CHAPTER 380: CHAPTER 348: BEATING AROUND THE BUSH WORKS BETTER (PART 2)

In the Great Chu Dynasty, officials take one day off every five days, and tomorrow happens to be a rest day, so Song Wei came back early.

Wen Wan spoke to him about Su Yaoqi, "I don’t know whether to say he has a strong psychological endurance or that he lives too simply. Today, he made no attempt to conceal himself when he came, directly exposing that half of his face. When I saw him during the day, I was a bit shocked. Whoever did this was really quite cruel."

Song Wei said, "To be simple to a certain extent is a kind of realm."

Su Yaoqi grew up in the swamp that is the Su Family, yet he has still managed to maintain the heart of an innocent child for nineteen years.

In these nineteen years, he had the opportunity to change, but he didn’t; he chose to be the "pure land" that his father idealized, choosing the simplest way to live.

For him, being able to live like this in the Su Family is indeed a kind of realm.

...

Early in the morning on April 26th, the Song family’s carriage was already prepared to head to the suburban manor.

Su Yaoqi caught this moment to come over, and although he met Song Yuanbao, he heard that they were about to go out to celebrate Jinbao’s birthday. He hesitated for a moment and asked, "Can I go with you?"

Song Yuanbao didn’t reply, instead turning to look at his parents not far away.

Wen Wan sensed the gaze, looked up, and asked him what was wrong.

Song Yuanbao said, "Mother, Fourth Young Master wants to come with us to the manor."

This sort of thing, Wen Wan couldn’t decide on her own and had to look at Song Wei.

Song Wei stepped up to Su Yaoqi and asked him, "Do your parents know you came out?"

Su Yaoqi replied honestly, "My mother knows."

"What about your father?"

Su Yaoqi stammered slightly, "My, my father..."

Song Wei had already gotten the answer from his reaction and changed the topic to ask, "Do you really want to go with us?"

"Yes." Yaoqi’s eyes were filled with interest, "Our family has many manors, but I have never been to one since I was born. I heard you are going to celebrate Jinbao’s birthday; can I be included? I promise not to cause any trouble."

"It’s not that you can’t," Song Wei said, "but the condition is that I must arrange for someone to inform the Su Family."

"Do you have to tell my father?" Su Yaoqi pursed his lips; if his father knew, he surely wouldn’t agree.

Song Wei nodded, "Although we have different political stances, in private, as a father myself, I understand his concerns. Since you are going out with our family, notifying him is my duty."

Song Wei’s words left Su Yaoqi unable to argue, fearing his father would send someone to drag him back, so Yaoqi pleaded with Song Wei, "Can you notify them after we’ve set off?"

Song Wei understood the implication in Yaoqi’s words and smiled slightly, "Since I dare to send someone to the Su Family, it means that by directly telling your father that you’re with me, he won’t act rashly."

Despite the threatening tone, Su Yaoqi did not sense any hostility. He didn’t think Song Wei would truly harm him; in fact, Song Wei’s calm demeanor gradually eased the turmoil in his heart.

After deciding to add one more person, Wen Wan arranged for an additional carriage. She and Song Wei took one with Jinbao, while Su Yaoqi and Song Yuanbao shared another.

Finally getting to have a birthday with both parents around, the little one was excited most of the night, and as soon as the carriage started, he became drowsy, yawning and snuggling into Wen Wan’s lap to sleep.

In the carriage behind, Su Yaoqi and Song Yuanbao sat side by side.

Song Yuanbao also noticed the noticeable scar on Su Yaoqi’s right cheek but said nothing.

It was Su Yaoqi who spoke first, asking Song Yuanbao, "You’ve been a companion to the Eldest Prince for so long; you must be used to it by now, right?"

Song Yuanbao said, "At first, for the first month or two, it was hard to adjust. His Highness is very self-disciplined, extremely strict with time. I’m used to being lazy at home and couldn’t keep up with his pace."

"That’s still better than me," Su Yaoqi’s voice was muffled, "I only lasted half a month before falling off the horse."

Song Yuanbao recalled the training sessions and couldn’t help but feel puzzled, "Was it His Highness who asked you to ride the horse to train?"

Su Yaoqi lowered his head, his voice even lower, "No, I just did it on a whim."

Because of this, when the incident occurred, he couldn’t blame anyone else.

Su Yaoqi had no malice in his heart; if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t easily suspect others.

But Song Yuanbao didn’t see it the same way. Initially, when Su Yaoqi fell from the horse, he barely considered it an accident. But when later the Su family caught fire and Su Yaoqi was burned, he completely changed his mind.

Perhaps from the fall to the burn, someone was secretly targeting the Su Family, just using rather insidious tactics, specifically targeting the most innocent, Su Yaoqi.

But this is something unavoidable, the Su Family has made too many enemies. If outsiders want to shake this century-old tree, they must start from the softest spot.

Su Yaoqi is his father’s weakness, everyone knows that if you move Su Yaoqi, it’s like carving the Duke’s flesh.

It can even be said that Su Yaoqi is the living target of the Su Family.

Sometimes, Song Yuanbao doesn’t know whether to envy Su Yaoqi or pity him.

He has a pair of good parents who use various means externally but teach him only to do good. Yet, his parents think they are lovingly cautious, pushing him to the forefront.

As a result, he is always the one who gets hurt.

Bringing his thoughts back, Song Yuanbao smiles at him, "If you’re not good at riding a horse, don’t ride casually in the future. Falling off is no small injury, it might even cost a life."

Su Yaoqi smiles awkwardly.

Wen Wan and her group set off early, the streets are not crowded, the carriage moves smoothly, and they arrive at the suburban manor more than an hour later.

The manor head received the news a few days ago and specifically brought several tenants to welcome the host family.

After Lixia, the rain has gradually increased. Last night there was a downpour, not like the lingering drizzle of early spring. Summer rain is loud and urgent, washing the lush green foliage, looking into the distance, the mountains are drenched, and the nearby waters babble.

Jinbao already spotted the river leading into the manor from the carriage. As soon as the carriage stops, he can’t wait to get off and catch fish.

After getting off, seeing the manor head and several unfamiliar people behind him, Jinbao is startled and looks at Wen Wan.

Wen Wan smiles at the little guy, "Weren’t you just in a hurry, why aren’t you running now?"

The tenants do farm work all year round, their stature is burly and strong, their skin dark, Jinbao is scared, tightly holding his mother’s hand, not daring to run around anymore.

Song Wei and his wife go over to greet the manor head.

The manor head tells them the rooms are ready, and they can stay as long as they want.

Wen Wan responds with a smile, "We’re just stopping by for a rest, won’t stay long, have to return by the evening."

Everyone is quite busy, Yuanbao has to return to the palace, her husband has to go to the office, they don’t have much leisure time to spend outside.

The manor head says, "Going back in the evening is no problem, the room is always available, you never know when the lord and lady might come again."

In response, Wen Wan does not refute.

This manor is close to the city and in a good location, near water and surrounded by mountains, she likes it, and having been here once, might want to come again.

After the pleasantries, the manor head invites the host family inside for tea.

Jinbao can’t sit still, after a short while his little bottom is wriggling on the stool.

Wen Wan notices her son’s restlessness, considering it’s his birthday today, she thinks there’s no reason he can’t go fishing in the river. She asks the manor head for a net and plans to personally take her son.

Song Yuanbao suddenly says, "Mother, why don’t we go? You and father can stay inside for tea and relaxation; we’ll guarantee catching a basket of fish."

After speaking, he takes the net from Wen Wan’s hand, pulls Jinbao along, calls Su Yaoqi, and the three quickly head out.

Wen Wan watches the energetic backs of the group, sincerely sighing, "Unknowingly, I’ve aged."

Song Wei holds his teacup, appearing calm and at ease, smiling lightly, "Getting old means having sons to honor you. You don’t even have to fish yourself, isn’t that good?"

Wen Wan says, "Why do I feel you seem to be starting to dislike me?"

Song Wei sets down his teacup and asks, "What is there to dislike, you being twelve years younger than me?"

Wen Wan is momentarily at a loss, then can’t help but laugh, "Alright, even if there’s dislike, it should be me disliking you first."

Song Wei says, "You were the one who wanted to marry me, now you say you dislike me too. Your habit of using someone in front but not behind isn’t good, it needs changing."

Wen Wan looks at him with a serious demeanor, feeling speechless, and after a long time, dryly squeezes out a sentence, "Then, Mr. Song, please guide your wife on how not to use someone in front but not behind."

Song Wei smiles, "The last time I had your cooking was a long time ago."

Wen Wan: "...You just want me to cook, why not just say it? We’re an old married couple, why be roundabout?"

Song Wei smiles, "Saying it directly might not be as effective as being roundabout."

Wen Wan: "..."