Chapter 31: Talking and Laughing

The carriage left the Su Manor. Song Mao lifted the curtain to look at the wind and snow outside, then turned to Song Kai to reconfirm the gifts they had prepared.

“The ginseng we bought last time... and then the calligraphy by Master Lin Fu... Hmm, put the ginseng in the middle, make it less conspicuous. Master Qin's favorite things are calligraphy and paintings; he’s sure to like this piece.”

Song Kai had been with Song Mao for many years, known for his caution and reliability. It was impossible for him to make a mistake with instructions already given; Song Mao's confirmation was merely due to having nothing else to do. He felt quite emotional about his recent conversation with Su Wenxing. His nephew's lack of ability and narrow perspective truly saddened him, but there was little he could do about it for now.

Of course, in terms of family affection, while Song Mao was close to the Su family, it was impossible to say there was a deep, blood-bound kinship between him and his sister and nephew. He hadn't had much contact with his cousin, who was the second mistress of the Su Manor, back in their hometown. Later, when he began to rise in prominence, the Su family invested a significant amount of money in him, an act of "sending charcoal in snowy weather" that he remembered well. However, this gratitude was primarily directed towards Elder Su and the Su family as a whole.

As time passed, he now held the position of Prefectural Governor. The Su Manor had once been a significant support behind him, but now it was merely the "icing on the cake." If the Second Branch of the Su family could control the entire family in the future, it would naturally bring him some benefits, though the relationship wouldn't be particularly strong. Su Wenxing was a closer relative to him after all, and if he could control the Su family, their interests would be more intertwined. However, given his nephew's aptitude, whether he could manage the Su family well was uncertain, and it might even become a burden to Song Mao in the future.

On the other hand, if Su Tan'er controlled the Su family, that girl was capable and more astute in assessing situations. Given his status as Prefectural Governor, she would certainly try to curry favor, and this source of support would remain unchanged. Furthermore, due to his existence, even if his sister and nephew's branch couldn't gain control of the Su family's management, they would still retain their status as Su family members, possessing some minor power and ensuring a comfortable life. This way, it could serve as a link between him and the Su family, and perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing for the less capable Wenxing.

He was contemplating whether to make such a choice. Of course, with Elder Su still alive, he naturally considered family ties and felt closer to his sister and nephew. He had heard of the poem "Shui Diao Ge Tou" before. Recently, however, his inquiries had yielded some strange information. If the poet truly was a charlatan seeking fame, he would expose them simply out of consideration for his nephew's request. This was something to consider later that evening. He looked at the gifts, shook his head, and dismissed the thought.

Seeing his expression, the butler Song Kai handed him the gift list and smiled, "My lord, Lord Qin has been out of office for several years, but recently I've heard that the situation in the northern territories is complex, with frequent disputes between Jin and Liao. There are also voices in the imperial court calling for Lord Qin to return to office. My lord, do you think Lord Qin will make a comeback?"

Song Mao shook his head, pausing for a moment before speaking, "I fear it's very difficult. The circumstances of Master Qin's departure back then were complex. During the Treaty of Heishui, Master Qin took full responsibility, essentially taking the blame for others. If it were a common matter, it might be easier to discuss, but given the situation in recent years, I'm afraid his return to office will be difficult..."

For nearly a century, the Wu Dynasty had been weakening, and the Liao people constantly encroached upon its borders. The Wu Dynasty sought peace twice, and the resulting treaties were widely criticized. The Treaty of Tan Yuan, sixty-five years ago, was humiliating and practically extinguished the Wu Dynasty's will and possibility of reclaiming the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun. Six years ago, with the Treaty of Heishui, the annual tribute was nearly doubled, deeply wounding the hearts of many patriots.

At that time, when the Liao army advanced south, Qin Siyuan, then Minister of Personnel, strongly advocated for resistance, even personally supervising battles on the front lines. However, after several defeats on the front and the peace faction gaining the upper hand, it was decided to negotiate. Reportedly, a disheartened Qin Siyuan rushed back overnight from the front to undertake the mission of peace negotiations.

It was said that when he ascended the Golden Imperial Hall that day, he was still in his battle robe, his hair and beard dishevelled, his armor torn in several places, smoke-stained, and his hand injured. He appeared utterly tragic. Everyone thought he was about to make a desperate plea, even risking his life. The Emperor, who had only been on the throne for a year, quickly ordered his attendants to restrain him. To their surprise, he wasn't there to object; instead, he intended to shoulder the thankless task of peace negotiations.

Naturally, there were various opposing voices in the court at that time, claiming he was ineffective in supervising battles on the front lines and therefore unfit to bear the responsibility of peace negotiations, clearly intending to obstruct and sabotage the peace talks. However, those with some understanding generally knew that the defeats were not the fault of this civil official, the Minister. After two days of deliberation, the court indeed assigned him the responsibility for the peace talks.

Subsequently, with the Treaty of Heishui, the total annual tribute nearly doubled. However, considering the Wu Dynasty's circumstances, the Liao people agreed that any shortfall in money and silk could be offset by various items such as ceramics and curios. By this time, sixty years had passed since the Treaty of Tan Yuan, and Liao had developed significantly, increasing its demand for such goods. After the peace talks concluded, although the Emperor had no intention of punishing him, Qin Siyuan, disheartened, took full responsibility for the wartime defeats and the peace negotiations. Though released after a month in imperial prison, he sorrowfully resigned his post. He never returned to his hometown, merely stating, "This is an eternal disgrace; I have no face to see my family and elders." He then lived in seclusion in Jiangning, and has not been reinstated to this day.

"...I'm afraid even if the court truly reinstated Master Qin, given his state of mind, he wouldn't re-enter official life for several years," Song Mao mused, shaking his head. After a moment of silence in the carriage, Song Kai, remembering something, lowered his voice.

"My lord, I heard that Lord Qin was extremely capable in his duties back then. He seemed to disregard minor details in many matters, yet no one ever dared to criticize him for it. In recent years, disputes between Jin and Liao have been unceasing, and I've heard some theories that the Treaty of Heishui was designed considering the rising power of Jin at the time. Jin had repeatedly requested trade rights from Liao without success, so they supposedly used a large amount of luxury goods as bait to instigate conflict between the two nations. Several years before the Treaty of Heishui, there was already black market trade flowing between Wu and Jin. After the Treaty of Heishui was signed six years ago, the imperial court not only paid tribute to Liao but also secretly transported large quantities of porcelain, curios, and even cosmetics into Jin. There are also claims that the Emperor personally selected a batch of palace items to be sent out. And the following year, half of..."

Song Mao frowned, "Who told you this?"

"Our fourth young master once discussed this with someone. It seems to be his own speculation..."

"The fourth one," Song Mao sighed, "Using a nation's power as leverage for provocation—such an idea is far too fantastical. Ah Hui neglects his proper duties, spending his days idly fantasizing... But whether it's true or false, do not speak of it to others."

"I understand, my lord."

As they spoke, the carriage arrived at their destination. Strictly speaking, Song Mao and Qin Siyuan weren't true master and disciple. Qin Siyuan had overseen the Ministry of Personnel, and Song Mao later forged some connections. After Qin Siyuan left office, many people stopped associating with him due to the Treaty of Heishui. However, whenever Song Mao came to Jiangning, being a man who always paid attention to all details, he would always pay a visit as a disciple.

In his life philosophy, "sending charcoal in snowy weather" was better than "adding icing to the cake." Qin Siyuan's two sons were now also in officialdom. Although they currently held ranks below the fourth grade, Qin Siyuan had taken the blame for a large number of people back then. With his background, it was highly probable that the Emperor would greatly utilize them in the future. Especially considering the recent situation, the possibility of Qin Siyuan being reinstated in a few years was not entirely absent.

After going into seclusion in Jiangning, Qin Siyuan's residence was not luxurious—just a simple scholarly courtyard. Song Mao presented his calling card with the respectful demeanor of a disciple, and was soon invited inside. Only then did he discover that another guest was already present. Song Mao had not met this richly dressed old man before, but presumed his status was extraordinary. After an introduction from Elder Qin, Song Mao understood the man's identity.

He was Kang Xian Kang Mingyun, the Consort of Princess Chengguo. Although this elder did not involve himself in court affairs, he was the current Emperor's uncle-in-law and held an extremely high reputation in literary circles. To be able to meet him was naturally a great benefit to Song Mao, who was an official, so he immediately bowed in reverence, adopting the etiquette of a disciple.

Elder Qin usually didn't have much contact with this disciple, but Song Mao had visited annually for the past few years, so at this moment, Elder Qin naturally acted cordially. He had been appreciating calligraphy and paintings with Kang Xian and now pulled Song Mao, who had arrived at an opportune time, to join them. Song Mao was momentarily overwhelmed and flattered. Although talented, he was far inferior to these two men, so he dared not interrupt carelessly, but stood respectfully to the side, listening to their discussions. Only when occasionally addressed did he speak, mentally noting that he could pay a visit to Princess Chengguo's residence in a few days.

It was in this atmosphere that footsteps were heard from outside, followed by the voice of Lord Qin's concubine, Yun Niang: "They're admiring paintings in the study; young master, just go in... Oh, this is..." Elder Qin and Kang Xian were examining a long scroll. Kang Xian, while looking closely, casually remarked, "So he's here. I truly wonder what kind of item could surprise an old man like me..." Elder Qin chuckled. Then, someone pushed open the slightly ajar door and walked in.

This person seemed well-acquainted with both Kang Xian and Elder Qin. He wore a long blue robe and carried a jar. To Song Mao's surprise, the newcomer appeared to be only in his early twenties. The man entered, initially smiling and about to speak, but paused slightly upon seeing Song Mao. Song Mao thought this must be a younger relative of Kang Xian or Elder Qin and was about to introduce himself when Elder Qin spoke.

"Haha, Liheng, you've arrived! Come, come meet him. This is my former disciple, Song Mao, Song Yufan..."

The young man smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, "Brother Song, a pleasure to meet you."

Then, Song Mao heard Elder Qin say, "Yufan, this is a young friend of myself and Duke Ming..." He continued, "Ning Yi, Ning Liheng."

Song Mao's pupils subtly changed, then he revealed a simple, hearty smile: "Young Master Ning... Could you be Ning Yi, Ning Liheng, the author of 'When will the bright moon appear'? Haha, I've heard much about you."

After a few pleasantries, Kang Xian and Ning Yi casually began conversing. "Didn't you say you brought some good things? Are they in this jar?"

"Haha, of course," Ning Yi placed the jar on the table. "Brother Song is here too. Let's all try these century eggs today..."

Kang Xian paused slightly, then shook his head with a look that was almost a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "I was just wondering what kind of novelty you brought, only to find it's food. Young man, it's no exaggeration for me to say that there are truly few dishes or pastries in this world that I haven't tasted or seen. I'm afraid you might make a fool of yourself today... Oh, these look like salted duck eggs. Though their appearance is different, curing them like this will still only result in salted duck eggs. Are you suggesting you can cure them into a flower?"

Ning Yi smiled, "Indeed, I've cured them into a flower for you to see..."

Song Mao had little interest in sweet or salted eggs. As a Prefectural Governor, he felt constrained in the presence of these two distinguished men. Watching them converse and joke, and then seeing Yun Niang, the concubine, bring in a basin of clear water and some bowls and chopsticks from outside, appearing quite familiar with Ning Yi, Song Mao couldn't help but recall what he had witnessed at the library earlier that day, and his heart continued to be filled with shock...