Chapter 268

The matter concerning the Song family was swiftly clarified; there were entanglements both inside and outside. Song Hongyi was so furious his face turned green. He packed a few clothes for his wife and son and sent them to the palace gates. Returning to her natal family would hold little deterrent power, but his wife now had a much stronger backing. Wang Xiuyun hadn't intended to enter the palace at first—she felt this issue wasn't grave enough to warrant such a move. Yet Song Hongyi saw things differently; this matter had to reach the ears of the one in the palace.

Wang Xiujin, upon learning the truth, discussed it with his mother. If his elder sister-in-law were home, she could have leveraged her youthful energy to make a scene, but she was absent. If his mother confronted the Song family, it would seem beneath their dignity. Lady Wang pondered the situation and realized that in this case, identity could not be considered. If they tolerated it, the old matriarch of the Song family would surely think the Wang family easy to bully. Naturally, Wang Xiujin couldn't let his mother go alone; even if it was inconvenient for him to enter the inner quarters, he had to support his elder sister.

After their discussion, they decided to act immediately. Lady Wang returned to her room and donned her official robes, her face stern and imposing. Wang Xiujin did not change his clothes but supported his mother as they set off for the Song residence.

Upon arrival, they did not make things difficult for Lady Song. Lady Song, having learned of her mother-in-law’s deeds, felt so aggrieved she could have eaten the old woman alive. Still, whether for reputation or for her husband at the frontier, she had to endure. When Lady Wang arrived, Lady Song offered words of persuasion but did nothing to obstruct her; she was more than eager to see someone discipline the old matriarch.

Lady Wang marched straight into the old matriarch’s courtyard, exuding authority. Wang Xiujin, witnessing his mother's eloquence for the first time, saw she was every bit as formidable as Lord Wang. With not a single vulgar word, she scolded in circles. Wang Xiujin had no chance to interject, watching as Lady Wang's presence dominated, leaving the old matriarch no room to retort. Glancing at Lady Song, who seemed to be quietly laughing, Wang Xiujin was certain she was enjoying the spectacle. Lady Wang spoke until her heart was content, caring little if the old woman might faint from being berated. She then left, leaning on her son’s arm.

Outside the Song residence, Wang Xiujin felt like giving his mother a thumbs-up; her sharp tongue was as fierce as Lord Wang’s—truly formidable. Lady Song had barely left when a decree arrived from the palace: the old matriarch of the Song family was accused of lacking virtue and tarnishing the royal reputation, sentenced to death. Yet, out of consideration for her role in raising General Song, the punishment was lightened; her official title was revoked, and the clan elders were tasked with expelling her from the general’s manor and sending her back to her natal village. In short, she was dismissed.

Upon hearing the imperial edict, the old matriarch’s face turned ashen. How could she have believed the words of petty schemers, thinking she could drive Wang Xiuyun out and return to her days of glory? The thought of leaving the general's manor was too much, and she fainted on the spot. Lady Song, upon hearing the decree, felt a surge of satisfaction, yet worried about what trouble the old matriarch might stir after moving out. The fleeting pleasure faded; she wished the punishment had been harsher. If not for Hongyi’s wife being favored by the Empress Dowager, the old matriarch's interference in the inner court would have angered the emperor. Years of the general’s service at the frontier would not have sufficed to redeem the family; they all would have been buried alongside the old woman. The more Lady Song thought on it, the deeper her resentment, but as long as the old matriarch remained in the Song family, she had no choice but to endure.

Lady Wang and Wang Xiujin returned home, soon receiving the news. Wang Xiujin felt it was not severe enough, but Lady Wang was satisfied. “Good thing we acted quickly; if we’d been later, there’d have been no chance to vent our anger.”

Wang Xiujin lingered at the Wang residence for a while before returning to the general’s manor. Still discontented, he realized that besides the Song family, a group of idle officials who did nothing but scheme remained unchecked. Perhaps his father’s lack of recent action had led them to believe the investigations had ceased? Tapping the table, he sent some findings from Li Linshan over to his father, determined that some people needed a good warning lest they forget pain.

Some officials who had fanned the flames fared no better. Several censors preparing to submit memorials accusing Song Hongyi of misconduct had not even sent their papers before they heard the emperor’s decree. After inquiring about its contents, they grew anxious, wondering if the emperor knew everything, if their own involvement would be exposed. “It’s over, it’s over…”

Yet, in the following days, the emperor took no action. The censors’ initial fear gradually transformed into doubt—perhaps they had not been exposed? Or perhaps they had, but the emperor chose not to act? Maybe the emperor had designs on the Wang family and their in-laws? But then again, if he had any such intentions, he would not have allowed the Song clan to dismiss the general’s widow and act as guardians for Wang’s married daughter. Besides, Wang’s daughter was the emperor’s adopted daughter; failing to protect her would make the royal family seem cold. What did the emperor truly intend? Would he act against them or not? They longed for a clear answer, as the daily uncertainty made attending court feel like standing on the executioner’s platform—a truly miserable feeling.

Ya Chang’s health had improved, so Wang Xiujin resumed sending his son to study with his father. He also wrote to his elder brother, asking him to prepare clothes for his young nephew’s arrival. Li Linshan had already contacted people in Feng’an, confirming that a squad of city guards would soon rotate back to the capital, allowing his nephew and sister-in-law to return with them.

Soon, Wang Xiujin received a reply from his elder brother: his sister-in-law was pregnant again, so only the third son would return with servants. Wang Xiujin’s hand trembled as he read the letter—his brother and wife were truly prolific, and she was expecting yet again. He mused that his sister-in-law was nearly a childbearing machine.

He reported the joyful news of his sister-in-law’s pregnancy to his mother. Meanwhile, Song Hongyi, though he had easily sent his wife and son into the palace, found it very difficult to bring them home, running in circles with no one to turn to for help. His brother-in-law not only refused to assist but seized the opportunity to add to his troubles. Even if Song Hongyi wished to manage the inner court affairs, he could not override his elders.

Wang Xiujin cared little for Song Hongyi’s concerns, busy each day with the workshop and overseeing the shop. He believed that until the matter was resolved, his elder sister was better off in the palace than at the Song residence. The Song clan acted swiftly, dismissing the old matriarch, not only expelling her from the manor but sending her straight to the family’s ancestral village—a place so distant from the capital that even sending a letter would be difficult, let alone returning to stir trouble.

Wang Xiujin was very satisfied with how the Song family handled things, as was Lady Song. With the old matriarch gone, the household would be much more peaceful, and those who had lingered in the Song family despite not bearing the name would never again have a chance to enter; any attempt to forge kinship would be met with the gatekeepers throwing them out.

Though the court had not dealt with certain officials involved, Wang Xiujin had already taken action: those officials and their in-laws were blacklisted from his shops and workshops, unable to make purchases. If they went elsewhere and paid high prices, that was none of his concern. His move made it clear—he was no fool. Those who heard about it did not side with the officials, unwilling to offend Wang Xiujin. As for their private thoughts, who could say? Wang Xiujin paid no mind to others' opinions; with wealth and boldness, who could do anything to him?

Li Linshan offered no opinion on Wang Xiujin’s decision. He hadn’t been idle, either. Recently, several senior generals had gathered daily in the barracks to discuss the renaming of the army. Generals stationed far away were recalled, though some had not yet arrived. This demonstrated how seriously the emperor took the renaming. During these discussions, the fourth prince was always present, returning to the palace each night to report to the emperor. Yet the military officers' debates were no smoother than those of the civil officials; the scene was often fierce, and disagreements quickly escalated to brawls.

A few days later, Wang Zhize was safely escorted into the capital by the returning guard squad and arrived at the Wang family residence. Having been spoiled by his parents, Wang Zhize had developed a few petulant habits. Upon arriving at his grandfather’s home, uncertain of the elders’ temperament, he behaved with great caution, fearing he might inadvertently anger his stoic grandfather. Even his grandmother seemed less loving than his mother had described, leaving him quite distressed. As for his two brothers, Wang Zhize barely gave them a second thought.

Lord Wang soon discerned his youngest grandson’s temperament, frowning. “Zhize needs strict guidance. If he stays around the eldest much longer, he’ll grow crooked.” Lady Wang glared but did not object. All hearts are partial, and she was no exception; having raised Zhiyuan and Zizhuo for longer, she naturally favored them. Her feelings toward the newly arrived Zhize were less warm, yet flesh and blood are all precious; Lady Wang would not treat him unfairly.

Wang Xiujin, upon hearing of his nephew’s arrival, brought Ya Chang to visit, letting the children get acquainted. Yet after watching his son and nephew interact for a while, Wang Xiujin frowned and looked at his mother.

“Teach him patiently, and he’ll change,” Lady Wang said, noticing her son had perceived something amiss. “And about Xiuyun’s matter, don’t go too far. I’ve heard some gossip in the back courtyard.”

“How have I gone too far? Venting for my elder sister is perfectly justified. Besides, the shops are mine—I decide whose money I make and whose I don’t. What business is it of theirs? Just a bunch of idle busybodies who waste time bickering all day.” There was a trace of anger in Wang Xiujin’s words. “Out so late—has Father gone out again?”

“Yes, the yamen has been busy recently.” Mother and son chatted about family matters, but after only a few words, a sharp “crack” drew their attention. Ya Chang sat motionless, while Wang Zhize glared fiercely, as though he wished to devour Ya Chang. The servants nearby were stunned.

“What’s going on? Ya Chang, come to your little father.” Wang Xiujin beckoned his son.

“Little father, let’s go home,” Ya Chang pouted, his eyes rimmed red, stubbornly resolute.

Author’s note: Considering writing a new story about future cuisine—166 Reading Network