Chapter 27 : Your Father is Here

Liu Lingyan looked at the middle-aged man riding past and asked Song Ying in a low voice, “Could this General Huo they’re talking about be Huo Zhen’s father?”

Song Ying nodded. “That’s right.”

Liu Lingyan watched the tall figure disappearing into the distance. “They really are father and son. Just look at their builds and posture. But the father is much steadier than the son.”

Song Ying said, “Let’s go back.”

Just then, Liu Lingyan remembered she still needed to buy food for the children, so the two of them headed back to the market.

On the way, they heard many people discussing General Huo.

“This time, General Huo beat the Yue Kingdom so badly they won’t dare challenge us again.”

“The old emperor of Yue is useless. I bet he’ll be swallowed up by our Yin Dynasty before long.”

“The old emperor may be incompetent, but the crown prince isn’t. Even in defeat, he made us suffer quite a bit.”

“Speaking of which, why did General Huo only bring back a small group of soldiers? It’s not festive at all.”

“He’s keeping a low profile, you don’t get it. The main army is still guarding the border.”

Liu Lingyan paid for her purchases and walked out of the shop with Song Ying, saying, “Now that Old Huo is back, I don’t think he’ll have time to climb over your wall anymore.”

“That would be for the best.”

Song Ying had heard of Huo Leiming from her father before.

He was known for his strict military discipline, his fairness in rewards and punishments, and never made exceptions, not even for his own son.

The news about Huo Zhen climbing over her wall had probably already reached the general’s ears by now.

When they returned to Xiaohanju, they happened to see the steward, Butler Hu Bo, getting down from a carriage.

He immediately greeted her respectfully, “Greetings, Young Miss.”

Since Hu Bo was here, it must be to deliver a message from Song Jinzhuo.

Song Ying said, “Let’s talk inside.”

Liu Lingyan knew they had important matters to discuss, so she said, “I’ll go check on the child.”

Song Ying led Butler Hu Bo to the study. “What is it?”

Hu Bo handed her a note. “There’s a banquet at the palace tonight to celebrate the general’s victory. The Marquis would like you to accompany him.”

Song Ying didn’t take the note or read the invitation. “I’m not feeling well. I won’t go.”

Hu Bo added, “The invitation was sent to you personally by the Empress Dowager.”

Song Ying sighed and asked Faer to accept the invitation. “I understand.”

After seeing Butler Hu Bo off, Liu Lingyan came over.

“What did your father ask you to do?”

Song Ying casually replied, “He wants me to attend a palace banquet.”

Liu Lingyan sighed helplessly for her. “You’re in this state… and he still wants you to go into the palace. What is he thinking?”

Song Ying said, “The Empress Dowager sent the invitation. I have to go, whether I want to or not.”

When she was the Princess Regent, Song Ying often visited the palace, and the person she interacted with most was the Empress Dowager.

As for their relationship… it was more of mutual need. Song Ying never thought friendship was worth much in a place like the inner palace.

Since she was going to the palace, her attire couldn’t be too plain.

Though she was no longer a princess, she still had to present herself as a proper noblewoman.

The carriage was already waiting at the door. Liu Lingyan walked her to the gate and asked, “Since this banquet is to celebrate the general’s success, will Huo Zhen be there too?”

Song Ying looked puzzled. “Why do you keep bringing him up?”

Liu Lingyan said, “Sigh, I’m just worried you’ll be bullied.  General Huo Zhen always has you on his mind. With him around, I can feel more at ease.”

Song Ying gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s alright. It’s just a dinner. The general is the guest of honor tonight. I’m heading out.”

As she watched Song Ying step into the carriage, Liu Lingyan couldn’t help but remind her, “Aying, don’t be so stubborn. Sometimes, it’s okay to yield. As long as the green hills remain, there’s no need to fear lack of firewood. That whole thing about ‘making a comeback in eighteen years’ is nonsense, you hear me?”

Song Ying replied, “I know.”

The carriage began to move. Song Ying yawned and prepared to rest a bit, she had no idea what awaited her in the palace this time. Hopefully… nothing at all.

Faer held Song Ying’s hand and said, “If—if they bully you, just push me out. I’m thick-skinned and not afraid of being punished.”

Seeing the serious look on the little maid’s face, Song Ying couldn’t help teasing her. “What if they chop off your head?”

Faer raised her head and said confidently, “Then let this servant be the hero who rises again in eighteen years.”

Song Ying gently patted her head. “Be good. It won’t be as bad as you think. Remember what Liuliu said, it’s okay to be timid when necessary.”

Faer nodded enthusiastically. “Yes!”

After entering the palace gates, Faer quietly lifted the curtain, counted the carriages traveling with them, and said to Song Ying, “Miss, Miss Li’s carriage is also here. When she sees you later, she’ll definitely act weird again.”

Song Ying raised a finger to her lips and said, “From now on, no matter what anyone says, we stay silent. I’ll handle everything. Understand?”

Sometimes Faer was too eager to protect her mistress, and Song Ying was worried she’d be impulsive and end up getting herself hurt or worse, beheaded.

She had to protect such a sweet little maid.

The carriages all stopped at the same place. Song Ying got down with Faer’s help.

When she looked up, she saw Li Xingrou in formal attire. Li Xingrou just rolled her eyes at Song Ying and walked away.

Faer clamped her mouth shut, remembering Song Ying’s instructions and pretending to be mute.

She’d rant to her lady later in private.

Under the guidance of palace servants, Song Ying and the others entered the hall in an orderly fashion.

She was Song Jinzhuo’s daughter and still unmarried, so naturally she had to sit with Song Jinzhuo and his wife.

Zhou waved at her. “Ying’er, come quickly.”

Song Ying bowed slightly to Song Jinzhuo as she sat next to Zhou. “Father.”

Song Jinzhuo nodded. “Be sharp later.”

Song Ying replied, “Yes, Father.”

Guests continued to arrive. Song Ying spotted Wen Jun. Their eyes met, and Wen Jun turned and walked toward her with a smile.

Song Ying glanced at her father beside her, he had noticed too.

Wen Jun stood before Song Jinzhuo. The two exchanged a small cup of wine, then Wen Jun said, “My Lord, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Song Jinzhuo responded, “Go ahead, Young Marquis.”

Wen Jun glanced at Song Ying, who was calmly sipping her tea, and said, “I want to marry Song Ying. What are your thoughts?”

Song Ying put down her teacup, looked at Wen Jun, and silently mouthed something. No one could tell whether she was cursing or saying something else.

Zhou, however, took it seriously. Her heart surged with joy, but upon seeing Song Jinzhuo’s calm expression, she forced herself to stay quiet.

Song Jinzhuo said, “Young Marquis, please don’t joke with me.”

“I’m being serious. Song Ying is all alone now. Doesn’t the Marquis want to marry her off soon?”

Song Jinzhuo smiled and looked off into the distance. “Young Marquis, your father is here.”

Before Wen Jun could react, a dark shadow loomed over him, and then he was yanked away by the collar by his own father.

“How disgraceful.”

Faer covered her mouth, secretly giggling. The young marquis truly couldn’t go a day without doing something foolish.

After the brief episode, Zhou leaned in and quietly said to Song Jinzhuo, “Maybe the young marquis isn’t so—”

Her words were cut off the moment she saw Song Jinzhuo’s warning look.

Song Ying picked up her teacup again and took a few sips, but Zhou couldn’t hold in her frustration.

Still, she had another plan…

“My Lord…” she began softly and gently, her tone full of grievance again.

Faer rolled her eyes. Like mother, like daughter always playing the crying act.