Miao Ansu’s heart leaped with joy upon hearing the news.
Although the matchmaker had mentioned that Song Han, being the second son, would eventually separate and live independently, she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon after their marriage. Who would split up the family right after welcoming a new bride?
If Ansu hadn’t known the rumors about Song Han’s background or witnessed Song Mo’s coldness towards him, she might have thought Song Mo was cruel, unable to tolerate his brother. But now, she hoped they would separate sooner rather than later. At least with Song Han out of Song Mo’s sight, Song Mo’s aversion to him might lessen, and her situation would be safer.
Ansu quickly asked in a low voice, “What’s the Duke’s stance on this?”
“We don’t know yet,” Ji Hong whispered. “The little maids only overheard a bit when they went in to refill the tea.”
Ansu nodded, pondering for a moment before saying, “Let’s go back for now. Today isn’t the right time to bring up my brother’s matter.”
With the family division imminent, Song Han would surely have his considerations. Mentioning her brother’s affairs now might not only fail to help him but could also incur Song Han’s resentment.
Ji Hong understood and gently supported Ansu back to their chambers.
Song Han didn’t return until lamp-lighting time.
Ansu personally helped him wash up and change, brewed a pot of hot tea, and then softly asked, “Second Master, why are you back so late today? I had the kitchen prepare some pigeon soup. Would you like some?”
Song Han waved his hand dismissively and went to his study.
Ansu stomped her foot in frustration.
Meanwhile, in Yizhi Hall, Dou Zhao sat on the large kang by the window, sewing a belly band for Young Master Yuan while talking with Song Mo. “So, the Duke doesn’t agree to the family division?”
Song Mo took a sip of tea and snatched the needle and thread from Dou Zhao’s hands, tossing them aside. “It’s too late. You’ll strain your eyes. If you want to sew, do it tomorrow.” Then he continued, “Father certainly won’t agree, but this matter isn’t up to him. I’ve already discussed it with Uncle. If Father stubbornly refuses to agree to the division, we’ll find a position for Song Han and send him away. I’d like to see if Father’s mouth will remain as rigid when Song Han is sent to the Northwestern Camp!”
Dou Zhao was surprised. “If the Duke doesn’t agree to the family division, you’ll send Song Han to the Northwestern Camp?”
That was a harsh and cold place, where many went but few returned. It was rare to come back even once a year, almost like being exiled.
Song Mo sneered.
Song Yichun, however, was furious.
He pointed at Lu Zhan, who had come to persuade him, shouting, “Get out!”
Lu Zhan had never suffered such humiliation; his face turned red as if blood might drip from it.
He hastily bowed to Song Yichun and quickly left Duke Ying’s mansion.
Upon hearing the news, Dou Zhao hurriedly instructed Song Mo, “Go after Cousin Lu quickly. He was humiliated today all for standing up for you.”
“I know,” Song Mo’s face turned slightly blue as he said solemnly, “I’ll give Cousin Zhan an explanation for this.” With that, he changed his clothes and left the mansion.
Dou Zhao had people continue to monitor the situation in Xijiang Court.
Unexpectedly, it was Song Han who was persuading Song Yichun.
“Father, I know you care for me, but as the second son, I should naturally move out and live independently. What difference does it make whether it’s sooner or later?” The earlier he moved out, the more people would think Song Mo was ruthless and cold-hearted, not even sparing his brother. They would see him as someone not to be trifled with, let alone befriended. Song Han pondered this inwardly, but his expression remained respectful and humble.
“Besides, even if I move out, am I not still your son? Perhaps you could even stay at both places, taking turns to relax and change scenery.” If his father often stayed at his residence, it might even tarnish Song Mo’s reputation as unfilial, which would be even better. “Father, there’s no need to be angry with my brother over my affairs. How could we bear it if you fell ill from anger? You’re getting older now, and as your children, we only wish for your health and longevity. We need an elder to guide us in our affairs. You mustn’t let anything happen to you!”
Song Yichun’s expression softened as he listened.
Song Han then smiled and said, “What do you think about me getting a residence in the Fourth Hutong? It doesn’t need to be very big. It would be convenient for me to visit you, and if anything happens, I could come over quickly…”
Duke Ying’s mansion was located in one hutong, and the Fourth Hutong was three hutongs away from Duke Ying’s mansion. It was close, but the property prices there were not cheap, and often there were more buyers than available properties. Getting a so-called small residence there would not be easy.
However, Song Han’s words greatly appealed to Song Yichun.
He thought to himself, that if he didn’t agree to let Song Han move out, Song Mo would surely find a way to send Song Han to the Northwestern Camp. Moreover, since Song Mo was the nephew of the Duke of Dinguo and had a good reputation in the military if he wanted to send Song Han to the Northwestern Camp, he likely had his people there. With just a word from Song Mo, Song Yichun might not even know how Song Han died. It would be better to do as Song Han suggested, let them move out and set up a residence nearby. If anything happened, he could call Song Han back to irritate Song Mo, not letting him have peace…
Thinking of this, Song Yichun smiled slightly and sighed, “You’re indeed filial… Don’t worry about the residence, I’ll have someone take care of it. When you go back, explain it well to your wife, so her family doesn’t think we’re pushing you two out because we can’t accommodate you.”
Isn’t this exactly about not being able to accommodate us? Song Han thought.
Father is saying this because he’s worried about losing face in front of the Miao family, right?
What is the Miao family anyway? Even the dogs in the Song family are more noble than them. Why bother worrying about them?
However, he had at least gained a residence, so it wasn’t too bad a deal.
But letting him move out just like this was unacceptable!
Song Han inwardly mocked, but outwardly he respectfully asked Song Yichun for advice: “Then how should I explain the move to my father-in-law? The Miao family marriage was imperially bestowed, and Madam Miao had just entered the family. Now we’re dividing the family… You know the Miao family is down on their luck, they might do anything. I’m afraid they might come to our house and make a scene, embarrassing us in front of others.”
Song Yichun nodded repeatedly at Song Han’s words, remembering how the Miao family had greedily swallowed even his betrothal gifts.
After pondering for a long while, he said, “How about this: you say that according to family tradition, the second son must separate and live independently, only inheriting the mother’s dowry and the father’s private property. The public assets of Duke Ying’s mansion cannot be touched. Tell them I want to give you more property, so I’m taking this opportunity to have you move out first. I think the Miao family won’t have anything to say about this explanation.”
Song Han was secretly delighted upon hearing this, but he simply responded “Yes” without showing any emotion. When he returned, he didn’t say anything to Miao Ansu. Instead, he instructed Qixia to pack: “We’ll be moving out in a few days.”
Qixia was shocked and quickly asked what had happened.
“Don’t ask, just pack,” Song Han couldn’t be bothered to explain further.
Qixia didn’t dare to ask more and hurried out to instruct the maids to clear out the chests, but she began to ponder in her heart.
Although she was in the Second Master’s household, her indenture papers were with Duke Ying’s mansion. The Second Master was sweet-faced but cold-hearted; he could even harm Madam Jiang who had raised him as her son, let alone others. Even if she gave her heart and served the Second Master loyally, she might not receive any favor in return. It would be better to take this opportunity to ask the Madam to keep her in the mansion. After all, she was getting older, and even if she was casually matched with some servant in the mansion, it would be better than marrying out from Song Han’s separated household.
Having made up her mind, Qixia couldn’t sit still any longer.
She quietly instructed a trusted maid, gathered some jewelry, and went to see Ruozhu.
Meanwhile, Dou Zhao was discussing the fate of Qixia and others with Song Mo.
Song Mo despised everything related to Song Han from the bottom of his heart. He impatiently said, “This isn’t a charity house. Why should we take in all these strays? You might as well let him take all those demons and spirits from his room with him and be done with it!”
But Dou Zhao said, “I want to keep Qixia and a few others.”
Song Mo raised an eyebrow.
Dou Zhao explained, “By having Song Han move out, don’t you intend to go your separate ways, settling all past grievances? You take the sunny road, he crosses the single-plank bridge, and all is done?”
“He wishes!” Song Mo said harshly, “I’m having him move out just to draw a clear line between us. If anything happens to him in the future, it won’t implicate us!”
“In that case, it’s better to keep Qixia and the others here,” Dou Zhao smiled. “There will come a day to settle accounts with Song Han. Although we don’t fear rumors, having witnesses on hand is more convincing than empty words.”
Song Mo pondered.
Dou Zhao smiled cleverly, “Aren’t we dividing the family? It’s just the right time, as Qixia and the others are getting older and should be released from service. Why don’t we match them with people in the mansion? As for Song Han’s side, let Madam Miao take charge and buy new maids and servants. I’m sure Madam Miao would be happy with this arrangement. Moreover, this is an accumulating virtue for Song Han. Who could object to that?”
Song Mo smiled slightly.
Dou Zhao was in charge of household affairs in Duke Ying’s mansion, so naturally, she had the authority to arrange marriages for the maids. Which ones to release to the care of the father, which ones to marry off to good families, which ones to match with prominent stewards in the mansion – all depended on Dou Zhao’s word. For someone like Qixia, who had once served Song Han closely, being matched with a prominent steward in the mansion was considered a suitable match and quite respectable.
Once these women were married, they would focus on supporting their husbands and raising children, settling down.
If one day they were asked to testify about their service to Song Han in the past, would they still conceal things for Song Han at the expense of their husbands’ and children’s futures?
Song Mo nodded, saying, “You’ve thought it through thoroughly. Let’s do as you suggest.”
Dou Zhao smiled, pressing her lips together.
Song Mo was about to tease her when Ruozhu requested an audience.
He went aside to practice calligraphy.
Ruozhu spread out a package of jewelry in front of Dou Zhao and informed her of Qixia’s desire to stay in the mansion.
Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “This is indeed killing two birds with one stone. I understand Qixia’s situation. You can go ahead and give her an answer.”
Ruozhu smiled and withdrew, promising Qixia she would speak on her behalf to Dou Zhao.
Qixia sent several more pieces of jewelry to thank Ruozhu, all of which Ruozhu accepted and showed to Dou Zhao.
Dou Zhao rewarded all these jewels to Ruozhu.
A few days later, Dou Zhao summoned the mansion’s managing matrons and said, “With the New Year approaching, whether you have money or not, it’s good to take a wife for the New Year. This time, all the maids in the mansion who are eighteen or older will be released. If any of your sons want to take a wife, let me know.”
Duke Ying’s mansion immediately erupted into a commotion.