As the carriage left the Su residence, Song Mao lifted the curtain to observe the snowy scene outside, then turned to Song Kai to confirm the gifts prepared.
"That ginseng from last time… and the calligraphy Master Linfu wrote… Hmm, place the ginseng in the middle, less conspicuous. Master Qin loves calligraphy, so he'll likely appreciate this piece."
Song Kai had served by Song Mao's side for many years, cautious and reliable, so there was no risk of oversight in these tasks. Song Mao was merely verifying them for lack of anything else to do. Reflecting on his recent conversation with Su Wenxing, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. His nephew's limited ability and narrow vision troubled him, though there was little he could do about it at present.
Regarding familial ties, although Song Mao was close to the Su family, there was no deep-rooted kinship between him and his cousin or nephew. In his hometown, he'd had limited interaction with his cousin, who was now the Second Madam of the Su family. After he found some success, the Su family invested generously in him, an act he appreciated, but his gratitude was mostly directed at Su Taigong and the Su family as a whole.
With time, he rose to the rank of zhizhou, and while the Su family had once been a major support, they now served more as an added advantage. If the Su family's second branch could eventually take control, there would be some benefits, but it was not essential to him. Though his ties with Su Wenxing were closer, he doubted whether his nephew had the skills to manage the Su family effectively and worried that future mishaps might even burden him.
If Su Tan'er were to take charge, on the other hand, her capabilities and pragmatic approach would ensure that she'd foster relations with him, keeping that backing intact. His presence would also mean that his cousin and nephew's branch, even if not in control, would maintain its place in the Su family, ensuring their livelihood and a small amount of influence. This arrangement could serve as a bridge to the Su family while providing Wenxing, who lacked capability, with a secure position.
As he weighed this decision, Song Mao's familial bonds inclined him to favor his cousin and nephew. Recently, he'd heard of Shui Diao Ge Tou, a composition he initially respected, though he had since come across some strange rumors. If it turned out to be a superficial work, he would expose it for his nephew's sake.
Song Kai, observing his expression, handed him the gift list with a smile. "Sir, although Master Qin has been retired for years, with the recent upheaval in the north and ongoing Jin-Liao conflicts, there's talk of his return to court. Do you think he might reconsider?"
Song Mao shook his head, pausing before speaking. "It's unlikely. When Master Qin left, the circumstances were complicated. He shouldered all the blame for the Heishui Treaty, taking the fall for others. Were it any other matter, his return might be possible, but given recent political tensions, it's difficult."
For nearly a century, the Wu Dynasty had grown weaker, with the Liao repeatedly encroaching on its borders. Twice, the dynasty sought peace, each treaty tarnishing its reputation. Sixty-five years ago, the humiliating Tanqian Treaty shattered any hope of reclaiming the Youyun Sixteen Prefectures, and six years ago, the Heishui Treaty nearly doubled the tribute, striking a bitter blow to the patriots.
When the Liao forces pressed southward, then-Minister of Personnel Qin Shiyuan strongly advocated resistance and even went to the frontlines to oversee the battle. But after a few failed encounters, peace advocates gained ground, and a disheartened Qin rushed back from the frontlines to assume the duty of brokering peace.
It's said that when he entered the Jinluan Hall that day, his battle attire was still on, his hair and beard disheveled, his armor torn and sooty, with injuries on his hand. Many thought he'd come to protest to the death. The Emperor, just a year into his reign, hurriedly instructed aides to hold him back, but to their surprise, Qin had come to take on the thankless task of negotiating peace.
In the court, opposition was fierce. Some claimed that his failures in battle disqualified him from brokering peace and that he was merely sabotaging the treaty. Yet those who understood the situation realized that the defeats weren't solely his fault, and after two days of deliberation, the court indeed assigned the negotiations to him.
Following the Blackwater Treaty, the tribute payments to the Liao almost doubled. Given Wu's current circumstances, the Liao agreed to accept porcelain, rare artifacts, and other goods instead of lacking currency and silks. At this point, a full sixty years had passed since the Tanqian Treaty, and with the Liao Kingdom flourishing, their demand for luxury items had also increased. After the negotiation was concluded, although the Emperor had no intent to punish him, Qin Shiyuan, feeling disillusioned, voluntarily took on multiple charges related to the war's defeat and the peace agreement. After being detained in prison for a month, he was released but ultimately decided to resign in resignation. He did not even return to his hometown, stating only, "This is a disgrace that will echo through the ages; I am too ashamed to face my fellow villagers," and went into seclusion in Jiangning, where he has remained to this day.
"…Even if the court truly wishes for Master Qin's return, given his current disposition, it seems unlikely he'll re-emerge in the coming years." Song Mao mused and shook his head. The carriage fell silent momentarily as Song Kai, recalling something, lowered his voice.
"Sir, I heard that Master Qin was extremely capable in his prime. Despite his rather unconventional style, no one ever dared question his ways. In recent years, with tensions between Jin and Liao escalating, I've come across some speculations that the Blackwater Treaty might have been a deliberate move, luring both nations into conflict. In the early years following the treaty, Wu and Jin had even engaged in black-market trade. After the treaty was signed six years ago, the court not only paid tribute to Liao but even smuggled large amounts of porcelain and luxury items to Jin. It's said that items from the imperial court were carefully selected and sent as well. And by the second year…"
Song Mao frowned, "Who did you hear this from?"
"It was the Fourth Young Master who mentioned it—seems it was his own conjecture…"
Sighing, Song Mao said, "Using the nation's wealth to provoke other countries—such ideas are sheer fantasy. Ahui has strayed from proper responsibilities, spending his days on idle thoughts… But whether it's true or not, keep this to yourself."
"Yes, sir."
During their conversation, the carriage reached its destination. While Song Mao wasn't formally Qin Shiyuan's disciple, they connected through the Ministry of Personnel. Despite the fallout from the Blackwater Treaty causing many to distance themselves from Qin, Song Mao consistently paid his respects to him each time he visited Jiangning.
In his view, loyalty was best displayed during difficult times. Qin's two sons still held minor government positions; though under fourth rank, Qin's background made it plausible that they might one day be greatly valued by the Emperor. Given recent events, he even believed it possible that Qin himself might be reinstated within a few years.
After reaching Qin's simple residence in Jiangning, Song Mao presented his name card and was quickly invited inside. Once inside, he noticed another guest—an elderly man dressed in ornate robes whom Song Mao had never met before. Through introductions, he discovered this was Kang Mingyun, son-in-law to Princess Cheng and known for his esteemed reputation in literary circles. Seizing the opportunity, Song Mao quickly paid his respects.
Qin, always kind to Song Mao, had been casually discussing paintings with Kang, and now welcomed Song Mao into the conversation. While feeling honored, Song Mao mostly listened, joining the occasional exchange.
Their peaceful discussion was interrupted by footsteps from outside, followed by Qin's concubine Yun Niang's voice: "They're admiring a painting inside, young master, you may enter… Ah, this is…"
The doors opened, and a young man, appearing in his twenties, dressed in a green robe, entered with a jar in hand. His presence surprised Song Mao. Thinking him likely a relative of Kang or Qin, he prepared to introduce himself. But Qin spoke first.
"Haha, Liheng, you made it! Come, let me introduce you. This is my former pupil, Song Mao, also known as Song Yufan…"
The young man smiled and greeted him, "Brother Song, a pleasure to meet you."
Listening as Qin continued, Song Mao realized, "This is Mr. Ning, Ning Liheng."
Song Mao's eyes widened in recognition, and he smiled earnestly. "Mr. Ning… might you be the renowned poet of When Will the Moon Rise, Ning Liheng? A great honor!"
After brief introductions, Kang turned to Ning and jokingly remarked, "You mentioned bringing something rare—is it in that jar?"
"Indeed," Ning laughed, setting the jar on the table. "Since Brother Song is here as well, let's all enjoy some pine-flower eggs(century eggs)."
Kang chuckled, "I was expecting something rare, yet here we have a dish! Young Ning, let me say, few delicacies escape my palate. I hope you're not setting yourself up for embarrassment with this salted egg…unless you've managed to hatch a flower in it."
Ning smiled, "I assure you, a flower is exactly what you'll see."
Song Mao, though less intrigued by food, observed with respect, watching the lively conversation. Today had revealed many surprises, from Ning's unexpected visit to the lively exchanges within Jiangning's literary circle.