CHAPTER 128: CHAPTER 126 PERSUASION

Song Xian did not intend to mention the Su Family at this time, but as he lifted his foot to leave, a thought crossed his mind, and he couldn’t help but speak.

After speaking, he deliberately watched Xie Liangchen’s expression, as if probing to see her thoughts about Su Huaiqing. It was truly strange how such inexplicable emotions and subtle thoughts emerged.

Xie Liangchen didn’t notice Song Xian’s odd behavior. She nodded without much thought: "When Mr. Su came to Chen Family Village during the day, I already thought of it, just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. It seems Mr. Su suspected something even before he came to Zhenzhou."

Song Xian said, "Su Huaiqing has always been in Cangzhou, and coming with him is Qin Maoxing, the nephew of the Henghai Jiedu Envoy."

When Song Xian mentioned Qin Maoxing, Xie Liangchen recalled carefully: "After the eldest of the Su Family passed away, Qin Maoxing would visit Old Master Su every year."

Qin Maoxing got drunk in the Su Family and was overheard by her while talking to Old Master Su.

Qin Maoxing said, "If Huaiqing knew from the afterlife, he would not want to bring Miss Xie into the family, letting Miss Xie remain a widow for life. He wasn’t that kind of person."

Old Master Su said, "It was the Su Family that wronged that child. Now that the deed is done, I hope to make amends someday if the opportunity arises."

Old Master Su wasn’t just saying it for the sake of it; he sincerely put effort into teaching her medicinal herbs and commerce.

Therefore, she didn’t have a bad impression of Qin Maoxing.

Song Xian knew that Xie Liangchen was referring to events from a past life. She was using her memory to help him understand the intentions of Su Huaiqing and Qin Maoxing.

But it was evident she was holding back, and those fleeting thoughts were not something she would share with him.

Xie Liangchen continued, "Later, I heard from Old Master Su that Qin Maoxing died in the North."

Song Xian knew more about this than Xie Liangchen: "He died during the court’s attack on the remnants of the former dynasty."

Xie Liangchen looked at Song Xian.

Song Xian understood what she wanted to ask: "He was sent by the Henghai Jiedu Envoy. Although we went to the Northwest together, the two armies didn’t trust each other. The court knew this early on and ordered us to split forces. When Qin Maoxing died, I wasn’t aware, but later heard he died with his trusted aides during battle."

It’s one thing for the commander to die, but dying with trusted aides raised suspicion.

Xie Liangchen understood what Song Xian meant.

Song Xian said, "The disputes under the Henghai Jiedu Envoy are not something I can get involved in."

Xie Liangchen said, "So Qin Maoxing died at the hands of his own people?"

Song Xian’s gaze deepened: "It wasn’t the court that acted, nor was it related to the Song Family. The Liao people didn’t invade the Juma River significantly, and even if they were involved, they only added fuel and relayed information. The one who took down Qin Maoxing’s entire army was someone else. Even if it was using a borrowed knife to kill, one would need the authority to maneuver troops and at least not send reinforcements at a critical moment."

Even without evidence, the fact was undeniable. Song Xian’s words were the truth, and no one could refute it.

"In the past life, Su Huaiqing died, and so did Qin Maoxing. Could it be just a coincidence?" Xie Liangchen didn’t wait for Song Xian to answer, "Are you planning to see the eldest of the Su Family? He might know some inside information."

Song Xian remained silent and didn’t speak.

Xie Liangchen pondered carefully and found nothing inappropriate in what she said. She believed Song Xian couldn’t possibly overlook what she thought of; she just didn’t know why Song Xian didn’t seem keen on associating with Su Huaiqing.

Could it be because of Madam Su and Lin Xu, leading to more suspicion towards Su Huaiqing?

Perhaps it was the beef soup from the evening, good moods tend to make people want to speak a little more.

Xie Liangchen said, "If Su Huaiqing and Qin Maoxing had suspicions about the Henghai Jiedu Envoy, understanding it sooner might benefit you greatly in conquering the North in the future. In the past life, even though you unified the North without relying on others, you suffered considerable troop losses.

Fewer battles are always good; at least the people can live peacefully."

Having said all this, Xie Liangchen felt she had spoken a bit much. Someone like Song Xian surely wouldn’t appreciate anyone dictating things in his ear, even if well-intentioned.

However, she did not regret it. Not everything requires meticulous calculation, just like tonight, she got up to go over the accounts, not to drink beef soup.

Strategizing might be necessary, but it shouldn’t completely bind one’s nature.

"I know." Song Xian finally said. He didn’t like Su Huaiqing, but for business matters, he still had to meet him once.

Xie Liangchen felt a sense of relief. It seemed Song Xian wasn’t as difficult to get along with as she feared. As Song Xian said before, unless she posed a threat to him, he wouldn’t harm her life, so she should also show some sincerity in return.

After speaking, Song Xian turned to look at Xie Liangchen again: "It’s too late, rest early. You don’t need to prepare medicinal meals for my grandmother these days."

Xie Liangchen showed a polite smile: "I’m not ill; it’s a minor matter. I feel fine now, so I can continue going to Old Mrs. Song."

Song Xian said, "I’m never harsh on those who work for me. You owe me more than just a few medicinal meals, no rush for now."

Those words seemed like something coming from creditor Song, but it was unique for Song Xian to express concern with a tone of intimidation.

Xie Liangchen responded by bowing to Song Xian.

Song Xian strode out: "No need to see me off."

After Song Xian disappeared from view, Xie Liangchen extinguished the lamp, did a simple wash, and then tiptoed back to bed.

Xie Liangchen turned over to find a comfortable position. Her sleeplessness was due to a mind filled with thoughts. Li Suining, Xie Liangchen, who exactly was she?

Xie Liangchen looked at Old Mrs. Chen. Did her grandmother know the truth? If she knew, why didn’t she ever say anything? Her grandmother truly loved her, and there was likely only one reason for her grandmother’s silence: speaking out would put her and her brother in danger.

Xie Liangchen kept pondering until she eventually drifted into a hazy sleep.

Every situation has a solution. She just needed to keep moving forward, and eventually, she would see what lies at the end of the road.

...

Song Xian returned to the city and saw Cheng Yanzhao waiting at the gate from afar.

"Where did you go?" Cheng Yanzhao asked. "I went to the military camp, then pursued to the government office, even asked people from the Song Mansion, and finally came to the small courtyard, but couldn’t find you anywhere."

Cheng Yanzhao always felt Song Xian was a bit different, but couldn’t pinpoint why.

Song Xian asked, "Did Qin Maoxing find you?"

Caught at once, Cheng Yanzhao felt somewhat deflated: "He wants to meet with you."

Song Xian said, "Have him come here tomorrow before the official duties."

It surprised Cheng Yanzhao that Song Xian would so readily agree to meet Qin Maoxing. Given Song Xian’s usual demeanor, even if he agreed to meet someone, he’d make Qin Maoxing wait a day or two.

If one were to speak of Song Xian’s shortcomings, it would be that he resembled a lone wolf, accustomed to solving problems in his own way. Even though he had that capability, it was unnecessarily taxing.

A softer temperament would naturally be beneficial for Song Xian.

After ushering Cheng Yanzhao out, Song Xian removed his clothes and cleaned up. In the past, many of the problems in the North concluded with warfare, and he hadn’t considered expending some effort and taking extra steps to avoid a battle, finding an alternative route for resolution.

"Fewer battles are always good; at least the people can live peacefully."

Once again, the scene of Chen Family Village appeared in Song Xian’s mind.

After Su Huaiqing entered the Zhenzhou Government Office, he never came out, and Qin Maoxing couldn’t help but feel anxious, so he arrived at Song Xian’s small courtyard at dawn.

Fortunately, the main gate was open, indicating Song Xian was already up.

"Please announce my presence," Qin Maoxing said, "Qin Maoxing requests to see General Song."