Ch 446: Finale

Jiangnan Province has seen severe corruption in recent years.

Mr. Cen decided to make an incognito visit to Jiangnan, primarily wanting to take Song Yaoshi on a sightseeing trip.

Along the way, they ate, drank, and had fun, dressed as merchant couple, enjoying themselves immensely.

Until they arrived in Jiangnan.

Mr. Cen had previously instructed people to thoroughly investigate the power of officials in Jiangnan and other areas. Eliminating local officials directly wouldn’t be difficult; the challenge lay in Mr. Cen’s desire to uproot the problem completely.

Court officials provided considerable support to these local officials.

They had been in Jiangnan for two days without finding a breakthrough.

Song Yaoshi reviewed the information Mr. Cen had gathered. She raised her slender finger and pointed to Shen Tang, the Jiangnan Prefect’s youngest son.

“Why not start with this man? He indulges in all vices—gambling, drinking, whoring. He’s the easiest target.”

Mr. Cen looked at Song Yaoshi and whispered, “I’d considered starting with him, but if we do…”

“Hmm?” Song Yaoshi was puzzled by Mr. Cen’s hesitant tone. “What’s wrong?”

Mr. Cen said, “I will go to Xingyang Tower.”

Song Yaoshi raised an eyebrow. “Oh… you’re going to drink Flower Wine?”

Mr. Cen nodded.

Song Yaoshi chuckled. “Go ahead. You’re doing this for the investigation, not to specifically drink Flower Wine. Why would I be angry? I’m not that unreasonable.”

Mr. Cen’s expression froze. He said in a low voice, “Yaoshi would never be unreasonable.”

That tone sounded rather sarcastic.

Song Yaoshi cupped his face and kissed his lips. “Alright, don’t be angry about this. I trust you, so I’m not angry. Do you want me to distrust you?”

Mr. Cen was pleased by the kiss. He put his arm around Song Yaoshi’s waist, pulling her close. Looking down at her, he said, “I wish Yaoshi cared a little more.”

He kissed Song Yaoshi’s lips, lifting her chin with his hand, sharing a passionate kiss.

If Song Yaoshi hadn’t pushed him away, preventing him from reaching into her clothes, it wouldn’t have been just a simple kiss.

That evening, Mr. Cen went to Xingyang Tower to befriend Shen Tang.

Song Yaoshi waited for him in their rented courtyard. It was almost midnight before there was any movement outside.

Song Yaoshi, yawning repeatedly, went to the gate with Songlu.

At the gate, a servant opened the vermilion door. As Song Yaoshi stepped out, she saw Mr. Cen getting down from a carriage bearing a “Shen” character signboard.

Inside the carriage, a young man in silver robes was watching Mr. Cen alight.

Song Yaoshi yawned and called out, “Husband.”

Both Mr. Cen and the man in the carriage looked towards her.

The man in the carriage’s eyes lit up. He jumped out of the carriage and offered Mr. Cen his support.

“Brother Song, be careful,” the man said, supporting Mr. Cen. However, Mr. Cen didn’t want his help and was eventually led to Song Yaoshi.

He smiled at Song Yaoshi, a self-satisfied, debonair smile, asking, “This must be Brother Song’s wife? Brother Song has had too much to drink. My surname is Shen, my given name is Tang, Shen Tang. I am seeing Brother Song home.”

Song Yaoshi noticed Shen Tang’s intense gaze and discreetly glanced at Mr. Cen’s expression.

Mr. Cen’s displeasure was quite obvious.

Song Yaoshi secretly smiled. She said to Shen Tang, “Thank you, Young Master.”

She walked to Mr. Cen’s side and offered her support. “Young Master, please let go. I’ll escort my husband inside. There is no need to see you out.”

Mr. Cen possessively embraced Song Yaoshi. Feigning drunkenness, he murmured, “Wife,” shielding Song Yaoshi completely from Shen Tang’s gaze.

Shen Tang said from behind, “Then Madam Song, please be careful not to fall. I will come to see Brother Song again tomorrow.”

Song Yaoshi responded, “Alright.”

Suppressing her laughter, she helped Mr. Cen into their rented courtyard and had someone close the door.

The moment the door closed, Mr. Cen sobered up.

Mr. Cen coldly uttered, “I will exterminate his entire clan!”

Dare to covet his Yaoshi? What a thing!

Song Yaoshi softly consoled him, “Alright, alright, don’t be angry. That man is a lecher. Why get angry with him? How much did you drink tonight?”

Song Yaoshi sniffed his breath, disdainfully saying, “You’re not sleeping with me tonight.”

“No,” Mr. Cen said, immediately lifting Song Yaoshi into his arms. “I’ll bathe. I won’t smell of alcohol afterward, and you will sleep with me.”

There were maids and servants in the courtyard. Song Yaoshi took a deep breath and patted Mr. Cen’s shoulder. “Put me down.”

Mr. Cen refused, carrying her towards the room.

Song Yaoshi didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t stop him, so she let him carry her.

Thankfully, she had grown accustomed to it over time.

In the room, Mr. Cen wanted to bathe with Song Yaoshi, but she kicked him out, finally making him stop.

However, after his bath, perhaps due to the alcohol, Mr. Cen was in high spirits and insisted on intimacy with Song Yaoshi.

With alcohol fueling him, he was so wild that Song Yaoshi, with tears in her eyes, had to beg him to stop.

The next morning, Song Yaoshi ignored Mr. Cen.

Mr. Cen served Song Yaoshi breakfast and massaged her back, until she finally spoke to him.

“What was wrong with you last night?” Song Yaoshi asked, lying on the beauty couch. “Were you so consumed by desire because of the beautiful women at Xingyang Tower that you sought me out to cool off?”

Mr. Cen immediately frowned and refuted, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Song Yaoshi choked, then coldly snorted at him.

Mr. Cen clung to her, cuddling on the beauty couch, holding her in his arms. “What do other people have to do with me? I wouldn’t even glance at them.”

Song Yaoshi was astonished. “You didn’t even look?”

Mr. Cen pinched her chin. “Do you think I’m like you?”

Song Yaoshi coughed lightly, avoiding his gaze.

After all, she would look at any beauty. Beauties are so delightful.

Song Yaoshi blinked and changed the subject. “Is the identity you created abroad a Song?”

Mr. Cen confirmed.

Song Yaoshi thought, he did a good job, taking her surname.

As they chatted, a knock came. A guard announced, “Young Master, a Young Master Shen has arrived, seeking Brother Song.”

After they left the palace, those around them began addressing Mr. Cen as “Young Master.”

Mr. Cen recalled Shen Tang’s blatant gaze towards Song Yaoshi the previous night.

Song Yaoshi felt the killing intent emanating from Mr. Cen and held his hand, warning him, “A Little Patience Prevents Great Mistakes.”

Mr. Cen took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “Understood.”

Song Yaoshi kissed his lips. “Go. Resolve this quickly. I want to go home.”

Mr. Cen gently brushed his finger against her lips, whispering, “Alright, I’ll go.”

Song Yaoshi nodded.

Mr. Cen met Shen Tang outside. Seeing him alone, Shen Tang asked where Madam Song was, which infuriated Mr. Cen.

He managed to control his temper, gave perfunctory replies, and they went out together.

Mr. Cen and Shen Tang ate and drank for several days, extracting some useful information from Shen Tang, but he refused to say more.

Shen Tang gave him an invitation: his father was holding a birthday banquet, inviting Mr. Cen and Song Yaoshi. He emphasized the word “together.”

Song Yaoshi thought this was a good thing when Mr. Cen brought back the invitation.

“We’ll find out who is close to this Shen Official,” Song Yaoshi said.

Mr. Cen looked at Song Yaoshi and said sternly, “He doesn’t want to invite me, he wants you to go. I won’t let you go.”

Song Yaoshi immediately understood Mr. Cen’s meaning.

Sitting beside him, she took his hand. “But we’re so close to the end. And even if I go, he can’t do anything to me. Don’t worry.”

Mr. Cen shook his head. “I hate the way he looks at you.”

“Cen Fù, you should prioritize the overall situation.” Song Yaoshi curiously asked, “Why are you so concerned about Shen Tang now? Before, you could even teach others to love me. Didn’t you want me to be with Mr. Cen back then?”

Mr. Cen’s expression was displeased. He murmured, “It’s different.”

“How is it different?” Song Yaoshi asked.

Mr. Cen didn’t answer.

Song Yaoshi was very curious. She asked, “What’s different? Do you think Mr. Cen is you?”

“I never thought he was me,” Mr. Cen denied.

Song Yaoshi was about to ask again when Mr. Cen embraced her, leaning down to kiss her, mumbling, “No more questions. I’ll never let you go again.”

Song Yaoshi was dazed by his kiss. She belatedly recalled that Mr. Cen had taught Mr. Cen to do so in order to help her?

To find a replacement, a way to be with her until the end of their lives.

Song Yaoshi finally agreed to attend the Shen family’s banquet.

She believed this was crucial; it would be a pity to fail at the last minute.

Mr. Cen had reservations; this wasn’t the only way. He loathed Shen Tang. If Shen Tang glanced at Song Yaoshi, he wanted to gouge out his eyes and feed him to dogs.

Song Yaoshi poked Mr. Cen’s face. “Cen Fù, don’t be so possessive.”

Mr. Cen said, “I’m out of control.”

Song Yaoshi: “…”

On the day of Mr. Shen’s banquet, Song Yaoshi, with prepared gifts, went to Shen’s residence with Mr. Cen.

Shen Tang was standing at the entrance.

Mr. Cen held Song Yaoshi’s hand tightly. Upon seeing Shen Tang, he put his arm around her waist, possessively pulling her into his embrace.

However, this didn’t deter Shen Tang; his gaze was fixated on Song Yaoshi the moment he saw her.

He even stepped forward excitedly, “Madam Song, I am Shen Tang. We met the other day. Do you remember?”

Song Yaoshi nodded, “Young Master Shen is remarkable. Of course, I remember.”

Shen Tang was overjoyed by this and immediately invited Song Yaoshi and Mr. Cen inside.

Men and women were seated separately, which displeased Mr. Cen.

Shen Tang then pulled Mr. Cen aside. “Brother Song, didn’t you mention wanting an official position? Today is a great opportunity. Don’t cling to your sister-in-law, let’s do something important.”

Song Yaoshi glanced at Mr. Cen.

Mr. Cen took a deep breath and suppressed his anger, letting Song Yaoshi go.

Seeing Song Yaoshi leave, Shen Tang’s smile widened.

“Brother Song, I’ll introduce you to some big shots you’ve never met.”

“Really?” Mr. Cen looked at Shen Tang. “If this succeeds, I won’t forget Young Master Shen’s kindness.”

“My pleasure!”

Song Yaoshi joined the women’s seating and chatted merrily with noble ladies and madams.

This kind of occasion was perfect for her.

However, after a while, she didn’t see Mr. Cen, wondering about his progress.

But she wasn’t worried; numerous Shadow Guards were stationed outside Shen’s residence, not even a fly could get in or out.

As the banquet neared its end, a maid approached Song Yaoshi. “Madam Song, Young Master Song has had too much to drink. He asked me to bring you over.”

Song Yaoshi paused, then nodded.

She followed the maid, who led her from the front courtyard to the back, stopping at a side room and knocking.

“Young Master, Madam Song has arrived.”

Someone immediately opened the door.

It was Shen Tang.

Song Yaoshi looked at Shen Tang. “Young Master Shen, where is my husband?” She glanced inside.

Shen Tang smiled. “He’s inside, Madam Song, please come in.”

Song Yaoshi hesitated, then entered.

She didn’t see Mr. Cen and turned to Shen Tang. “Young Master Shen, where is my husband?”

“Madam Song’s husband is currently enjoying himself with the Flower Courtesan from Xingyang Tower. He doesn’t have time for you,” Shen Tang said.

Song Yaoshi was startled. “Are you joking?”

Her cold gaze was unlike her usual gentle demeanor. Shen Tang was momentarily stunned, then became excited.

“This side of Madam Song is a pleasant surprise,” Shen Tang laughed. “I’m not joking. Does Brother Song go to Xingyang Tower every day to drink with a man? He’s spending nights with the Flower Courtesan, Xiaodie. Although Madam Song is stunning, Xiaodie is no slouch either; she even slightly resembles Imperial Concubine Shu.”

Shen Tang clicked his tongue. “Brother Song was smitten with Xiaodie at first sight.”

Song Yaoshi frowned. “Imperial Concubine Shu?”

Shen Tang nodded. “Yes. We call her Little Imperial Concubine.”

Song Yaoshi’s expression grew colder. “Is that so.”

“Madam Song, don’t be too disheartened. Men are all like that. Once they’re tired of playing outside, they’ll come home,” Shen Tang said with feigned sympathy.

Song Yaoshi ignored him. “Then, Young Master Shen, why did you call me here?”

Shen Tang found Song Yaoshi increasingly assertive. He felt both uncomfortable and excited. He laughed. “Madam Song, I had you brought here because Brother Song has given you to me.”

Song Yaoshi looked at him. “He gave me to you?”

Shen Tang nodded. “Yes.”

“What did you promise him? He can give me to you?” Song Yaoshi sneered.

Shen Tang, displeased by her disdain, said, “Madam Song, don’t underestimate me. It’s easy for me to get Brother Song an official position.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You should understand that an official position is far more important to Brother Song than a woman.”

Song Yaoshi coldly laughed.

Shen Tang, thinking she was upset and heartbroken, looked at her with feigned concern. “Madam Song, don’t be too sad. I hate seeing beautiful women cry. Tonight, I will cherish you, making you forget everything.”

He lunged at Song Yaoshi.

Song Yaoshi dodged, smiling at Shen Tang. “Young Master Shen, before that, can I do something?”

Shen Tang was displeased, but his displeasure vanished at her smile.

He said, “Of course, except for leaving this room, Madam Song can do whatever she wants.”

Song Yaoshi nodded. She took the silver whistle around her neck and blew it.

The sharp whistle pierced through the room.

Shen Tang stared at her whistle, asking, “What’s that?”

Song Yaoshi said, “Oh, something to kill you.”

Before Shen Tang could react, three or four men in black broke through the window, subduing him.

“Gag him, don’t let him make a sound. Don’t kill him, keep him alive,” Song Yaoshi commanded.

The men in black immediately gagged and bound Shen Tang.

Shen Tang widened his eyes, trying to scream, only managing muffled sounds.

After subduing Shen Tang, Song Yaoshi sat in a chair, waiting for Mr. Cen.

About a cup of tea later, the door was kicked open.

Mr. Cen rushed in, anxiously looking at Song Yaoshi. “Yaoshi, are you alright?”

Song Yaoshi looked at him coldly. “I’m fine.”

Mr. Cen reached out to touch her face, but she dodged. “Where were you?”

Mr. Cen was startled. “I just captured Shen Quan and his men, and seized the gift list from Shen Quan’s banquet.”

He would investigate everyone on the list.

Song Yaoshi said, “Didn’t you go to see your Little Imperial Concubine?”

Mr. Cen froze, realizing that Shen Tang was the culprit.

He turned and kicked Shen Tang in the chest; Shen Tang fell to the ground, unable to yell in pain because of the gag.

“What nonsense are you talking about!” Mr. Cen kicked Shen Tang’s leg.

Song Yaoshi looked at the enraged Mr. Cen. “If you kill him, it’ll be easy to get rid of the body, right?”

Mr. Cen paused, looking at Song Yaoshi to defend himself, “Yaoshi, I didn’t.”

“Then take the gag out, and you can confront him,” Song Yaoshi said.

Mr. Cen didn’t move.

Song Yaoshi asked, “Are you afraid?”

Mr. Cen shook his head. “Why would I be afraid? It’s just…” His lips twitched, “Yaoshi, are you jealous?”

Song Yaoshi was silent for a moment. Ignoring Mr. Cen, she got up and left.

“Yaoshi,” Mr. Cen grabbed her hand. “Let’s confront him, don’t leave.”

“No,” Song Yaoshi said. “Let go.”

Mr. Cen realized she was angry and held her hand tighter. “Yaoshi, don’t be angry. I’ll confront him immediately. I have nothing to do with that Xiaodie, I just had a few drinks with her.”

“You liked her looks, didn’t you?” Song Yaoshi suddenly asked.

Mr. Cen frowned. “What?”

Song Yaoshi took a deep breath, struggling to pull away. “I’m going home, let go. I don’t want to hear any confrontation, there’s nothing to hear. I know you wouldn’t do those things.”

“Yaoshi…”

“Come back after you’ve finished,” Song Yaoshi said.

Mr. Cen looked at her and led her out. “Let’s go home together. Others will handle it.”

Song Yaoshi didn’t resist and let him lead her out.

The Shen residence incident didn’t escalate. Mr. Cen wanted to investigate thoroughly without alarming anyone, so he only had the Shadow Guards control some powerful officials who attended Shen Quan’s birthday banquet, sending everyone else away.

There wasn’t a tense atmosphere outside.

The two sat in the carriage, heading towards their rented courtyard.

Mr. Cen held Song Yaoshi’s hand, his fingers gently caressing her back.

Now that they were alone, Mr. Cen’s demeanor softened. He softly asked, “Yaoshi, why are you suddenly angry? Is it because I said you were jealous? If you don’t like that, I won’t say it again.”

Song Yaoshi shook her head. Looking at Mr. Cen, she said, “You liked the Empress’s looks, didn’t you?”

Mr. Cen shook his head. “No.”

Song Yaoshi said, “The books say you fell in love with the Empress at first sight and never forgot her. Like Shen Tang said, you were smitten with Little Imperial Concubine at first glance.”

“I’ll have someone cut out his tongue!” Mr. Cen muttered angrily.

Song Yaoshi laughed. “You’re blushing with anger?”

Mr. Cen looked at Song Yaoshi. “No. Nothing. How could I fall for the Empress at first sight? I knew she was sent by Empress Dowager Luo and Prince Rui the moment I saw her. I kept her to deceive them.”

“But you still spent nights with Little Imperial Concubine, drinking and laughing together,” Song Yaoshi said.

Mr. Cen realized this came from Shen Tang.

He carefully explained, “She’s the Flower Courtesan at Xingyang Tower. Shen Tang likes her, so I drank with her.”

He added, “And Xiaodie doesn’t look like Zhao Xueying. If you don’t believe me, I’ll bring her to see you tomorrow.”

Song Yaoshi withdrew her hand and lifted Mr. Cen’s chin. “What were your thoughts when you first saw me? At Linde Hall, when I asked you for a divorce from Xiao Ziqian.”

That was their first meeting in this world.

Mr. Cen said, “The truth?”

Song Yaoshi looked at him. “You can lie, as long as I can’t tell.”

Mr. Cen: “…I thought you were strange, different from before.”

“That’s all?”

Mr. Cen shook his head. At that time, Song Yaoshi was still Xiao Ziqian’s wife. He wouldn’t have other thoughts.

Later, he did… it was because of daily contact, and he couldn’t help it.

Song Yaoshi said, “But I saw you at first glance, and thought you were really handsome. So…”

Mr. Cen’s heart stirred. “So?”

Song Yaoshi said, “So, did I come here because your obsession with me brought me here, or was I meant to be with you?”

Her heart began to pound.

Mr. Cen stared into Song Yaoshi’s smiling eyes, full of tender affection.

He couldn’t help but lift her, placing her on his lap, his arm around her waist, his hand on her neck, his kiss burning on her lips.

“Yaoshi, why did you come here?”

“To be loved by you.”

……

Not long after returning from Jiangnan, Song Yaoshi became pregnant.

She had no other reactions, only a delayed period, and it was discovered after consulting an Imperial Physician.

This calm pregnancy made Song Yaoshi very happy.

She was neither opposed nor eager for the child.

Mr. Cen, however, wore a worried expression every day after learning of her pregnancy.

Song Yaoshi thought he seemed to be the one who was pregnant, already suffering from pre-natal depression.

Ten months later, Song Yaoshi’s delivery was easy.

During the ten months, Mr. Cen had diligently studied medical books and become almost a half-qualified obstetrician. He carefully managed Song Yaoshi’s diet and daily exercise.

He controlled the baby’s weight perfectly, making the delivery easy.

Their first and only child was a little princess.

After this, Mr. Cen refused to let Song Yaoshi get pregnant again. It was too frightening. He didn’t hate children, but he feared Song Yaoshi suffering any unnecessary pain.

Childbirth was a gateway to death, and he didn’t want Song Yaoshi to go through it again.

The little princess was given the title Yongning. On the day of her birth, Mr. Cen declared a general amnesty and gave her twelve cities as a fiefdom. There were even rumors that His Majesty would make Princess Yongning the Crown Princess.

Everyone knew that she was not only the only daughter of the Emperor and Empress, but also the only daughter of the Goddess. Even though she was a woman, it was natural for her to inherit the Hui Dynasty throne.

The Hui Dynasty would finally usher in a Women’s Golden Age.

……

Linzhou Wharf.

Tao Wu just got off the wharf. He wore a patched shirt, smelling of fish.

He walked home with his head down.

Someone called him, “Hey, Little Tao.”

Tao Wu looked at the caller, a fisherman who often went fishing and drank with Tao Wu.

“Did you hear? The Empress gave birth to a princess, and the Emperor declared a general amnesty. You have a criminal record, but it’s gone now! With your skills, why are you still working at the wharf? Take this opportunity to join the army, or take the Martial Champion exam, get an official position, anything is better than this!”

Tao Wu, after a moment of stunned silence, nodded and smiled. “I know, I know.”

He said he needed to go home.

After saying goodbye, Tao Wu couldn’t help but remember when Prince Rui decided to die with His Majesty.

He prepared the poisoned wine for Prince Rui to use on His Majesty, but when he delivered it, Prince Rui had another bottle of wine.

It was a wine that accelerated the Gu poison, but not as lethal as the poisoned wine.

Tao Wu put the poisoned wine before Prince Rui and said, “Your Highness, the poisoned wine is ready.”

Prince Rui leaned back and looked at the poisoned wine.

After a long look, he picked up the wine and asked, “Will this wine kill instantly?”

Tao Wu said, “Yes, Your Highness. Even a god can’t save someone after drinking this.”

After hearing this, Prince Rui laughed, and poured the poisoned wine onto the ground.

Tao Wu was shocked and asked, “Your Highness?”

Tao Wu didn’t know whether Prince Rui had a sudden change of heart or a sudden whim.

He only heard him say, “I suddenly want to know what kind of fate awaits them.”