CHAPTER 362: CHAPTER 359 TRUST

The people from Chen Family Village traveled all the way to the Capital City. Mrs. Meng didn’t want to stay too long, so after saying a few words, she left with Miss Xu.

Once the mother and daughter got in the carriage, Mrs. Meng said, "Thankfully, we don’t have to host a banquet; otherwise, I really wouldn’t know what to say to that Old Mrs. Chen."

Mrs. Gao whispered, "That’s right, I was anxious just watching. To please the people from Chen Family Village, you had to think twice about everything you said, fearing they might not understand and feel belittled. This task of yours is no easy one."

Mrs. Meng sighed, "The more difficult it is, the more we must alleviate the Empress’s worries." Having seen Chen Family Village, she felt slightly more at ease.

"I believe there’s nothing much to worry about for now," Mrs. Meng said. "People need to eat their fill before thinking of anything else. The current Chen Family Village and the Eight States, whatever their past prosperity, have declined after nineteen years, haven’t they?"

Mrs. Meng remembered that when the Grandmaster was alive, he said that those common people should spend their lives toiling for food and clothing, but never have enough to be fully satisfied, so they would never be idle and cause trouble, ensuring stability for the court.

Before Prince Guangyang died in battle, it was said that the Eight States were as lively as the Capital. Now that they’ve been reclaimed, what of it? They’re in tatters, waiting for the court’s relief.

The people of Chen Family Village are the same; they don’t even dare to wear the silks and satin sent to them, giving those to their servants yet not instructing them on what to do.

The gap is too vast. Nineteen years change too much. Even if reclaimed, it can’t return to its former glory.

Mrs. Meng looked at Mrs. Gao, "When we return, I’ll write a letter to the Empress and send it before the palace gates close to avoid her worrying."

Mrs. Gao responded.

Mrs. Meng instructed Miss Xu, "Tomorrow, accompany Miss Xie well."

Miss Xu replied, "I understand, Mother. You can rest assured."

Mrs. Meng closed her eyes, "The household has many affairs to arrange for the New Year. I hope everything goes smoothly here, so it doesn’t occupy more of my thoughts."

After saying this, Mrs. Meng remembered something and turned to look at Miss Xu, who was peering out the carriage window.

Mrs. Meng asked, "What are you looking at?"

Miss Xu shook her head, "Nothing."

Mrs. Meng knew her daughter’s thoughts all too well. She blamed the Song Family for their handling. If they had intended an engagement with Chen Family Village, why delay until now?

Everyone thought Song Xian was stalling for military achievements to marry into the Yue Family, which stirred unnecessary trouble for the Xu Family.

Mrs. Meng said, "Don’t dwell on it. He’s short-sighted. After all, he’s just a martial artist. Besides, with the family’s reputation weighed down by a stepmother and two brothers accused of conspiring, we’d have to worry if given this marriage, fearing being associated with the Song Family’s name."

Miss Xu said, "I wasn’t thinking about that."

"Good if you weren’t," Mrs. Meng said. "With just your second brother, life at home is restless. You should learn from your eldest brother."

If Xu Yuanyu weren’t impeached by the Imperial Censor for withholding military supplies in Xingzhou, she wouldn’t be so involved with Chen Family Village. Everything must align with the Empress’s wishes, easing her burdens, so she can protect her wayward son.

...

In the study, Song Xian handed a letter to Xie Shao Yuan: "This house currently has a steward in the front yard, a housekeeper in the backyard, three guards, four young male servants, four maids, and a chef. These people have been arranged by the Xu Family. They were drawn from various estates in the Capital, some even from the Xu Family’s own estates."

Xie Shao Yuan replied, "Living here is like being under watchful eyes. But we won’t stay long; we’ll return to Zhenzhou, so let them be for now."

Song Xian nodded, "Just be cautious with words daily. Besides, Chang Yue is keeping watch over the house."

When Song Xian mentioned Chang Yue, Xie Shao Yuan remarked, "You’ve always had Chang Yue guard Chen Family Village, ready to assist when needed. You’ve worked hard."

Song Xian quickly stood up, "Uncle, speaking like this creates distance between us..."

"Alright," Xie Shao Yuan smiled, "no need for that."

Seeing the Old Master’s smile brought Song Xian a sense of relief.

Xie Shao Yuan continued, "The Emperor has granted us a house in the Capital, intending for Liangchen to stay. But we’ve agreed to return to Chen Family Village. The servants the Xu Family hired will remain in the Capital to watch over the house."

Song Xian also wanted to return to Zhenzhou. Once back home, he could propose marriage to Chen Family Village and set the wedding date.

"One more thing," Xie Shao Yuan remarked, "Even if I don’t mention it, Liangchen will consult with you. Yang Wu has used the name of Prince Guangyang for years, holding many of his belongings. We need to retrieve those items as a comfort to Liangchen’s mother."

As for how to reclaim them, Xie Shao Yuan would handle it. The court recognizing Liangchen as Prince Guangyang’s heir makes these claims justifiable.

They weren’t concerned with wealth, but the books and Prince Guangyang’s armor must return to their kin.

After saying this, Xie Shao Yuan stood up, "I’ll pack up. You should rest for a while, and we’ll speak again later."

Song Xian got up to see Xie Shao Yuan off. After his departure, Song Xian carefully reflected on his words.

Uncle Xie had said: Even if I don’t mention it, Liangchen will consult with you.

Uncle Xie knew they would meet privately and didn’t stop them, showing some trust. Song Xian suddenly recalled waiting up until midnight as a child, wanting to brew a pot of tea for his father himself. That pot went from scalding to cold, much like his expectations of Song Qizheng.

Luckily, Uncle Xie returned, and Liangchen had a father’s love by her side, unlike him...

"Brother."

Chen Zigeng’s voice brought Song Xian back to reality.

Song Xian extended his hand, and Chen Zigeng instantly grasped it familiarly.

Song Xian asked, "What did the Xu Family say?"

Chen Zigeng glanced around the yard, saw no servants nearby, and whispered, "This house and the servants were the Emperor’s gifts, which can be withdrawn anytime. Before my grandmother, they disciplined a maid, both scolding us as hillbillies ignorant of etiquette and trying to intimidate us."

As he spoke, Chen Zigeng pulled Song Xian along to the backyard, "Sister is in the kitchen making soup for Grandmother." He pitied the General, sneaking glimpses at Sister, truly a bit pitiful. Now that Second Aunt was serving Grandmother to rest and Uncle was bathing, it was a prime opportunity.

Song Xian was led to the kitchen in the backyard. Chen Zigeng remembered something, "My things are with Hei Dan. I’ll go find him. Brother, when you see my sister, tell her not to tire herself."

Watching Chen Zigeng dash off, a smile curved Song Xian’s lips. When Zigeng grew older, he’d make sure to arrange a good marriage for him.

Xie Liangchen watched the flames in the hearth, pondering the wax paper, when suddenly a hand reached over, taking the firewood from her and adding it to the hearth.

Xie Liangchen turned her head to see Song Xian beside her.

Song Xian said, "I’m helping Sister add firewood."

Was this how you added firewood? He insisted on encircling her with his arm to pass the fuel from her side.

Basking in the warmth of the fire, with no one else around, Xie Liangchen suddenly felt like teasing Song Xian: "Do you remember Miss Xu? I heard in the past life there was talk of a royal marriage grant to you."