Miss Truth-Chapter 472 - 307: Scuffle with Duke Wang of Song

Lady Xiao fell into silence for a moment, then said, "The Emperor’s will is unfathomable. Jiulang is not yet of age, who knows if the Emperor would use bold measures with the young? It must be taken into consideration."

Dugu’s heart leaped with joy. Even being taken into consideration was good enough, after all, it meant the Emperor recognized Xiao Song as capable. Even if he didn’t rise in rank this year or the next, as long as he didn’t make any major mistakes, was there any reason to fear that he wouldn’t be promoted in three to five years?

Lady Xiao nodded, "Hmm, the court is full of talent. Many officials of the same generation as Shi Wen are eligible for the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice. The Emperor considers Jiulang partly because he has the capability, and partly as a consolation to Shi Wen."

Shi Wen was the courtesy name of Duke Song, Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu’s demotion was not due to a political misstep—on the contrary, he was a capable man who had not done anything foolish in politics. It was his disagreements with Fang Xuanling and Wei Zheng, leading to physical confrontations in the court, that earned him the charge of causing disorder, and the Emperor saw him as impetuous and intolerant, leading to his removal from his position and exile from Chang’an for reflection.

Xiao Yu was a founding hero who had fought alongside Li Yuan, while Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, and others were core supporters of the Prince of Qin’s household and trusted by Li Shimin. In dealing with this matter, Li Shimin inevitably showed bias. Perhaps after much deliberation, he felt guilty towards Xiao Yu, thus attempting to appease him in this indirect manner.

"I understand now," Dugu said. Presumably, Lady Xiao had long known that Xiao Yu, upon hearing the drum sound at the fifth watch, would remember frustrations and feel discomfort, and intended to have her provide comfort through Dugu.

No matter what, the Emperor still valued Xiao Yu in his heart.

"Shi Wen understands everything. He who has grown old cares less for power and position than before, but he can’t accept the Emperor’s decision and is hurt. You speak to him with gentle words when appropriate," Lady Xiao sighed.

Dugu responded and helped Lady Xiao into the courtyard.

While it was rare for mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to be at peace, the sisters-in-law looked at each other without a word, the atmosphere cold as autumn winds sweeping fallen leaves.

Two individuals of high status who always maintained their dignity were naturally not going to lower themselves immediately in front of a new wife of lesser birth. And Ran Yan herself never held much regard for social hierarchy. She was always proud, and even though Liu Qingsong had trampled on her several times, she would not deliberately ingratiate herself with others.

Besides, even if she wanted to please them, she wouldn’t know what to say. These ladies had seen the world, and discussing the latest trends of the Tang Dynasty with them, Ran Yan feared she might dig her own grave. What else to discuss—autopsy experience or poison preparation?

After sitting in the pavilion for a while, Princess Xiangcheng thought that the matter at the Xiao Family should be almost discussed and said, "Ah Jia’s instructions are never very lengthy..."

Before she could finish her sentence, a maid rushed over, standing outside the pavilion without bothering to perform a curtsey, and said urgently, "Princess, County Mistress, Lady Jiulang, Ah Lang and Jiulang have started fighting!"

The Ah Lang mentioned by the maid naturally referred to Duke Song.

Ran Yan was shocked to the core. In such a noble family, in an age that valued filial piety so highly, to think that father and son would come to blows!

Every time these two met they seemed ready to fight. Princess Xiangcheng and County Mistress Jiarong appeared to have grown accustomed to it. Princess Xiangcheng calmly said, "What about Ah Jia? In such situations, we as daughters-in-law should not interfere." She then turned to Ran Yan and asked, "Jiulang has angered Ah Weng, will you go and see?"

Go? Why wouldn’t she? Such a spectacle was rare in a thousand years. Ran Yan was bored here as well and said, "Since that’s the case, it’s only proper that I go."

Seeing Ran Yan’s calm demeanor, Princess Xiangcheng thought she was quite adept at reading the situation and treated her with a hint of courtesy.

The maid led Ran Yan straight to the study. Upon passing an arch, they could hear the noisy voices inside. The maid halted and inquired, "Lady Jiulang, are you sure you wish to go in?"

"Is there any issue? Does Ah Weng not wish for others to see such a scene?" Ran Yan countered.

The maid shook her head with difficulty, "It’s not exactly that... Outsiders seeing this is naturally not good, but Lady—you are a member of the Xiao Family... it’s just that innocents may get hurt."

Ran Yan’s heart skipped a beat; it seemed this was no small matter. It was said that once, Xiao Song was beaten half to death by the Duke of Song employing family discipline. In a father-son fight, it was unlikely that Xiao Song would ever strike back at the Duke of Song—other than defending himself, he only had the option to endure the beating.

With this in mind, Ran Yan immediately walked into the garden.

Fragrant aromas greeted her, the apricot and peach blossoms intertwining, and she could vaguely see a scene of several men tugging at each other. As Ran Yan drew closer, she could see clearly that Xiao Ruizhi and Xiao Kaizhi were holding back the Duke of Song. Xiao Kaizhi said, "Jiulang, why aren’t you kneeling down to apologize to Father!"

"You two unfilial sons, let go of me! I’ll beat this bastard to death!" The Duke of Song, after all, was a bit aged, panting heavily from exhaustion.

"Father, your son cannot bear such a heavy accusation, please calm your anger. Jiulang is now married and will certainly uphold the ancestral teachings of the Xiao Family; he will not disappoint you," Xiao Ruizhi pleaded.

The two older brothers had their father restrained, so naturally, Xiao Song couldn’t make a move. If it were any other time, he might have quarreled with the old man, or obediently taken a beating, but today was the first time Ran Yan was meeting her in-laws, so neither option was suitable.

Hence, as soon as Xiao Ruizhi finished speaking, Xiao Song followed the offered truce, lifting his robe and kneeling before the Duke of Song, "I have erred, Father, and accept any punishment you see fit."

This action stunned everyone present, even the Duke of Song’s anger was replaced by surprise. From childhood to adulthood, Xiao Song had never yielded even when beaten half to death. Although he’d become more evasive lately, always managing to lightly pass over any trouble, he had never said "I have erred."

Taken aback, the Duke of Song suddenly didn’t know what to say. If he continued to hold a grudge, he would appear too narrow-minded, so after a moment of silence, he finally said, "Enough. We will address this another day."

Having said that, he left with a swish of his sleeve, walking directly along the path towards Ran Yan.

Ran Yan did not avoid him. Upon seeing the Duke of Song, she squatted down to perform a respectful greeting, calling him "Father-in-law" in a very proper manner.

Ran Yan’s composure earned her an additional glance from the Duke of Song, who actually let out a grunt of acknowledgment and passed by her. freeweɓnøvel~com

"Lady," Xiao Song called out.

Seeing Ran Yan witness such a sorry state, he felt not the slightest bit embarrassed. Instead, it was his calling her "Lady" that made Ran Yan feel somewhat awkward.

After exchanging courtesies with Xiao Ruizhi and Xiao Kaizhi, and seeing them leave, Ran Yan extended her hand to hold his, saying, "Why cause such a scene that leads Father-in-law to such anger? Couldn’t we talk things out properly?"

Hearing her call him "Father-in-law" so smoothly, while she struggled with "husband," Xiao Song felt a pang of jealousy, his voice tinged with sourness, "He’s hot-tempered, what can I do? Even Fang Xuanling, who epitomizes moderation, managed to make him so angry that he became violent. I certainly can’t compare to Fang Xuanling."

In recent years, Fang Xuanling had been ineffectual and uninspiring in state affairs, embodying "moderation" to the fullest. Whenever his opinion was sought, he would say that one approach was fine and the other had merit, speaking flawlessly and seemingly valuable, but actually conveying no meaningful position at all. As a result, the petitions impeaching him piled up like snowflakes on Emperor Li Shimin’s royal desk.

In short, Fang Xuanling had been increasingly inclined to play the peacemaker over the years, keeping himself out of the fray. If even such a person could clash with the Duke of Song, it revealed the extent of the Duke of Song’s "skill." The "rightful" King of Fights, no wonder he had been demoted from Chang’an for reflection.

"Thank you," Ran Yan felt a warmth in her heart. She understood why Xiao Song did what he did.

Xiao Song gripped her hand tightly, smiling, "It’s but a trivial matter. His discontent is because he thinks I align with the likes of Fang Xuanling and Duke Changsun, all petty men. A man kneels to heaven, earth, and parents. He is my father; kneeling to him does not shame me."

The Duke of Song was a proponent of overt schemes, while Xiao Song was clearly someone who didn’t distinguish between overt and covert schemes. Xiao Song’s relationship with the Duke of Song started with a paternal attitude towards educating his son, but had now escalated to a clash of political beliefs.

With a sigh, Ran Yan thought to herself, what a stubborn family! (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast a recommendation ticket or a monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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