CHAPTER 538: CHAPTER 538: BOTH TAKE THE STAGE

Shanxi Datong, Song Mansion’s main courtyard.

A woman, around eighteen years old, with fair skin and beautiful features, gracefully delicate eyebrows, resembling a fresh-out-of-water lotus, sat by the window. She was sewing a small garment, occasionally looking out the window, seemingly with a trace of unresolved light sorrow lingering between her brows.

"Madam, it’s time to drink the medicine." A maid with an unremarkable appearance but calm eyes brought over a bowl of medicine.

The woman put down the small garment she was holding and smiled gently, saying: "Jingshui, I’ve already finished my confinement period, do I really have to keep drinking this medicinal soup? It tastes so bitter."

Her voice was like jade dropping on a jade plate, soft and tender, intoxicating.

The maid called Jingshui sternly said: "You gave birth to twins and they were premature. For the sake of your health, you still need to drink it; it’s all for your own good."

A man walked in from outside and said: "Jingshui is right. It’s all for Lian’er’s health, and cannot be neglected."

"Third Brother is back." The woman called Lian’er was somewhat delighted, stood up, and greeted him.

The man casually took her hand, brought her to sit by the kang, and scolded softly: "How many times have I told you, there’s no need for so much formality between us. Just focus on taking care of yourself."

"I just wanted to come and greet you." The woman looked at him with eyes full of tenderness and said: "Seeing Third Brother with a smile, full of joy, could there be some good news?"

"Indeed, it’s great news. I’ve been reassigned to the capital to take a post, the position of Director of the Ministry of Revenue."

Indeed, this clear and tranquil man is Song Zhiqing, whom Song Ci referred to as a scumbag, and beside him is the concubine Bai Shuilian, deeply resented by Mrs. Lu.

These two have now made their appearance together.

Upon hearing this, Bai Shuilian’s eyes lit up: "Really?"

Song Zhiqing noticed the admiration and reverence in her eyes, and couldn’t resist tweaking her nose, saying: "Of course it’s true. Why would I lie to you?"

"That’s wonderful." Bai Shuilian stood up and gracefully saluted him: "I congratulate Third Brother for fulfilling his wishes and continuing to rise high."

Song Zhiqing was pleased in his heart, pulled her into his embrace, and skillfully removed the purple jade hairpin from her hair, stroking her long, ink-like black hair, saying: "This time it’s a horizontal transfer, not a promotion per se, but it’s still a very good outdoor position."

A promotion is certainly good, but being able to transfer back to the capital as a capital official now is already worthy of celebration.

Once he returns to the capital, with his talent, he can surely excel and a promotion will be within reach, so there’s no rush.

"Did the Prime Minister help orchestrate this for Third Brother?" Bai Shuilian obediently leaned against his chest and said: "Once you return to the capital, you must properly thank the Prime Minister. Thanks to him, you were able to return to the capital so quickly."

Song Zhiqing’s smile slightly stiffened, and he said somewhat awkwardly: "Of course."

Quickly? What’s quick about it? He’s been stuck in Shanxi for six years, trying multiple times to ask the boss to transfer him back to the capital, only to be told the timing wasn’t right.

If he had returned to the capital earlier, would he still be at the Fifth Rank?

"Third Brother, when will you return to the capital?"

"We still have to wait for the transition with the replacement. Once the handover is complete, I’ll have to set off. The position at the Ministry of Revenue was left vacant due to the previous official’s mourning leave, so they urgently need someone there. At that time, I’m afraid I can’t travel with you."

Bai Shuilian was slightly taken aback, pursed her lips, and said: "I don’t know if Sister will accept me and the children. Third Brother, the children are still young, why don’t I stay in Datong with them?"

"What nonsense are you speaking? You’re my person; naturally, you go where I go. How could I leave you and the children behind? Here’s what we’ll do: while the weather is still mild, you pack up and slowly set off with the children. There’s no need to rush, and I’ll catch up later."

"Okay." Bai Shuilian shyly pressed down his restless hand: "Third Brother, the kids should be done with their walk soon."

Song Zhiqing then leaned in closer: "Lian’er, I’ve missed you..."