The carriage left the Su mansion. Song Mao lifted the curtain and looked at the wind and snow outside. Then, he turned his head to Song Kai to confirm the gifts he had prepared.
"The ginseng I bought last time... and then the calligraphy I asked Lin Fu and Master Lin to write... Yes, the ginseng should be placed in the middle. It's not eye-catching. Master Qin likes calligraphy and paintings the most. This piece of calligraphy should be his favorite..."
Song Kai had been by Song Mao's side for many years. He was a cautious and reliable person. These things that he had already instructed could not be wrong. The reason why Song Mao confirmed it once was because he had nothing else to do. As for the conversation he had with Su Wenxing just now, he felt a little emotional. This nephew of his was not capable enough and did not have a broad vision. It made him sigh. However, at the moment, he really could not think of anything else.
Of course, in terms of kinship, although Song Mao was close to the Su family, it was impossible to say that he had any kinship with his younger sister and nephew. In his hometown, he did not have much contact with his cousin, who was the second wife of the Su mansion. Later, when he made a bit of a fortune, the Su family invested a large sum of money in him. He remembered this timely help in his heart. However, this was basically only for Su Taigong and the Su family.
Time passed, and now he was already the Zhizhou. In the past, the Su mansion was a great support behind him, but now it was just the icing on the cake. If the second branch of the Su family could control the entire Su family in the future, it would naturally be beneficial to him, but the relationship was actually not that great. After all, Su Wenxing and he were closer relatives. If he could control the Su family, everyone's interests would be closer. However, with his nephew's talent, whether or not he could manage the Su family well was in fact a question. In the future, he might even implicate him.
And if Su Tan'er controlled the Su family, that girl was capable and could judge the situation. With his status as the Zhizhou, she would definitely curry favor with him. In reality, this support would not change. And because of his existence, even if his younger sister and nephew could not manage the Su family, they would still retain their identity as members of the Su family. They would have some power and would not have to worry about food and clothing. In this way, they could become a link between him and the Su family. Perhaps for the incompetent Su Wenxing, it might not be a bad thing.
He hesitated in his mind about whether or not to make this choice. Of course, now that Su Taigong was still alive, he naturally cared about his kinship and was closer to his younger sister and nephew. He had heard of Shuidiao Getou's reputation before. Of course, after asking around recently, the information he received was a little fishy. If he was really a fame-seeking person, he would expose him for the sake of his nephew's request. This was something to think about at night. He looked at the gift, shook his head, and threw it to the back of his mind.
At this time, seeing his expression, the housekeeper Song Kai handed over the gift list and smiled. "Master, Master Qin has retired for many years, but recently I heard that the situation in the North has become complicated. The Jin and Liao have frequent disputes, and there are voices in the court for Master Qin to rise again. Master, do you think Master Qin will rise again?"
Song Mao shook his head and paused for a moment before speaking. "I'm afraid it will be very difficult. Master Qin left that day, and the situation was complicated. In the Blackwater Alliance, Master Qin shouldered all the blame, but in fact, he took the blame for others. If it was a normal matter, it would be easy, but with the situation in recent years, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to rise again … "
In the past hundred years, the Wu dynasty had been weak, and the Liao people had been violating the borders. The Wu dynasty had sued for peace twice, and the treaties they signed were all criticized by others. The Tanyuan Treaty 65 years ago humiliated the country and almost cut off the will and possibility of the Wu dynasty taking back the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun. Six years ago, in the Blackwater Alliance, the amount of New Year's Coins that had to be paid was almost doubled, and it was a ruthless stab in the hearts of many patriots.
When the Liao army invaded the south, Qin Siyuan, who was the Minister of Appointments, strongly advocated resistance, and even personally went to the frontlines to supervise the battle. However, the frontlines suffered several defeats, and the pro-peace faction gained the upper hand. After the decision to negotiate for peace, it was said that the somewhat disheartened Qin Siyuan rushed back from the frontlines overnight and took over the mission of negotiating for peace.
It was said that when he walked up to the throne room that day, he was still wearing his battle robe, his beard and hair were disheveled, his armor was torn in several places, and he was blackened by smoke and fire. His hand was also injured, and he looked extremely tragic. Everyone thought that he was going to use his life to remonstrate. At that time, the Minister, who had only been in office for a year, hurriedly called for someone to stop him. Who knew that he was not going to oppose, but actually wanted to shoulder the arduous and unrewarding task of negotiating for peace.
At that time, there were naturally all kinds of objections in the court, saying that he was not doing well in supervising the battle at the frontlines. How could he still bear the responsibility of negotiating for peace? It was obvious that he was trying to obstruct and destroy the peace negotiations. However, those who knew a little understood that the several defeats were not the responsibility of this Minister, who had always been a civil official. After this matter was discussed for two days, the upper echelons actually handed the responsibility of negotiating for peace to him.
After that, the Alliance of Blackwater almost doubled. However, considering the situation of the Wu dynasty, the Liao people agreed that if money and cloth were insufficient, they could use ceramics, curiosities, and other items to make up for it. At this time, the Alliance of Danyuan had already passed a cycle of sixty years. Liao had developed, and the demand for these items had also increased. After the conclusion of the peace negotiations, although at that time the Minister did not have any intention of punishing him, Qin Siyuan was disheartened. He resisted the many crimes of losing the battle and the peace negotiations. Although he was released after a month in prison, he still sadly hung up his hat and left. After that, he did not even return to his hometown. He only said, "This is an eternal infamy, and I have no face to see the elders of my hometown." He then lived in seclusion in Jiangning. Even to this day, he has not been revived.
"… I'm afraid that even if the upper echelons really let Master Qin come back, with his state of mind, within these few years … he will not come out of seclusion." Song Mao thought and shook his head. The carriage was silent for a moment. Song Kai thought of something and lowered his voice.
"Master, I heard that Qin Gonggong was very capable in the past. He did not seem to care about trivial matters, but no one dared to criticize him for this. In recent years, the Jin and Liao have been in constant conflict. I have also heard some rumors. It is said that the Alliance of Blackwater considered that the Jin Kingdom was growing stronger at that time. They repeatedly asked Liao for trade rights, but failed, so they designed to use a large number of luxury goods as bait to provoke the dispute between the two countries. A few years before the Alliance of Blackwater, there was a black market trade between Wu and Jin. Six years ago, after the Alliance of Blackwater was signed, the imperial court not only paid tribute to Liao, but also secretly shipped a large number of porcelain and ornaments to the Jin Kingdom. There is also a rumor that the Minister selected a batch of items from the imperial court and sent it out. And in the second year, half a year later … "
Song Mao frowned. "Who did you hear this from?"
"Fourth Young Master once discussed this with someone. It seems to be his own speculation …"
"Fourth Young Master." Song Mao sighed. "Using the power of a country as a bargaining chip to provoke the Jin Kingdom is too whimsical. Ah Hui does not do proper work and only thinks about it all day long … But whether it is true or false, do not tell others about it."
"I understand."
As they spoke, the carriage had arrived at its destination. Song Mao and Qin Siyuan were not really master and disciple. It was just that Qin Siyuan was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel and Song Mao had some connections with him. After Qin Siyuan left office, many people no longer had contact with Qin Siyuan because of the Alliance of Blackwater. But as long as they came to Jiangning, Song Mao, who had always been considerate, would come to visit as a disciple.
In his life motto, it was better to provide timely help than icing on the cake. Qin Siyuan's two sons were also in the officialdom. Although they were still below the fourth rank, Qin Siyuan had taken the blame for a large number of people. With his background, it was very likely that he would be used by the officials in the future. Especially looking at the recent situation, it was not impossible that Qin Siyuan would be revived in a few years.
After living in seclusion in Jiangning, the place where Qin Siyuan lived was not luxurious. It was only a simple courtyard with the fragrance of books. Song Mao presented his name card as a disciple and was invited in not long after. Only after that did Song Mao discover that there was another guest here. Song Mao had never seen this luxuriously dressed old man before. However, he guessed that this old man's identity was extraordinary. After Old Qin introduced him, Song Mao finally understood who he was.
Princess Cheng's son-in-law, Kang Xian, was Kang Mingyun. Although this old man did not involve himself in the court, he was the uncle of the current emperor and had a great reputation in the literary world. Being able to get to know him would naturally be of great help to him as an official. Song Mao hurriedly paid his respects as a disciple.
Normally, Elder Qin did not have much of a relationship with this disciple. However, for the past few years, he had come every year. At this time, he naturally behaved cordially. He was originally admiring some calligraphy and paintings with Kang Xian. At this time, he dragged Song Mao, who happened to be at the right time, over. Song Mao was momentarily overwhelmed by the favor. However, although he was talented, compared to these two people, he was still lacking. He did not dare to interrupt and only stood at the side respectfully, listening to the two people's discussion. Occasionally, when they asked him questions, he would then open his mouth to answer. In his heart, he thought that in a few days, he would be able to pay a visit to Princess Cheng's residence.
It was also in this kind of atmosphere that the sound of footsteps came from outside. Then, it was the voice of Qin Gong's concubine, Yunniang. "They are admiring paintings in the study. Young Master, please go in … uh, this is …" Elder Qin and Kang Xian were studying a long scroll. As Kang Xian looked carefully, he casually said, "They have indeed come. I really don't know what kind of object can surprise this old man …" Elder Qin then laughed. Then, someone pushed open the unlatched door and walked in.
This person seemed to be very familiar with Kang Xian and Qin Gong. He wore a long green robe and held a jar in his hand. What surprised Song Mao was that the person who came in looked like he was in his early twenties. The person came in with a smile and was about to say something, but when he saw Song Mao, he was slightly stunned. Song Mao thought that this person was probably Kang Xian and Qin Gong's nephew. He was about to introduce himself when Elder Qin spoke.
"Haha, Liheng, you are finally here. Come and meet me. This is my old disciple, Song Mao, Song Yufan …"
The young man smiled and cupped his hands. "Brother Song, nice to meet you."
Then, Song Mao heard Elder Qin say, "Yufan, this is my young friend Ming Gong and I …" He said, "Ning Yi, Ning Liheng."
Song Mao's pupils changed slightly, and then he showed a simple smile. "Young Master Ning … Could it be that when the moon appears, Ning Yi, Ning Liheng? Haha, it's an honor to meet you. "
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Kang Xian and Ning Yi started to casually chat, "Didn't you say that you had some good stuff to bring? Could it be that it's in this jar?"
"Haha, of course." Ning Yi put the jar on the table. "It just so happens that Brother Song is also here. Today, let's have a taste of this century egg …"
Kang Xian was slightly stunned. Then, he shook his head as if he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I was just thinking about what kind of novel thing it was, but I didn't expect it to be food. Ning Yi, boy, I'm not boasting about this. In today's world, there are really not many snacks and dishes that I have never eaten. I'm afraid you are going to make a fool of yourself today … Oh, this looks like a salted duck egg. Although it looks different, after being pickled, it is nothing more than a salted duck egg. Could it be that you can pickle a flower out of it … "
Ning Yi laughed. "I pickled a flower out of it for you to see …"
Song Mao didn't have much interest in sweet or salted eggs. He was now the Zhizhou, so he had always been restrained in front of these two people. At this time, he watched them chatting and laughing. Then, the concubine, Yunniang, came in with a basin of water and a few sets of bowls and chopsticks. She seemed to be quite familiar with Ning Yi. Thinking about what he had seen today, he was still shocked …
*****
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
