Qingzhi were all there. Seeing her suddenly appear, all three looked slightly embarrassed.
After all, Song Shenzhi's current situation is indeed not good.
The Prison Temple has been in seclusion for the past few days, not allowing anyone outside to enter, especially those few. Each family is keeping a close watch on them, and anyone who dares to go out will be met with a barrage of accusations.
But no news came out from inside, and they were really worried. After thinking it over, the only thing they could think of was Song Jin.
She's a princess, naturally flamboyant, and she previously saved the emperor's life. Now that she's in, no one can criticize her. Even if they sue, it'll be useless. She's already killed the heir of the Duke of Ying, saved a city, and now she's even saved the emperor. What, she's not even qualified to watch the show?
When it comes to visiting prisoners, no one in the entire capital is more suitable than her.
Song Jin crossed his arms, sized up the four men of the Song family, clicked his tongue and shook his head, sighing, "This Chief Minister Song became Chief Minister at the age of twenty. When he was in power, the entire court was kept in check. But now that he's in trouble, you lot are still too green."
You could say they have too many concerns.
When Song Shang was the Grand Secretary, he was all alone, with only a wall full of achievements behind him. He debated with scholars, fought off assassins, confiscated property, exiled and massacred people, and expanded land and built canals...
Previously, Song Jin had only heard about the numerous bloodstains beneath him while he was away from home. But after arriving in the capital, he gradually learned about this man's life from the records and policies he had compiled.
A ruthless warlord in chaotic times, a killing god in prosperous times, he was like a stabilizing force, holding the entire Dayan Dynasty in place for twenty years.
Song Jin found the thought terrifying; she hated intelligent people like this the most, but she couldn't help but admire this person.
It was through Song Shang's lifelong struggle that she now enjoys the ease of making a living based on her looks.
She relied on someone else to treat her mother and also gained the title of princess through that person. She can't just ignore everything, can she?
Song Jin faced the four brothers' gazes frankly and asked frankly, "When are we going? What should we bring?"
The four brothers looked at each other, their feelings somewhat complicated.
During this period, they had actually put a lot of effort into Song Jin and her daughter, providing them with top-notch treatment in the capital in terms of food, clothing, and accommodation. They also indulged them in various irregularities.
However, the mother and daughter maintained a lukewarm relationship.
They were prepared to negotiate a hefty price for this risk, but it ended before they even had a chance to speak. It seems they were being petty and judging others by their own standards; they feel somewhat uneasy about it.
However, Song Shenzhi is still more important right now.
Song Shunzhi worked for the Ministry of Justice and was quite familiar with the Prison Administration Bureau. He was in charge of this prison visit. He said slowly, "Keep it simple. Just bring some simple food. As for the time, the earlier the better."
Song Jin: "Let's do it now then. I have nothing else to do anyway. I'll just tell my mother and then go."
Song Shunzhi hesitated.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, amused: "What kind of reaction is that? You think my mother would stop me?"
Song Shunzhi was somewhat embarrassed: "No, it's just that Madam isn't in good health, and this matter is risky; I was afraid she would worry."
Song Jin: "Then you've underestimated her. Let's go, tell her we're going over, and we can come back for dinner later."
She strode back to the courtyard, her four brothers following behind, somewhat worried that Niu Tielan would stop her. However, just as Song Jin had said, upon hearing her intention to leave, Niu Tielan did not object at all, and even gave her a word of advice.
"Being in jail is bad enough, don't make him even angrier."
Song Jin pouted: "Am I that kind of person?"
Four brothers: That's absolutely true.
But that's a minor matter. The third brother is the kind of person who sometimes even exchanges insults with the enemy on the battlefield; he shouldn't be too angry to die right away. Making sure everyone is alright is the real issue.
Having agreed on their plans, they picked up the prepared food boxes, boarded the carriage, and headed towards the Prison Temple.
Halfway there, Song Jin suddenly stopped the carriage, lifted the curtain, pointed to one side, and said with great confidence, "Let's go that way, to Prince Qi's residence first."
The coachman hesitated and looked back.
Song Xingzhi had only returned a few days ago and wasn't very clear about what Song Jin had been doing in the capital. He had asked his three brothers, but they knew almost nothing about it either.
During this period, the mother and daughter were basically free to do as they pleased, without their maids, servants, or any of their relatives.
Song Xingzhi didn't know whether to say his brothers were useless or too carefree, but now that they heard she was going to find Qi Zheng, they instantly became wary.
He held his fan and probed, "My little sister and His Highness Prince Qi seem quite close."
Song Jin glanced at him and said, "Isn't that obvious? Have you forgotten who brought us back? His Highness Prince Qi and I are good friends with a deep revolutionary friendship. I'm warning you, you'd better not mess with me."
As she said this, she narrowed her eyes, gestured towards her neck with her hand, and the threat was very obvious.
She vividly remembered how this man had threatened her before using his status as a high-ranking official. Back then, she was just a powerless village girl, and could only rely on her similar face to negotiate with him.
Now, regardless of how she obtained it, she is a genuine princess and a friend of the current emperor's son, Prince Qi. Let's see how this person dares to threaten her now.
Don't you realize that it was you who started the fight, nearly beating someone half to death, and who first threatened to attack, which provoked him to make those threats?
Song Xingzhi felt very depressed just thinking about his trip to Si'an County. He sighed and said, "You don't need to go to the Prince Qi's residence to find His Highness. Today is the 20th, and His Highness has a minor examination every ten days at the Imperial Academy."
Song Jin suddenly realized, recalling Qi Zheng's expressionless words about the big and small exams, and shuddered.
No, she had to go rescue her best friend from this predicament.
She shouted to the coachman, "Hurry, hurry, to the Imperial College!"
Song Xingzhi and others: ...
Several people had something to say, but considering that having Qi Zheng present would make prison visits more convenient, they remained silent.
I'm sorry, Dad.
Without you, our sons are truly useless.
**
As the most prestigious academy in the land, the Imperial Academy boasted top-tier teaching in history, poetry, astronomy, and agriculture.
However, if we're talking about what truly shines, it's always poetry, literature, and prose.
Countless talented men and beautiful women have used this to gain fame and leave a lasting legacy.
The Imperial Academy was never short of sons of powerful families and renowned scholars. Therefore, power alone was not enough; one needed both talent and power to truly stand out.
Qi Zheng is still hundreds of miles away from achieving this.
When Song Jin and the others arrived, the preliminary test was in progress. It wasn't just a simple written exam; there were also various questions asked by the proctors.
It looks familiar
Song Jin, who had rushed in saying she was going to rescue her best friend, glanced at the scene and immediately shrank back, hiding tightly against the wall with a look of horror on her face.
"This person is teaching so many people?"
Seeing her bewildered expression, Song Xingzhi waved his fan and said leisurely, "You mean Cheng Xuezheng? She is indeed a role model for women like you. To obtain a seventh-rank official position as a woman, she is proficient in poetry, literature, and law. She began teaching at the Imperial Academy at the age of twenty. As for history, even if someone understands it more thoroughly than her, few can teach it as well. If you like, little sister, you can come and study here, so you won't be bored at home."
Song Jin glared at her, then sneered, her tone sarcastic: "Oh, I remember this person is your ex-fiancée's friend, right? You haven't been dumped for so many years and you're still hung up on her, thinking you can take advantage of my proximity to her now that she's getting a divorce? Don't even think about it, you playboy."
Song Xingzhi was stunned: "Yang Yanjun wants a divorce?"
Song Jin clicked her tongue: "Look at you, you still don't know? You don't seem to care that much, do you?"
Song Xingzhi's lips twitched, and he snapped his fan in his hand, instinctively reaching out to tap Song Jin on the head. But under her death stare, he nonchalantly unfolded it again, saying...
"Don't listen to the nonsense from the fourth and fifth brothers. Yang Yanjun and I broke up properly and formally; there was no such messy stuff. Even if she's divorced now, it has nothing to do with me. It's you who's in the picture."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "What about me?"
Song Xingzhi pointed to the classroom and smiled, "Aren't you going to rescue your good friend? It's his turn."
Song Jin glared at the man, then stealthily approached the window and watched as Qi Zheng stood up inside.
Compared to his usual self, he appeared even more austere at the Imperial Academy. His lips were tightly pressed together, his posture tense, and he seemed as cold as winter ice.
But that doesn't prevent teachers from asking questions at all.
Dressed in white with a jade hairpin, and carrying several books in her hands, Cheng Siyi moved with an air of refined elegance, asking, "Your Highness, what is your opinion of the former dynasty's historian, Le Ji?"
Amidst the gloating and mocking gazes of those around him, Qi Zheng frowned and slowly said, "He is about five feet tall, somewhat hunchbacked, with gray hair, a bad temper, likes to curse, eats meat, and is timid."
The audience gasped in disbelief, followed by bursts of laughter, some loud, some muffled.
Cheng Siyi said calmly, "You guys are very good?"
Everyone else fell silent instantly, sitting up straight and behaving extremely obediently.
Although they did know the answer to the question, the requirements for a score of 60 and 90 were vastly different. Anyone who dared to answer would face a barrage of relentless questions. Inevitably, they would be unable to answer at least two of them, and then they would have to go back and reflect.
In terms of historical research, Cheng Siyi, though young, is absolutely among the best in Dayan; she was someone who could recite history books at the age of three.
She looked at Qi Zheng and nodded: "Your Highness, please continue."
Qi Zheng's gaze returned from the window, his body tensing even more. After a long pause, he continued, "He was afraid of snakes, rats, and wild cats. He even dared not sleep alone at night. Yet, this very person dared to truthfully record events inside and outside the palace of the previous dynasty under the threat of being beheaded by the Desolate Emperor. After the establishment of the new dynasty, he resigned from his official post and traveled the world, continuing to record historical facts from various places. He truly deserves to be called a great historian."
Cheng Siyi: "Has Your Highness met Leji?"
Qi Zheng replied, "I traveled with him for two months when we were away."
However, at that time, he disliked the old man for being talkative, meddlesome, timid, and unclean, so he ran away alone. He thought the old man was just bragging, until he returned to the capital and saw his name in the historical records. Only then did he realize that the old man's boasting was actually quite true. If only he had known...
He still had to leave.
That old man was really slovenly.
Cheng Siyi laughed upon hearing Qi Zheng's answer sheet, which could be considered a zero, and said, "Your Highness has only been enrolled for half a year, yet you already know most of the historical facts. Your progress is remarkable. Let's stop here for today."
Although Qi Zheng didn't get any points on his test, she knew how much effort he had put in to go back home, considering he had gone from knowing nothing at the beginning to being able to say a few things about anything now.
It's not that I'm afraid people don't understand; I'm afraid they pretend to understand and then refuse to learn.
After speaking, Cheng Siyi looked out the window again. Song Jin's head flashed by; he was clearly another unmotivated student—she'd seen far too many like him. She then glanced at Song Xingzhi, who was holding a folding fan, and felt a pang of regret.
When the marriage was arranged, the man promised to be devoted to her, but Junjun ultimately didn't believe him and chose the seemingly perfect heir of the Marquis of Xuanping. And now things have come to this...
She gave a slight nod in greeting, then looked away, casually tapping the person who had been laughing the loudest to get up, and continued today's quiz.
Qi Zheng silently put away his books and left the classroom.
As soon as he stepped outside, the sky turned blue, the clouds brightened, and the air felt fresher. His tense mood finally relaxed a little.
After becoming a prince, his greatest sacrifice was studying. He studied day and night, from mathematics to literature, from engineering to history, and from policy questions to rites and music...
Song Jin suddenly darted over, blinking her eyes and looking at him with a smug expression: "Hey, see? Didn't I save you from dire straits?"
Looking at the cheerful and carefree Song Jin, Qi Zheng felt a little lighter. He nodded and said, "Let's go."
Song Jin tilted her head: "Where are we going? I haven't even said anything yet, and we're already so in sync?"
Qi Zheng glanced at the four Song brothers beside him and whispered, "That's not how you use 'telepathy'."
Song Jin glared at her: "Seriously? You've only been to school for a few days and you're already starting to look down on me? They say the most unfaithful scholars are the most heartless, and it seems they're right."
Qi Zheng's brow twitched, preventing her from continuing. He pulled her arm and walked to the side. Only after they left the classroom did he awkwardly release her arm, his hand slightly curled.
Song Jin pouted: "You're really boring."
Song Xingzhi was truly exasperated with this little brat. Didn't he even recognize who was in front of him? He pulled him back slightly and bowed to Qi Zheng: "Your subject greets Prince Qi. My little sister is lively and spirited; please don't take offense at her."
Qi Zheng nodded: "It's alright, I'm used to it."
Song Jin pouted: "Alright, alright, enough with the formalities. If you're a friend, take me to the Prison Temple. If not, I'll just use your token to get in. You can choose for yourself."
The four brothers: ...
They want to get people out of jail, not send them in.
Fortunately, Qi Zheng was used to it. He had already anticipated how many misdeeds would be punished when he gave out the token, so he didn't care about it now.
He calmly said, "I'll take you there. As for Minister Song and the others, it's best to go home and wait."
Looking at his calm demeanor, and then at Song Jin's matter-of-fact attitude, Song Xingzhi felt a sudden unease. He was uneasy about letting them go in together.
He asked cautiously, "Shall we wait in the carriage?"
Qi Zheng nodded: "If you want to hear the censors attacking you in court tomorrow..."
"..."
They definitely didn't want to, otherwise they wouldn't have sent Song Jin.
Of course, the main reason is that if they go in, they'll have to force their way in, which would change the nature of the situation.
Song Xingzhi had always thought Qi Zheng was quite reliable; otherwise, he wouldn't have entrusted him with the task of bringing the mother and daughter back to the capital. But now, looking at Qi Zheng's calm and composed demeanor, the more he looked, the more uneasy he felt.
This King Qi seems to be quite different from what he expected.
But now that he needed their help, Song Xingzhi could only pretend he knew nothing and replied politely, "Your Highness is right. Then we will return to our residence to wait. Please look after my younger sister."
Qi Zheng: "Minister Song is too kind."
...
Qi Zheng had a special carriage frame, which was better than anyone else's. He and Song Jin quickly got into the carriage, and it slowly moved forward.
Song Jia and his brothers then returned the way they came.
They are not related by blood, look very different, and have completely different personalities.
Song Xingzhi was the oldest and also the most eloquent and adept at social maneuvering. When the group was together, he, as the leader, was the one who took the lead.
Inside the carriage, Song Xingzhi waved his folding fan, looked at his three younger brothers, snapped the fan shut, and looked at them with a half-smile: "In the short time I've been away, you've gotten quite close to Prince Qi. What, have you already chosen sides?"
Faced with his questioning, Song Shunzhi calmly replied as always, "The Prince of Qi has helped my younger sister several times, so it's normal for her to grow closer to him."
Song Anzhi yawned, seemingly unconcerned: "Do we need to take sides? The Emperor is practically ready to issue a decree to establish a Crown Prince."
Song Qingzhi looked at him with disdain, and said with a sneer, "It's not like you used to be so close to Prince Gong. Even when the second brother was being bullied, you didn't say a word. Now you still have to go to Prince Qi. Eldest brother, you need to change your way of looking at people."
"Who did I have a bad relationship with before? Who would have thought that a son like Prince Qi would appear out of nowhere? Besides," Song Xingzhi sneered, snapping his folding fan in two, "Do you think I didn't go after them? These people, if you take a favor, you'll have to repay it tenfold later. Now that Father's not here, everyone better watch your step. The whole capital is eyeing the Song family."
Everyone understands the logic, but the current situation is much better than they initially anticipated.
Song Qingzhi muttered, "But I have a younger sister."
It must be said that although Song Jin gained a lot from them, they also became much more stable because of her.
Without her, the Song family would not only be in big trouble, but also face numerous trivial matters. These seemingly insignificant issues would accumulate into a mountain, eventually dragging the family down, leaving even the Emperor with little to no recourse.
Now that Song Jin is around, her flamboyant, unrestrained, unreasonable, carefree, and unconventional nature, coupled with her imperial mandate, has led to fewer of those disgusting little incidents.
Song Xingzhi knew she would cause trouble in the capital before he sent her back, but he didn't expect it to get to this extent. Thinking of her face, which was so similar to Song Shang's, he sighed softly.
“How can a grown man like you place the burden on her? How have the three of you behaved these past few days? How have you lived up to your father’s years of careful guidance?”
There was no sound inside the carriage.
After a long silence, Song Shunzhi, looking at Song Xingzhi's bossy demeanor, raised his eyes and calmly said, "You've asked so many questions, so I'll ask you one too."
Song Anzhi and Song Qingzhi immediately looked up, their eyes darting around with an excited eagerness to join in the fun.
Here they come, it would be best if a fight broke out.
There were five brothers, and these two were the youngest and held the lowest official positions. They had the least say in anything and their favorite thing to do was watch the fights on stage.
Faced with this 'provocation,' Song Xingzhi waved his folding fan, displaying an air of ease, and smiled, 'Second brother, just ask.'
The second brother, Song Shunzhi, asked softly, "Big brother, what did you do when you found little sister to make her so disgusted with you?"
Eldest brother Song Xingzhi: ...
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