Tang Ning settled down in Jiyun Alley, and the Lu family remained extremely quiet. On the surface, everything seemed calm, but the effects of the commotion which happened at the Qian family that day had not subsided in the slightest. Meanwhile, the members of the Song family, along with Song Jinxiu, had been living in extreme turmoil for several days.
Previously, Song Hong believed that Tang Ning was easy to manipulate and hadn't properly handled Song Shulan's past. The fact that her biological mother was an illegitimate concubine was not something that could be hidden from those with keen insight. Once it was discovered that this illegitimate daughter of the Song family was indeed born outside, the Song family's reputation would be dragged into the spotlight for trying to pass off a mistress’ daughter as a legitimate one. This brought shame to the legitimate heirs and nearly endangered the surviving children of the second branch, putting the entire Song family in the crosshairs.
Not long after the morning court session began, both Song Hong and Song Jinxiu were impeached by the censors—one for failing to manage his household, the other for lacking personal integrity. Although Emperor An did not reprimand them in court, after the morning session, he ordered that the Song father and son remain in the palace.
The spring sunlight grew brighter, and the dazzling light stung the eyes. Song Hong and Song Jinxiu stood outside the Yuzheng Hall, the vermilion doors tightly shut. The various officials and palace attendants passing by cast all sorts of glances at them—mocking, disdainful, or simply watching the spectacle. These stares made the father and son feel increasingly embarrassed and angry. Even the usually composed and proud Song Hong found his face flushed and his neck thick with shame, wishing he could dig a hole to bury himself in.
"Why is Lord Cao so determined to make things difficult for Song Hong?" someone asked quietly nearby.
Standing beside him was none other than the Censor-in-Chief, Cao Dejiang, who had impeached the Song father and son that morning. Hearing this, Cao Dejiang coldly replied, "When have I ever made things difficult for anyone? It is the Song family who failed to uphold virtue, tarnishing the reputation of the esteemed ministers and disgracing the court. I am merely fulfilling my duty as a censor."
"But after all, this matter with the concubine's daughter is just a family affair..."
"A family affair? If one cannot manage oneself or one's household, how can one govern the world? Moreover, the Song family owes much of its current standing to the late Grand Tutor's influence. Song Hong's current position would have been unattainable without the Grand Tutor's support. Now that the Grand Tutor has passed away, the Song family dares to humiliate his bloodline like this—how could I stand idly by?"
Though the two men stood a short distance away, Cao Dejiang made no effort to lower his voice, ensuring that the Song father and son heard every word.
"Had it not been for the Grand Tutor's protection after the death of the old Duke, the Song family's title would have been revoked long ago. With the Song family's current capabilities, they would struggle to even maintain a position of influence, let alone aspire to the rank of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat."
"The Song family has prospered in court largely due to the Grand Tutor's legacy, but after the death of Lady Rong, they dare to mistreat her surviving child. Do they really think the Rong family is powerless?"
Cao Dejiang cast a cold glance at Song Jinxi.
"Jade Terrace Prince... ha!"
With a flick of his sleeve, he walked away, his sneering laughter full of disdain. Song Hong's face turned an ashen green, while Song Jinxiu was so humiliated he wished he could disappear.
Inside Yuzheng Hall, Emperor An, having heard the eunuch's report about the scene outside, chuckled and shook his head. "Lord Cao is as sharp-tongued as ever. I remember he and the Grand Tutor never got along, yet I never expected him to stand up for the Song family's little girl."
Xiao Yan responded calmly, "Lord Cao and the Grand Tutor differed only in political matters, but they were peers and pillars of the court, so there was a mutual respect between them. Besides, the Song family has recently been too close to the aristocratic factions. It wouldn't hurt to give them a little lesson, Your Majesty."
"You're as shrewd as always," Emperor An said, casting a sidelong glance at him.
He walked over to the chessboard and sat down before inviting Xiao Yan, "Come and play a game with me."
Xiao Yan stepped over, his dark purple robe brushing the edge of the table as he sat opposite the Emperor.
As Emperor An placed a white stone on the ebony chessboard, he asked, "I heard you gave that house in Jiyun Alley to that little girl from the Song family?"
"I didn’t give it to her. The Princess of Cheng paid thirteen thousand taels of silver for it."
"Don’t try to fool me. How many people have tried to buy that house from you? You wouldn't sell it for thirty or even fifty thousand taels, yet now you practically gave it away to that girl. What's this, do you find her especially endearing?"
Xiao Yan, ignoring Emperor An’s teasing gaze, seemed entirely unaffected by the probing in the Emperor’s words. He simply placed a black stone on the board, his eyes lowered as he replied, "She is indeed a bit endearing. Otherwise, I wouldn't have picked her up on such a large mountain."
"You know I’ve been preoccupied with the grain transport issue lately. Those aristocratic families are as tough as a turtle’s shell, impossible to crack. I was at my wits' end when heaven took pity on me and sent this little piece of luck my way. Of course, I cherish it dearly."
Emperor An burst out laughing. "You’re truly heartless, showing no tenderness at all."
"I’m a useless man, who would I show tenderness to?"
"But isn't the poor girl pitiful?"
"I saved her life and gave her a place to live. What’s pitiful about that? If I hadn't, she would have fallen to her death at the bottom of that mountain cliff—now that would have been pitiful."
Emperor An seemed amused, his lingering suspicion dispelled. As he observed the growing number of pieces on the chessboard, he remarked, "It’s just like you to speak without any tact. Still, the Song family has indeed become too conspicuous lately. Song Hong has gotten too close to the Empress and her son. It’s time they were given a warning."
After a pause, he added, "Have you seen the Song family's concubine's daughter? What does she look like?"
Xiao Yan frowned slightly. "She has two eyes, one nose, and quite a pale face..."
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Emperor An laughed even harder, his hand trembling as he held the chess piece. Of course, how could he expect a eunuch to care about a woman's appearance? It was as absurd as asking a monk about combs.
His mood, clouded earlier by the morning court's struggles with the aristocrats, now brightened considerably. Placing another piece on the board, he said to Xiao Yan, "It's fortunate you don’t have to take a wife, otherwise you'd drive the poor girl mad. But since you seem to have some affection for that little Song girl and have recognized her as your sworn sister, make sure to protect her well."
"As for the Song family, don’t worry about them. That ducal title has been left vacant for too long. I was considering allowing Song Hong to inherit it, as a gesture of respect for the late Duke, but if he can't even manage his own household, then there’s no need to keep the title for him."
What he disliked most was getting too close to the noble families.
More pieces appeared on the chessboard as Emperor An's expression grew obscure.
"Recently, Lu Chongyuan has become increasingly bold, pressing me step by step in the court, trying to force me to back down at every turn. In the past, he at least considered my dignity and held back somewhat, but today he opposes even my desire to build an Immortal Platform. He's almost riding on my head. I absolutely cannot tolerate his arrogance."
Xiao Yan, observing the emperor's sudden cold fury, calmly placed a piece:
"Your Majesty need not worry. The Lu family's current arrogance stems from their humiliation and anger over the matter of the grain tax. It also reveals their inner fear and lack of patience."
"I am at Your Majesty's service. I will ensure the noble families are eradicated, restoring clarity to the court."
Hearing this, Emperor An's gloominess dissipated, returning to his gentle demeanor.
"You understand me best."
Relaxing, he added, "The pills you offered me earlier have been very effective. Lately, I feel full of vitality. You deserve a reward for this. What would you like?"
Xiao Yan lowered his head and replied, "Serving Your Majesty is my greatest honor. Everything I have is a result of your grace. I only wish for Your Majesty's longevity, nothing more."
The emperor burst into hearty laughter, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder as he laughed, "You are always so considerate."
"Only you can put my mind at ease."
After the game, Xiao Yan tactfully lost to the emperor.
Winning by just half a piece against Xiao Yan, who was known for his extraordinary intelligence, left Emperor An feeling refreshed, as if all the earlier gloom had been lifted. He then led his accompanying eunuchs to the harem, completely forgetting about the father and son of the Song family still standing outside.
Xiao Yan rose and left the hall, wiping his shoulder with a handkerchief in disgust where the emperor had patted him.
"Director, Minister Song and his son are still standing outside."
Xiao Yan tossed the handkerchief away and glanced at the father and son, who were now dizzy from the sun: "The emperor has gone to Lady Chenfei's place. He didn't give any orders and only mentioned that he might remember to summon them later."
The guard immediately understood.
It seemed the rumors were true—the Song family had indeed offended Director Xiao.
Everyone knew that once the emperor entered the harem, he wouldn't return to the main hall until the next day.
The guard didn't dare to say more and returned to his post in front of the hall. The father and son of the Song family stood there from morning until afternoon, their faces pale from the heat. When they tried to ask someone about the emperor's intentions, the guards at the door only said there were no instructions from the emperor. Though their legs were weak from standing, neither dared to leave.
Both were usually privileged, but after having breakfast before the morning court, they hadn't had a drop of water or a grain of rice all day. They stood there until their legs trembled and they felt dizzy.
As night finally fell and the palace guards lit the lanterns, the palace grew quiet.
They didn't know how long they had been standing there when someone finally came to tell them they could leave.
With pale faces, Song Jinxiu, limping, supported his father, Song Hong, who was also weak-kneed. The two stumbled out of the palace, their disheveled appearance drawing the attention of everyone they passed, making Song Jinxiu wish he could faint on the spot.
Once they managed to sit in the carriage, and were taken back to the Song Duke's residence, Madam Song and the eldest madam hurried out to meet them.
"What happened? Why are you so late returning?"
They should have been home by the afternoon, but neither father nor son had returned.
It was already near midnight, the palace gates were locked, and both Zou Shi, Song Jinxiu's mother, and the old madam were extremely anxious.
Song Hong and his son were helped inside by the servants. As they sat down, their legs hurt so much they almost couldn't feel them.
After gulping down several cups of tea, Song Hong, his face still pale, said, "This morning at court, Jinxiu and I were impeached by Lord Cao, which angered the emperor. We stood outside the main hall all day."
Zou Shi's face changed dramatically: "Why did Lord Cao impeach you? We have no old grudges with the Cao family."
"It's all because of Tang Ning!"
Song Hong's face twisted in anger. Mentioning Tang Ning left no trace of his usual gentleness.
"When Tang Ning caused that commotion earlier, I knew the connections left by Lord Rong would backfire. But I didn't expect that before Lord Rong's old friends could even act, Lord Cao would strike against me first."
Cao Dejiang and Lord Rong had never gotten along, often clashing in court. Who would have thought that after Lord Rong passed, Lord Cao would step in to defend his bloodline?
The old madam's eyes darkened: "What did the emperor say?"
"The emperor said nothing, didn't scold us, but this cold treatment worries me."
If he had been scolded, he could have defended himself, but the emperor's cold indifference left them standing in the hall, subject to everyone's gaze.
Song Hong's lips were cracked and painful when he spoke.
"Mother, Lord Cao accused us of failing to manage our household, claiming Jinxiu lacked private virtue. He even used the matters of Shulan and Tang Ning to attack me. If the emperor really despises us for this, then the Duke's title..."
The old madam's expression turned grim.
Zou Shi looked at the pale and miserable Song Hong and Song Jinxiu, her eyes red with anger as she saw her son's trembling legs.
"I always knew that Tang Ning was nothing but trouble. Over such a trivial matter, she caused a city-wide scandal, leaving a mess for you to clean up. Now, she's even brought it before the emperor. Is she trying to destroy us?"
The Song family's reputation had always been good, and the Lu family had also lent their support. The title was almost within reach, but now Tang Ning had ruined everything.
Zou Shi spoke with deep resentment:
"If we lose the Duke's title, and Jinxi's reputation is damaged, causing the emperor to despise him, I won't let Tang Ning off..."
"Enough, do you think you haven't caused enough trouble already?" the Old Madam of the Song family coldly reprimanded, seeing Zou Shi's continued anger. With a cold expression, she scolded, "When you were doing this, you should have cleaned up after yourselves. You wanted to keep someone, but you didn't cover up their identity properly, and now you're blaming others for using that against you?"
Song Hong's face was grim. How could he have expected the always obedient and compliant Song Tangning to suddenly become so unyielding?
The Old Madam took a deep breath. Though she was also furious about the trouble Tangning had caused and angry at her disregard for the family's interests, this was not the time to let anger take over. The priority was to find a way to bring Song Tangning back.
The gossip outside was nothing more than speculation about Song Shulan’s identity and accusations that they had allowed an illegitimate daughter to bully the legitimate one, nearly costing her life. They could send Song Shulan away from the mansion to a remote location for some time. As long as Song Tangning returned home, the appearance of harmony within the Song family would gradually quiet the rumors. The capital was always full of new scandals; soon enough, no one would remember the Song family's troubles.
Song Jinxiu looked troubled. "Tangning won't be easy to persuade back."
That night, despite his pleas and Shulan's begging and kowtowing, Tangning remained unmoved. It seemed she was determined to embarrass the Song family and make them suffer.
"Tangning likely hates me deeply and cannot tolerate Shulan’s presence. That night, she even mentioned breaking off the engagement with the Lu family. To avoid seeing Xie Yin, she left the Cheng Palace that very night and moved to Jiyun Lane with Xiao Yan. She isn't giving anyone any face."
"Then let's involve the Lu family. She likes Lu Zhiyuan so much; she must have said those things out of anger..." Zou Shi began, but Song Hong shook his head, interrupting her.
"The Lu family won't step in."
Even though Lu Zhiyuan was involved in the Shushan incident, Song Tangning didn't die, and while Lu Zhiyuan's actions were improper, they weren't severe enough to be punished. Unlike the Song family, who were being cornered because of Song Shulan's status, the censors weren’t criticizing the Shushan affair but rather the fact that Shulan, as an illegitimate daughter, was oppressing the legitimate one.
The Song family had lost all face today, and during the morning court session, Lu Chongyuan hadn’t uttered a word in their defense. At this point, the Lu family would prefer the Song family to bear the full brunt of the blame. How could they possibly push Lu Zhiyuan forward to shield the Song family?
The Old Madam's expression darkened. The Song family's predicament couldn't be delayed, and she couldn't allow Song Tangning to ruin the future of the Song family's sons. Moreover, the marriage with the Lu family couldn't be jeopardized. If Tangning kept acting out and offended the Lu family...
This matter had to be resolved quickly.
The Old Madam declared firmly, "She might refuse to see you, but she won't turn away her grandmother. I'll personally go to Jiyun Lane and ask her to come back."
She loved Tangning, but if Tangning blocked the Song family's path, she wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless.
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T/N: Zou Shi is the wife of Song Hong. In Ancient China women kept their father’s surnames. “Shi” means family. So Zou Shi means “wife from the Zou Family”. She might be referred to as Madam Song or First Madam by non family members because she is the wife of the first son but within the house (women rarely left home in ancient china) she is called Zou Shi.
None of them are good.
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