Last time on Zhui Xu: Xi Jun Yu refuses Seventh Young Master, Nie Yun Zhu thinks Ning Yi’s new song is weird, and the pine patterned eggs are ready.
This chapter has been brought to you by me, and Smash10101.
Chapter 29 | Table of Contents | Chapter 31
Chapter 30 – Talk and Laugh
The carriage left the Su Family Compound. Song Mao lifted the curtain to look at the wind and snow outside. Then he looked at Song Kai to confirm the gifts he had prepared.
“The ginseng that was bought last time … the calligraphy that I asked Master Lin Fu to write … Yes, put the ginseng in the middle so it is not eye-catching. Teacher Qin likes calligraphy the most so he should like this one …”
Song Kai had been with Song Mao for many years, and was a cautious and reliable person. He could not have made a mistake on matters given to him. Song Mao was checking just because he had nothing to do. He actually was a bit emotional about the conversation he just had with Su Wen Xin. This nephew did not have enough ability or breadth of mind. He sighed at this. However, there was nothing to do now.
Of course, in terms of relationship, while Song Mao was close with the Su Family, it really wasn’t possible to say that he felt any kinship with his younger sister and nephew. Back at home, he hadn’t had much interaction with his female cousin, now the second mistress of the Su Family. Later, when he rose slightly, the Su Family spent a lot to invest in him. He remembered the favor of gifting coal in the snow. However, this was basically due to Old Grandfather Su and the Su Family.
As time passed, he was now a prefect. In the past, the Su Family had been one of his greatest supporters, but now, they were just gilding on the lily. If the second branch of the Su Family could control the entire Su Family, he would naturally benefit but it really wasn’t anything important. Su Wen Xin was a relative closer to him. If he could control the Su Family, everyone’s interests would be closer. But whether or not this nephew could control the Su Family with his skills was uncertain. Maybe, this would end up being a burden on himself.
If Su Tan Er was in charge of the Su Family, the girl had the abilities and the judgment. The other would definitely curry favor with him, a prefect. In reality, the help would not change. And because of him, while his cousin and nephew couldn’t get control of the Su Family, they would still keep their status in the Su Family. They would have some small power and no need to worry about food or shelter. They could become the bond between him and the Su Family. For Wen Xin who didn’t have enough skill, this may not be a bad thing.
He hesitated about whether he should make such a choice. Of course, Old Grandfather Su was still present and healthy. He would care about the kinship and be closer to his sister and nephew. He had heard of the Prelude to the Water Melody previously. Of course, the news he learned when he inquired recently was slightly strange. If that person really was fishing for fame, he would help expose the other due to his nephew’s request. This was something he had to consider tonight. He looked at the gifts, shook his head, and threw the matter to the side.
Seeing his expression, the steward handed over the gift list and said, “Master, Honorable Qin resigned his position many years ago. I heard recently that the northern situation is complicated, and the Jin and Liao are having frequent disputes. The court once again has voices calling for Honorable Qin to return. Master, do you feel Honorable Qin will return?”
Song Mao shook his head. He paused for a moment before speaking, “I fear it is difficult. Teacher Qin left that day, and the situation was complicated. Teacher Qin took on all the crimes for the Treaty of Blackwater. In reality, he was taking the blame for others. If this is some other matter, it would be easy, but based on the recent situation, it would be difficult for him to recover …”
The Wu Dynasty was weak in the last century and the Liao kept on attacking the borders. The Wu asked for peace twice, and the treaties that were signed were criticized. The Chanyuan Treaty sixty five years ago humiliated the country, and almost ended the possibility of the Wu Dynasty taking back the sixteen prefectures of You and Yun. Six years ago, in the Treaty of Blackwater, the amount of tribute was almost doubled, dealing another blow to many nationalist people.
When the Liao army had gone south, Qin Si Yuan, head of the Ministry of Personnel, had been the primary force for resistance and even went to the front lines to supervise the fighting. But later, after the front lines suffered several losses, the peace faction gained the advantage. After deciding to ask for peace, Qin Si Yuan supposedly came back discouraged, traveling day and night, to accept the order to make peace.
Supposedly, when he walked into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he hadn’t even taken off his battle robes, his hair was a mess, and his cloth armor was damaged and covered in smoke. His hand was even injured. He looked extremely tragic. Everyone thought that he would try to persuade the emperor otherwise with his death. The emperor, who had just ascended to the throne a year ago, hurriedly called someone to stop him. But he didn’t object, and demanded to take on the duty of making peace that was not beneficial to any side.
There had been all kinds of objections at court at the time, saying that he had not been good in supervising battle at the front lines, how could he bear the responsibility of making peace? He clearly wanted to make trouble and undermine the discussions. But those who understood more knew that the several defeats were not the responsibility of this minister who was a civil official. After discussing for two days, the higher ups really did give the responsibility of making peace to him.
Then there was the Treaty of Blackwater. After everything was added together, the tribute was almost doubled. But considering the Wu Dynasty’s present situation, the Liao agreed that they could use porcelain and different precious items to make up for the shortcoming of gold and cloth. It had been sixty years since the Chanyuan Treaty back then. The Liao country had developed and their demand for these items had grown. After the treaty, while the emperor had no intentions of punishing Qin Si Yuan, he himself was discouraged. He took on the blame for the losses and making peace. After being in the Heavenly Prison for a month, he was released but he took off his coronet and left dispiritedly. He didn’t even return to his hometown, “I have this infamous name for the ages now, and have no face to go home to see my father.” He then settled in Jiangning. Up until now, he had never been called back.
“… … I fear even if the higher ups want Teacher Qin to come back, with Teacher Qin’s state of mind … he won’t come in these next few years.” 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 Honorable Qin was extremely capable back then. While he looked to not care about trifles in many matters, no one dared to criticize him for that. Recently, the Jin and Liao have fought frequently and this servant has heard some things. They say that the Treaty of Blackwater was out of consideration for the present Jin’s prosperity. We had no results after asking for trade rights with the Liao, so we designed a bait using large amounts of luxury items to cause conflict between the two countries. In the years before the Treaty of Blackwater, there was black market business between the Wu and Jin. Six years ago, after the Treaty of Blackwater, the court gave tribute to the Liao, and even snuck large amounts of porcelain and items such as rouge and powder to the Jin. They say that the emperor even picked a batch of objects from the palace. The second year, half …”
Song Mao frowned. “Who did you hear say this?”
“Fourth Young Master discussed this matter with someone, it seems to be his speculation …”
“Fourth.” Song Mao sighed. “The idea of using the power of a country as a bargaining chip to cause discord is too fantastical. Ah Hui does not focus on what he should and thinks nonsense … But whether or not it is true or not, do not speak of it to others.”
“This lowly one understands.”
As they spoke, the carriage reached its destination. In reality, Song Mao and Qin Si Yuan were not truly student and teacher. But Qin Si Yuan had been in charge of the Ministry of Personnel back then, and Song Mao managed to make some connections. After the other left his position, while many people no longer were in contact with Qin Si Yuan due to the Treaty of Blackwater, Song Mao, always considerate, would visit as a student each time he came to Jiangning.
His life mottos included gilding the lily was not as good as gifting coal in the snow. Qin Si Yuan’s two sons both had positions. While they were both below rank four, Qin Si Yuan had taken on the blame for a large group of people back then, and it was likely that the emperor may have great use for him on another day. Especially when he looked at the recent situation. There was a possibility that Qin Si Yuan would be called back after a few years.
After settling in Jiangning, Qin Si Yuan’s residence was not luxurious. It was just a simple little scholar courtyard. Song Mao gave the bow of a student, and presented his name card. A while later, he was invited in. Then he discovered another guest was already present. Song Mao had never met this well-dressed old person but his status must be extraordinary. Then Elder Qin made introductions and Song Mao understood the other’s identity.
The husband of Princess Chengguo. Kang Xian, Kang Ming Yun. This old man was not in court but he was the uncle of the present emperor, and had a great reputation in the literary world. For him, as an official, becoming acquainted with the other was a great help. He hurriedly gave the bow of a student.
Elder Qin and this student usually didn’t interact much, but he always came every year. At this time, he would behave with intimacy. He and Kang Xian had been admiring some painting scrolls so he pulled Song Mao over as well. Song Mao was startled at the favor. He had some talent, but was lacking compared to the two old men. He didn’t dare to rashly interrupt so he stood respectfully at the side listening to the two discuss. When they asked questions, he would answer. Inside, he thought, he could go visit the establishment of Princess Chengguo in a few days.
In this kind of atmosphere, footsteps sounded outside. Then it was the voice of Honorable Qin’s concubine, Yun Niang. “They are admiring paintings in the study. Young Master, come in … um… this is …” Elder Qin and Kang Xian were studying a long scroll. As Kang Xian observed, he said, “He came. I wonder what he has today to surprise this old man…” Elder Qin laughed. Then someone pushed open the half-closed door and walked in.
This person must be very familiar with Elders Qin and Kang. He wore a long indigo robe and held a jar in his hand. To Song Mao’s surprise, this person looked to be in his twenties. The person looked like he was going to smile and speak when he came in. When he saw Song Mao, he stilled slightly. Song Mao thought this was likely one of Elder Kang or Qin’s nephews. He was about to introduce himself when Elder Qin spoke.
“Haha, Li Heng, you came. Come here, this is this old man’s past student, Song Mao, Song Yu Fan …”
The young man bowed with a smile. “Lucky to meet Brother Song.”
Then Song Mao heard Elder Qin say, “Yu Fan, this is Honorable Min and my good young friend …” He said, “Ning Yi, Ning Li Heng.”
Song Mao’s pupils contracted. Then he gave a smile. “Young Master Ning … could you be the Ning Yi, Ning Li Heng of the ‘how long will the full moon appear’? Haha, an honor to meet you.”
After a few greetings, he saw Kang Xian and Ning Yi speak casually. “Didn’t you say that you have something good. Is it in this jar?”
“Haha, of course.” Ning Yi put the jar casually onto the table. “Fortunately that Brother Song is also here. You can come taste this pine patterned egg as well …”
Kang Xian stilled and then exasperatedly shook his head. “This old man was wondering what novel thing it was, so it’s food. Ning Yi, this old man isn’t boasting. While this old man hasn’t eaten a lot of the world’s pastries and food, I fear you will be embarrassed today … oh, this looks like salted duck egg. While it doesn’t look the same, something made this way is still a salted duck egg. Can you actually make something with a pattern like this …”
Ning Yi laughed. “I am going to make a pattern for you to see…”
Song Mao had no great interest in things like sweet or salted eggs. He was a prefect, but he was still restrained in front of these two people. At this time, he saw these people talking and laughing. Then the concubine Yun Niang came in with a bowl of clear water and some bowls and chopsticks. She appeared to be familiar with Ning Yi. Thinking about what he had seen today at the library, he was very shocked …
Translator Ramblings: Readers have to thank Smash because there was an absurd number of typos made in this chapter…
Chapter 29 | Table of Contents | Chapter 31
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