Chapter 138: White Horse with Reeds, White Horse with Reeds. ...
Wen Yu choked. Most monsters and beasts like to live alone, and even though she is a tree, she is no exception.
Being suddenly exposed in front of so many people would make her panic for a moment.
Unconsciously, Wen Yu took a step back stiffly.
Song Linsheng didn't move, but he was very sensitive to Wen Yu's changes. He tightened his palm and held Wen Yu's hand even tighter.
Wen Yu felt the warmth in his palm, glanced sideways at Song Linsheng, and then calmed down for a moment before stepping forward. "Master Mu—"
Lord Mu's clothes fluttered and his steps were brisk. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Wen Yu and Song Linsheng.
"Madam Wen..." Mu Tong smiled and raised his hand to greet Wen Yu warmly, then turned to Song Linsheng and saluted, "Master Song."
Song Linsheng nodded, "Master Mu, have you finished the things ahead?"
Mu Tong listened to Song Linsheng's question, raised his eyes from behind his sleeves, and turned around to look at what Song Linsheng was looking at -
A group of people were harnessing their horses and getting ready to set off. Next to them was a man with plain clothes and gray hair. He had his hands clasped in front of him, covered by his wide sleeves, so his hand movements could not be seen clearly.
Mu Tong shook his head and turned back to explain to Song Linsheng, "Since he was released and returned home, he was not shackled."
Song Linsheng nodded. He had no objection to Lord Mu's decision. When one is at the end of one's rope, the most precious thing is one's former dignity. If one can preserve it, that's naturally a good thing.
only……
"Is that Master Jia?" Wen Yu was startled. She covered her face with her sleeves and approached Song Linsheng, asking softly, "What happened these days? Why is Master Jia here?"
Song Linsheng nodded affirmatively. Wen Yu's doubts were exactly what he was thinking.
But how could Lord Jia become so old?
Mu Tong sighed softly and replied helplessly, "Life is always hanging on by a breath. If this breath is gone, it will naturally be like running out of energy and aging suddenly."
Lord Jia spent almost all of his life in Jiangyang Mansion.
Whether it was his achievements a few years ago or his gradual loss of direction and harming others later on, it was all based on his position as the Tongzhi of Jiangyang Prefecture.
Now he is resigning from his official position and returning home, but in reality he is being exiled. For him, the pride of being a Tongzhi is naturally gone.
Wen Yu frowned. She always thought that if one day she could find out the truth behind Lord Jia and leave him with no way to defend himself, that would be what she wanted.
But now, why doesn't she feel happy at all?
Song Linsheng remained silent. After pondering for a long time, he told Mu Tong, "When the time comes, tell them to set off. The people stuck in the traffic need to be evacuated as soon as possible."
"Yes, of course." Mu Tong responded, but his next words surprised Song Linsheng and Wen Yu.
"It's just that Lord Jia... Jia Ren specifically wants to see you, Lord Song." Mu Tong relayed Lord Jia's request.
He didn't know when Lord Jia became so close to Lord Song. The only thing he said before leaving was that he wanted to see Lord Song.
"See me?" Song Linsheng paused. Originally, he didn't want to show up, but now, Lord Jia said he wanted to see him?
Song Linsheng exchanged a glance with Wen Yu beside him. Wen Yu hadn't yet sorted out her chaotic thoughts, so naturally she didn't have the energy to offer Song Linsheng any advice. She could only go along with what Song Linsheng said and said, "Let's meet. It won't hurt to meet once."
Song Linsheng nodded when he heard this and said, "Then I'll listen to Xiaoyu."
Mu Tong, who was standing by, had a very good eye. Seeing that Lord Song had given his approval, he hurried to meet Song Linsheng and Wen Yu and head towards the convoy in front.
Jia Renku sat on a pile of dry straw, his eyes stiff as he stared blankly at his hands tucked into his sleeves.
His hands have drawn bows and shot arrows, saved people and... killed people.
Now there is nothing I can do.
The light steps stopped, and Song Linsheng and Yu Wenyu stopped behind Lord Jia.
The rustling sound was getting closer and closer, but Jia Ren seemed not to notice it and continued to sit there pinching his wrist.
Seeing his condition, Song Linsheng and Wen Yu didn't know where to start.
"Aren't Lord Song's hands in shackles?" Song Linsheng noticed that Jia Ren's eyes hardly left his sleeves, and thinking that he was uncomfortable somewhere, he took the initiative to ask.
Regardless of right or wrong, success or failure, since everything has come to an end and the results have been achieved, Song Linsheng will not abuse others.
Boundless silence spread among them, spreading like smoke, enveloping Song Linsheng and almost blocking out all sounds.
Wen Yuxing's eyes were wide open, her beautiful eyes full of confusion. Just when she thought that Lord Jia would ignore Song Linsheng, a hoarse and vicissitudes of life voice came.
"Some people have shackles on their wrists, others have shackles on their hearts." Jia Ren seemed mad, but his words were still logical. "Lord Song, it's a pity you are willing to see me."
Song Linsheng's brows sank, not knowing what Lord Jia meant by this.
Could it be that there is really another hidden story behind this?
Just as Song Linsheng was about to speak, Lord Jia's voice rang out again.
"I'm here to see Lord Song for just one thing." Jia Ren suddenly stood up and saluted Song Linsheng solemnly.
Wen Yu saw that he lowered his head and wore a coarse linen robe. He no longer had the carefree look he had when he rode his horse along the long street with his hat tilted to one side.
Song Linsheng frowned. Although he couldn't be completely sure, he had guessed about 70% of it. "Master Jia, why don't you speak frankly?"
Jia Ren turned around and glanced at the crowded crowd not far away, as if he was looking for something among them.
However, after just a moment, he retracted his gaze and answered Song Linsheng directly, "I know that Lord Song can clearly distinguish right from wrong and good from evil, so Lord Song should also know."
"Yang Sheng has nothing to do with this matter." Jia Ren's voice suddenly became sonorous and firm.
The previous indifference and vicissitudes of life disappeared, and the sense of belief in the meaning flourished.
As he expected, it was Yang Sheng.
Song Linsheng understood, nodded to signal to Master Jia, and answered truthfully, "Yes."
Jia Ren's expression remained unchanged, but his heaving chest still revealed his current state of mind. "After I leave, please, Lord Song, treat Yang Sheng well."
Although Yang Sheng is the descendant of a rebel, he has been fostered in the Jiangyang government office. It can be said that he has nothing to do with Cheng Lian. As long as Yang Sheng's background is not exposed, he can stay in the government office.
After a while, I could find a job to support myself. It would be best if I could start a family. It's good to start a family. People say that starting a family and building a career are both essential.
What a pity...
Jia Ren lowered his eyebrows to hide his thoughts.
It was a pity that Yang Sheng used to love calling him "Dad", but now this "Dad" had brought shame to Yang Sheng. However, he had not been able to help Yang Sheng in any way over the years.
He used to dislike hearing the word "Dad". Whenever he heard it, he would think of things that happened many years ago.
But now, I’m afraid I can never hear it again.
Song Linsheng didn't refuse at all. Almost the moment Jia Ren finished speaking, Song Linsheng agreed, "Of course."
Jia Ren's shoulders relaxed, as if a worry had been lifted from his mind. He felt an unprecedented sense of relief, a feeling he had not had in many years.
Wen Yu saw that the sharpness around him disappeared, and was replaced by a calmness like the receding tide.
Song Linsheng was thinking about something else. Since he met Yang Sheng at the mansion that day, he had not met him again in these days, not even when he was working in the government office.
I don’t know what Yangsheng is busy with. I’ll have to ask Xiyan to look for him later.
Seeing that both of them were silent and no longer spoke, Wen Yu stepped forward and started a conversation.
"Master Jia, now that it has come to this, I have something to ask you. I wonder if you could answer it for me." Wen Yu asked this question suddenly. Not to mention Jia Ren, even Song Linsheng beside her was a little surprised.
Jia Ren's face was as calm as water, and did not change at all because of Wen Yu's question. He looked up and saw the sky in the distance was a light blue-green color. That was the direction he was going.
"If you have anything to ask, Madam Wen, please go ahead." Jia Ren said indifferently, with a hint of fatigue and vicissitudes of life. "After today, there will be no chance to ask again."
Wen Yu's eyes flickered, and the questions that she couldn't figure out in the past few days flashed through her mind.
"That day on the Yuan River, you shot Cheng Lian dead with an arrow." Wen Yu lowered his voice so that no one around him could hear. "At first, I thought you were trying to save me, but I've always been against you, even picking on you because of Chen Mian. How could you disregard the law just to save me?"
Jia Ren lowered his eyes. Wen Yu's words did not stir up any ripples in his heart. He did not even look up at Wen Yu, let alone speak up to defend himself.
"But later, on that day in the Tongzhiyuan, you said that you shot Cheng Lian because you were afraid that after he recognized Yang Sheng, he would talk nonsense and reveal Yang Sheng's life experience, which would affect Yang Sheng's future." Wen Yu frowned and looked straight at Jia Ren.
"Master Jia, look at me." Wen Yu's voice was low but powerful. "Tell me, do you and Cheng Lian have any personal grudges besides these?"
Wen Yu stared closely at Jia Ren's reaction, afraid of missing any flaw.
She read the case files sent by Lord Mu and always felt that something was wrong. Lord Jia's attitude towards Cheng Lian seemed too vague.
In the final statement of the case, Mr. Jia's confession was flawless, but she always felt it was too bland.
Lord Jia had been serving as the co-magistrate of Jiangyang Prefecture for more than ten years, so it was natural that he could try and close cases. Wen Yu did not know whether he had used this to fabricate a confession.
Although the matter has now been finalized after the trial and the imperial court's approval, she still wants to ask Lord Jia a question.
Jia Ren chuckled softly and finally looked up at Wen Yu, "Miss Wen, you are a smart person."
Almost overnight, Lord Jia's face looked like he had experienced many vicissitudes of life. Now when he smiled, his cheeks were filled with wrinkles, which gave him an inexplicable horror.
"A smart person shouldn't ask too many questions." Jia Ren stopped smiling, his lips turned cold, and he turned his face away and no longer looked at Wen Yu.
Wen Yu was stunned. She had thought that since Jia Ren could talk to Song Linsheng calmly, he would naturally be able to talk to her smoothly as well.
Why is it such a scene?
Although his eyes flickered, Wen Yu was not discouraged.
She took a step forward, got closer to Jia Ren, and said earnestly, "Sir Jia, aren't you worried about Yang Sheng?"
As expected, when Yang Sheng's name was mentioned, Lord Jia's pale eyes lit up with a strange light.
"If there really is something else going on here, why don't you tell us everything? Just clarify what happened between you and Cheng Lian, and you'll be spared the crime of murder."
Although Wen Yu did not understand the laws, since his guilt had been reduced, he would surely have a different world.
"By then, maybe you won't have to leave Jiang Yang, and Yang Sheng will be able to live a better life with you protecting him."
Just when Wen Yu was trying to persuade Lord Jia and get him to the bottom of the matter.
Jia Ren glanced at the bustling crowd not far behind him, the light in his eyes suddenly disappeared, and even his whole body became cold.
He scoffed at Wen Yu's words and didn't care much.
"Does it mean that everyone has to confess their entire past, forcibly dig open already scabbed wounds, tear them open and show them to others until they bleed, and then pity you?"
Jia Ren shook his empty sleeves and turned back to sit on the haystack. "I said no, of course I don't have any. Miss Wen, you don't have to waste your breath."
He turned his back to Wen Yu and Song Linsheng and refused to say another word.
Wen Yu was anxious and walked towards Master Jia, "You——"
But Wen Yu had just taken half a step when she felt someone pulling her from behind. She turned around and then stopped.
"Song Linsheng?" Why did Song Linsheng stop her? Wen Yu's eyes were full of confusion.
"Xiaoyu." Song Linsheng called softly. He took Wenyu's hand and led her back to his side. "Xiaoyu, please be at ease."
Since Lord Jia didn't want to talk about it anymore, Xiaoyu wouldn't get any information even if she rushed up to ask.
Because he and Xiaoyu had no real evidence.
Wen Yu looked up at Song Linsheng and suddenly calmed down. She stopped struggling to move forward.
Jia Ren had no intention of talking to her.
Mu Tong, who was standing by, saw that the time was almost right, so he came forward and said, "Master Song, Madam Wen, it's almost time to get going."
Seeing that the carriage had been harnessed and the officers responsible for escorting Lord Jia had been waiting on the side for quite some time, Mu Tong spoke out to remind them at the right time.
Song Linsheng lowered his eyes and looked at Wen Yu, then nodded in agreement.
With Song Linsheng's agreement, Mu Tong quickly gave orders, asking the carriages and horses to prepare for departure.
Then, Mu Tong stepped to Jia Ren's side and said, "Master Jia, now that you have met Master Song, please go in."
"Let us all wish Mr. Jia to sing and move forward without looking back."
Jia Ren paused, but was not in a hurry to get up. He really wanted to see Lord Song, and he had already got his wish.
But the person he wanted to see most was not Lord Song, but someone else.
I'm afraid that person won't show up...
After a long silence, Jia Ren couldn't help but sigh, I can't wait, I can't wait.
Jia Ren struggled to get up, like a withered old tree, with branches leaning and leaves flying everywhere.
He did not turn back, but just followed Mu Tong blankly, walking towards the other end of the convoy with one step deep and one step shallow.
At the back was a simple carriage, narrow enough for only one person.
Jia Ren didn't really care, he was exiled and returning home. The emphasis was on the word "exile" rather than "returning home."
As long as he leaves Jiangyang, it is not certain whether he can really return home, so why should he talk about the pomp and circumstance?
Wen Yu watched from afar and saw Jia Ren climb onto the carriage frame and move slowly upwards.
For a moment, the surroundings were quiet, even the people who were joining in the fun at the back were silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lord Jia.
Today, he seems to be more eye-catching after his defeat and disgrace than when he was riding his horse in the street.
Just when everything was extremely quiet and the air almost froze.
A young man's voice came through the crowd -
"Father——"
The sound was clear yet hoarse, rapid yet prolonged, mixed with the sharpness unique to young people, and instantly caught the ears of everyone present.
Wen Yu listened attentively, and a familiar feeling came over her. She immediately recognized the owner of the voice, "Yang Sheng?"
But why did Yang Sheng appear here?
Wen Yu looked in the direction of the voice, and did not forget to pull Song Linsheng beside him, while Lord Mu in front also turned around in response.
Suddenly such a sound was heard in the bustling crowd, and everyone became agitated. After a burst of noise, Yang Sheng broke through the crowd and went straight to the carriage.
Yang Sheng was breathing heavily, with beads of sweat on his forehead and chin. The running had loosened his hair bun, which swayed up and down with his movements.
For a moment, everyone's eyes turned from Lord Jia to the young man who appeared in a hurry.
When Mu Tong saw that the person coming was Yang Sheng, he waved his hand to send away the guards who surrounded him, and even took a few steps back to leave space for Yang Sheng and Lord Jia to talk.
Only Lord Jia seemed frozen in place, neither looking back nor moving.
Half of his body was hanging on the shaft of the cart, with one leg still on the ground. His gray hair was disheveled, and his rough clothes had no texture. He was completely different from his usual self.
Yang Sheng staggered and hurried into the carriage, his urgency obvious.
But when he was only three or two steps away from Lord Jia, he slowed down his pace and became timid in his movements.
"Dad?" Yang Sheng looked at the hunched back in front of him. Where was his father's former uprightness?
An uncontrollable feeling of sourness surged up and rushed into Yangsheng's eyes. In an instant, he was in tears.
Jia Ren remained in a stalemate and did not respond.
"Father, it's me." Yang Sheng asked tentatively, thinking that his father hadn't heard him clearly. "I'm Yang Sheng."
Jia Ren closed his eyes and tried hard to suppress the reluctance in his heart.
Of course he knew it was Yang Sheng.
Over the past ten years, Yang Sheng had been raised by him personally in his Tongzhiyuan. How could he not know that this was Yang Sheng's voice?
Jia Ren stiffened his neck, unable to even swallow. His throat seemed to be blocked by something, and the slightest movement would make his eyes hot.
He was afraid that Yang would not come, but he was also afraid that Yang would come.
Jia Ren sighed. He had always argued with such eloquence that Cheng Lian wasn't worthy of being Yang Sheng's father. But what about him? Once exposed and escorted back home, with nothing to his name, how could he possibly be worthy of being Yang Sheng's father?
In the past, whether in public or in private, he never asked Yang Sheng to call him dad.
Now he is no longer worthy of being called "Father" by Yang Sheng.
He couldn't respond, which was for the best.
Only in this way can Yang Sheng not be burdened by him, can Yang Sheng continue to stay in Jiangyang Mansion, and can Yang Sheng live his own life.
It has nothing to do with whose son, nor with whose deputy, it’s just Yang Sheng himself.
Thinking of this, Jia Ren no longer hesitated. He lifted his legs and stepped onto the bicycle frame, sitting upright in the middle.
What comes into view is the mountains outside Jiangyang City and the fields in the distance, with crisscrossing paths and mountains and waters intertwined.
Gradually, the scenery in front of me began to blur.
But Jia Ren still kept his neck stiff and refused to look back.
Wen Yu watched everything happening in front of her quietly.
The relationship between father and son is fake, but the friendship is real.
Unable to bear it, Wen Yu pulled Song Linsheng's sleeve and asked softly, "Master Jia, why did he..."
Song Linsheng, who was also looking ahead, shook his head slightly. Perhaps everyone has his own ideas.
However, although Yang Sheng had been elusive these past few days, he hadn't behaved abnormally. So, had he heard the conversation between the Tongzhiyuan and him?
Seeing this, Mu Tong, who was closer to the carriage, waved his hand and asked the guards and officials on one side to retreat further, including himself.
Yang Sheng waited for a long time but there was no response from his father. He raised his sleeve to wipe away his tears, and his vision finally became clear for a moment, but he saw that his father had already gotten into the car.
Without caring about his father's teachings in the past, Yang Sheng didn't care about any manners or postures. He crawled on his knees towards the carriage and finally knelt in front of the shaft.
"Dad, I am..." Yang Sheng was about to call again.
Jia Ren in the car spoke up, "Who is your father?"
After saying this, even his own heart began to tremble.
This sentence was very common in the past. He often used it to tease Yang Sheng, and Yang Sheng never got angry about it.
However, times have changed. Now, when he said it again, it was like a needle thorn, not only cutting into Yangsheng's heart, but also hurting his soul.
He spoke so harshly that Yang Sheng had reason to hate him.
However, the expected anger and screaming did not happen, and instead, Yang Sheng's childish yet steady voice was heard.
"I know you are not my father." Yang Sheng lowered his eyes and looked at his knees kneeling on the ground.
In all the more than ten years he had lived, the only person he had ever knelt to was his father.
This sentence seems ordinary, but it is like a thunderclap in the ears of everyone present.
Song Linsheng and Wen Yu looked at each other, and could clearly see the other's serious surprise.
Could it be that the person outside the Tongzhi Court that day was really Yang Sheng?
Jia Ren stood upright with his back stiff. The scenery in front of him changed from blurry to clear, and then from clear to blurry again.
Yang Sheng... do you know everything?
Yang Sheng sobbed twice, raised his sleeve to wipe the tears from his face, then looked up firmly at Jia Ren's back on the frame.
"You are not my father, but I am your son." Yang Sheng's words were so powerful that no one could refute them. "If you want to leave, I will definitely go with you."
After saying this, without waiting for Jia Ren to respond, Yang Sheng lifted his robe and walked towards Song Linsheng.
Wen Yu saw Yang Sheng approaching Song Linsheng with a fierce aura, completely different from the one he had shown earlier in the mansion. Suddenly, Wen Yu unconsciously took a step forward and blocked Song Linsheng's way.
Song Linsheng held Wen Yu's hand and shook his head at her.
He has no grudges or connections with Yang Sheng, so nothing will happen.
Jia Ren was so shocked that he didn't have time to recover. When he turned around, he saw Yang Sheng kneeling before Lord Song.
Song Linsheng and Wen Yu were both shocked. What was Yangsheng going to do?
Yang Sheng stared up at Song Linsheng, and then, as if he had made up his mind, he leaned forward and said in a deep voice, "I beg Master Song to allow me to return home with Master Jia and serve him as a filial son."
"Please help me, Lord Song." Yang Sheng said.
Although he had always felt that Lord Song was superior to his father since he had just arrived, and had been dissatisfied with him in many ways, since he had last visited the Song residence and sought Lord Song's help, he knew that Lord Song was truly a virtuous and kind person.
This is also the reason why he had the courage to come and ask Lord Song for help.
Song Linsheng lowered his eyes to look at the kneeling Yang Sheng. His childish voice and figure were not much different from Xi Yan's. Although he was still a teenager, he had such courage.
Even he couldn't help but admire it.
However, he could not forget what he had promised Lord Jia.
"Lord Jia hopes you'll stay at the Jiangyang government office." Song Linsheng slowed his voice and advised, "It's not just for your daily life, it will also be of great benefit to your official career."
"Don't worry, even without Lord Jia, you still have a place in the government office." Song Linsheng added. He was afraid that Yang Sheng had the idea of following Lord Jia because he was alone.
Unexpectedly, Yang Sheng stood up, looked up at Song Linsheng for a moment, and then shook his head without hesitation.
"That's not what I want. I just want to be with my father all the time."
Song Linsheng nodded. He didn't want to interfere with other people's cause and effect or decisions, but since he was entrusted by Lord Jia, he naturally had to explain the various interests to Yangsheng.
"If you leave Jiangyang Prefecture, you will have to earn your own future." Song Linsheng advised softly.
No matter what decision Yang Sheng makes, he will not stop him.
However, he hoped that Yang Sheng would think it over carefully before making a conclusion.
Yang Sheng nodded, the firmness and determination in his eyes remained unchanged. It seemed that Song Linsheng's words did not shake him at all.
"If I want a future, I will earn it myself." Yang Sheng's face was full of determination. "I am well-versed in poetry and literature, and I am young and strong. I can definitely support myself and my father."
"Please grant me your blessing, Lord Song." Yang Sheng bowed deeply again.
Song Linsheng was unwilling to accept such a generous gift. He helped Yangsheng up and said to him, "It's a good thing for young people to have ambition. You just need to convince your father, and I won't interfere."
Yang Sheng originally stood up hesitantly, and his slow movements revealed his thoughts clearly.
After hearing Lord Song's approval, Yang Sheng hurriedly thanked him and headed towards the convoy.
"Dad, Dad..." Yang Sheng's face was still covered with tears, but his smiling eyes were not fake.
Mixed joys and sorrows, equal parts happiness and sorrow.
He trotted all the way to the carriage in which Jia Ren was riding, and without being told, he took the reins on the horse's neck.
"Father, Lord Song has already agreed to my request. You are not allowed to object now." For the first time, Yang Sheng felt that it was good that Lord Song was one level higher than his father. Just like now, his father would definitely not disobey his order.
Then he could use the name of Lord Song and return home with his father.
Yang Sheng talked to himself, took the reins and walked forward, not even looking at Jia Ren on the carriage.
He didn't want to hear his father say no, nor did he want to hear him say anything against his will. Since it was all words of rejection, it would be better not to say anything.
Anyway, he has made up his mind. No matter what, he only has one father.
That was Jia Ren, who was two or three steps behind him.
Before me are boundless mountains, behind me the ever-flowing Yuan River. And in between, there are the great and the small, the father and the son, the past that need not be entangled and the future that is unfolding.
Yang Sheng believed that there would be a day when his father would let go and accept him as his son.
Jia Ren remained silent. He wanted to say something cruel, something to drive Yang Sheng away, and told him that Yang Sheng must stay in the Jiangyang government office.
Even if he starts from the lowest level as an official, he will surely achieve something after working hard for three to five years.
With some pointers from Lord Song, Yang Sheng will surely have a future.
But now, it's all his fault.
He couldn't say anything, because he realized that deep down, he... he was also selfish...
But……
Jia Ren lowered his eyes and looked at the silly boy in front of him who was pulling the horse with a satisfied look on his face, but the hint of worry in his eyes made him uneasy.
However, if one day Yang Sheng discovered the truth about his birth and Cheng Lian’s death, what would he do then?
They looked at each other in silence, only silence accompanied the sound of horse hooves.
Seeing that Lord Song had no intention of stopping them, Mu Tong quickly waved his hand and asked the rest of the officials in the convoy to follow.
For a moment, the convoy carrying Jia Ren moved forward slowly, heading towards the distant blue sky.
Song Linsheng and Wen Yu stood there, watching the frame of the car getting farther and farther away under the setting sun, and finally turning into a bean-sized black shadow and disappearing into the distance.
Wen Yu lowered her head. Before she could ask Yang Sheng if the person outside the Tongzhi Courtyard that day was him, and if he had already known her life story...
Wen Yu did not ask until Yang Sheng's figure disappeared.
Could it be that even though he already knew his own life experience, he still chose to travel with Lord Jia?
After a long silence, Song Linsheng on the side whispered, "White horse with reed flowers, white horse with reed flowers."
Wen Yu silently recited these eight words in her heart, and tilted her head to look at Song Linsheng, "What do you mean by this?"
Before Song Linsheng could reply, Lord Mu, who had returned from the front, happened to be in front of Wen Yu. He took over the conversation and answered Wen Yu's questions.
"This means that a white horse enters the reeds. It is not a reed, but after a long time, it thinks it is also a reed." Mu Tong shook his head and added another sentence.
“Therefore, no matter how far one goes, one should never forget who one is. This is how one should act in the world.”
The original appearance.
Wen Yu chewed over these five words in his mind. Was he really talking about Lord Jia?
She glanced at Song Linsheng in confusion and tugged at his sleeve.
Song Linsheng then lowered his eyes to look at Wen Yu and nodded gently, "Yes."
He seemed to know what Wen Yu was thinking. He raised his head and looked at the distant, crisscrossing paths, which was the direction where Lord Jia's carriage was heading.
"Lord Jia was once a good official who made great contributions and benefited the people, but..."
Song Linsheng paused, then sighed helplessly, "It's just that I walked so far that I forgot why I set out."
It was Lord Jia who eliminated the banditry, and it was also Lord Jia who neglected to let Cheng Lian go.
It was Lord Jia who adopted Yang Sheng, and it was also Lord Jia who persecuted Chen Mian for no reason.
Merits and demerits may be offset, but good and evil cannot be equal.
Over time, the white horse reed flowers have become intertwined and inseparable.
Who can truly see what is a white horse and what is reed catkins?
Wen Yu seemed to understand but not quite, and was savoring the meaning behind it.
But then Lord Mu beside him put away his folding fan, patted his other hand, and exclaimed in admiration: "Lord Song's insight is profound, and I admire you."
Wen Yu raised her eyes and glanced at Lord Mu, feeling puzzled. This was not the time to talk about this.
As expected, Song Linsheng paused after hearing this, as if stunned for a moment, and then with an inexplicable smile on the corner of his lips, he stopped Lord Mu who was about to leave.
"No, Master Mu is a very skilled person. I admire him."
Mu Tong froze as he took a step forward, and then he took his foot back and stood still, practicing Tai Chi with Song Linsheng.
"Your Excellency is full of praise, Your Excellency is full of praise."
Song Linsheng's eyes flickered, his shrewd expression evident. "Linsheng has one more thing that I haven't had time to discuss with Master Mu. I hope Master Mu can give me some pointers."
Mu Tong choked, his breath stuck in his throat. He really was... why did he bother to say this? Now he had to accept this hot potato or not.
"I dare not give you any advice. Sir Song, if you have anything to say, please speak frankly. I will certainly tell you everything I know."
Wen Yu looked from Mu Tong to her left, then from Song Linsheng to her right, not knowing what they were talking about. She took a step back, crossed her arms, and decided to watch the show from the sidelines.
If these two people fight, she must be careful not to get any sparks on her.
Wood is very afraid of fire.
Song Linsheng raised the corners of his lips, a smile that was full of meaning. He then spoke slowly, "I'm still very curious about how Lord Mu found those files."
In the government finance department, all the case files from ten years ago disappeared. He searched the entire Jiangyang government office but could not find any trace of them.
Although it goes without saying that Lord Jia must have hidden it in advance to prevent him from discovering any clues, how did Lord Mu find it?
So that's what happened. Wen Yu pricked up his ears and listened clearly.
At this moment, Wen Yu, who was always looking for trouble, seemed to be in deep thought for a moment before agreeing repeatedly, "Yes, how did Lord Mu find those files?"
This time it was Mu Tongzuo's turn to look at Wen Yu and tell her to stop making trouble, then look at Song Linsheng to beg him for mercy.
Mu Tong complained in his heart. When he wanted to find the file, Lord Song didn't say that he wanted to investigate the origin of the file.
What if he stole or robbed?
Mu Tong frowned tightly and replied to Song Linsheng: "Oh, the prefect——"
"Didn't I say that he has a plan, and I have a ladder. If I want to find the files—"
"Of course, some extraordinary measures were used."
Mu Tong explained to Song Linsheng with a smile.
Song Linsheng remained unmoved, clearly dissatisfied with Lord Mu's response. He raised an eyebrow and repeated, "Oh? Extraordinary measures?"
"That's right!" Mu Tong nodded vigorously, fearing that Master Song wouldn't believe him. "Extraordinary measures!"
Just as Mu Tong was wondering whether Lord Song would continue to ask questions, a loud noise came from behind, saving him from danger.
Song Linsheng looked back in the direction of the sound and found that it was the people in the city who had gathered together to watch the excitement.
By now, Master Jia's motorcade had long since vanished, so naturally there was nothing much for the crowd to see. It was getting late, and everyone dispersed, returning to the city to set up stalls or open businesses, each busy with their own business.
Seeing this, Mu Tong felt relieved and let out a long breath. He agreed, "Everyone has dispersed. Why don't we go back to the city?"
After he finished speaking, without waiting for Song Linsheng and Wen Yu to respond, Mu Tong took the lead and walked back, not forgetting to call Song Linsheng and the others to follow.
"We've been busy for most of the day. It's time for lunch, not to mention breakfast." Mu Tong straightened his sleeves as he walked. He loved cleanliness the most. In such a crowded place, he would not have walked in front if it weren't for Lord Song and Madam Wen following behind him.
"Mrs. Wen, have you had breakfast?" Mu Tong asked with concern.
Wen Yu and Song Linsheng followed closely behind, and returned together with Yu Mutong.
Hearing his question, Wen Yu answered truthfully, "Not yet. Now is a good time to go back."
Chatting silently like this, the three of them walked towards where the bicycle racks were parked.
As they were walking, an old man's voice came through the crowd and came straight to Song Linsheng and the other two.
"Second Young Master—Second Young Master—" Although the voice sounded old and vicissitudes of life, it was extremely powerful and strong. It seemed to ring in the ears even though it was quite far away.
Wen Yu stopped where she was and couldn't help but tiptoe to look around. She was very familiar with the voice, but she couldn't really recognize it and couldn't say the other person's name out loud.
Why is it so fashionable today? The voice has arrived before the person even shows up.
Mu Tong glanced sideways. He was the only child in the family, and few in the mansion would call him the Second Young Master. Mu Tong looked at Lord Song beside him and said, "Lord Song, I guess they are calling you Lord?"
Song Linsheng nodded slightly, confirming Mu Tong's words. He supported Wen Yu's arm, telling her not to bother standing on tiptoe, and bowed his head to explain to her, "It's Uncle Song."
Wen Yu, steadied by Song Linsheng's strength, looked puzzled as he looked up and asked, "Uncle Song? Why is Uncle Song here at this hour?"
Song Linsheng hesitated for a moment, thought about it for a moment, and then shook his head silently.
Obviously, he didn't know the reason.
As the voices called out from far away, Wen Yu and the other two stopped and waited. Not long after, the person finally crossed the crowd and came before her.
The man was dressed in an indigo robe, with his hair tied up high, and always had a kind expression.
It’s really Uncle Song.
"Second Master, Madam Wen." Uncle Song spoke with measured manners, greeting everyone present one by one. When he came across Lord Mu, whom he was not familiar with, he also respectfully called out, "And how is this Lord?"
Song Linsheng frowned slightly and nodded to signal to Song Bo.
Lord Mu beside him also replied with a smile: "I'm fine, of course I'm fine."
As long as your second son doesn't ask him about the case files, he will be fine.
Wen Yu nodded repeatedly, and then couldn't wait to ask, "Uncle Song, why are you outside the city at this time?"
Song Bo has a lot of complicated affairs to deal with every day. Not only does he have to take care of the accounts and purchases in the mansion, but now there are also A Yuan and a few other young boys who are always pestering Song Bo to play with him. How can he have time to go out of the city?
When Uncle Song heard Wen Yu ask this question, he seemed quite surprised. He turned around and glanced at the distant mountain mists and clouds outside the city, and replied, "I am here to see Lord Jia off as he returns home."
After he finished speaking, the puzzled look on Song Bo's face did not fade. He asked, "Didn't the Second Young Master and Madam Wen come here for this matter?"
"Yes." Wen Yu answered affirmatively.
But she always felt that something was strange. Uncle Song was so busy every day, so why did he get up so early today to come and see Lord Jia off?
Could it be that you are here to join in the fun?
But Wen Yu couldn't ask this question. Uncle Song was so good to her and Song Linsheng, how could she ask him this?
Even if he really was there to watch the fun, as long as he really had the free time, what was the big deal about watching the fun?
Wen Yu glanced sideways at Song Linsheng beside her, and seeing that he was frowning and silent, she didn't say anything more.
But, she always felt something was weird?
Mu Tong remained silent. His eyes swept between the other three people and he immediately understood.
He clapped his folding fan and said, "It turns out that old man also likes to watch the fun!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of the three people present were all focused on Mu Yi.
Song Linsheng remained calm and did not react.
Wen Yu stared at Mu Tong with admiration. He was worthy of being Lord Mu. He had his own way of speaking and doing things. Even these words coming out of his mouth did not sound abrupt.
Only Uncle Song was left with a look of surprise, somewhat bewildered. "Watching the excitement? What's so exciting about this?"
"Lord Jia has suffered so much for Jiang Yang. Now that he's down on his luck, how can I say I'm here to see him off? I'm just watching the fun."
As soon as Song Bo said this, it was like thunder suddenly roaring and rain falling on a lake. The smooth lake surface was stirred up with waves that could not be calmed for a long time.
Wen Yu and the other two were startled and looked at each other quickly. An inexplicable guess arose in their hearts.
Song Linsheng raised his head sharply and faced Uncle Song.
What Lord Song meant by what he said just now was that Lord Jia was in trouble in Jiangyang Prefecture?
"Uncle Song, I wonder what you mean by this?"
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The author has something to say: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided me with nutrient solution between 2023-12-09 21:53:41 and 2023-12-10 19:43:22~
Thanks to the little angel who cast the mine: 1 uh oh;
Thank you very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!
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