Beneath the Surface Chapter 65

Song Chuzhao and the other two returned to Master He’s mansion, only to find the people inside engaged in a drinking session. Since there were guests present, Master He did not come out to greet them upon hearing of their arrival. He simply instructed the steward to bring them in.

Fu Changjun heard the announcement, his eyes flickered, and he used his wine cup to shield his face as a disguise.

He didn’t know if he should leave now, but as long as Master He didn’t speak, he would continue to sit. After all, with so many people accompanying him, no one else dared to say anything out of line.

Then Song Chuzhao, half-carrying He Wan, walked briskly towards everyone, calling out a loud greeting, clearly in a good mood.

Master He caught sight of the deep and light stains on He Wan’s clothes and asked, “What happened to your clothes?”

He Wan said, “I accidentally brushed against something, it’s nothing.”

Master He thought to himself, how could one accidentally get stains like this? It was clearly the result of spilling several bowls of soup. But seeing Song Chuzhao’s cheerful expression, it seemed she wasn’t upset, so he suppressed his strange look.

After informing everyone, He Wan went back to her room to change clothes. Madam Gu wanted to have He Wan sit beside her, but since Fu Changjun was next to her, she asked Duke Gu to switch places with her, avoiding any awkward encounters between He Wan and Fu Changjun.

Gu Fengjian went over, pressed down on Duke Gu’s shoulder, stopping him from getting up. Then, pretending to be nonchalant, he circled around, gesturing for Fourth Son Gu to move over a bit, creating two empty spaces. Finally, he sat down in the seat opposite Fu Changjun, separated by a table.

Both sides of Fu Changjun were now empty.

Everyone was puzzled.carpreads.pages.dev

Song Chuzhao directly jumped into the empty space and called for a servant to bring over a chair.

Fu Changjun turned his head to look at her, and Song Chuzhao smiled naturally at him. The bones in Fu Changjun’s hand protruded, his expression moved, and he handed her a pair of chopsticks.

Master He guessed that the meal at the Song Mansion must have been unusual, and he regretted not being there. He eagerly asked, “What happened?”

“We argued,” Song Chuzhao said, “and then it escalated.”

She briefly recounted the events, only describing the outcome, to avoid dampening everyone’s spirits.

Divorce should be a sorrowful event. From a worldly perspective, if one heard of someone getting a divorce, they would inevitably sigh and offer words of comfort. But at this dinner table, amidst the polite sighs of the guests, there was a hint of joy.

Madam Gu had no opinion of Song Guangyuan, only feeling that he wasn’t a suitable match for He Wan. This could be seen from He Wan’s increasingly calm temperament. Now, hearing that she was getting a divorce, she felt relieved for her.

Master He and Madam He had also prepared themselves mentally. Aside from a mix of emotions, they had no other thoughts. He didn’t want to dampen the mood, so he raised his chopsticks and said, “Come, let’s eat. Don’t just stand there. Zhaozhao, the dishes tonight were arranged by your Aunt Gu, you should try them.”

Madam Gu immediately gestured to Song Chuzhao, “These two dishes were made by me personally. Zhaozhao, try them quickly, see if they suit your taste.”

Just as He Wan returned, Madam Gu pulled her over and picked food for her.

At the dinner table, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air. Fourth Son Gu was an extremely good conversationalist. Even if no one responded, he could still tell a hundred jokes, making the elders laugh heartily.

It had been a long time since there was such lively atmosphere in Old General He’s home. He was very fond of Fourth Son Gu, and looking at his daughter and granddaughter seated at the table, his eyes welled up with tears. It was unclear whether they were tears of joy or sorrow.

Song Chuzhao was also happy.

Gu Fengjian leaned over and whispered, “Are you happy?”

Song Chuzhao nodded vigorously, “Happy!”

She had thought this year’s New Year would be the worst she’d ever experienced, but it turned out to be the happiest.

Gu Fengjian said, “As long as you’re happy.”

“I’m happy!” Song Chuzhao exclaimed, waving her hands excitedly, “You flipping the table, it made me so happy!”

After she finished speaking, she realized that the table had fallen silent, and everyone was looking at her.

Song Chuzhao couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, realizing that it wasn’t quite right to encourage Fifth Son Gu to make a mistake.

Old General He was a little drunk and only caught half of what was said. He chuckled and asked, “Zhaozhao likes to overturn tables? What kind do you like? I’ll make you a few.”

Song Chuzhao: “…” Grandfather, you’re really drunk.

The meal was a delightful affair for both host and guest. It wasn’t until a lively commotion arose in the streets, and the night deepened, that the Gu family, with a pleasant warmth from the wine, rose to take their leave.

They had come in a grand procession, and their departure was equally impressive.

He Wan held Song Chuzhao’s hand and walked them a short distance before returning along the long street.

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After the New Year, Song Chuzhao also began to get busy. Choosing clothes, selecting jewelry, and learning etiquette.

Tang Zhirou visited her once, curious about why she had moved back to the He Mansion before her wedding, but she didn’t ask further. Seeing Song Chuzhao being ordered around by He Wan, busy as a bee, she accompanied her for a while out of a sense of camaraderie.

A few days later, on a bright and sunny morning, the Empress suddenly sent a decree, saying she wished to see Song Chuzhao.

To see her at this time, it must be… a reward!

Song Chuzhao jokingly said to He Wan, “We can prepare less dowry now. The Emperor and Empress are so wealthy, they’ll surely be generous.”

He Wan laughed and scolded her, telling her to be careful and not offend any dignitaries in the palace. She didn’t know what the Empress’s temperament was like, perhaps she didn’t like people being startled, so she shouldn’t go looking for trouble.

Song Chuzhao knew that.

She went back and changed into formal attire, then boarded a small sedan sent from the palace and went with the palace servants.

The journey was smooth. However, the palace servants only led her to the entrance of a hall and stopped outside, gesturing for Song Chuzhao to enter herself.

There were several palace servants standing outside with their heads bowed, along with guards wielding swords. Judging by the number of people, there shouldn’t be anyone inside the hall.

But this wasn’t a residence in the inner palace, but a side hall where the Emperor conducted business. Seeing the guards standing at attention, it was clear that the person inside was not the Empress.

Song Chuzhao stepped inside and saw Tang Zhanglian, resting his chin on his hand, waiting by the desk.

Song Chuzhao performed a dignified bow: “Your Majesty.”

Tang Zhanglian perked up, sat upright, and said, “Yes, it’s not the Empress, it’s me. Did I scare you?”

Song Chuzhao’s lips twitched. She was truly terrified.

“Your Majesty, what is it that you wish to see me about?”

Tang Zhanglian stood up and beckoned her over: “Come here.”

Song Chuzhao looked up, observing him with uncertainty, and cautiously approached him.

“Tsk,” Tang Zhanglian said disapprovingly, “Why are you so hesitant? Come here! There’s no one else in this hall.”

Song Chuzhao simply strode over to him, and he pointed to a large wooden chair that had been placed there, motioning for her to sit.

Thus, they sat facing each other, separated by only half a meter.

Tang Zhanglian still felt it wasn’t close enough, so he used his foot to pull her chair forward a little, making it a distance where they could whisper to each other.

…But there really was no one else in the hall.

Tang Zhanglian leaned down, lowered his voice, and said mysteriously, “I heard you’re getting married soon. I have a grand gift for you.”

Song Chuzhao, seeing that the conversation had finally gotten to the point, was overjoyed. She feigned humility and declined, “Your Majesty is too kind.”

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome,” Tang Zhanglian said. “These gold and silver worldly possessions, I imagine you wouldn’t even look at them.”

Song Chuzhao’s expression froze.

The joys of this world are so fleeting.

Tang Zhanglian continued, “I’ve decided to give you something meaningful.”

It wouldn’t be an official decree granting her a title and status or anything, would it? Song Chuzhao had no interest in that.

Tang Zhanglian said, “Fifth Son Gu will be entering official service next year. The Imperial Censor holds him in high regard. I’ve spoken with him, and he seems interested. However, the position at the Imperial Censorate is rather special, often requiring envoys to travel and inspect various counties. Naturally, it’s quite demanding, but promotions come quickly.”

Song Chuzhao nodded.

Tang Zhanglian said, “It just so happens that I need someone trustworthy to help take charge of several counties in the south. There are many merchants there, and a lot of complex affairs. For Fifth Son Gu, it’s a rare opportunity for experience.”

He finished speaking, his gaze fixed intently on Song Chuzhao.

Song Chuzhao asked in confusion, “Then… then what?”

“You two are newlyweds, how could I bear to separate you?” Tang Zhanglian said. “Besides, it’s a good place for you too. Though it’s far from the capital, it’s a peaceful place. The rules aren’t as strict as in the capital, and the people are more open-minded. I’ll send you there in style, and as long as you don’t cause trouble, no one will dare to cross you. It’s much better than being confined in the capital, restricted at every turn, wouldn’t you say?

Song Chuzhao asked, “So I’m going too?”

Tang Zhanglian sighed again, “If you go, your mother will surely feel lonely.”

Song Chuzhao said, “… So my mother is going too?”

Tang Zhanglian’s voice rose, his tone filled with righteousness, “Master He only has one daughter! Master He did me a great favor in the past, so I naturally have to protect his family’s safety. I have countless experts by my side, I don’t lack a few more. Just pick anyone, and I’ll lend them to you!”

Song Chuzhao hesitated and asked, “… Uncle Fu?”

Tang Zhanglian immediately said, “You said it yourself, I didn’t force you!”

Song Chuzhao: “…” He was putting on a show of being completely at ease.

“Fifth Son Gu has already agreed. He said he’ll follow your lead. If you nod, it’s settled. What do you say?” Tang Zhanglian said. “Go for a year or two, experience it. Whether you want to stay or come back then, it’s up to you.”

Song Chuzhao pondered for a moment, “Hmm…”

Tang Zhanglian imitated her, but exaggeratedly, his lips puckered high, he mumbled, “Hmm…”

Song Chuzhao said, “… Don’t imitate me!”

Tang Zhanglian squeaked in a high-pitched voice, “Don’t imitate me!”

Song Chuzhao gasped.

Hey, how could this person be like this?!

Tang Zhanglian said, “Little Sister Zhaozhao, have you decided?”

Song Chuzhao said angrily, “Who’s your Zhaozhao… Little Sister Zhaozhao¹?”

Tang Zhanglian laughed, “If you’re going to argue with me, at least make your words make sense.”

Song Chuzhao was speechless, she simply didn’t want to talk to him.

Tang Zhanglian said again, “If you agree, I’ll have uncle give you a dowry.”

Song Chuzhao retorted, “No need!”

Tang Zhanglian said, “Why not? You don’t need to feel sorry for him. He wouldn’t have a chance to give it even if he wanted to. Who told him to have no children? At least give him a chance to spend it. Should I prepare some for you too?”

Song Chuzhao, furious, placed her hands on her hips and said, “No!”

Tang Zhanglian, mimicking her, also placed his hands on his hips and argued with her, “Why why? Oh, you want to argue with me, don’t you?”

Song Chuzhao said, “You were the one who tricked me!”

Tang Zhanglian said, “But you were the one who got angry!”

Song Chuzhao grabbed his annoying hand and put it down, saying, “Don’t copy me!”

Tang Zhanglian ignored her, “I will! Look at yourself, you look ridiculous with your hands on your hips.”

Song Chuzhao, frustrated, yelled, “Uncle Fu!”

“Look at that!” Tang Zhanglian said, “You can’t win an argument with me, so you call for help? You think there’s no one here? I can call my Empress too.”

Song Chuzhao continued to shout, “Uncle Fu!”

“He’s not here today.” Tang Zhanglian laughed, “You’re out of options, aren’t you?”

Song Chuzhao changed her call and shouted, “Empress!”

Tang Zhanglian said, “Why are you calling my people? Even if you call her, she won’t answer you.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a guard outside reported, “Your Majesty, General Fu has arrived and is waiting in the Imperial Garden.”

Song Chuzhao turned to look at him. Tang Zhanglian, unable to contain his laughter, said, “Alright, alright. I won’t argue with you. Go back first, and come back when you’ve decided. Be polite, don’t miss the opportunity.”

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Fu Changjun was facing a tranquil lake when he heard the deliberately light footsteps behind him. He wanted to ignore them, thinking the person was too childish. Suddenly, something heavy landed on his back, and a bright yellow cloth draped over his shoulder. The person, with foresight, used their arm to hold him tightly, preventing him from shaking them off.

Fu Changjun warned, “Tang Zhanglian!”

“What’s wrong with you carrying me on your back? Didn’t you always carry me like this before?” Tang Zhanglian chuckled, “I know you really want to carry Sister Zhaozhao on your back, but unfortunately, Sister Zhaozhao doesn’t want to. So I’ll reluctantly take her place and let you experience what it’s like to have a father-child bond.”

Fu Changjun was amused by his shameless behavior and nodded, saying, “Alright, alright. If you’re so determined, then stay there. I’ll go call the Empress and see how old you are, still acting like a child.”

Tang Zhanglian said, “Go ahead! I’m not afraid of you.”

Fu Changjun carried him towards the garden exit.

Tang Zhanglian had prepared for this beforehand and had already sent everyone nearby away. Fu Changjun walked for a while, almost reaching the garden exit, when he heard someone nearby.

Tang Zhanglian, faster than him, jumped off his back, straightened his clothes, and walked forward with a cold snort.

“Uncle walks too fast, I won’t walk with him!” Tang Zhanglian said, “What kind of subject are you? Really.”

The Empress chuckled, “Your Majesty.”

Fu Changjun crossed his arms and looked at him with a smirk.

Tang Zhanglian asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’ve heard from Fifth Son Gu. You summoned him to the palace a few days ago to discuss this matter.” Fu Changjun paused and asked, “Why?”

“Why? Uncle, I promised you that I would bring her back to you. Now it seems that even being Emperor doesn’t give me the power to do whatever I want, so I can only send you there.” Tang Zhanglian put his hands behind his back, mimicking Fu Changjun’s posture, and lectured him, “From now on, without me to take care of you, you must take care of yourself. Don’t be so reckless and arrogant anymore. Otherwise, if something happens, the news will slowly trickle back to the capital, and I don’t know how I’ll avenge you.”

Fu Changjun laughed.

Tang Zhanglian pursed his lips and lowered his voice, saying, “Also, don’t forget that you have someone waiting for you at home. Remember to come back early.”

Fu Changjun stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile of relief, “You, you’ve truly grown up.”

“Only you think I wasn’t grown up before,” Tang Zhanglian said, raising his head. “That was just me teasing you.

Fu Changjun reached out and gave him a half-hearted hug.

Tang Zhanglian, pretending to be unable to bear it, swatted his hand away and said, “You came early today, so I’ll give you a chance to have the Empress choose some things for you. Otherwise, you’ll be too shabby and won’t have any decent gifts to offer.”

The Empress smiled from the side and said, “General Fu, please follow me.”

The three of them walked together towards the wide main road. Palace servants were waiting outside and followed behind them.

The snow on both sides had not melted, creating a scene of pristine white. The branches and leaves swayed in the wind, revealing a hint of green.