Chapter 211

Chapter 211 The Taoist The Taoist looked troubled. Old Madame Song immediately produced a bank draft. "As long as the immortal can help our Jin-ge, anything can be arranged." "It's not a matter of money." The Taoist waved his hand, indicating that his hands could not touch money, but the young acolyte beside him accepted it on his behalf. "Then tell us what you want—surely you can't mean for my daughter-in-law to abort the child?" Old Madame Song cared little for the child in Madam Li's womb. She thought that since it was the reincarnation of Zhuqing's child, letting it be born would only bring disaster—better to abort it. "Heavens, heavens. Since he has already been reincarnated, how could one commit such a sin? Surely you don't mean that your marquis's household shall never allow another child to be born?" The Taoist's words left Old Madame Song in a difficult position. The Taoist continued, "If you abort him, it will only increase his resentment." Old Madame Song found the reasoning sound and asked again, "Then what should we do?" The Taoist said that Jin-ge's Eight Characters leaned toward yin. He then asked for the Eight Characters of Cui Lingrong and Song Shulan to calculate, but he was dissatisfied with the results. "The Marquis and the Eldest Young Madam's Eight Characters are both incompatible with Jin-ge. We need someone with extremely strong fortune to serve as Jin-ge's parents in order to help him through this crisis." The Taoist said that was not all—they would also need to perform a seven-day-seven-night ritual at the body of the mother carrying the resentful infant to dispel the resentment. Hearing this, Cui Lingrong sensed something was wrong. It wasn't until Mama Xu brought up County Princess Rongjia that Cui Lingrong's gaze turned murderous, as if she wanted to flay Mama Xu alive. "This mistress's Eight Characters are especially suitable—she can precisely bless and protect Jin-ge. May I ask who she is?" The Taoist had just asked when Mama Xu rushed to answer. The Taoist said again, "Since she is also a wife of Marquis Song, then let Jin-ge be registered under County Princess Rongjia's name and be raised by her from now on. Only then can Jin-ge's safety be ensured." This was no small matter. Old Madame Song, blinded by worry, immediately agreed. Song Shulan turned to look at Cui Lingrong. "Lingrong, what do you think?" Cui Lingrong did not answer Song Shulan but looked at the Taoist instead. "The immortal said we need someone with extremely strong fortune. Does that mean you're saying the Marquis's Eight Characters are inadequate? And what about the Old Madame's? Have you calculated hers?" She then looked at Mama Xu. Seeing that Mama Xu was about to speak, Cui Lingrong said directly, "This matter, I need to think it over." Cui Lingrong immediately left with her people. The Taoist asked in confusion, "What does the Eldest Young Madam mean? Does she think my abilities are insufficient, that I've said something wrong? Fine, fine, fine. Since your marquis's household shows no sincerity, then I won't continue. I'll take my leave!" Old Madame Song, now deeply believing in the Taoist, hurriedly begged him to stay. "Immortal, don't listen to my daughter-in-law's nonsense. What does she know of your abilities? We'll do as you say—she has no say in this!" "But Mother—" "But what? You have only two sons. Surely you don't want to see Jin-ge come to harm?" Old Madame Song's words left Song Shulan unable to refuse. Indeed—he would have no other offspring now. What was to be done? But Song Shulan also knew that given Cui Lingrong's current temperament, she would absolutely never allow Jin-ge to be registered under County Princess Rongjia's name, let alone have County Princess Rongjia raise him. Throughout today's events, County Princess Rongjia had never once appeared. The Taoist's words were merely coincidence. Song Shulan ruled out the possibility of County Princess Rongjia orchestrating this. "Go and tell Lady Cui—if she doesn't agree and something happens to my Jin-ge, I'll have her pack her things and return to the Cui family, and she need never come back!" Old Madame Song was settling old and new scores together. Song Shulan thought it over and could only go persuade Cui Lingrong. But when he arrived at the entrance of Qiushuang Zhai, he was stopped, told that Cui Lingrong would not see him. "She won't even see me?" Song Shulan was displeased. "Go ask your Eldest Young Madam what she's thinking—does she still have any regard for me as her husband?" Caiyue, having learned of Jin-ge's matter, showed no smile toward the Marquis. "Marquis, the Eldest Young Madam said she wants some quiet time. Once she's thought things through, she will naturally come to see you. Please be considerate of her—where did this incompetent Taoist come from, saying such things?" "You!" Song Shulan pointed at Caiyue. "Fine, fine, fine. The people of Qiushuang Zhai are formidable indeed. Then go back and tell her—the Old Madame has made up her mind. If she doesn't agree, she'll be divorced!" "Divorce the Eldest Young Madam? On what grounds?" "Caiyue!" Nanny Qiu came out from inside the house and called Caiyue to a stop. She went over and bowed to the Marquis. "Marquis, the Eldest Young Madam's contributions to this household over the years—you should know them well in your heart. She has both merit and toil to her name. To say such things wounds the heart deeply." Nanny Qiu pulled Caiyue behind her. "However, Jin-ge's matter is indeed important. But one cannot simply trust a one-sided account—who knows if this is some scheme?" "Who would scheme? And who would want to scheme?" Song Shulan was weary at heart. Nanny Qiu said she didn't understand. "Please return for now. When the Eldest Young Madam has thought things through, she will naturally come to find you." Song Shulan had no choice but to leave for the time being. Thinking of what Nanny Qiu had said about scheming, he turned and went to Wutong Yuan. He probed, "Has the County Mistress ever thought of having a child?" "Master Song, why are you suddenly asking about this?" County Princess Rongjia said, puzzled. "You know very well that I..." "I know that neither of us can have children, but don't I have other children?" Song Shulan kept his eyes fixed on County Princess Rongjia. "You mean Xuan-ge and Jin-ge?" County Princess Rongjia shook her head repeatedly. "No, that won't do. They are Sister Cui's very life. How would I dare to take her children? If I dared to do anything, Sister Cui would surely fight me to the death." County Princess Rongjia emphasized again, "Besides, Xuan-ge is already ten years old. A child that old—even if I were to raise him now, I couldn't win his affection. There's no need for that." Song Shulan was still weighing the earlier words, but the last sentence rang true. Over the past two years, Jin-ge had shown noticeable changes, appearing much more mature. Previously, offering some tasty treats could still distract Jin-ge, but as Jin-ge practiced martial arts, his resolve had grown firmer. "Do you truly not want a child registered under your own name?" Song Shulan confirmed once more. "Master Song, what is wrong with you today? Just say what you mean. When have I ever mentioned wanting a child?" County Princess Rongjia grew angry and turned her back. "I know I was wrong in the past. I shouldn't have been jealous of Sister Cui, and I certainly shouldn't have schemed against Yu-jie. But during the days I was confined in the palace, I was afraid day and night, terrified that I would never see you again. And now you... you..." With that, County Princess Rongjia began to sob softly. Seeing her like this, Song Shulan set aside his doubts and wrapped his arms around her to comfort her. "Alright, alright, it's my fault. I shouldn't have overthought things. Don't cry." "Hmph, I can tell that I'm not in your heart at all." County Princess Rongjia pounded Song Shulan's arm with a reproachful tone. "How could that be? My heart is entirely yours." Song Shulan held County Princess Rongjia and kissed her, but soon, he suddenly stopped. The atmosphere grew awkward for a moment. Song Shulan changed the subject and only then brought up the matter of inviting the Taoist priests.