"Speaking of this matter, I have something to show you."
Song Yu took something out of his sleeve and gently placed it on the table.
It was a bronze-colored token with intricate patterns, including an eagle's head.
Jiang Wan paused for a moment: "This is... a token from the Donglai people?"
She had read in a book that the Donglai people lived on the grasslands and regarded the eagle as a symbol of good fortune.
“That’s right,” Song Yu said. “On the day of the siege, a man from Donglai was seriously injured. He begged me to spare his life and gave me this token, saying that he would repay me in the future.”
"You released him without permission?"
“Not bad.” Song Yu nodded, his eyes falling on the token. “I guess this person is the second prince of Donglai, Tuoba Hui.”
Jiang Wan asked in surprise, "Really?"
"I have heard that after the death of the King of Donglai, although the royal family has not established a new ruler, the power is controlled by the second prince. This man is brave and warlike, and has an extreme temperament. This attack on the capital was most likely his decision."
Song Yu said.
"Judging from the tense and respectful attitude of the other Donglai people towards him that day, his identity must be extraordinary. This person may be Tuoba Hui."
Jiang Wan took a deep breath, suppressing the surprise in her heart, and began to ponder.
If the imperial court were to capture the second prince of Donglai, the matter would certainly escalate, and might even lead to armed conflict.
Regardless of the waste of manpower and resources, when the Great Yong sends troops to meet the enemy, it will inevitably be the Song family army, and Song Ziyu will certainly be put to use.
Once he achieves military merit, all his past mistakes will be erased.
“You did the right thing.” Jiang Wan nodded. “It is not advisable for Dayong to go to war right now.”
"That's what I thought too, so I released the person."
Song Yu looked solemn.
"The people of Donglai outwardly submit to Dayong, yet they dare to provoke us in private, attacking officials and commoners in the capital. If one day I lead an army, I will surely crush Donglai, annihilate their wolfish ambitions, and make them completely submit, so that there can be true peace."
"This thing is useless to me, so I'll give it to Mother."
He placed the token in Jiang Wan's hand and said.
"Just now, Madam Yuan said that the family is currently in trouble and needs someone to support it. That's why she brought Song Lin back. Since I am often in the army, Song Lin will temporarily take charge of the affairs of the household. Mother, please be careful."
"Don't worry."
Jiang Wan nodded, then suddenly smiled.
"She wants to use Song Lin to put you in a better position, but the two of them may not be of one mind."
In the main courtyard, the doors and windows were tightly closed.
Gu Yurong ladled out a bowl of chicken soup and handed it to Song Lin, saying with concern, "My son, you've lost so much weight. Did you suffer much in prison?"
Song Lin shook his head and said angrily, "It's all because we were too hasty and got tricked by Xingzhi Academy!"
Not only did he lose a large sum of money, but he also offended the Ministry of Personnel, which will likely make his future career difficult.
"Fortunately, there's the old lady. I heard she made up for the three thousand taels of silver for you." Gu Yurong breathed a sigh of relief. "If you behave yourself for a while, didn't she say that once she pulls some strings and gets you a lighter sentence, you'll be completely fine?"
Song Yu sneered.
"Do you believe what she says?"
"Why would Mother baile me out? She just wanted to use me as a tool to fight against Song Yu! Once Father returns home, we'll be useless and can only be discarded. All those things she said to you were lies!"
"Have you forgotten what happened during the Lantern Festival? She told me to practice some kind of sword dance, then used me and abandoned me, causing me to lose face in the palace. It's all that old hag's fault!"
"And don't forget, she did visit her father in prison."
Song Lin said in a low voice.
"Ever since Father learned about Uncle's affair, he has been shunning us. Perhaps... he has already noticed the quack doctor's affair, but hasn't acted on it yet. As for Luhetang... he probably knows about it too."
"No way?" Gu Yurong clutched her chest, horrified. "Then... what should we do?"
“Don’t be afraid, Father hasn’t come out yet.” Song Lin sneered. “His crimes are serious, and he won’t be easily exonerated. That old hag Lu Hetang will have to plan carefully if she wants to save him; it won’t be that easy.”
A fierce glint appeared in his eyes: "He'd better never come out."
Gu Yurong looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“Mother, Uncle’s injuries have almost healed, right? Tell him to prepare well; this is a great opportunity for us,” Song Lin said.
Looking at his agitated expression, Gu Yurong suddenly felt a little nervous: "Lin'er, what exactly do you want to do?"
"Now the manor only has Luhe Hall and Xingzhi Courtyard. Jiang is too cunning, and that old hag is not difficult to deal with, is she?"
Song Lin said fiercely.
“These past two days I’ve noticed that things are starting to get chaotic at home. That old hag has put me in charge of the household affairs, and now I’m in charge of everything in the front yard, except for the back courtyard.”
"Let's finish her off first and take complete control of the family. Even if Father comes back alive, he won't be in charge of this family anymore!"
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