Song Lan, who had initially been in the mood for drinking, now dared not touch another drop. He shot a covert glare at the man across from him, silently chastising him for his lack of tact.
"Boss Wan, what kind of talk is that? Everyone seated here is on the same boat—asking such a question feels rather distant," Song Lan interjected before turning to the man in question with an apologetic smile. "They’re all rough men. Please don’t take offense."
The man merely chuckled. "Men of talent needn’t fuss over such trivialities. My surname is Li, no need for formalities."
Boss Wan felt a flicker of respect and shot Song Lan a disapproving look. "Master Song, don’t twist my words. I was merely asking how to address him—how is that being distant? Boss Li here doesn’t even mind."
Song Lan forced a dry laugh.
The conversation picked up again, with Song Lan subtly steering the salt merchants into drinking more… all except Boss Li.
Perched in the shadows of the rafters, Jiu Yue kept her eyes fixed on Boss Li. He spoke little, only offering occasional smiles or sips of wine.
By the time the salt merchants had all drunk themselves into a stupor and their concubines had retreated—
A commotion arose outside.
"What’s going on?" Boss Li set down his teacup and calmly glanced toward the door.
Song Lan, suddenly sober, scrambled to his feet with a bow. "This humble official will investigate. Your Highness, please remain at ease—"
Jiu Yue and Qiu Dongfang instantly tensed.
Your Highness?!
Just who is this man?
Outside, Song Lan spotted his son Song Shu’s stunned expression and immediately understood the source of the disturbance.
"Did you run into Qing Lian?" Song Lan leaned against the wall, whispering. "She does resemble your mother, though she’s much younger… If you fancy her, take her to your courtyard. I haven’t touched her yet."
Song Shu had come to bid his father farewell. After being forced home due to poisoning, he’d recovered and wanted nothing more than to leave.
But on his way, he’d caught a glimpse of a figure eerily similar to his mother.
Without thinking, he’d followed—only to come face-to-face with Qing Lian as she exited the room.
Startled, Qing Lian let out a gasp before clapping a hand over her mouth and hurrying away with Zhu’er and the others.
Song Shu stood frozen, silent.
Now, hearing his father’s words, his face darkened with disgust. "...You’re revolting."
Song Lan stiffened.
Without another word, Song Shu turned on his heel and strode off, his sleeves flaring with disdain.
Song Lan watched him go, wiping his face before murmuring to the shadows, "Follow the young master. Ensure his belongings are secure."
A breeze stirred in the darkness.
Taking a deep breath, Song Lan returned inside. Only Boss Li remained at the table, still sober, and Song Lan’s demeanor grew even more deferential.
"Your Highness, my worthless son caused the disturbance. I beg your forgiveness." He knelt and bowed deeply.
Boss Li waved a hand dismissively. "Master Song, your son doesn’t seem to share your loyalties…"
Song Lan forced another laugh. "A misunderstanding, Your Highness. Though my son is unruly, he obeys me without question."
"Is that so?" Boss Li smiled faintly. "How tirelessly you play the doting father."
Song Lan grimaced. "Your Highness spares no mercy in teasing me."
Setting down his cup, Boss Li finally shifted topics.
"From now on, the Red Fragrance Pavilion must operate legitimately. Lay low for now." His eyes glinted darkly as he added, "In the capital, Feng Sheng has fallen. He may reveal things under interrogation…"
Song Lan paled. He was Feng Sheng’s closest associate—if Feng Sheng talked, he’d be the first to suffer.
"Your Highness, save me!" He clutched at Boss Li’s sleeve in panic.
Boss Li patted his head, smiling as if discussing the weather. "Why panic? I’m not your only lifeline."
Song Lan’s eyes widened.
Rising, Boss Li added meaningfully, "That’s your greatest safeguard. If I were you, I’d trust no one… not even a son."
Qiu Dongfang’s mind raced with realization—but when he looked up, Jiu Yue was already gone.
Before leaving, Song Shu visited the ancestral hall alone to light incense for his mother.
Staring at her memorial tablet, he felt only bitterness. No matter how many concubines his father took, outsiders praised him for his devotion—refusing to remarry all these years. Yet the truth was, his father had never needed a proper wife.
He’d forced Song Shu’s mother into marriage solely for her dowry and an heir.
After a long silence, Song Shu took the tablet with him.
Back in his courtyard, he packed his bags and limped toward the gate—only to pause at the threshold.
"...I knew it was you." He didn’t sound surprised.
Jiu Yue dangled one leg from the wall, studying him before speaking. "How’d you spot me this time?"
Song Shu looked down. "The guards always carry my bags when I leave."
Today, they hadn’t.
Jiu Yue gave up the act, leaping down with a shrug. "Fine, my mistake."
Song Shu met her gaze, voice steady. "Will my father be executed?"
"..." Jiu Yue scratched her cheek. "Depends on his choices. If he refuses to repent, he won’t survive."
"Then let him decide." His tone was icy. But as he looked at her, his resolve wavered. With a bitter laugh, he asked, "What about me?"
Jiu Yue tapped her toes against the wall, hopping back up. "Weren’t you already planning to run?"
She wouldn’t interfere.
Song Shu paused, then bowed deeply toward the wall.
"Thank you."
When he straightened, she was gone.
He never even learned her name.
...
Qiu Dongfang waited until Song Lan had seen his guests out.
Returning to the Clear Breeze Pavilion, he found Jiu Yue flipping through a ledger.
His eyes lit up as he rushed over—sure enough, it listed officials’ names and bribe records.
"Incredible!" Qiu Dongfang beamed. "You’re a genius! How’d you react so fast? Did you find this on Song Shu?"
Jiu Yue propped her chin on her hand, passing him the ledger. "It was in his bag… He must’ve been carrying it all along."
Qiu Dongfang clicked his tongue. "Thought the kid hated his father. Turns out he’s been aiding him all this time!"
Jiu Yue didn’t explain.
Song Shu had helped conceal his father’s crimes, yet his mother’s memory clearly tormented him… Humans were complicated.
To each their own fate.
Shaking her head, Jiu Yue moved on. "We’ve got the ledger. Mission accomplished. Can we leave now?"
"Absolutely." Qiu Dongfang tucked the ledger away, muttering, "Prince Ping probably anticipated our lord’s move. Tonight, he kept pressuring Song Lan—I’d bet he’ll act soon—"
"What?!" Jiu Yue suddenly stood, her reaction sharp.
Qiu Dongfang was startled. "Damn, keep your voice down—there are three other people in this courtyard... I was saying Prince Ping would probably transfer..."
"That man is Prince Ping?!" Jiu Yue caught only that one sentence.
Qiu Dongfang paused, studying her expression carefully... and then he saw it—a flicker of murderous intent flashing unmistakably in Jiu Yue's eyes.
"...Hey," Qiu Dongfang couldn't help but press down on her restless hand. "Maybe you should, uh, calm down first?"
