The storm of blood and carnage outside seemed to have suddenly engulfed the house.
The room was silent, everyone was struck dumb with fear.
Only two people appeared unaffected.
One was Song Qizheng, whose sword pierced forward without a trace of hesitation.
The other was Song Xian, who met Song Qi’s gaze head-on, without flinching or evading.
The sword edge pierced Song Xian’s hair bun, flicking it, causing his hair crown to fall to the ground.
Song Qizheng remained furious, while Song Xian appeared completely unruffled.
More frightening than resistance is the ability to see through at a glance, knowing it’s impossible to take his life just like that, so there’s no need to intervene.
Song Qizheng, having led troops for so many years, realized for the first time that sometimes stillness overcomes motion, despite wielding a sharp blade seemingly at a disadvantage.
Such thoughts flashed by, and Song Qizheng’s demeanor was imbued with authority. He bellowed, "Disposing of siblings, defying one’s mother, if not for your military achievements, I would have executed you myself."
Song Min was disappointed; after all, the father was mindful of Song Xian’s military accomplishments, restricted by his position at the court and his reputation among the people, unable to kill him recklessly.
Song Xian’s expression still showed no change.
Song Qizheng’s brow furrowed more deeply: "What now? Do you no longer regard me, your father?"
The sword in Song Qizheng’s hand had not been sheathed and exuded a chilling aura, ready to harm and draw blood at any moment.
As soon as Song Qizheng finished speaking, Song Min kneeled before him: "Father, please stand up for Second Brother. He fell ill from overwork managing the government office affairs at your orders, and now, with such accusations from Big Brother, not only is his career threatened but also his life."
Before Song Qizheng could respond, Song Min continued: "Though our military achievements aren’t as prominent as Big Brother’s, we’ve been diligent. When Father was besieged by the Liao people, it was Second Brother who risked his life leading troops to find you, saving you amidst life-threatening peril.
Second Brother’s filial piety is evident to the heavens. If not for this, he wouldn’t hasten to assist with administrative matters. Big Brother must have misunderstood, believing Second Brother is secretly courting officials and merchants to control Zhenzhou."
Madam Rong sat on the ground shedding helpless tears.
Her aggrieved demeanor caused Song Qizheng distress, further exasperating him with Song Xian, as his homecomings invariably led to unrest.
Song Qizheng spoke grimly: "I’ve said before, those who disrupt the household should not be tolerated."
"Who do you claim is disrupting the household?" Old Mrs. Song, supported by others, walked out from the inner chamber.
Seeing the sword in Song Qizheng’s hand, Old Mrs. Song’s face grew uglier: "Who permits you to wield swords in my house? Taught by your father or me?"
Momentarily speechless, Song Qizheng threw the sword to his confidant nearby.
Old Mrs. Song’s face was furious: "Eager for my demise, aren’t you?"
Song Qizheng hastily bowed: "Mother, please quell your anger."
Just as Old Mrs. Song was about to speak, Song Xian held her arm: "Grandmother, please return and rest."
Old Mrs. Song used her other hand to clasp Song Xian, determined to protect her grandson under any circumstances.
Song Xian’s heart softened: "Grandmother, be at ease."
After consoling Old Mrs. Song, Song Xian faced Song Qizheng again, resuming his aloof demeanor: "The accusation of sowing discord and defying one’s mother hardly outweighs concealing truth and betraying royal grace."
Song Qizheng’s expression changed once more.
Song Xian continued: "Now that the National Guardian General is stationed at the Northern Border, he’s already seeking personal gain, planning to hand over the Military Governor position?"
Song Qizheng’s face was sullen: "You know the court sent someone to the Northern Border, hence your audacious actions."
The Emperor dispatched Commander Li You from the Palace Department to the Northern Border to reward the soldiers, with the actual intention of inspecting the situation, determining the Military Governor selection.
Song Xian said coolly: "I merely clean the filth before the court’s investigation. I won’t let a few beasts ruin the soldiers’ hard-earned accomplishments."
Song Min’s eyes reddened: "Where is the filth? You..."
Song Xian watched Song Min and suddenly laughed: "I say there is; you say there isn’t. Steward Xu is dead by my hand, many words are left unchecked."
Song Min relied on this, blaming Song Xian for being impulsive, killing too early.
Song Xian’s smile deepened: "I only investigated Zhenzhou, didn’t get to Dingzhou yet. If you feel wronged, why not let Li You handle Dingzhou?"
Song Xian spoke, producing a piece of paper from his sleeve and tossing it to Song Min. Previously, he’d needed effort for his investigations, not anymore.
When Song Min unfolded the paper, he saw several familiar names.
Song Xian even knew their men stationed in Dingzhou? Song Min stood there, dumbfounded, face burning as though Song Xian had severely slapped him. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on NoveI(F)ire.net
Song Xian’s implied threat was clear: should they act rashly, he’d deliver evidence to the court, providing grounds for impeaching his father, jeopardizing the Military Governor’s position.
Song Min’s momentary panic was observed by everyone.
Song Qizheng’s expression changed repeatedly, looking at Song Min with disappointment, eventually sternly saying: "Follow me."
Song Qizheng strode ahead, while Song Min struggled to rise and stumbled after him.
Madam Rong, recalling her husband’s face full of anger, felt a chill throughout, hastily leading people in pursuit.
"Grandmother, let me assist you inside!"
Song Xian supported Old Mrs. Song back onto the soft couch.
Old Mrs. Song sighed deeply: "Your father is biased."
Had Song Xian heard this as a child, perhaps he would feel some emotional stirrings, but now he was indifferent.
"No need to worry about me, Grandmother," Song Xian said, "As long as you care for yourself, I can remain by your side."
Old Mrs. Song nodded repeatedly: "I’m old, and only for poor health do I refrain from confronting your father clearly."
Song Xian noticed Old Mrs. Song’s waning strength: "You must take your medicine on time."
Old Mrs. Song looked at the housekeeper: "I’m feeling unwell; from today, I’ll see no one but Xian. No need for Madam Rong’s courtesy calls."
The housekeeper acknowledged her instructions.
Song Xian sat on the Jinwu bench, accompanying Old Mrs. Song in conversation until she fell asleep, then returned to his own courtyard.
Entering the study, Chang An approached to report: "The master just took some people to the government office, while the Third Young Master is kneeling in the ancestral hall."
Song Xian nodded: "Organize the case files and send them to Li You, along with the list of officials stationed in Dingzhou." Did anyone think Song Min’s admission would prevent him from reporting to the court?
Song Qizheng won’t succeed as Military Governor.
The Military Governor position can remain vacant until he takes over.
Song Xian finished the documents, then washed and rested.
Exhausted from recent days, Song Xian soon fell asleep, though as usual, his sleep was uneasy, dreaming of the crate confining him sinking into the sea, water seeping through the cracks, ultimately drowning him completely...
Yet a small hand persistently clasped him, unwilling to let go, accompanying him in the descent.
Song Xian awoke breathless from the nightmare, clutching the two Jade Pendants by his pillow in his hand.
The Jade Pendants had merged into one, as if they’d never been apart.
Song Xian was moved, raising his head to look out the window.
The sky was beginning to brighten; Song Xian would soon exit the city to tour the barracks, but before that, he wished to visit Chen Family Village.