Standing on the steps of the Five Cities Military Command, Wei Tingyu expressed his concern: “Is this alright? What if your father-in-law returns to the office? By rights, I should have reported to the office early this morning…”
What worried him even more was: How the people at the Five Cities Military Command do not know about his appointment there.
However, in Wang Qinghai’s presence, he felt too embarrassed to say it.
If things changed, how could he face Wang Qinghai?
Wei Tingyu silently blamed Dou Ming for his unreliable handling of affairs.
Wang Qinghai, however, said: “Are you stupid? Didn’t you hear the clerk say my father-in-law went to Duke Ying’s mansion? With such an incident at Duke Ying’s estate, it’s the perfect time for the Five Cities Military Command to take action. My father-in-law going there now – Song Lao Da will invite him to stay for a meal. You and Song Lao Da are brothers-in-law, so it’s a great opportunity to go and take advantage of the situation. Using Song Lao Da’s name, you can strike up a conversation with my father-in-law – he’ll be your superior in the future. With just a word from him, your promotion to the Five Cities Military Command is assured. How can you not know to use such a great opportunity?”
Wei Tingyu smiled and said: “But I have you, don’t I?”
“How can I compare to Song Lao Da?” Wang Qinghai couldn’t help but roll his eyes at him. “I’m just the second son of the Marquis of Yan’an, with no achievements to my name, still relying on my brother for sustenance. Song Lao Da, on the other hand, is the heir to Duke Ying’s title, greatly favored by the Emperor, serving as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, a third-rank military official with a first-rank princely title. How can the weight of my words compare to his?”
Wei Tingyu thought about it and agreed, saying: “Then let’s go together. With you there, I’ll feel more confident.”
Perhaps because he felt too familiar with Song Mo to be intimidated by him, but the Earl of Dongping, as one of the five chief supervisors, was a pillar of the state, which made him somewhat nervous.
Wang Qinghai thought that they were all acquaintances anyway, so he agreed with a smile, and they set off together for Duke Ying’s mansion.
Song Mo wasn’t at home; he had gone to the Zuixian Tower with the Earl of Dongping.
The two then hurried to the Zuixian Tower.
The Earl of Dongping was in conversation with Song Mo when he heard that his son-in-law had brought someone to see him. He was displeased.
Considering the timing, even if it was to help someone make connections or handle affairs, it should wait until he returned home. How could they casually bring someone to the Zuixian Tower? Especially with Song Mo present.
Just as he was about to scold the servant, Song Mo smiled and said: “Your son-in-law must be the Fourth Young Master Dahe from the Marquis of Yan’an’s family. I have a close personal relationship with the heir of the Yan’an Marquis, Dahai. We’re all acquaintances here, so why not invite your son-in-law in for a drink?” He extended an invitation to Wang Qinghai.
The Earl of Dongping thought it might be good for his son-in-law to gain some experience in such a setting.
He exchanged a few polite words and asked the servant to invite Wang Qinghai in.
To his surprise, Wei Tingyu also entered with Wang Qinghai.
The circle of nobility in the capital was small enough that even if they weren’t close, they had at least seen or heard of each other.
The Earl of Dongping chuckled and said to Song Mo: “Indeed, we’re all acquaintances here!” He then gestured to the chair beside him, indicating for Wei Tingyu to sit down and talk. “Today your brother-in-law is hosting, so don’t hold back. We’ll drink the finest bamboo leaf green wine until we’re thoroughly drunk.”
Wei Tingyu looked at Song Mo’s young and handsome face, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He called out “Young Master” and sat down next to the Earl of Dongping. Wang Qinghai, on the other hand, respectfully bowed to his father-in-law and Song Mo.
The servant rearranged the bowls and chopsticks.
Wei Tingyu informed the Earl of Dongping about his appointment to the Eastern City Military Command.
The Earl of Dongping was surprised and looked towards Song Mo.
Song Mo knew nothing about this matter.
After how Wei Tingyu had treated Dou Zhao, he had no intention of helping Wei Tingyu further.
“So the Marquis of Jining has been appointed as the Deputy Commander of the Eastern City Military Command. How come there wasn’t even a whisper of this beforehand?” he said coolly. “Had we known, we should have held a celebration banquet for the Marquis of Jining! Now we’ll have to wait for when the Marquis has some free time.” Though his words were polite, his tone was cold and detached, distancing himself completely from the matter.
The Earl of Dongping was secretly surprised.
It seemed the relationship between these brothers-in-law wasn’t as close as he had imagined.
He thought about how easily the Dou sisters had married.
The relationship between the Dou sisters must be very tense, and Wei Tingyu is weak and incompetent, not on the same level as Song Mo at all. How could the relationship between the two brothers-in-law be good? Moreover, it also showed the influence the elder Dou sister had over Song Mo.
The Earl of Dongping felt he had figured out the dynamics at play. He toyed with the wine cup in his hand, his attitude towards Wei Tingyu gradually cooling, losing the enthusiasm he had shown earlier.
Wei Tingyu, however, was completely oblivious. He mumbled, not knowing what to say, as he certainly couldn’t tell everyone that this position was obtained through Dou Ming’s connections with the Wang family.
Wang Qinghai, however, could sense the sudden chill in the atmosphere at the banquet.
Could it be that Song Mo didn’t know about Wei Tingyu’s appointment to the Eastern City Military Command?
How could Wei Tingyu not inform Song Mo about such a significant matter?
With Song Mo’s support and connections, Wei Tingyu’s future path would be much smoother!
He couldn’t help but glare at Wei Tingyu and quickly helped refill Song Mo’s tea, smiling as he said: “Actually, this matter was quite sudden. Even Pei Jin only found out this morning…” Relying on his wife’s family connections was better than letting Song Mo and his father-in-law misunderstand, so Wang Qinghai told Song Mo and the Earl of Dongping about Dou Ming’s efforts on Wei Tingyu’s behalf.
Song Mo was quite surprised.
For the first time, he felt dissatisfied with the Wang family.
If it weren’t for the Wang family throwing their weight around like this, why would Dou Zhao prefer to live with Aunt Cui on the farm rather than come to the capital?
He maintained his composure and said with a faint smile: “I didn’t expect the Wang family to exert much effort for this granddaughter. The Marquis of Jining is truly fortunate. He must not disappoint the beauty’s kindness!”
Wei Tingyu’s face turned bright red with embarrassment.
The elder Dou sister and the younger Dou sister did not share the same mother, so naturally, they didn’t have the same maternal family.
The Earl of Dongping laughed heartily, trying to smooth things over.
Wang Qinghai now also heard the coldness and distance in Song Mo’s words.
He couldn’t help but think, “This is bad.”
They had certainly blundered!
Not only had they failed to use Song Mo’s influence to pave the way for Wei Tingyu, but they had also exposed Song Mo’s dissatisfaction with Wei Tingyu. Knowing his father-in-law, even if the Earl of Dongping didn’t create obstacles for Wei Tingyu in the future, he certainly wouldn’t promote him… He suddenly felt a splitting headache and gave Wei Tingyu a look that said “Don’t speak.” For the rest of the time, he didn’t dare to interject, silently pouring tea and wine for Song Mo and the Earl of Dongping.
The conversation between the Earl of Dongping and Song Mo gradually shifted to the fire incident at Duke Ying’s mansion.
“…The Emperor has always shown great favor to Duke Ying’s family. This time, he even replaced the Prefect of Shuntian and the Commander of the Five Cities Military Command. When the common people of the capital discuss it over tea, who doesn’t give a thumbs up to Duke Ying’s family and say ‘impressive’? This is truly a case of blessings in disguise and misfortune as the foundation of happiness! Those thieves who came to rob Duke Ying’s mansion never expected to end up enhancing the reputation of the Duke’s family. This is something no one could have anticipated.” He laughed and continued, “I met with Minister Huang briefly, and he told me about this as well. We had a good laugh together.”
If he didn’t show some capability now, these people might try to fob him off with a few irrelevant individuals.
Song Mo smiled slightly and said: “The two ministers think the same as I do. However, I’ve heard that these thieves are very cunning and have long since fled without a trace. I imagine it would be difficult for the Shuntian Prefecture and the Five Cities Military Command to apprehend these thieves within the time limit set by the Emperor. I’ve thought about it and don’t want to put you in a difficult position.
Our Duke Ying’s mansion will offer a substantial reward: whoever can find the whereabouts of one of the thieves will be rewarded with 1,000 taels of silver; for two thieves, 2,000 taels, and so on, with no upper limit. If someone can capture one of the thieves, dead or alive, the reward is 3,000 taels for a corpse and 5,000 taels for a live capture. If someone can apprehend three or more, Duke Ying’s mansion will vouch for them and recommend them for a position in the military garrison. What do you think of this proposal?”
Wouldn’t this throw the world into chaos?
Not just the officials, but even those from the underworld would actively hunt down the thieves who broke into Duke Ying’s mansion for the money and a chance at a legitimate career. The thieves themselves might even turn on each other for the reward…
The Earl of Dongping drew a sharp breath.
Was this Song Mo’s idea? Or Song Yichun’s?
He couldn’t help but scrutinize Song Mo.
The young man, as pure and cold as moonlight, with a slight smirk and a hint of arrogance in his detachment, if there was any difference between him and those privileged young masters from prominent families who grew up pampered and sheltered, it was his exceptionally handsome appearance, incomparable to ordinary people. But his actions were no different from those unworldly young masters from wealthy families who, in their indignation, only knew how to throw money and power at problems!
This seemed to contradict severely the rumors he had heard about the heir of Duke Ying.
Which one was the real Song Mo?
He somewhat regretted not having someone thoroughly investigate Song Mo before coming.
The Earl of Dongping couldn’t help but rub his forehead and said: “Does your father know about this reward? It will cost quite a bit of silver, and you’ll need to ask for the Emperor’s favor…”
Song Mo smiled and said: “Father isn’t home, and Duke Ying’s mansion has been left in my care. There’s no need to trouble Father with such a small matter – I’ll provide the silver myself, and I’ll also handle the request for imperial favor. I just hope that when Father returns home, he won’t be angry, considering the newly renovated stables and servants’ quarters!” His tone was somewhat rueful as if he had made a mistake and was trying his best to make amends, hoping the elders wouldn’t pursue the matter.
Wei Tingyu, listening on the side, felt more and more that Song Mo was making a mountain out of a molehill. Seeing the Earl of Dongping’s somewhat helpless expression, he couldn’t help but say: “Young Master, I think you should stay out of this matter! With the Earl of Dongping and Minister Huang, I believe those thieves will be apprehended soon. You shouldn’t go to such lengths, it’s not worth it…”
Song Mo didn’t even want to acknowledge him and spoke directly to the Earl of Dongping: “I said the same thing to Minister Huang and the Deputy Magistrate and constables from the Shuntian Prefecture when they came at noon. Minister Huang was hesitant when he heard it, but the Deputy Magistrate and constables from Shuntian Prefecture were very interested. Minister Huang thought the reward was too high and involved too many people, so he said he would discuss it with you before giving me an answer…”
The Earl of Dongping couldn’t help but curse Minister Huang’s mother in his heart.
You knew about this earlier but didn’t send someone to inform me, and now that the news has spread, you’re leaving the decision to me!
If I agree, who will be responsible if chaos breaks out in the capital? If I disagree, won’t I be cutting off a source of income for my subordinates? Who will wholeheartedly help me in the future?
He could no longer maintain his composure and said urgently: “When the Emperor summoned Minister Huang and me, he already said that the Shuntian Prefecture would take the lead in this matter, with the Five Cities Military Command in a supporting role. Naturally, I will follow Minister Huang’s lead…”