Song Family.
After finishing the day’s work, Zhao Ya did not return home but was invited by Song Linqing to the back garden to drink wine and admire the moon.
It was already early spring, and though the weather was still transitioning between warm and cold, some flowers in the garden had already blossomed.
Song Linqing was evidently in high spirits, instructing the servants to set the banquet amidst the flowers and even calling Song Peiwan to join them.
The three of them sat around the table, drinking wine and chatting, the atmosphere was very harmonious.
The servants attending them were quite accustomed to this sight.
Nowadays, Zhao Ya’s status in the Song Family was second only to one person, and above thousands. The key was that Song Linqing never treated him as a subordinate, and Zhao Ya also never treated Song Linqing as the patriarch.
The two were more like friends.
As for Song Peiwan, there was even less need to mention.
After three rounds of drinks and five flavors of dishes, Song Linqing was slightly tipsy. He put down his wine cup, looked at the bright moon in the sky, and suddenly sighed.
"Ya."
"Hmm?"
"Do you think I can hold onto this family business?"
Zhao Ya was slightly taken aback, not understanding why Song Linqing suddenly asked this.
"Yesterday, another letter came from Wanshou County, still advising me to return," Song Linqing said lightly.
Upon hearing this, Song Peiwan’s face changed, and she deeply lowered her head.
Zhao Ya remained somewhat silent.
After spending this period together, he had learned a lot about the internal matters.
The Song Family was not originally from Wuxiang City.
Years ago, Song Linqing’s father, the old patriarch Song Xiongwei, brought a group of people to Wuxiang City to settle and establish this large family business.
Their true old home was in Wanshou County.
Moreover, judging from Song Linqing’s words, their old home seemed to be an extremely large family.
Even the armor of the Black Armor Army was purchased by Song Linqing from the old home, unavailable elsewhere.
As for why the old patriarch Song Xiongwei left Wanshou County to come to the distant Wuxiang City, Song Linqing did not say.
But presumably, there must have been some reasons.
And now, with letters from Wanshou County again urging the Song siblings to return, Zhao Ya didn’t know what to say.
After a long silence, Zhao Ya slowly opened his mouth and said, "What do you mean, Patriarch?"
"Of course, I don’t want to go back," Song Linqing answered decisively.
"Don’t be fooled by the seemingly immense power of my old home; in reality, the internal competition is extremely fierce. In those days, my father was coldly neglected and abandoned by the family due to an unintended mistake. In anger, he took a group and traveled over mountains and rivers to Wuxiang City."
"Now, after such difficulty in establishing this significant family business, I’m enjoying my role as the patriarch. Why would I want to return to that miserable place and be treated as insignificant?"
Under the influence of alcohol, Song Linqing spoke his mind.
Better to be the head of a rooster than the tail of a phoenix.
Even if the family in Wanshou County is highly powerful, it doesn’t belong to him.
Song Linqing is very clear on this point.
"Then what are you worried about, Patriarch?"
"It’s not that I fear you laughing at me, Ya, but because I’m afraid," Song Linqing said candidly.
"Because the Song Family is not native to the area, the Hong Family and the Yang Family have always marginalized us. Now that my father has died, the Song Family only has us siblings and a few distant relatives who followed initially, which means we’re quite vulnerable."
"If they really allied against us, we might endure the first few times, but what about over long periods?"
Zhao Ya took a deep breath, "So, what do you mean, Patriarch?"
"Ya, you don’t need to worry, I have no intention of giving up, I’ve seen your efforts during this period, I also do not fear the Hong and Yang families; I am only concerned about protecting the foundation my father established. Therefore, I have not discarded the letter from home but kept it by my side instead."
"If we could repel or even counter them, that would be ideal. But if it becomes unattainable, I won’t let them take advantage without repercussions."
At this, a sharp look appeared on Song Linqing’s face.
"During this time, I have been quietly sorting out the Meat Field, and the matters there have already been dealt with. If something truly happens, we can withdraw at any time."
"Even if I have to set this manor ablaze, I won’t let the Hong and Yang families have it."
Zhao Ya did not speak, for Song Linqing’s decision, no matter how one looked at it, was beyond reproach.
It’s wise to prepare for defeat before claiming victory; having an exit strategy in advance is much better than a fight to the bitter end.
This is especially true for families of such stature.
"I meant to tell you these things today because I genuinely consider you a friend, so what I want to ask is, if a day comes when we must retreat, would you be willing to go with us?" Song Linqing inquired.
Upon hearing these words, Song Peiwan instantly lifted her head, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Zhao Ya.
To be honest, Zhao Ya did indeed hesitate for a moment.
It’s conceivable that if he agreed to leave with them, Song Linqing’s trust in him would grow even stronger.
If Song Clan is considered a colossal entity by Song Linqing, it’s likely their influence in Wanshou County is immensely powerful.
Even if there’s some estrangement between Song Linqing and his clan, they share the same bloodline, and things wouldn’t be too difficult for them upon returning.
At that time, he would have a place of safety.
Especially with Song Peiwan’s gaze focusing on him so intently...
Yet, after contemplating for a moment, Zhao Ya gently shook his head.
"Patriarch, I sincerely apologize; if that day truly comes, please forgive me for not being able to follow."
"Why?" Before Song Linqing could speak, Song Peiwan quickly asked.
"Because my master, before passing away, entrusted me with a task that I must complete."