"The canal has been open for several years now. I have always wanted to travel south for an inspection but have not had the time. Rong Che, you shall go and inspect it on my behalf."
"Although we are not at war right now, the grain reserves across the regions remain of utmost importance. There is still a month until the summer harvest. Rong Yan, you shall inspect the Dongshan and Xiating provinces on my behalf."
"There must be no mistakes this time. Return with achievements, and I will reward you accordingly."
"We thank Imperial Father for your profound grace!" Two distinctly different voices rang out in unison.
As they bowed their heads, their eyes met. It was like two undercurrents colliding beneath a calm surface of water, neither willing to yield a single inch.
Three days later, two convoys passed through Zhuque Street. After exiting the city gates, they departed the capital in grand processions, one heading south and the other east.
On the second floor of the hotpot restaurant, Song Jinzhao watched the two depart before turning back into the room.
Xiao Chengjing had thus sent his two sons out of the capital. By the time they returned, the child in the palace would already be born.
As the pregnancies of the imperial concubines in the harem gradually stabilized, Song Jinzhao reduced the time she spent in the palace each day. She basically left as soon as she finished taking their pulses and confirmed everything was fine.
She chose to spend more of her time on making money.
In a small, custom-built factory at Shiquan Manor outside the city, a massive, two-meter-tall copper vat was so large it took four people to encircle it.
A gas pipe made of thin copper connected the vat to a condenser pipe submerged in ice water. Beneath the condenser pipe sat a bucket to catch the distilled mixture of water and oil.
Wearing a hat and a face mask, Lan Xi kept a close watch, not taking a single step away to ensure that every procedure was carried out exactly according to Song Jinzhao's requirements.
Thousands of miles away in Songjiacun.
Old Mrs. Song brought the prepared food to the table and said to Old Man Song, who had just returned from the fields, "The county magistrate said traveling on the official roads is fast, but it's been over ten days now. Why aren't Jinzhao and the others back yet?"
Old Man Song put down his hoe and used well water to wash the mud off his feet.
In truth, the elderly couple was not short of money now and didn't need to work in the fields, but they simply couldn't sit idle.
Moreover, it was the busy farming season, so they inevitably went to help the first and second branch families.
"I heard from the village chief that Song Gaoli has to take another exam if he wants to become an official. If they are coming back together, they will definitely wait for Gaoli. I reckon it will be another ten days or so."
Old Mrs. Song picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Old Man Song's bowl, chatting about family matters with a face full of smiles.
"Everyone in the village is waiting for a celebratory banquet, hoping to rub off some of Qiming's scholarly luck. Even Lahuang‘s Wife next door has asked me three times."
Old Man Song said as he ate, "I wonder how Sallow Song's youngest son is doing with his studies at the private school in town?"
"Thinking about Yaozu just makes me want to sigh. They all went to Scholar Zheng's private school together. Yongnian managed to pass the prefectural exam, but he couldn't even pass the county exam. The second son was just complaining to me again earlier, saying that Yaozu was kept after class by Scholar Zheng again yesterday. He really has no ambition."
Old Mrs. Song's lips moved.
He has no ambition, yet you still paid for his schooling, she thought, but feeling it was pointless to say, she swallowed her words.
Fortunately, they weren't lacking those few taels of silver now. They just considered it spending money to buy some peace and quiet; otherwise, the second branch would definitely come to bother them every day.
In the past, they always dreamed of having three generations living together, believing that a family should all live under one roof.
Now that she and her old man had moved out and lived with the third branch for so long, they didn't have to worry about a whole large family's affairs. Their days were much more comfortable than before.
Now, even when the eldest son invited them back to live in the old house, they didn't want to go back.
Another ten days passed, and Chunxing brought people driving a horse carriage to Songjiacun.
As the carriage drove into the village, the villagers thought Song Jinzhao and the others had returned, and they all ran out to look.
After realizing it wasn't them and asking around, they found out it was just more servants of the Song family's third branch from Anyang Prefecture.
"Why is it a different one again? The one who came last time was a man. Song Jinzhao really has a lot of servants."
Following the route map Fushun had drawn during his last visit, the carriage stopped flawlessly in front of the blue-brick house.
Hearing the noise, Old Man Song and Old Mrs. Song had already walked into the courtyard.
Seeing unfamiliar faces, a bad feeling arose in their hearts.
"This servant, Chunxing, pays her respects to the Old Master and Old Madam."
"This servant, Hu Sanluo, pays his respects to the Old Master and Old Madam."
"This servant, Zhou Yagu, pays her respects to the Old Master and Old Madam."
Compared to when Fushun came last time, Old Man Song and Old Mrs. Song were much calmer this time.
Oldest Song ran over, pointed at Chunxing, and introduced her to Old Man Song, "Dad, when Yongnian and I went to Anyang Prefecture, Chunxing was the one who hosted us."
Old Man Song's voice carried a hint of disappointment.
"Why didn't Jinzhao and the others come back? Are they going to be a couple of days late?"
Chunxing glanced at the numerous villagers gathered around and coaxed the two elders into the house before she began to explain.
"After the Eldest Young Master placed third in the imperial examination, the imperial court only granted him half a month of leave."
"Originally, the County Princess was going to bring the Second Miss and the Young Master back. But then a consort in the palace became pregnant, and knowing the County Princess has excellent medical skills, the Emperor asked her to look after her, so they couldn't come back."
Getting his answer, Old Man Song sat down in his chair in disappointment. Even with a room full of things, he felt out of sorts.
Having not seen them for two years, he truly missed them a bit.
"Then did Jinzhao say when she might be able to come back?"
Chunxing replied, "The County Princess had a letter sent back from the capital, telling this servant to ask the Old Master and Old Madam if you would be willing to go and stay in the capital for a period of time?"
The members of the first and second branches in the room were stunned. Jinzhao wanted to bring their parents to live in the capital?
Behind Oldest Song, Second Song's arm was nearly pinched purple by Second Aunt Song.
If the two elders were going to the capital, they absolutely had to go too.
Second Song managed to pull his arm back with difficulty. "Let's see what Mom and Dad say first."
Second Aunt Song held her breath with full expectation.
The opportunity to turn their lives around and enjoy fortune was right in front of them, and their second branch absolutely had to seize it!
Hearing about going to the capital, Old Man Song's head buzzed.
Sitting beside him, Old Mrs. Song asked uncertainly, "You just said to go stay in the capital for a period of time. Then when would we come back?"
Chunxing replied, "Probably not until early next year. The County Princess said that once the palace consort gives birth, the Emperor might give the Eldest Young Master a few months of leave, and then you can all come back together."
Old Man Song and Old Mrs. Song were a bit hesitant about whether to go.
Seeing that the two elders were delaying their answer, the impatient Second Song immediately walked over to Old Man Song's chair and urged him.
"Dad, since Jinzhao sent someone to pick us up, we definitely have to go. The capital is where the Emperor lives; it must be incredibly bustling and fun."
Old Man Song frowned, turned his head to look at Second Song, and said, "She is picking me and your mother up to go there."
"Yaozu is still studying at the private school, and there is still rice in the fields. What would you all go to the capital for?"
The corners of Second Song's mouth stiffened.
Second Aunt Song hurriedly interjected with an awkward smile, "Dad, Yaozu could go study in the capital, and we can just have someone else look after the rice in the fields."
"The capital is so far away, and you and Mom are getting older; you'll need someone to take care of you on the journey. Plus, our three branches could celebrate a reunion for the New Year in the capital."
From the corner of her eye, Chunxing glanced at the second branch couple.
It was exactly as Fushun had described.
"There are servants to take care of them on the journey. The County Princess specifically instructed that since the Old Master and Old Madam are elderly, we should travel slowly and not rush."
The County Princess hadn't said anything about bringing the first and second branches to the capital, so she absolutely could not agree to this.
The smile faded from Second Aunt Song's face, and she shot Chunxing an expressionless glare.
What is a mere servant interrupting for? What a cheap mouth.
Old Man Song took in the Second Branch's impatience. The First Branch remained silent, but they surely wanted to go too.
"It's getting late, so all of you should head back. Your mother and I haven't decided whether to go yet. We'll talk about it tomorrow."
The couple from the Second Branch left the room reluctantly, looking back with every three steps they took.
After everyone had left and the courtyard gate was closed, Old Man Song asked Chunxing.
"Did Jinzhao not mention bringing the First and Second Branches along to the capital?"
Chunxing nodded. "The County Princess only mentioned you and the Old Madam."
"The County Princess also said that if you and the Old Madam feel the capital is too far and don't wish to leave Songjiacun, I am to arrange for two servants to stay and attend to you here in your hometown."
Old Man Song looked up and down at Hu Sanluo and Zhou Yagu standing behind Chunxing. No wonder she had brought two extra people this time; so that was why.
"You all stay here for the night. The capital is so far away, the old woman and I need to think it over some more."
Chunxing nodded respectfully. "Understood, Old Master."
"I would also like to ask where the village chief's house is? Young Master Gaoli has entrusted me with a letter and some items to deliver."
Old Man Song's eyes widened in surprise. "Song Gaoli isn't coming back either?"
Chunxing nodded. "That's right. Young Master Gaoli has to take up his post at the Ministry of War, so he cannot return either."
Old Man Song pushed himself up from his chair, muttering to himself, "So that's how it is. It seems everyone is very busy."
"Come, I'll take you there."
Just as they stepped out the door, a knock sounded at the courtyard gate. Song Mancang and Song Dazhuang were pounding on the door.
When the door was opened, the two men's eyes lit up as they looked around.
"Old Man Song, is there any news of our Gaoli? When is he coming back?"
Old Man Song took the letter from Chunxing's hand and slapped it into Song Mancang's.
"They are all very busy. None of them are coming back."
He pointed to the box Hu Sanluo was holding. "And these, they are all for your family."
Song Mancang quickly tore open the letter. After reading it, he looked disappointed at first, but then he smiled.
"I didn't expect Gaoli to actually be able to stay in the capital."
He slapped his thigh happily.
"Being an official in the imperial city is the most promising path. I knew my grandson was capable."
That night in the elderly couple's room, Old Man Song leaned against the wall, his mind troubled.
Seeing that he was hesitating to make a decision and constantly sighing, Old Madam Song couldn't help but speak up.
"You've been thinking for so long. Are we going to the capital or not?"
Old Man Song sighed heavily and said, "If Jinzhao only takes us to the capital and leaves the First and Second Branches behind, the villagers will definitely gossip. Erlang and his wife, especially, will complain endlessly. By then, rumors will spread everywhere, and it will affect Qiming's official career."
"I'm not worried about the First Branch; I'm worried about the Second Branch."
"The village chief said that the biggest taboo for an official is having family members who abuse their power to bully others. If I don't stay in the village, what if my second son relies on having a nephew who is a high official and a niece who is a County Princess to stir up trouble everywhere?"
"If he brings a fatal disaster upon himself, heads will roll. I just can't be at ease."
Hearing him say this, Old Madam Song also felt a bit uneasy.
With her second son's temperament, if no one kept him in check, he might actually do such a thing.
"Then let's not go. The capital is so far away, it takes over two months on the road. Our old bones would be shaken to pieces."
"Once we arrive in the capital, we won't know anyone. The children are all very busy, and it would be boring to just stay in the house all the time."
Old Man Song hesitated, torn. "Jinzhao has already sent people to pick us up. Wouldn't it be bad if we don't go?"
Old Madam Song replied, "You're overthinking it. Jinzhao does things thoroughly; she has already considered whether we go or not."
"Didn't you see she even arranged servants? Two people to wait on us, they can even pour our foot-washing water."
Old Man Song lay down, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
After a long while, he suddenly spoke.
It was as if he was talking to himself, yet also asking Old Madam Song.
"Do you think Jinzhao and the others will be able to come back early next year?"
"..." The only response was silence. Old Madam Song had already fallen asleep.
In the early morning, the large rooster in the coop, with its blood-red comb, tilted its head back and crowed loudly. A shocked roar from Song Erlang echoed from the main room.
Zhou Yagu, who was making breakfast, poked her head out of the kitchen. "What's wrong?"
Hu Sanluo shook his head. "It seems the Old Master and Old Madam don't want to go to the capital. We might have to stay here."
Zhou Yagu just let out an "oh" and nonchalantly returned to the stove to continue cooking.
Before they came, they had already prepared themselves for the possibility of staying forever.
Ever since receiving Song Jinzhao's letter, Chunxing had prepared for two scenarios.
Hu Sanluo and Zhou Yagu were people she had carefully selected.
After all, staying in the village to serve year after year could be said to have no prospects.
Young people with ambition wouldn't be able to stay, and older people couldn't be too old.
They also had to be literate, able to drive a carriage, quick-witted, and willing. It took her two days of picking to finalize the candidates.
"How can you not go! Jinzhao has already sent people to pick you up. If you don't go, she will definitely be angry."
Song Erlang couldn't understand it. How could someone not know how to enjoy good fortune?
Refusing to go to the imperial city—what was so good about staying in the village?
Second Aunt Song was also jumping with anxiety beside him.
"That's right! It's only proper for grandchildren to be filial to their grandparents. If they are enjoying good fortune in the capital, they should bring us all over together so it's easier to show their filial piety."
Old Man Song watched them expressionlessly, feeling more and more that the decision not to go was the right one.
These two from the Second Branch really couldn't be left without someone to keep them in check. He had to stay in the village to keep an eye on them.
Old Man Song said, "The capital is so far away. At our age, your mother and I cannot endure the hardship of a long journey."
"Every time Jinzhao sends people back, she brings so many things. She is filial enough. Your mother and I won't go to the capital and cause her trouble."
Old Madam Song drawled, "You and your older brother are both in the village. The two of us should give you the chance to show your filial piety as well."
The couple was left speechless by Old Man Song and Old Madam Song's words.
The First Branch family was still having breakfast in the old house when Song Erlang rushed in with Second Aunt Song and tried to drag him away.
"Brother, Father and Mother don't want to go to the capital. Hurry and come with me to persuade them."
Oldest Song, who had been dragged to the doorway, grabbed the edge of the door with his hand. "I have to take Yongnian to the private school right away. We're running out of time."
Song Erlang pulled him forcefully and stubbornly.
"Missing a day won't matter. Going to the capital is the important matter right now."
First Aunt Song, who was getting breakfast for her son, said, "Second Brother, the people Jinzhao sent made it clear they are only taking Father and Mother. You shouldn't waste your energy."
"Why hasn't your Yaozu come yet? We're about to leave."
"Eldest Aunt, I'm here." Song Yaozu walked through the door carrying his book box on his back.
Second Aunt Song, finally remembering her son, went up to ask him.
"Have you eaten breakfast? If not, just make do with a few bites here at your uncle's house."
Song Yaozu nodded. "Eldest Sister made porridge, so I've already eaten."
