CHAPTER 195: CHAPTER 193: A PEARL CAST IN THE DARK

Song Qizheng pondered for a moment and instructed his confidant, "Send someone back to inquire about the situation."

Considering that the journey from the Capital City to Zhenzhou was not short, and delays could be caused by gathering information to relay back, he turned and went to the study.

Song Qizheng wrote several letters by hand and handed them to his confidant, "Go to Xingzhou to see General Miao and ask him to help procure some medicinal herbs." At present, both he and the Henghai Jiedu Envoy were in the Capital City. If chaos broke out in the North, the consequences could be imagined. At such times, an epidemic could seriously delay spring plowing, leading to famine.

After giving these instructions, Song Qizheng remained troubled, as he wished to immediately request the Emperor’s permission to return to Zhenzhou.

Song Yu placed a cup of tea in front of Song Qizheng, "Father, will everything be alright in the army? Eldest Brother has to manage state affairs, inspect the military camps, and now there’s an epidemic. I wonder if he can handle it all?"

Song Yu’s words struck a chord in Song Qizheng’s heart. Before he came, his advisors warned him that it might be unwise to hand over military power to Song Xian. If he found an excuse to get rid of his confidants in the army...

Song Qizheng didn’t want to harbor doubts about Song Xian any longer, but the discord between father and son wasn’t something that could be resolved overnight. Song Xian might not have intentions against Daqi, yet they were undoubtedly estranged.

"Father," Song Yu paused for a moment, making up his mind, "Although Third Brother still... in such matters, perhaps I should take people back to help Eldest Brother first?"

Song Qizheng looked at Song Yu, whose eyes were slightly red and face was full of worry. Song Yu wanted to stay to handle matters concerning Song Min while also easing his father’s concerns.

With Song Min like this and Song Xian trapped in Zhenzhou, only Song Yu remained.

Previously intending to send Song Yu back, Song Qizheng dismissed the idea at this moment.

If the epidemic in Zhenzhou was truly severe, wouldn’t it be equally dangerous for Song Yu to return?

Song Qizheng said, "Stay well in the Capital City. I’ll take care of matters in Zhenzhou."

After speaking, Song Qizheng turned and walked away.

Song Yu watched his father’s retreating figure, displaying a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. How could he return when the situation in Zhenzhou was unclear?

Even if he were to go back, it would be to escort the medicine and grain relief sent by the court along the way.

After the news of the epidemic in Zhenzhou, urgent reports about the epidemic from various northern states continued to arrive at the Capital.

The atmosphere in the court was tense.

Li You furrowed his brows, filled with concern, uncertain whether the Official Medicine Bureau newly established in Zhenzhou would prove useful.

Following a session at the court, everyone fulfilled their duties, and Song Qizheng led people back to Zhenzhou.

Not long after Song Qizheng and his group departed, a secret memorial was delivered to the Emperor while he was discussing matters with Li You. Upon seeing the memorial, the Emperor’s eyes deepened involuntarily.

The Emperor handed the memorial to Li You, "Take a look, it’s an urgent report from Jia Si of the Imperial Hospital. He says Song Xian refuses to adopt his advice and has taken over the Official Medicine Bureau against his counsel. Not only that, but he has also enlisted many commoners from rural areas to help in and out of the bureau.

What is Song Xian doing? The Official Medicine Bureau was built in Zhenzhou for the welfare of the people, not for others to cause chaos as they please. Could Jia Si, an Imperial Physician, be less knowledgeable than those commoners?"

Li You read the memorial carefully. Between the lines, Jia Si seemed to shirk responsibility, and he feared many matters were exaggerated, making the actual situation uncertain.

Li You spoke softly, "The Song Xian I observed is steady and far from reckless. He probably wouldn’t act thoughtlessly. The court has only just established the Official Medicine Bureau without precedent to follow; no one knows exactly what it should do. There might have been disagreements between Song Xian and Jia Si over this. Perhaps we should wait a little longer."

The Emperor glanced at Li You. Since returning from the North, Li You had repeatedly spoken for Song Xian. His actions were evidently noticeable, and this was the third time.

The first time was because of the Liao people, the second for the people of Zhenzhou, and the third now for the Official Medicine Bureau.

The covert admiration and support were even more numerous.

The Emperor’s look startled Li You, who quickly lowered his head, "I spoke too much."

The Emperor waved his sleeve to stop Li You, "You and I are fellow students, different from others. Since our teacher won’t return, you’re the only one around who can speak up for me, and I know your intentions are all for Daqi."

Li You said, "I was too anxious. I worry that any upheaval in the northern warfare could arise again. The court has spent a lot of effort dealing with the Liao people over the years, and we’ve finally reached the current situation. Although Song Xian is young, he holds some prestige in the North. If he can stabilize the North for the court, it would be fortunate for the court."

The Emperor nodded, "From a young age, I have fought in numerous battles, and old injuries haunt me. Now my vigor wanes year by year, and I have no heir. I fear that there will be those who cause unrest in the shadows in the future, making the stability of the borders crucial.

It’s unfortunate that Cai Rong can’t be trusted right now, and Song Qizheng makes me uneasy. Although Song Xian is promising, I’m concerned about placing him in a high position too young. If he falters, it could lead to great harm."

Li You remembered what his teacher told him before he returned to the Capital. If you want to recommend Song Xian, he thought, speak like this: "Youth has its advantages. A person nurtured by the Emperor’s own hand can more easily remember the imperial grace."

Li You spoke with hope in his heart, wishing Song Xian wouldn’t make a mistake at such a critical moment.

The Emperor’s expression became slightly solemn, "Let’s observe further. I hope Song Xian will not disappoint me."

Li You responded in acknowledgement.

Leaving the main hall, a cold wind blew into Li You’s official robe, bringing a chill to his heart. The Emperor’s suspicion was growing heavier.

Sometimes, it was hard for him to grasp what the Emperor was contemplating.

The path to the palace was becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

Li You suddenly longed for the people of the Chen Family Village, hoping they were all well.

News of the northern epidemic spread in the Capital, and those of high status, with family members in the North, were anxious to send people to check the situation.

Property sales and rental prices in the Capital quickly doubled.

Princess Jiahui, wearing a veil, sat on the second floor of the teahouse and opened a window to look outside.

Amidst the bustling crowd, a carriage stopped in front of a cosmetics shop. A lady alighted, assisted by her attendants, and entered the shop.

After half an hour, the lady emerged again, with an attendant holding several boxes closely following behind her.

The lady didn’t get back on the carriage immediately but looked up at the teahouse and then turned to walk towards it.

This lady was named Lishu and has been with Cai Rong for three years, being his favored concubine.

Lishu sat down and instructed her attendants to fetch the tea doctor. She then remembered that she hadn’t bought a particular box of rouge, so she instructed the housekeeper, "Go and fetch that rouge. Aunt Zheng likes it."

After the housekeeper left, a figure lifted the curtain and quickly approached Lishu.

"Lishu," Chun Shan called out, reaching out to pull Lishu close.

Lishu’s personal maid promptly stood up to keep watch outside.

Lishu, just nineteen, was a prime age but was overly thin, with her complexion slightly pale.

"Is the Commandery Princess well?" Lishu spoke softly, "Has the Commandery Princess received all the messages I’ve sent to the Capital?"

Chun Shan nodded.

As they spoke, Lishu’s sleeve rolled up slightly, revealing a bruise.

Chun Shan’s eyes welled up, "Is this again Cai..." her words were cut off by Lishu’s shake of the head, stopping her.

"I’m okay," Lishu said, "I just hope to help the Commandery Princess reclaim her territories." Her mind was worried about her father, mother, and sister; as long as they were fine, even her death would hold value.

Fearing the housekeeper’s return, Chun Shan couldn’t console Lishu in time and hurriedly asked, "Have you heard anything about Chen Family Village while with Cai Rong? Do you know if there’s a Mr. Xu in the Chen Family Village?"

Lishu had heard of Chen Family Village, "Who is this Mr. Xu?"

Chun Shan bit her lip, "The Commandery Princess received news that this Mr. Xu should belong to Prince Guangyang’s old retinue... but now, like a pearl cast in darkness, he might have been exploited."