Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 437 The Innate Widow's Sacred Body (11,000 words)

In the warm spring of March, as orioles sing and grasses grow, the spring atmosphere in Pingyang City grows ever stronger.

The chill of winter has completely dissipated by now, and lush green grass grows along the roadside, interspersed with small flowers that are either white or red.

Occasionally, birds fly across the sky, leaving behind their chirping sounds.

The sunlight felt warm on my skin.

Things have been mostly arranged. As for what the future holds, we'll leave it to fate and do our best.

At the governor's mansion, Song Yan issued another order, requiring the steward to buy as many eggs as possible. Although the steward had doubts, it was the governor's order, so he would obey it completely.

He then went to find Jia Yifei and gathered all the craftsmen in Pingyang City together, as Pingyang City was not short of craftsmen. Previously, when they were in Dongling, Song Yan had spent money everywhere, offering thirty taels of silver as a relocation fee to recruit a large number of craftsmen to live in Dongling, and the treatment was twice that in Dongling.

Scholars, farmers, industry and commerce.

Craftsmen held a status only above merchants, yet they were not as wealthy as merchants.

Therefore, the lives of craftsmen in Ningguo were extremely difficult.

Thirty taels of silver was a huge sum of money for all craftsmen. Of course, not all craftsmen were willing to move their families. Many craftsmen kept the thirty taels of silver and hid it away. Song Yan was well aware of this situation, but he didn't care much. He would be satisfied as long as one or two out of ten could settle down in Pingyang.

In reality, the number of craftsmen who settled in Pingyang was more than Song Yan had imagined. Perhaps the scene of him crushing the heads of corrupt officials on the palace walls was too horrifying, frightening these craftsmen, or perhaps for other reasons. In any case, about half of the craftsmen arrived in Pingyang. These craftsmen's daily work consisted of helping to manufacture bows, arrows, catapults, and other such items, as well as forging the steel transported from Ningping into weapons and armor. Although it was a bit busy and cold, the wages were higher, and they lived a fairly good life.

When all the artisans gathered, it was a vast, densely packed crowd. Including the local artisans from Pingyang, there were at least one or two thousand craftsmen. Song Yan selected about eight hundred from among them. These artisans had impeccable backgrounds and were mostly locals from Pingyang. Many also had relatives or friends who had died at the hands of the Jurchen barbarians and harbored deep hatred for foreign tribes.

Eight hundred craftsmen, their salaries tripled. Song Yan had only one requirement: even if it meant working overtime, he wanted to produce as much of what he needed as possible.

It was then divided into five parts by Song Yan, one part being responsible for burning charcoal and crushing it;

Part of it was refined from saltpeter;

Some of it was used to extract sulfur;

Part of the production leads;

Another group is responsible for producing the iron outer shell.

In addition, two hundred craftsmen were selected. The things these craftsmen produced were somewhat varied, such as collecting silt from the river, collecting tree bark and drying and chopping it, and searching for limestone.

Although it is somewhat of a waste of manpower, the formula for gunpowder is currently Song Yan's biggest secret.

Song Yan knew very well that this secret would be discovered sooner or later. All he was doing was trying to delay the discovery of the formula as much as possible. The extra two hundred craftsmen were bait that Song Yan deliberately threw out. In this way, even if a spy discovered something, he would only end up with a messy formula. Whether it would explode or not would be up to fate.

Whether they can turn the tide this time depends on how much gunpowder these craftsmen can provide.

If the explosive charge is large enough, even the Xiongnu cavalry can be blown to smithereens.

Eight hundred craftsmen were separated and settled by Jia Yifei, none of them knowing what the others were doing, let alone the purpose of their creations. Large numbers of black-armored soldiers patrolled the settlement day and night. Even the craftsmen's families and relatives were gathered together and settled by Jia Yifei.

As for the materials produced, they were sent to a less populated area in the north of the city. All the houses in the vicinity were bought by Jia Yifei in the name of the government, and the people were also relocated elsewhere. Then, Song Yan personally mixed them according to the proportions.

Once the ingredients are prepared, they will be handed over to a group of artisans with the strictest scrutiny. The artisans will then mix them thoroughly, add egg whites, and knead them into small granules.

Because of the need for secrecy, what was originally not a difficult task became extremely complicated. Whether it was the production or transportation process, in addition to a large number of soldiers guarding the area, there were also Imperial Guards infiltrated, and night watchmen keeping watch nearby. Security was at an unprecedented level.

The task assignment alone has already consumed a lot of time.

When I came to my senses, it was already dusk.

Stretching and relaxing her stiff limbs after a busy day, Song Yan headed towards the Zhang family's residence.

News of the Xiongnu attack is currently kept secret and has not spread. Although some people have begun to act in secret, it has not had much impact on the vast majority of people in Pingyang City.

Along the way, you can see many people returning home from spring outings. Although they are tired, their faces are full of happy smiles. Brothels have also reopened. The customers, dressed in their finest attire, lean against the windows, gently waving the silk scarves in their hands, attracting customers coming and going on the long street. You can hear voices such as "Sir, come and have some fun!"

"vulgar."

Song Yan felt contempt in his heart.

Compared to Qunyu Garden, it is ultimately much lower in quality.

Exiled scholars and poets also gathered in teahouses, bookstores, and gardens, either engaging in lively discussions about the state of the world or drinking wine and composing poems, amidst the verdant greenery and fading red blossoms, creating a picturesque scene. Whenever a beautiful young woman passed by, the tone of her recitations seemed to rise a few notches, perhaps leading to an unexpected and beautiful encounter.

The vendors were packing up their goods and preparing to go home. They carried their loads on their shoulders and had a few less-than-ideal mountain produce left in their bamboo baskets. Judging from their happy expressions, they had a good day.

In Pingyang City, many people recognized Song Yan. People would frequently stop to greet him, and some would even try to give him things like rabbits and pheasants. Meat was considered the most precious and best food by the common people of this era; giving someone meat was a sign that they treated you like family.

These common people respected Song Yan but did not fear him.

They all knew that although this Marquis was fierce and cruel, that was only towards outsiders; he was very kind to his own family.

The people of Pingyang City were all family.

Looking at those honest and simple smiling faces, and listening to their dialects with their somewhat strange accents, Song Yan felt a strange and indescribable feeling in her heart.

It seems warm, yet it's not as simple as it appears.

It's more like a sense of satisfaction that everything you do has been recognized.

At this time, Pingyang City was quiet and peaceful, and everything exuded the beauty of all things reviving after the harsh winter.

Seeing this scene, Song Yan would unconsciously reveal a gentle smile.

Then, tightening his clothes, he bid farewell to the enthusiastic uncles and aunties and continued walking along the long street.

It was dusk, and it was still a bit chilly.

First, they found Zhang Ci.

Even if war comes, the business trip to the Jurchens must be done. Song Yan must use Anchegu to restrain Wanyan Guangzhi. Song Yan does not want to have to guard against Jurchen sneak attacks while dealing with the Xiongnu cavalry.

After finalizing the details of the caravan, Song Yan went to the guest house of the Zhang family.

Upon entering the guest courtyard, one sees two women sitting quietly in a pavilion. Both women are dressed in white dresses, but one is slender and tall, while the other is voluptuous and graceful. They seem to be talking quietly, occasionally punctuated by a clear, melodious laugh, like that of a lark.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, the two of them seemed to be bathed in an orange glow.

The silhouettes, paired with equally delicate and beautiful faces, are as perfect as a painting.

Even Song Yan, who was used to seeing beautiful women, was momentarily stunned by such a sight.

After adjusting her mindset, Song Yan's expression returned to normal. She raised her hand and knocked on the open courtyard gate, making a banging sound: "May I come in?"

Only then did the two women realize Song Yan's presence.

A faint smile appeared on Luo Tianxuan's face as she stood up and walked towards Song Yan. Gao Yang, however, seemed unusually uncharacteristically poised.

"Husband, what brings you here?" Upon reaching Song Yan's side, Luo Tianxuan gently took Song Yan's hand and led him into the courtyard. Seeing the weariness on Song Yan's face, her eyes were filled with heartache. The bond between the couple was far closer than that between ordinary couples in this era.

Holding hands, hugging, and cuddling—these are intimate things that most couples wouldn't do, but Song Yan and Luo Tianxuan didn't have so many reservations.

"I've come to see my cousin Gao Yang about something."

As they talked, they arrived at the pavilion and sat down.

Gao Yang sat upright opposite Song Yan, and he could be seen more clearly up close. His upright posture revealed a hint of unease no matter how you looked at it.

Especially her eyes, which subconsciously looked to the side.

Song Yan didn't think much of it, only that Gao Yang was nervous because he was going to meet someone arranged by Kong Nianhan that night.

Think about what happened to Gao Yang; her parents forced her to marry a man she didn't like in order to climb up the social ladder to the Fang family.
Although she had a husband after marriage, she lived the life of a widow.

Her husband never touched her, yet her mother-in-law blamed her for being a barren hen.

Now that her husband has died, she is about to be sold by her mother to another man, a barbarian from the northern grasslands who eats raw meat and drinks blood. I can't help but feel sorry for her.

But no matter how cruel it may be, the truth must be told to Gao Yang.

Song Yan lowered her eyelids, pondering how to speak tactfully to minimize the shock to Gao Yang.

He's a pro at being tactful.

Song Hongtao was cuckolded a whole bunch of times; none of the sons he raised were his own, and he even killed his only biological son with his own hands. Despite all this shocking news, he didn't die of anger. Song Yan thought that his eloquence played a crucial role in this.

Thinking this, Song Yan felt quite at ease and coughed softly twice: "Gao Yang..."

Gao Yang's body trembled violently, her face flushed even more, and then she couldn't help but glare at Luo Tianxuan with some embarrassment and annoyance. It was all this cousin's fault; she had no sense of propriety and dared to say anything.

So much so that now when she sees Song Yan, the words Luo Tianxuan said before involuntarily come to mind: "Why don't you marry my man too?"

To be fair, as a man, Song Yan is truly outstanding.

At the age of sixteen, he was the youngest marquis in the entire Central Plains.

He was skilled in poetry and prose that would be passed down through the ages, and in martial arts, he could ride a horse and subdue foreign tribes.

Throughout the Central Plains, let alone sixteen-year-old boys, there are very few under thirty whose achievements and talents can rival Song Yan's.

In particular, he was different from Fang Jun; he would not exchange his woman for someone else, and he doted on his woman.

Of course, this doesn't mean that Song Yan has no flaws, but compared to these dazzling qualities, her flaws are not so obvious.

For a woman, finding such a husband is probably an extremely lucky thing.

But this is my cousin's husband.

Moreover, Song Yan has a bright future, but she is just a widow. How could she be worthy of him?

Her mind was a jumbled mess, and Gao Yang felt her cheeks getting hotter and hotter. However, Gao Yang was not a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl after all, and she still had the ability to regulate her emotions. She took a deep breath and gradually suppressed the chaotic thoughts in her mind. The blush on her face gradually faded and slowly returned to normal. Her originally shy eyes became dark and clear: "Hmm? Is there something you need, brother-in-law?"

Song Yan nodded: "There is something I need to tell you... Cousin Gao Yang, your mother sold you."

puff.

cough cough.

A violent coughing sound came from the side.

However, Luo Tianxuan, who was drinking tea, spat out a mouthful of tea. She quickly wiped the water droplets from the corner of her lips with a handkerchief before looking at Song Yan with disbelief.

No, is it really okay to say something like this so bluntly?

Gao Yang was taken aback, and then his face turned deathly pale.

Song Yan could see her body tremble uncontrollably for a moment, then slowly return to normal. Only a slight smile appeared on her lips, but was that smile mocking, self-mocking, or sorrowful?

There wasn't much sadness involved.

It's just confirming something I already knew, so what's there to be sad about? Probably...

"Is that so?" Gao Yang gently stroked the teacup with her delicate hand, her calm expression revealing nothing of her inner thoughts. "I knew it... Ha, I knew it. I shouldn't have had any hope before."

"But no matter what, she is still my mother."

"Although she forced me to do things I didn't want to do before, I always had some hope that she could change. In the end, it was all wishful thinking on my part."

"But I'm curious, who is she planning to sell me to this time? And for what price?"

call.

Gao Yang let out a breath, then took a deep breath, her face flushing slightly unnaturally: "After all, I'm a widow who's lost her husband, so I guess I won't be able to sell it for much money this time, right?"

Song Yan chuckled: "Then you really underestimate your mother. Believe me, you're very valuable this time."

"Your mother sold you to the Xiongnu prince, Arunchi..."

Gao Yang's finger trembled, and a ripple appeared on the surface of the teacup.

The word "Xiongnu" exploded in Gao Yang's mind like a thunderclap, buzzing so loudly that he couldn't hear the words "little prince" that followed clearly.

At that moment, Gao Yang felt an excruciating pain in his chest.

The Xiongnu?
Barbarians?

Her mother actually married her off to a barbarian?
Haha... Is this really something a mother would do?
I've told myself more than once that there's no need to get angry or sad about my mother anymore, but why does my heart still ache so much?
Her full body hunched over unconsciously, her hands crossed in front of her chest, her fingers gripping her shoulders, trembling uncontrollably.

At this moment, Gao Yang was like a stray cat abandoned by its owner, curled up in the cold wind, trembling, desperate, with suppressed sobs in its throat, just like the mournful cry of a stray cat.

Even Luo Tianxuan couldn't bear to see her like that, so she quietly sat down next to Gao Yang and put her arm around his shoulder.

Gao Yang ultimately did not cry. As a princess, she would not allow herself to do such a thing, as she was mindful of her dignity.

After a long while, Gao Yang finally raised her head, a few tiny teardrops hanging on her long eyelashes, her eyes brimming with tears.

"What kind of person was that Hun?" Gao Yang asked, sniffing. She no longer cared about what benefits her mother had gained from this transaction; she just wanted to know what kind of person he was. If he was a good person, then perhaps it was the last bit of kindness her mother had left her.

Song Yan spread his hands: "Not very good."

"Two murders occurred in Pingyang City yesterday."

"The dead were all women who suffered inhuman torture and humiliation before their deaths. The murderer was that wolf cub from the Xiongnu, whom I have already captured... I have also crippled him, so he can no longer be a man. Even if you really want to marry that guy, you will most likely still live as a widow."

Then Song Yan felt something was off. The fate of Princess Gaoyang was truly wondrous.

Her first husband left her a widow due to emotional reasons.

Her second husband was her fiancé, but due to health reasons, she would still have to live a life of widowhood after marrying him.

Considering that the little prince is about to die, shouldn't she be considered a widow?
Is this the so-called innate widow's sacred body?

Thinking this, Song Yan's gaze towards Gao Yang seemed to become somewhat strange...

However, since they are relatives and friends, such thoughts were somewhat impolite, so Song Yan quickly suppressed them: "I didn't think it was related to you at first, but as the investigation went on, things related to you came out."

"According to that Xiongnu wolf cub, he came to inspect the goods."

Gao Yang's lips curled into a smile. Inspect the goods? Song Yan used that word well. In her mother's heart, wasn't she just a piece of merchandise?

"If you've taken a liking to someone, I'll take you to the northern desert."

"If he doesn't like the woman, your mother will compensate him with three more beauties."

Song Yan rambled on and on, her words somewhat verbose. Gao Yang listened quietly, the sadness on her face completely gone, leaving only a faint chill. She even wanted to laugh a little. That was her own mother, not only preparing to marry her off to a barbarian, but also a perverted barbarian who took pleasure in torturing women.

Is this the husband her mother chose for her?
"By the way, you have other sisters?" Song Yan raised an eyebrow. "Your mother promised that wolf cub that if he didn't take a liking to you, she would choose three more from her other daughters, nieces, and grandnieces and send them to him."

Gao Yang shook her head: "I am an only child. I have no sisters, let alone brothers."

"Are you sure?" Song Yan raised an eyebrow.

Gao Yang was amused by Song Yan's appearance. She glared at Song Yan with a hint of annoyance, her tearful face exuding a unique charm: "Of course."

“I grew up in the Prince of Fu’s mansion since I was a child. How could I not know if my mother, the Prince of Fu, had other children?”

Maybe it's being kept outside the Prince of Fu's mansion.

Song Yan muttered a curse to himself.

(End of this chapter)