Song Chuzhao practically ran into the house.
Her face felt slightly warm, and her hand, clutching something, was sweating. She was about to lower her head to open it when she suddenly saw Song Guangyuan standing in front of her. Her hand trembled, and she almost jumped out of her skin. She quickly tucked the box into her sleeve.
“Father, are you waiting for me?”
Song Guangyuan pretended not to see her little movement and asked, “Your mother said she told you everything?”
Song Chuzhao nodded.carpreads.pages.dev
Song Guangyuan led the way, beckoning her with his hand. “Let’s take a walk. What are your thoughts?”
“I haven’t thought about it.” Song Chuzhao followed his steps, saying, “Father, what are your thoughts?”
Song Guangyuan walked along the path, tilting his head up, as if recalling where to begin.
The light grew dimmer in the twilight, and his shadow became blurry.
Finally, Song Guangyuan spoke. “When I was young, I was often looked down upon. I had a strong physique but didn’t read much. My mother didn’t like me either. She favored my third brother, always putting him first, thinking I would never amount to anything. She believed that the Song family could only rely on my third brother to bring glory to our family name.”
Song Guangyuan said, “I didn’t understand why, being from the same parents, I was treated so unfairly. I vowed to make a name for myself and achieve something to show them.”
“My wife was arranged by my mother. She hadn’t read much either, only knowing how to be obedient. To obey my mother. Later, I met General He. He saw my honesty and, remembering my father’s friendship, placed great trust in me. To be honest, at that time, I respected General He more than my own family. He was one of the few who treated me fairly.”
Song Chuzhao said, “So you have great respect for maternal grandfather and want to repay his kindness?”
Song Guangyuan said, “It’s not about repaying anything. Marrying your mother and leaving for the frontier was my own choice. I sought advancement, and this opportunity presented itself. General He did indeed promote me greatly afterward. The Song family’s current status is something many in the capital would envy. If not for this, I would still be a lowly soldier under General He, running errands and doing insignificant tasks.”
Song Chuzhao stared at him, her lips moving slightly before she said, “Father, are you saying this to make me feel better? After all these years, how can one separate feelings and self-interest so clearly?”
Song Guangyuan turned his head and smiled. “I’m just being straightforward. He Wan is kind-hearted and has been very patient with my mother, but you don’t need to feel indebted to her. I was the one who made the decision back then, and now the entire Song family enjoys wealth and prosperity. My mother was never satisfied with me, so naturally, she wouldn’t be kind to you either. But remember, in the Song family, no one can say anything to you. Just stand your ground and respond to them. Don’t let me be the reason you suffer any injustice here.”
Song Chuzhao said, “Father, I understand your concern. You don’t need to worry about us.”
Song Guangyuan stopped and stood facing her, saying, “Zhaozhao, I raised you with my own hands. You’ve been by my side for over a decade, and I treat you like my own child. However, I’ve never been a good father. I’m always busy with official duties and don’t know how to raise a girl. I was too strict with you. Your mother was the one who mostly disciplined you. You followed me and endured many hardships at the frontier. If you had been born in the capital, you would be living a much more comfortable life now.”
Song Chuzhao said, “There’s no such ‘if.’ And I actually like the frontier.”
Song Guangyuan nodded. “Yes, there’s no such ‘if.’ But if you still acknowledge me, I will always be your father.”
Song Chuzhao said, “You are my father, of course. I’ve called you ‘father’ for over a decade. How could I just lose that title?”
“Yes, good.” Song Guangyuan laughed, tears welling up in his eyes. Father and daughter looked at each other and smiled again.
Song Guangyuan patted her shoulder. “Zhaozhao, I’m very happy that you’re about to get married. Your mother and I have discussed it, and we still hope you can marry out of the Song family. So, you know this privately, but don’t tell your second sister or the old Madam.”
Song Chuzhao nodded.
Song Guangyuan hesitated for a moment before continuing, “General Fu… is your biological father. He’s also a very good person. Back when he held a high position, he was still close to me like a brother. I married your mother in front of him, and he didn’t know the truth. He simply avoided me. Over the years, he’s lived a glamorous life, but it’s always been a pity. I didn’t expect him to still be a lonely man. You can decide what to do about this, don’t worry about me. I’m rarely home, so if someone can take care of you, I’ll be relieved.”
Song Chuzhao thought of Fu Changjun, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
If he was also her father… that would be pretty amazing. She wouldn’t have to be afraid of getting into fights anymore.
Song Guangyuan called out to her again.
“Zhaozhao.”
Song Chuzhao: “Yes.”
Song Guangyuan asked, “What exactly did Fifth Son Gu give you that made you so happy?”
Song Chuzhao hid her hands behind her back. “I’m not telling you!”
Song Guangyuan said, “…I just wanted to buy something similar. You’re getting married, and I still need to prepare your dowry and gifts.”
Song Chuzhao exclaimed, “How can you just buy something based on what others bought! You’re not being thoughtful at all! Gifts should be chosen by you! This is my only wedding, and you’re going to buy things based on what others bought? How can that be!”
Song Guangyuan: “…”
Song Chuzhao ran off, and when she reached the covered walkway, she turned back and added, “Father, I like any gift you choose with care. Just don’t copy what others buy!”
Song Guangyuan said with a headache, “Alright, alright.” If only he had known… he would have just copied the answers secretly.
He Wan didn’t stay at the Song Mansion for more than two days before moving to the He Mansion for a short stay. It was understandable that she would visit her family after being away for so many years.
Song Chuzhao skipped along behind her.
Song Guangyuan, took Second Girl Song… and went to find someone to teach. Master He had recommended a few tutors for them to study together, which would also help them calm their minds.
Song Guangyuan believed that if one’s perspective was broadened, they wouldn’t be so easily blinded by the narrowness of the present. Most importantly was to stay away from the bustling capital and Old Madam Song.
Within a couple of days, the weather suddenly turned cold, and then snow began to fall in a flurry. The rooftops of the capital were covered in a layer of white frost.
By the time of the official hunt, the snow had stopped, but a thin layer remained on the ground.
Because the location was far away, some people went a day in advance. He Wan, worried about her, insisted that Song Chuzhao leave that morning.
Gu Fengjian came to pick her up in his carriage.
When he saw her, he stared intently at her earrings for a long time, then smiled brightly and said, “Beautiful.”
Song Chuzhao said, “I think these earrings are beautiful too!”
Gu Fengjian said softly, “I wasn’t talking about the earrings.”
Master He couldn’t take it anymore. He thought this wall-climbing man’s tactics were too deep and interrupted their conversation directly: “Let’s go, let’s go! We’ll be late if we don’t hurry!”
They left early, but the carriage traveled slowly for stability. By the time they reached the hunting grounds, it was almost noon.
The hunting grounds were surrounded by wooden fences, and the Imperial Insignia Guards were stationed at the entrance, conducting strict checks on those entering and leaving.
When Song Chuzhao entered, Fan Chongqing, Ji Yutang, and others were already present. They gathered on the spacious training ground, waiting for the hunting activities to begin.
As soon as this group of men saw Gu Fengjian appear, they wanted to surround him, but because Song Chuzhao was also there, they were mindful of the difference between men and women and didn’t dare get too close. They just greeted him from afar.
Song Chuzhao surveyed the scene.
The men were mostly gathered on the right side, while the women stood distinctly on the other side. They stood in a sheltered position, their faces reflecting the unmelted snow, and they would occasionally glance shyly at the men across from them. Pleasant, low laughter drifted intermittently through the air.
Looking at their luxurious and exquisite attire, it was clear that they weren’t truly here to hunt, but rather for a leisurely outing.
Because of these beautiful ladies, the young men across from them, in order to showcase their fine appearance, wore only a few thin layers of clothing despite the cold weather, highlighting their strong physiques. They stood tall and proud, exuding an air of strength and vigor.
Ah… Song Chuzhao felt the subtle glances flowing across the field, and it felt like spring was about to arrive.
Even though snow was clearly falling from the sky.
Song Chuzhao and Gu Fengjian didn’t go to either side. They found a corner, sat down, and waited for the event to begin.
Fourth Son Gu strode over, wanting to chat with his fifth brother and explain the rules of the hunting grounds.
He fully expected Gu Fengjian to participate, after all, his fifth brother’s equestrian skills were so impressive that they were truly breathtaking. But as soon as he uttered a word, he was met with a pair of rolling eyes from the two in front of him.
No, it wasn’t just rolling eyes, there seemed to be a hint of killing intent in them.
He felt that his fifth brother wanted to send him away on the spot.
Fourth Son Gu pondered in silence for a moment, unable to find any fault in himself.
His fifth brother’s equestrian and archery skills were so exceptional, surpassing even Fan Chongqing and himself, why was he hiding his talents?
Didn’t he want to show off in front of Third Girl Song?
His fifth brother… his fifth brother was truly too indifferent to fame and fortune!
Fourth Son Gu probed several times, seeing that the two of them were indeed devoid of any competitive spirit, he could only regretfully give up. He brought them a charcoal brazier, then a plate of roasted meat and fruits, telling them to sit and eat slowly. Then, he went off with Fan Chongqing, arm in arm, in a melancholic mood.
Soon after, Tang Zhanglian arrived with Fu Changjun. The scattered group of people immediately fell silent, lowering their gazes and bowing towards the platform.
As the hunt was primarily for leisure and relaxation, Tang Zhanglian waved his hand, signaling everyone to dispense with the formalities.
Hunting was actually not very interesting, nor was there much to see. After all, one couldn’t chase after horses forever. Only when the results were in could it briefly excite people.
Tang Zhanglian clearly wasn’t very interested either. He sat on the platform, reciting the speech he had memorized every year, solemnly delivering a few words of encouragement, focusing on the “rewards” at the end. He emphasized the prizes awarded in previous years, hoping everyone would strive for excellence.
Then, with a command, the horn sounded, and the young men who wished to participate in the hunt quickly mounted their horses and galloped off in all directions.
The field instantly emptied by more than half.
Tang Zhanglian knew that if he stayed, these people would feel uncomfortable, so he pulled a nearby military officer aside and went to play elsewhere.
Fu Changjun, with an impassive expression, surveyed the platform, then, clasping his sword, walked towards Song Chuzhao.
Song Chuzhao, thinking she wasn’t allowed to eat there, hurriedly hid the plate.
Fu Changjun stopped in front of her, questioning with suspicion, “You were staring at me just now, was there something you wanted to say?”
Song Chuzhao innocently replied, “No, I wasn’t.” She looked at Gu Fengjian and asked, “Was I?”
Gu Fengjian, with a composed expression, said, “No.”
Fu Changjun glanced at the two of them, nodded, and turned to leave.
After he walked away, Gu Fengjian asked again, “So, what were you staring at him for?”
Song Chuzhao, bewildered, said, “Didn’t you say I wasn’t?” She really didn’t think she was.
Gu Fengjian said seriously, “You were.”
Song Chuzhao: “… I was just taking a look.”
Just as Song Chuzhao was thinking about how to change the subject, Ji Yutang and his brother called out from a distance, “Fifth Young Master!”
Song Chuzhao had never found Ji Yutang so agreeable before.
Ji Yutang said, “Fifth Brother, the scenery ahead is breathtaking, why don’t we go take a walk together?”
Gu Fengjian withdrew his gaze and asked, “I’m curious, how did you become friends with them? Why do they like you so much?”
Song Chuzhao herself couldn’t figure it out: “… I haven’t done anything. You won’t believe me, but I’ve actually scolded them several times.”
Gu Fengjian fell into deep thought.
Song Chuzhao whispered, “The men in your capital city are quite strange.”
Gu Fengjian wanted to explain, but then he realized she was right. Over there, Ji Yutang was arguing incessantly, and Song Chuzhao urged him to go over. Gu Fengjian hesitated for a moment, feeling that his presence would disrupt Song Chuzhao’s socializing. He gave her a word of caution to be careful, then walked towards Ji Yutang and the others.
Ji Yutang and his companions immediately beamed with delight, opening their fans and greeting Gu Fengjian.
As soon as Gu Fengjian left, Tang Zhirou, who had been circling the outer edges, finally found the courage to jump out and rush towards Song Chuzhao.
“Third Girl Song!” she exclaimed, not bothering with formalities, directly embracing her. She laughed, “You’re here too! They said they were going to grill fish, but none of them know how. Do you know how?”
Song Chuzhao, upon hearing this, said proudly, “Grilling fish? That’s easy.”
Tang Zhirou exclaimed, “You really know how to do everything! Will you teach me?”
Song Chuzhao generously said, “If you want to learn, of course you can.”
The other girls behind Tang Zhirou still held the impression of Song Chuzhao from the previous literary banquet. They had thought Third Girl Song was a cold and aloof person, but they were surprised to find her so approachable in private. They immediately stepped forward to chat with her.
When girls compliment each other, their judgment was always sharp.
“Third Miss, your earrings are so beautiful.”
Tang Zhirou, being her usual carefree self, only now noticed them. She leaned closer to take a look and said, “What are these? Are they a pair of swords? They are really beautiful. They’re so exquisite, and they suit you perfectly. Where did you buy them? I’ve never seen anything like them sold in the capital.”
Before Song Chuzhao could speak, a girl covered her lips and chuckled, “I think they were a gift from Fifth Son Gu!”
Everyone, as if suddenly understanding, let out a collective “Oh—”
Song Chuzhao blushed, smiling at Tang Zhirou with her teeth showing.
Tang Zhirou: “…” Okay, she got it. She understood.
She felt inexplicably full, like she had eaten too much.