Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 318 You are not Song Hongtao's son (1)

Leaving Song Zhe's name behind, which resulted in Song Zhe becoming a cripple, was an unexpected and delightful surprise.

The same applies to rewriting the Vajra Arhat Kung Fu.

Who would have thought that an unintentional act could prove so useful in a special situation?

For a moment, Song Yan's expression became somewhat strange. He even wondered if this was God's way of making up for the many hardships he had endured in the past ten years.

"What about the others? Have they made any noise?"

"Eighth Young Master Song Lu was sent to the prefectural city to study by Consort Lin on the grounds that studying was the most important thing." After thinking for a moment, Steward Wang said, "He came back for the New Year, but was sent back to the prefectural city by Consort Lin after only two days."

Song Yan chuckled. With Yang Miaoqing dead, Song Lu finally had the chance to experience what it meant to be unwanted and unloved.

"The eldest son, Song Huai, and the second son, Song Yi, have been staying in Dongling, seeking an opportunity to return to officialdom. When Song Zhe was expelled from the family register, they sent two letters hoping that the master would rescind his order, but the master ignored them."

This is natural.

None of these are Song Hongtao's offspring. Now, Song Hongtao probably wishes he could expel all of them from the family register.

"Apart from that, there's nothing else... Oh, right..." Wang Qingshan suddenly remembered something: "Lord, you should be going to Dongling to report on your duties. Please be extremely careful. Aunt Lin has arranged for two servants in Dongling City to guard near the residence of the Minister of Works, specifically to keep an eye on Song Zhe. According to the letters they sent back, after Song Zhe recovered, he started contacting people everywhere."

"Among them are Mei Zicong, the heir of the Duke of Lu; Zhao Feng, the heir of the Marquis of Anning; Guo Yang, the eldest son of the Viscount of Ruyang County; Xue Qiyuan, the second son of the Viscount of Zhao'an County..." Wang Qingshan recited a long list of names.

“Especially the Yang family, and their relatives by marriage, were visited one by one, without missing a single one.”

"I suspect that Song Zhe is planning to make a move against the Ninth Young Master."

Song Yan nodded. Lin Xiangwan had originally only stayed behind to annoy Song Hongtao, since this woman's mind was not simple. But now it seemed that this woman's abilities were greater than he had imagined.

Song Zhe probably doesn't know that his plan has only just begun, yet he already knows everything about it.

As they were talking, footsteps came from outside the door again, and Wang Qingshan immediately shut his mouth.

Sure enough, not long after, two figures appeared at the study door. One of them was Song Hongtao. Perhaps because all eight mistresses had cheated on him, in Wang Qingshan's words, Song Hongtao, after much painful reflection, actually decided to abstain from sex.

He hasn't tried to seduce any respectable women in a long time.

He would never set foot in a brothel.

After a month of recuperation, he actually looked much more plump.

However, this appearance of wealth was all fake. It was not something that could be restored in just one month due to long-term depletion. His face was just a layer of false rosy cheeks. When he saw Song Yan, he smiled happily and said, "Yan'er is finally back. I have missed you so much."

Song Yan ignored these words and simply bowed respectfully.

Beside Song Hongtao was Lin Xiangwan, who, despite being heavily pregnant, maintained a dignified demeanor. Upon seeing Song Yan, she immediately bowed and greeted him, saying, "Greetings, Ninth Young Master."

Lin Xiangwan is a concubine, and Song Yan is a son born out of wedlock.

Although his status wasn't exactly prestigious, Song Yan's title of Earl made him stand out from the crowd.

Song Yan smiled and said, "Auntie is six months pregnant, there's no need for this. It's my fault, it's already so late, and I still have to bother you."

"Young Master, please don't say that. This is our own home; how can you say it's an intrusion?"

"Moreover, the master has already consulted a master and plans to find an auspicious day this year to elevate your mother to the status of his legal wife. Although she has passed away, her memorial tablet will still be placed in the Song family ancestral hall. At that time, the Ninth Young Master will be the rightful heir."

"As a concubine, I naturally have to pay my respects."

Although Lin Xiangwan is now in charge of the Duke's mansion's inner quarters, her status is still that of a concubine.

Song Yan was somewhat surprised. He had thought that Lin Xiangwan would definitely beg Song Hongtao to elevate her from a concubine to a principal wife. After all, a concubine is always a concubine, and even if she gives birth to a child, it will only be a son born out of wedlock. Although Lin Xiangwan was not exceptionally beautiful, she was a woman who knew how to please men, so this would not be a difficult task for her.

Unexpectedly, Lin Xiangwan would choose to elevate his mother's status first.

Song Yan didn't particularly care about the distinction between a principal wife, a concubine, or a legitimate son and a illegitimate son, but he understood that the hierarchy between legitimate and illegitimate sons was extremely strict in this era.

Just like himself, if he hadn't married into the Luo family and had stayed in the Duke's mansion, then most of the credit for his role in annihilating the Japanese pirates would have been given to the many legitimate sons. It would have been a great stroke of luck for him to get even a small share.

Having the status of a legitimate son would make many things much easier.

Song Yan understood that Lin Xiangwan was trying to curry favor with him. Thinking this, Song Yan shook his head: "There's no need for such trouble."

"Yes, yes." Lin Xiangwan smiled gently: "Of all your sons, Master, Ninth Young Master is the most promising. We must not let his status as an illegitimate son affect your future."

"Will the Yang family agree?" Song Yan asked Song Hongtao.

The biggest obstacle to making this happen is not Yang Miaoqing's other sons, but the Yang family.

Song Hongtao snorted: "This is a matter for our Duke's mansion. What does it have to do with the Yang family?"

Song Yan smiled and didn't say anything more. Lin Xiangwan's elevation of his mother's status was partly to please him, but on the other hand, she might also be thinking of using his power to resist the pressure from the Yang family.

After all, Lin Xiangwan was far too insignificant in the face of a behemoth like the Yang family.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Song Hongtao asked Song Yan to sit down. Lin Xiangwan, though heavily pregnant, stood by to serve him. Clearing his throat, Song Hongtao began inquiring about Song Yan's situation in Liaodong. It was clear that Song Hongtao wasn't particularly interested in these matters; it was more of an awkward conversation, and he didn't react much even to the story of Song Yan's military exploits. Lin Xiangwan, however, had a bright gleam in her eyes. Despite her less-than-ideal background, she understood the significance of this achievement.

"By the way, you're the Prefect of Pingyang now." Before they knew it, they had been chatting awkwardly for quite a while. Lin Xiangwan excused herself, saying she was tired, and went to rest. As for Song Hongtao, he suddenly remembered something, and his expression became somewhat mysterious: "According to the rules of Ningguo, as the Prefect, you are to go to Dongling to report on your duties. It won't be long before you arrive. When you get to Dongling, you might meet your second uncle."

“Song Jincheng?” Song Yan raised an eyebrow.

“It was him.” Song Hongtao narrowed his eyes to slits, stroking his beard with his fingers. “When your grandfather passed on the title of Duke to me, Song Jincheng was very dissatisfied. Although you are his nephew, I am also worried that he will do something to you.”

"Therefore, once you arrive at Dongling, try to avoid contact with him."

Before this, Song Hongtao and Song Jincheng could barely maintain a superficial brotherly relationship. But now, just thinking about the eight legitimate sons, seven of whom were Song Jincheng's offspring, Song Hongtao wished he could tear Song Jincheng to pieces. Only in this way could he vent the hatred in his heart.

Her eyes were filled with resentment and malice; she didn't even want to act anymore.

Although Song Hongtao wasn't very clever, he wasn't completely stupid either. He knew very well that he couldn't possibly bring down Song Jincheng on his own. He inherited the title of Duke but didn't hold any official position, while Song Jincheng, even though he had been demoted, was still a Minister. The two sides were not equal in power.

In Song Hongtao's view, dealing with Song Jincheng would most likely require the help of Song Yan. However, Song Yan had offended far too many people; countless civil officials in the court, the Yang family, and their in-laws all wanted him dead. Song Hongtao didn't want to see Song Yan, when besieged, rush to Song Jincheng for help and fall into Song Jincheng's trap, which would lead to utter ruin.

Even if he were to die, he would rather die after dealing with Song Jincheng than die at Song Jincheng's hands. The conversation between father and son was filled with countless hidden thoughts.

After chatting for a while, as the night grew deeper and Song Hongtao grew increasingly tired, Song Yan got up to say goodbye. Song Hongtao exchanged a few polite words and did not insist that he stay.

He probably understood that there was an irreparable rift between himself and his son.

Watching Song Yan leave until his figure disappeared from sight, the warm smile on Song Hongtao's face gradually faded.

The Song family originally earned their titles through military merit. Even if Song Hongtao lacked ability, he still possessed insight and foresight. How could he not see that Song Yan's achievements this time were absolutely limitless? It was just that his promotion was too rapid. As the saying goes, "the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind." Therefore, Emperor Ninghe might hold back a bit this time and not bestow too much reward on Song Yan. But as long as he can get through these few years, it is not impossible for him to be enfeoffed as a marquis or even a duke. In a few more years, it is also very likely that he will become the prime minister of the court.

At that time, with this father-son relationship in place, the Duke's mansion will also receive enormous benefits.

However, Song Yan had offended far too many people, and it was possible that he would perish halfway through his life.

Those forces associated with Song Yan may all be purged.

However, Song Hongtao had his own plans for this matter, so there was no need to worry about the Duke's mansion being implicated.

……

God, it's gray.

The light rain had stopped, but the sun still hadn't come out.

Occasionally, a night breeze would blow by, and the chill would seep into the body, making one feel cold and damp all over. That feeling was even more unbearable than the pure dry cold of Liaodong.

Liu Feng, the gatekeeper, was bent at almost a ninety-degree angle, not daring to look up at all. Only after the Ninth Young Master left the Duke's mansion did he relax. Then he was shocked to feel a chill, and his whole body was soaked in cold sweat.

He felt he should be considered lucky.

At least alive.

Outside the door, Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, Nahetoya, and ten elite black-armored warriors waited quietly in the night.

"Let's go to Songzhou Prefecture."

After giving these instructions, Song Yan and Nakhtoya boarded the carriage together.

With a clattering sound, the carriage drove away, gradually enveloped in a thick, dark fog.

Squeak, squeak...

The sound of wheel hubs rubbing could still be heard in the ear.

crunch.

They must have only gone a few steps when the sound of the wheels abruptly stopped, and the carriage came to a halt.

"Young master, there are people ahead." Zhang Long's voice came from outside the carriage.

Song Yan let out a breath, rubbed the sides of her forehead, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. She felt that this scene was familiar, as if it had happened a few months ago.

Lifting the curtain, sure enough, not far in front of the carriage, a figure stood quietly in the darkness. If it weren't for the lantern in his hand, he probably wouldn't have been able to see it at all.

It was still Lin Xiangwan.

Song Yan then left the carriage. Lin Xiangwan followed behind Song Yan silently, carrying her lantern. They walked a hundred paces without making a sound, and only after confirming that no one could hear their conversation did Song Yan stop and turn to look at Lin Xiangwan.

This woman must be very conscious of her figure.

Although she was pregnant, apart from her belly getting bigger, she didn't look much bloated overall.

"You can eat a little more in the future. You must get enough nutrition during pregnancy, otherwise the child may be born with congenital deficiencies." For Song Yan, Lin Xiangwan is a useful tool now, so he doesn't mind giving her a few pointers.

Lin Xiangwan's expression turned somewhat flustered.

What she cared about most was the child in her womb, after all, it was related to her lifelong wealth and prosperity.

Since becoming pregnant, Lin Xiangwan had been strictly controlling her diet, partly out of fear that the Yang family might poison her, and partly because she wanted to maintain her beautiful and charming image in Song Hongtao's eyes. Even though she often felt hungry, she desperately endured it. If this harmed the baby in her womb, it would be a huge problem.

Seeing Lin Xiangwan's expression, Song Yan smiled and said, "There's no need to worry too much. Just eat a little more than your normal diet. Remember, too much of anything is bad. If a pregnant woman eats too much, it may cause the fetus to be too big and lead to a difficult labor."

"Thank you for your guidance, Ninth Young Master," Lin Xiangwan said sincerely.

"Alright, tell me, what brings you here at this hour?" Song Yan waved his hand and asked. Given Lin Xiangwan's current situation, she wouldn't risk meeting him unless it was something important.

Lin Xiangwan paused briefly for a moment: "Fourth Young Master Song An came back once."

Song Yan nodded noncommittally: "When? What's he coming back for?"

"I came back before the New Year," Lin Xiangwan said slowly. "I only stayed at the Duke's mansion for half a day, and didn't even stay overnight. I left that very night."

"Apart from Song Hongtao, he has not even had contact with anyone from the Duke's Mansion."

"As for why I was looking for Song Hongtao, no one knows. It was only when Song Hongtao was drunk during the New Year that I learned some things from him."

Song Yan couldn't help but laugh. Sure enough, a woman's pillow talk was quite terrifying. Let alone someone like Song Hongtao, even Song Yan herself couldn't guarantee that she wouldn't reveal some outrageous things when she was drunk.

"Song An probably came for the business of sugar and tea."

"He somehow learned that the sugar and tea were invented by you, Ninth Young Master, so he wanted Song Hongtao to get the sugar-making and tea-frying recipes from you."

That's someone with good taste.

Song An owns an entire large merchant caravan. If he were to learn how to manufacture white sugar and process tea, he would surely make a fortune. What he would be manufacturing is not white sugar, but silver; and what he would be processing is not tea, but silver notes.

"Song An told Song Hongtao that tea and sugar were extremely profitable, and in just a few months, the Luo, Fang and Cui families had earned hundreds of thousands of taels of silver."

"He also told Song Hongtao, 'Although you are not Song Hongtao's biological son, Ninth Young Master, you were unaware of this matter...'"

Suddenly, Song Yan trembled, his expression appearing particularly strange in the darkness.

He is not Song Hongtao's son... How did Song An find out this?
(End of this chapter)