Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 57 - 56: I Suspect She Has Some Connection to the Empress
The murderous intent that flickered in Song Qianfan’s eyes for an instant frightened Song Qianhang.
Song Qianhang’s hand holding the wine cup trembled, nearly losing grip, his heart leaping into his throat... Ah Juan was right, eldest brother truly harbored murderous intentions toward his younger brother.
At this moment, he felt that no matter what he said, no matter how much he explained, Song Qianfan wouldn’t listen to a word.
He wasn’t at all like what he had always thought. Everyone was deceived by the facade he presented.
Song Qianhang’s thin lips pressed tightly, feeling alienated and heartbroken.
The father and the heir consort were indeed biased, but that was no reason for him to rebel in the future.
Noticing Song Qianhang’s abnormality, Song Qianfan restrained his expression, putting on a concerned look, "What are you thinking about?"
Song Qianhang gave a dry laugh, "Nothing much, just that it’s the Lantern Festival today, and we’ll be dining at home tonight. Don’t forget, elder brother."
Song Qianfan nodded, "I know, if there’s nothing else, you should go back. You’ve just recovered; don’t catch a cold again."
His impatience was clearly observed by Song Qianhang.
"Mm, then I’ll head back first. If you finish your work, come home early, elder brother."
Song Qianfan responded indifferently, "Mm."
Only then did Song Qianhang stand up to leave, and at that moment he turned, his heart sank to the bottom.
Song Qianfan’s impatience was actually very apparent, he didn’t even bother to conceal it, yet all these years, he had never pondered deeply. He thought it was just that as they grew up, brothers naturally drifted apart. After all, among the friends he knew, the relationships with their brothers were not considered harmonious; some even fought over family properties fiercely.
Back then, he thought by comparison, his relationship with his elder brother was already considered quite good.
But now, with everything laid bare, the things he ignored were now right in front of him, bloody and real.
Walking along the road, Song Qianhang seemed grave; he wasn’t foolish.
Your Majesty kept Ah Juan by his side, simply to know such matters. If he found out, he would certainly take action against elder brother, and the heir consort would surely be protective, thus implicating the Prince Jing Mansion.
What would the Emperor do with a person ready to rebel at any moment?
That person is first the Emperor of Da Jin, then their uncle.
Song Qianhang slowly clenched his fists, so elder brother must not rebel. As long as he doesn’t possess the ability to revolt, even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t have the chance. Thus, what Ah Juan said wouldn’t happen, and the Prince Jing Mansion could remain well.
He swiftly organized his thoughts and was determined to prevent Song Qianfan.
He had no intention of contending for anything, but after all, a person must know what can be done, what can’t be done, and what must be done.
Song Qianhang halted his steps and turned his gaze towards the direction of the music hall, his perpetually smiling eyes now resolute.
Elder brother, you have something you desire, but I too have people I need to protect.
This time, I will not yield.
...
After the Lantern Festival, Ah Juan returned to the Su Family with the jade pendant, and the whole family sat in the flower hall, no one daring to touch their chopsticks.
Everyone in the Su Family felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles; some even broke out in a cold sweat, fearing to offend this young mistress with a single word, especially the Eldest Young Master Su, Su Yaozu.
The concubine he was fond of had already been sold off, and he himself had been beaten so severely by Old Master Su that he lay bedridden for several months, almost costing him his life.
Now seeing Ah Juan, his buttocks ached faintly, harboring deep resentment towards her, yet he dared not provoke her.
She was no longer the pitiful child without parental love; she held a sixth-rank position in the court, bringing honor to the entire Su Family.
The Su Family’s business was more prosperous than before, and they had dealings with many officials.
Among the family, Madam Su was the happiest. Although the Su Family was wealthy, in Da Jin, commerce was never esteemed, and it was unthinkable for a daughter to marry into a good family.
But now things were different; the Princely Heir Consort of this dynasty, who also served in the court, was the first female official in decades. What an honor!
Su Lingling’s marriage was soon to be arranged, and though her prospective husband was a Seventh Rank, he was young and ambitious, having handled many outstanding tasks. In the near future, when assessed by the Central Justice Department, a promotion seemed likely.
Madam Su broke the silence, got up and placed dishes into Ah Juan’s bowl, beaming, "Ah Juan, eat more. Feel free at home, no need to restrain yourself; we’re all family."
Ah Juan raised an eyebrow, looking at the food in her bowl, it was her favorite.
She had indeed inquired a lot about her preferences.
Ah Juan wasn’t surprised by the change; Madam Su was always someone who seizes opportunities to climb when there are benefits to gain, with her daughter’s marriage being her top concern.
Aside from her exception, the Su Family was one of the best in business, but no matter how wealthy, a merchant’s daughter was still a merchant’s daughter, unable to marry into a prestigious family.
Ah Juan took a few bites, then suddenly asked, "Is Su Lingling’s marriage being arranged?"
Madam Su chuckled, "Soon. Two families have approached us; what they’re proposing is the eldest son of the Xu Family, working as an editor at the Hanlin Academy. You might know him."
Su Lingling frowned; she didn’t want to marry. She had secretly met the eldest son of the Xu Family and found him hideous!
Ah Juan nodded slightly, her tone flat, "Forget about the eldest son of the Xu Family, he is of no promise. The second son of the Xin Family is more suitable."
Madam Su was slightly taken aback, looking towards her husband, as he was the one who chose this candidate. After all, the second son of the Xin Family had not yet entered government service and did not appear as promising as the eldest son of the Xu Family.
Old Master Su also frowned, suspiciously eyeing Ah Juan. Was she here to cause trouble today?
Su Lingling agreed with Ah Juan’s words; she thought Xin Zhang from the Xin Family wasn’t bad, his little face was so fair, looking promising!
Ah Juan said no more, but her thoughts were revealed.
[What promise does the eldest son of the Xu Family have? He bullies those at home, beating and scolding servants, even killing some of them. In the future, he’ll beat and scold his wife; you’d be heartbroken.]
The couple’s faces changed drastically!
Su Lingling felt a chill on her back!
[The second son of the Xin Family is indeed good. Although he hasn’t achieved much now, he’s merely lying low, after all, he’s overshadowed by the heir. Not long after being assessed by the Central Justice Department, he’ll receive support from a noble and rise steadily...]
Ah Juan was still quite fond of this second son of the Xin Family. She remembered that the old Emperor had great admiration for this Xin Zhang. Unfortunately, he was too upright later on, repeatedly offering advice, and was killed by that tyrant Song Qianfan.
Madam Su’s eyes lit up, "I thought the second son of the Xin Family was good too. Now that you’ve said it, I’m certain. Tomorrow I’ll talk to the Xin Family."
The Xu Family can marry whoever they want, who cares!
Su Lingling breathed a sigh of relief; as long as she didn’t have to marry that ugly brute, it was fine.
Ah Juan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised that her stepmother was now so obedient?
After the meal, Ah Juan followed Old Master Su into the study, getting straight to the point about inquiring about her birth mother.
Old Master Su frowned, "Why did you suddenly think of asking about your birth mother?"
Ah Juan replied solemnly, "I just suddenly thought to ask."
[I can’t very well tell you I suspect she’s somehow connected to the Empress, can I?]
Old Master Su was immensely shocked: "?! "
The Empress?!
