Chapter 39 The Daughter of the Song Merchant
On the city wall, a group of people stood in a crisscrossing pattern, silently gazing into the distance.
Over there, the fully equipped convoy advanced towards the city gate. From being as insignificant as ants, it had transformed into a majestic sight. The lead horse galloped high, the soldiers following behind were stern, and the imperial banner waved. The sheer scale of the procession was palpable.
"It seems that the Fifth Prince has successfully completed Father Emperor's mission this time."
On the city wall, a young man in a dark blue robe chuckled. Leaning against the wall, he looked down, his expression a mix of praise and sarcasm, "Truly worthy of being Father Emperor's son, quite impressive indeed."
The slightly shorter man with crimson gold robes beside him chuckled and chimed in, "Father Emperor practically sent him all his personal guards. If he can't even manage that, he must be incredibly hot-blooded."
The eldest man, who was plump and looked to be in his early thirties, straightened his belt and collar, and said, "Let's go, stop talking nonsense. Second and third brothers, the carriage will be here soon. We older brothers should hurry down and meet the fifth brother. Father is still waiting in the palace."
The three brothers exchanged glances, concealed their expressions, smiled, and politely yielded to each other. The eldest brother, Qi Hao, with his rounder build, walked in front, followed closely by the shorter second brother, Qi Bin, and the most handsome-looking Qi Yu brought up the rear.
The three princes turned and descended first. The other young men in the capital exchanged glances, their eyes flickering as they looked at the group in the corner, some hesitant and uncertain.
A man in white stepped forward with a smile, bumping into the man in black whose face was bruised and swollen. He appeared polite, but his face betrayed a hint of mockery.
"We, his subjects, should be happy that Prince Qi has returned safely. Brother Shunzhi, you look so somber. Those who know you understand you're worried about Lord Song, but others might think you're unhappy with Prince Qi. I think you should stay until the end to avoid displeasing Prince Qi."
He led the way, with the others following in small groups. They verbally proclaimed their offense, but turned around faster than anyone else, some even brazenly bumping into people's shoulders as they walked away.
Song Shunzhi stood there, looking at these people. A thumb-length scar rolled across his deep brow bone, giving him a slightly ferocious look. However, he merely twitched the corner of his mouth and waved to the hesitant others.
"Please go first, everyone. Brother Wei is right. I am injured and might offend Prince Qi, so it would be best if you all went first."
Those still standing there exchanged glances, then waved to him, turned, and left, leaving Song Shunzhi alone at the back, limping down the stairs.
A person in the crowd, feeling a pang of pity, paused slightly before being pulled back by a friend beside them, who whispered, "What are you doing?"
The man couldn't bear it: "Brother Xingzhi has always treated me well, and now his family has been in trouble for less than a month."
His friend scolded in a low voice: "That person has been missing for almost a month, basically... Don't make trouble for yourself. Song Xingzhi helped you, but you also need to consider who they have offended. Can you afford to offend the Duke of Ying's heir or the Prince of Jin?"
The man fell silent, sighed helplessly, and followed listlessly at the back of the crowd. Looking at the once-attentive people who were now indifferent, a deep sadness filled his heart.
When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; none of these people who constantly preached the way of the gentleman ever truly became gentlemen.
However, he has no right to judge others; ultimately, he's just a petty person.
...
The crowd continued to descend the stairs
The tower is thirty meters high and has five levels. The corridors are winding, which is not difficult for a strong young man, but it is not easy for someone with a limp to climb it.
Originally, given Song Shunzhi's circumstances, he should have brought a servant with him, so he would have someone to help him up. However, before he went up, the Second Prince, Prince Jin, specifically stated that, to show sincerity, no one was allowed to bring servants.
Song Shunzhi had to rely on himself to go up and down the city wall. Even with his utmost care, holding onto the stairs aggravated his wounds, causing waves of pain. Yet, he didn't even flinch, walking expressionlessly and limping behind, seemingly used to it all.
He knew this was just the beginning.
He descended the city wall step by step, and by the time he reached the bottom, the Prince of Qi's carriage and horses had already arrived at the gate. The area inside and outside the city gate had been cleared by soldiers who had been given prior orders; the roads were clean and deserted, except for the various noble young masters who had come specifically to greet him.
Three princes stood at the front.
The eldest prince, Prince Gong, Qi Hao; the second prince, Prince Jin, Qi Bin; and the third prince, Prince Li, Qi Yu.
The current Emperor Qi Hua has sixteen sons. Apart from Prince Qi Zheng, the rest are all adopted members of the imperial clan. Five of them have passed away due to illness or other reasons, leaving ten sons. The eldest is Prince Gong Qi Hao, who is now thirty years old, while the youngest, the sixteenth prince Qi Jia, is only six years old.
Those who were granted the title of king were the three princes mentioned above, and the four princes including the Prince of Qi.
Your subject pays respects to Prince Gong, Prince Jin, and Prince Li.
Qi Zheng sat inside the carriage with his eyes closed, resting until the carriage stopped. Only when he heard Li Qingshan bowing outside did he open his eyes and stand up. His handsome features were cold and hard; his entire being was like a rock on a steep mountaintop, exuding a chilling and murderous aura. He slowly stepped down from the carriage.
Outside the car, most of the Kyoto elites had gathered, whispering amongst themselves. The moment he stepped out of the car, they all stopped what they were doing and bowed in unison.
"Greetings to Prince Qi"
Qi Zheng had been a prince for half a year and was quite adept at handling these situations. He nodded solemnly and said, "Greetings, everyone."
As he spoke, his gaze wandered through the crowd, and after a while, he finally spotted Song Shunzhi at the very back, where he was least noticeable.
The scar near his eye was quite noticeable; it had almost injured his eye. There was also a wound on the corner of his mouth. Although he was standing very upright, it didn't prevent Qi Zheng from noticing the injury on his left leg.
Less than a month after the Song family's downfall, the once-celebrated and centrally-positioned Song family members were relegated to the sidelines, a situation that had become commonplace among those around them, demonstrating the Song family's current predicament in the capital.
That would surely mean being besieged on all sides.
Human hearts are always cold and indifferent.
Qi Zheng lowered his eyes to hide the mockery in them, then looked up at Song Shunzhi: "Does Lord Song have any news?"
Song Shunzhi was taken aback, then bowed and said bitterly, "Reporting to Prince Qi, there is no news of my father yet. I wonder if my elder brother's journey was successful?"
Qi Zheng: "He's fine. He'll return after investigating the Liang family's matter. What happened to your injuries? Even if Lord Song is missing, you are still an official of the Ministry of Justice. Harming a court official is a serious crime."
Those present who knew some of the inside story subconsciously glanced at Prince Qi Bin of Jin, whose expression was unnatural.
Qi Bin was somewhat annoyed. They had come all this way to pick them up, and this fifth brother was truly ungrateful. However, he kept his displeasure to himself and interrupted them with a smile, saying...
"Lord Song has done a great service for the court, and they cannot take advantage of this to be disrespectful and speak offensively to me. Fifth Brother, you've just returned and you're already questioning Second Brother? You've certainly made quite a show of power on your trip. It seems Father Emperor was right to send you out this time."
Qi Zheng wasn't surprised. Even though the Song family was in trouble, there were many people trying to sabotage them, both openly and secretly, but for now, only members of the royal family had actually committed open violence.
He replied expressionlessly, "Oh."
Qi Bin was even more annoyed by his indifferent attitude, but since he had just returned and was in front of so many people, he suppressed his anger and smiled amicably.
"Fifth brother, you're still the same. Never mind, you've only been home a short time, so we older brothers won't hold it against you. Go back now, Father is still waiting for you in the palace."
The phrase has a double meaning: it refers to his recent return from Si'an County, and also to his lack of manners due to his upbringing in the countryside.
Qi Zheng didn't even frown at this, and simply said "Oh," before greeting Qi Hao and Qi Yu beside him: "Big brother, third brother, long time no see, how have you been?"
Qi Hao, who was a little chubby, chuckled: "Good for you. But you look a bit thinner. You must have suffered a lot on the journey. Come to my place tomorrow and we'll have a good drink."
The slightly shorter Qi Yu smiled and said, "It's good that you're back. Go back to the palace to see Father Emperor first, and then your third brother will give you a welcome-back feast."
Qi Bin was even angrier at being ignored. Those damned fifth brother, and those two opportunists, the eldest and third brothers—did they really think they'd follow them just because someone said a few nice words?
This is the Emperor's own son; he poses a far greater threat than any of them.
Qi Bin cursed inwardly, but on the surface he smiled even more amiably and considerately: "Second brother has also prepared a banquet for you, fifth brother, you can't refuse this time."
Qi Zheng nodded: "My three brothers are all very busy, why don't we go together?"
The three people: ...
You're always so busy, always getting together for drinks.
After Qi Zheng finished speaking, he looked at Song Shunzhi again and said, "Before I came back, I was entrusted by Vice Minister Song to deliver someone. Now that the person has been delivered, I will hand him over to you."
Upon hearing this, Song Shunzhi's expression changed. In his heart, he cursed Song Xingzhi for being unreliable. What kind of time is this to be out there flirting with other women? Does he want their family to die sooner?
Not only him, but everyone else present, upon hearing this, immediately thought that Song Xingzhi was out working and still looking for beautiful women.
This wouldn't have been a big deal before, but now that Song Shang is in trouble, his behavior is still like this.
That's enough for the censor to impeach him twice.
Qi Zheng took in the expressions of everyone present, then subtly glanced at the other side of the carriage. There stood Qu Maoze, who was said to have amnesia, among the guards, a smile on his face, looking perfectly normal.
Qi Zheng suppressed his doubts, withdrew his gaze, and said to Li Qingshan, "You'll escort Miss Song home later, so be careful not to mix up her luggage."
Li Qingshan clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will escort Miss Song and the others home safely."
Their conversation left everyone somewhat confused.
What does "Song" mean? What does "going home" mean?
Song Xingzhi found a beautiful woman, and given Qi Zheng's personality, it was already quite generous of him to send her to him; he even specially arranged for someone to escort her home...
Song Shunzhi also realized that although his boss was usually unreliable, he shouldn't have made such a mistake at a time like this.
His father's fate is unknown; he couldn't possibly be that stupid.
He hesitated before asking, "Prince Qi, who is this Miss Song?"
Qi Zheng nodded: "She is Song Jin, the daughter of Lord Song. She grew up in the countryside and only learned of her true identity after a chance encounter with Vice Minister Song in Si'an County. Although Lord Song's fate is currently unknown, he raised you brothers for many years. I hope you will take good care of Miss Song and not let down Lord Song's kindness in raising you."
"..."
Upon hearing this, everyone present wondered if they had misheard.
What is her background? What is she her biological daughter?
The most bewildered and shocked was Song Shunzhi. He stood there dumbfounded, staring at the prince whom his father had personally brought back, who seemed friendly to their family on the surface. Countless schemes and plots were already flashing through his mind.
Is this repaying kindness with enmity, repaying kindness with enmity, betraying trust, or utterly depraved...?
A deathly silence fell over the city gate.
At this moment, Song Jin and her daughter Niu Tielan were sitting in their own carriage.
Niu Tielan lay pale and uncomfortable to one side, while Xiao Er and Xiao Mei sat beside her, massaging her hands and feet and wiping her forehead with a damp towel.
Song Jin occasionally channeled her internal energy to suppress the Gu worms, her gaze filled with worry. Over the past few days, she had also noticed that the Red Thread Gu was more active than before, and the internal energy required to suppress it each time was increasing.
She didn't care about expending her internal energy, but this situation was not good.
Song Jin's heart was only with her mother, so she didn't notice or care that the carriages had stopped outside. She just waited until they arrived at their destination so the Song family could figure out a solution. Even though Song Shang was gone after being a treacherous official for so many years, his connections were still there. If all else failed, there was always the eccentric doctor Old Liu had recommended.
Ta-da!
The knocking interrupted Song Jin's chaotic thoughts. She went over and lifted the carriage curtain, meeting Qu Maoze's smiling face. She asked impatiently, "What do you want?"
Qu Maoze's eyes flashed with contemplation, but it vanished in an instant. He said, "Miss Song was mentioned earlier. Why don't you go and say hello, so she can go back and rest as soon as possible?"
Song Jin peeked out to look ahead, then quickly pulled her head back in and jumped out of the car.
She was dazzling in her red dress, her face cold, her phoenix eyes flashing with annoyance. She strode forward, stepping over the standing soldiers, crossing the tall city gate, and walking straight to the front, standing next to Qi Zheng.
She crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. With a slight lift of her chin, she asked bluntly, "Who is from the Song family?"
Song Shun instinctively stepped forward: "...You"
Song Jin interrupted, "What do you mean 'you'? It's you! Lead the way, I need to go back and rest."
Song Shunzhi was speechless, his eyes wide with shock as he stared at Song Jin's face.
Not just him, but everyone present had their eyes on her face, some shocked and bewildered, others terrified and frightened.
Those present were all leading figures among the younger generation in the capital. While they might not know every official in the court, anyone who had ever seen Song Shang would never forget him.
Song Jin and Song Shang looked so alike—their bright faces, narrow phoenix eyes, and tall statures—for a moment, they even thought it was Song Shang who had returned.
However, upon closer inspection, Song Jin, being a woman, was shorter and much thinner, and even her demeanor was excessively arrogant, completely different from Song Shang's reserved nature, making them easily distinguishable.
"It looks so alike!"
"No way?"
"Lord Song actually has a daughter!"
...
The crowd couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
That was Song Shang, the ruler of the court for twenty years, second only to the emperor, who had everyone utterly suppressed. So many people had resented him for years, so many had worked tirelessly to bring about his demise, and yet he had a daughter?
These people were young after all, and couldn't suppress the turmoil in their hearts; they couldn't take their eyes off Song Jin.
Despite being stared at by so many people, Song Jin showed no fear whatsoever. She raised her chin, glared at them, and sneered, "What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a beauty before? Look again and I'll poke your eyes out!"
Everyone: ...
Ah, this, truly worthy of being the daughter of a Song merchant?
Song Jin treated everyone equally. After scolding those people, she looked at Song Shunzhi with the same disdain: "Hey, what are you dawdling about? Is your leg broken or your head gone? If you can walk, then get up and lead the way. Stop pretending to be pitiful."
After saying that, she nodded her chin at Qi Zheng as a greeting, then turned around and strode back to the carriage.
"Stop!" Qi Bin finally realized what was happening and his voice became stern as he called out to her, "Who said you could leave? You didn't even greet us when you saw us. Is this how your father raised you?"
Song Jin scoffed and turned around, looking him up and down: "I don't have a father, so what, are you satisfied now? Who are you? Didn't your father teach you to introduce yourself before talking to people?"
Qi Bin roared, "I am the Second Prince of Jin! You filthy servant, you don't know what's good for you! Guards, drag her away and slap her!"
Song Shunzhi's expression changed drastically.
Song Jin wasn't afraid at all. She leisurely stepped forward, the golden token in her hand swaying slightly. Turning to look at Qi Zheng, she feigned doubt: "Prince Qi, is this your brother? He doesn't look like him at all. You're so tall, with such big eyes, and you're so composed and magnanimous."
Qi Zheng glanced at Qi Bin, whose face was as red as a monkey's bottom, and his lips twitched.
Is this making him hateful or just making him hateful?
Qi Zheng said tactfully, "He's my father's son, my second brother. Please speak properly."
Even if they weren't his biological children, they were still princes and dukes.
He knew Song Jin would cause chaos in the capital, but since he'd only just arrived, it was best to proceed cautiously.
Song Jin understood his implication, pursed her lips, waved the golden token in her hand, and gave Qi Bin a haphazard bow: "As the saying goes, ignorance is no excuse. I'm just a country girl who doesn't know any better. You are a noble prince, a man of great stature and extraordinary character. You certainly won't hold it against me, right?"
Qi Zheng added, "Song Jin grew up in the countryside and doesn't understand these things. Please forgive her, Second Brother."
Qi Bin wanted to say "forgive me my ass"—he just wanted to slap that brat in front of so many people, just like he slapped Song Shang. But looking at the golden token and then at the proactive Qi Zheng, he knew this plan wouldn't work.
He sneered, his tone sarcastic: "How could Lord Song's daughter not understand these things? I think it's just her inherited arrogance and disdain for us, isn't it? Fifth Brother, it's rare to see you so protective of someone. Have you taken a fancy to this girl? Well, this girl is just like Lord Song, exceptionally beautiful."
These humiliating words posed no threat to Song Jin; she simply rolled her eyes.
Whining and whining, ugh, just like that old lady from the village.
Qi Zheng frowned, glanced at the indifferent Song Jin, and said directly, "During our trip to Si'an County, the Liang family went mad and planned to bomb the city. It was Miss Song who risked her life to thwart their plot. I will report her merit to Father Emperor when I return to the palace. Please be careful with your words, Second Brother."
Qi Bin choked: "Her? Save the city?"
"Second Brother, if you have any questions, just go back to the palace and tell Father. It's getting dark, don't keep Father waiting in the palace. Let's go." Qi Zheng finished speaking and then looked at Song Shunzhi, saying...
"Song Jin's background has been verified by Vice Minister Song. If you have any questions, you can discuss them when he returns. You've had a long journey, so take your men back and rest first."
Suppressing the many questions in his mind, Song Shunzhi said, "Your humble servant thanks Prince Qi for escorting me all the way on behalf of my father, and I will certainly visit him to express my gratitude in person later."
With Song Jin's face alone, whether she's her biological daughter or not is no longer important.
As long as one of the five brothers is still alive, they will risk their lives to protect her.
**
The carriage that had stopped started moving again.
Qi Zheng sat in the car, feeling the medicine packet stuffed into the inside pocket of his clothes, and sighed inwardly.
The more favors you owe, the more you accumulate.
However, when he looked up at Qi Bin, who had a sullen face, he slightly lowered his eyes, concealing his indifference.
With nine brothers, offending just one is nothing to worry about.
...
Behind his carriage, a rather simple four-horse carriage moved slowly, then turned at a fork in the road ahead and headed in another direction.
As the carriage turned, Song Jin lifted the curtain and looked at the capital city nearing dusk. Even the smallest buildings were two stories high, and four or five stories were commonplace. The clothes of the common people were brightly colored and varied, showcasing the prosperity of the capital city everywhere.
Before the passing carriages and horses, Qu Maoze, dressed in white, quietly watched this scene.
Song Jin scoffed and immediately pulled down the carriage curtain, the heavy fabric blocking out all outside views. She couldn't possibly let her guard down around Qu Maoze, this strange and coincidentally amnesiac. And besides him, there was another person like that in the carriage...
She squinted at Song Shunzhi: "Your father just died, and you're already being bullied like this? You're such a waste."
Song Shunzhi's feelings were complicated and heavy: "You shouldn't have come back at this time. Has Song Xingzhi lost his mind?"
Song Jin glanced at him: "His brain's full of water, and yours's got its head stuck in a door. No wonder you're brothers, both utterly useless."
Seeing her speak like this, Song Shunzhi felt helpless, but looking at her face, he could only sigh and ask, "How old are you this year?"
Song Jin squinted: "It'll be the fifteenth in two months. What about you? I heard you're five brothers. You're not all five of you as useless as you and Song Xingzhi, are you?"
If everyone is this useless, then they are truly worthless.
There were too many questions and too much criticism. Song Shunzhi wasn't a good talker to begin with, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond. He just sat silently to the side, further cementing his reputation as a good-for-nothing.
Song Jin asked with annoyance and frustration, "Where's Song Shang? Still no news? How did he get into trouble, and where did he get into trouble?"
Song Shunzhi reacted, giving a bitter smile: "In a valley outside the city, he fell into the river. The river is turbulent there; there's no way to find him."
Although the river was raging and the death toll far outweighed the life, they would not give up hope of finding the body until it was found.
Upon hearing the sound of the river, Song Jin couldn't help but curse under her breath.
How am I supposed to find her? Damn it, the Gu poison can't be delayed any longer!
Song Jin scratched her head in frustration and said, "My mother has been poisoned by the Red Thread Gu. Do you know anyone who can cure her?"
Song Shunzhi froze, looking at Niu Tielan who had kept her eyes closed the whole way. Although he had noticed her poor health before, he hadn't expected it to be a case of Gu poison. He forced a bitter smile, "If my father were still alive, there would be a way."
Song Jin slammed her fist into the car body, the impact sending it flying through the wooden planks. She cursed under her breath, "Song Shang, Song Shang, what do you all know? All you do is call him 'Dad'! You don't even know if he's still alive, what can you do?"
Song Shunzhi stared in astonishment at the hole in the frame: "You..."
Song Jin grabbed him by the collar and sneered, "What? I'll be blunt: I came to the capital to find someone to cure my mother's illness. You'd better come up with a plan, or I'll tear you all apart!"
As for the Song family, they have no connection to her and she has no obligation to help them.
Sorry, but she's just that unreasonable. Anyway, it's easy to invite a god but hard to send him away. The Song family let her in, so they're not going to let her leave easily.
Song Shunzhi saw clearly through her eyes her unreasonable thoughts and was speechless for a moment. He thought of Song Shang, who, although seemingly refined and reasonable, was actually the same.
They must be my biological children.
His thoughts drifted off, but he was quickly pulled back by the force on his neck. Seeing that his neck was about to snap if he didn't speak, he hurriedly...
"Cough, cough, wait, wait, I, I have people, I have people."
Song Jin tightened her grip on his hand, staring intently at him: "Who?"
Song Shunzhi, his face flushed, said, "Old Chong, Old Chong must have a way."
Song Jin scrutinized him, noticing the survival instinct on his face, and only after confirming he wasn't lying to her did she loosen her grip. However, she didn't let go; instead, she dragged him out, lifting the carriage curtain.
Li Qingshan, who was driving honestly, shuddered: "W-what's wrong?"
Song Jin, her face filled with murderous intent, lowered her head and said, "Tell him how to get there. I need to find that bug right now."
After all that commotion, Song Shunzhi realized why that bastard Song Xingzhi hadn't come back with them. It turned out that he couldn't afford to mess with them, so he sent Song Xingzhi over to cause trouble for them, right?
He closed his eyes tightly: "Go to Wuma Street."
Li Qingshan didn't dare ask any more questions. Without wasting a second, he turned the car around and drove towards Wuma Street at the fastest speed allowed in the city.
As the distance drew ever closer, Song Shunzhi clutched his conscience, his heart heavy with sorrow.
Old insect, take care.
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