Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Medicinal Wine Song Shulan's marital affairs were not going well, so while on duty, he asked Gao Jingzhi in a roundabout way, "They say men lose their vigor as they age, but how is it that your old master is so formidable? At his age, he can still sire a child?" Gao Jingzhi's father's concubine had given birth to a son two months prior. The old master, already in his fifties, was overjoyed that he could still impregnate his concubine. Song Shulan had even attended the full-month celebration. "Who says otherwise? My old master drinks medicinal wine every day—it's quite potent." Gao Jingzhi drank it too. "Hey, Brother Song, have you been feeling tired lately, lacking strength? You look listless and out of sorts. How about I get you some?" "No, no, no, I don't need that." Song Shulan still put up a front. Gao Jingzhi had grown up with Song Shulan and could tell at a glance that Song Shulan wanted it. He laughed heartily, "I'll give you some first. Whenever you want it, just have a cup. Let me tell you, that medicinal wine of ours is extremely nourishing—the old master put in some serious ingredients. Once you drink it, never mind one concubine, even if all your women came at you at once, you'd be able to handle them." He chuckled lewdly, thinking that Song Shulan must simply be too exhausted lately. When he got home, Gao Jingzhi had someone deliver the medicinal wine to Song Shulan. Once Song Shulan received it, he drank a cup without much thought. It worked indeed—before long, his body began to warm up. He found Huadie and spent another vigorous night, becoming even more convinced that he had simply been too tired recently and needed some nourishment. As for Huadie, sensing the Marquis's renewed vigor, she was radiant with satisfaction. When she went to pay her respects to the First Lady, the smile on her face was impossible to hide. News of the medicinal wine soon reached Cui Lingrong's ears, but it was no cause for concern. Men, after all, couldn't accept a sudden decline in their abilities—it was only natural. Soon came the full-month banquet for Yuan Mingzhu's daughter, and as Cui Lingrong had anticipated, she saw Madam Qin, who had brought the Qin sisters to the feast. The Qin family was a prestigious clan, and their daughters had never worried about marriage prospects—until those incidents with Xie Yunting occurred. The Emperor had bestowed a marriage, only for Xie Yunting to petition for its annulment. Combined with Qin Shaoyuan's demotion, Qin Mengyao and her sister suddenly found it very difficult to marry. Qin Mengting, however, got her wish—when the Qin family learned of her affair with her cousin, they pressured him into betrothing her. As for the remaining Qin Mengyao, things weren't going well. After much matchmaking, only families of low standing were willing to agree to the marriage. Madam Qin had brought them today to make one more effort. If they couldn't marry into civil official families, military families would do—as long as they could stay in Bianjing. "Greetings to the Duchess of Dingguo." Cui Lingrong stepped forward proactively to pay her respects. Although the Qin family had fallen from grace, Madam Qin was still the Duchess of Dingguo, and the Dingguo Duke's mansion still enjoyed the Emperor's favor. Hence, many people surrounded Madam Qin. When they saw Cui Lingrong approach, they all regarded her with curiosity. It wasn't like Cui Lingrong to be particularly warm toward anyone, but now her tone was especially intimate. Moreover, the second son adopted by the Duke of Dingguo had been raised by Cui Lingrong—everyone was eager to see what would happen next. Madam Qin smiled at Cui Lingrong. "Marchioness Song, you look well. You seem to be in good spirits—quite flourishing, it appears." "I have indeed been doing well lately, but I can't compare to you, Duchess. You've just gained two sons—my congratulations. My Jin-ge says that Jie-ge'er gets along very well with him. You've raised him wonderfully." Cui Lingrong stepped forward warmly, then brought up Cui Zeyu. "My younger brother has also been a source of trouble for you, Duchess. There have been some rumors circulating in Bianjing lately that have me quite worried. Seeing you today, I came over specifically to ask—is there something improper about my brother, or are outsiders simply spreading nonsense?" If Madam Qin were to openly criticize Cui Zeyu, with so many people watching—especially since Cui Lingrong had first praised Lu Weijie and mentioned him alongside Cui Zeyu— One praised, one condemned—Madam Qin's intentions would be all too clear. But if Madam Qin said others were spreading nonsense, then the rumors would end there. Madam Qin narrowed her eyes at Cui Lingrong. She had to admit, Lady Cui truly had some skill—otherwise, she wouldn't have left the Rong Prince Mansion and County Princess Rongjia both at a loss against her. "Duchess, please speak frankly. We are both elders here. When the younger generation errs, they can be taught—jade must be carved before it becomes a vessel. One doesn't condemn someone outright with a single blow, wouldn't you agree?" Cui Lingrong added before the Duchess could speak. The others also looked at Madam Qin, waiting to see her stance, curious about what was going on between the two women. Madam Qin smiled without warmth. "Marchioness Song speaks rightly, but one must also teach according to the student's aptitude. Some children are born with base natures—no amount of teaching will make them learn how to be proper." One sentence, and the air was thick with hostility. But Cui Lingrong replied, "Then I trust that the Duchess and the Duke of Guo have good judgment. The people you chose must certainly be fine—otherwise, they wouldn't have caught your eye, isn't that so?" The person had been chosen by the Dingguo Duke's mansion themselves. To now call him born with a base nature would be to criticize their own judgment. Cui Lingrong had caught Madam Qin in her own words. She had come today to salvage her younger brother's reputation. Madam Qin found it difficult to answer again, slightly turning her head. Qin Mengyao beside her immediately caught on and smiled as she changed the subject, "It seems a bit overcast—might rain. Shall we all take our seats?" "That's fine." Cui Lingrong clung to Madam Qin, refusing to leave. "I feel quite a connection with the Duchess today. Why don't we sit together?" Her behavior was unusual, and some who knew her well muttered to themselves, wondering what was going on. Others, more perceptive, understood that Cui Lingrong was here to seek justice from Madam Qin on behalf of her younger brother, but as for the specifics, none of them knew. So when the others heard Cui Lingrong say this, they nodded in agreement one after another. "We'll join too." Madam Qin was escorted to her seat, surrounded by the crowd, with Cui Lingrong sitting right beside her and Yu-jie on Cui Lingrong's other side. From taking their seats to dining, Cui Lingrong remained warm and affectionate toward Madam Qin. To outsiders, Cui Lingrong's demeanor toward Madam Qin seemed quite humble, though occasionally Madam Qin couldn't help but show a sour expression that was noticed by others. After the banquet concluded, Madam Qin, unable to spare time to introduce a match for her niece, hurriedly made to leave. Cui Lingrong called out to stop her. "Duchess, please don't rush. I actually still have something I'd like to discuss with you." Madam Qin's heart sank. Today she had come to understand—like master, like dog. Cui Zeyu was raised by Cui Lingrong, so how could Cui Lingrong herself be any more likable? She turned back impatiently, glaring. "Marchioness Song, what exactly do you want?" "I'd like to speak with you again about my younger brother's matter." Cui Lingrong smiled faintly, her tone gentle as well. To the other guests listening, Madam Qin's attitude gradually became harder to understand.