The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 670 - 669: Speak Frankly and Openly

Chapter 670: Chapter 669: Speak Frankly and Openly

They were all struck by a fit of irritated laughter, "In your heart, do you think your father doesn’t even have this much generosity? As if I would need to argue with a country maid? Speak then! Whatever anger or complaints you have, let them out today, let me hear it all—what else is there?"

He had realized, this maid was here to seek justice for his rebellious son.

Looking at it this way, although he was angry, as a father, seeing his son having someone to protect him like this, he found himself feeling an indescribable sense of relief.

Since Song Hong had said this, Wang Yongzhu knew that men of power like him, especially those from the military, meant every word they said, a spit and a promise, with no possibility of going back on it.

Song Hong had told her to say her piece, so she certainly wouldn’t hold back now.

"Since Lord Duke has said so, I will respectfully comply. I have several questions for Lord Duke. How did my mother end up in Jing County? What caused her death? Song Chongjin was raised in the Song Chunhua household, and though Lord Duke, as a father, had personal soldiers taking care of him, seven or eight years passed without any word from them. Lord Duke showed no worry, may I ask why? After not caring for seven or eight years, why send someone after all that time to teach him? If you were willing to tutor him, why then did you permit your clansmen’s wives to conspire to murder your own son?"

"Lord Duke, you keep talking about wanting to compensate and make amends, but I wonder what exactly are you trying to make up for? What are you compensating for?" Wang Yongzhu, staring intently into Song Hong’s eyes, asked each question in succession.

Song Hong’s face twitched under the calm, penetrating gazes of Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu, and he suddenly felt ashamed.

He felt as though he could no longer face Song Chongjin.

Avoiding her gaze in embarrassment, he took several deep breaths to control his emotions, "I understand, you are still blaming me—"

Wang Yongzhu scoffed audibly, "Lord Duke, that’s really laughable. You never took Brother Song seriously, and now you think he resents you? Ask yourself, Lord Duke, have you neglected your other children like this? If someone dared harm your other sons, would you repeatedly allow it? Your very actions have made it crystal clear to us all that in your heart, Brother Song’s importance is frighteningly negligible."

"Not to mention your other children, probably even your clan brothers can’t compare, can they? Which father could stand to watch someone repeatedly attempt to murder his own son and remain indifferent?"

"Let’s have it out in the open, we think that you, Lord Duke, do not eagerly await this son’s return. You don’t want to bring him back because you want to make amends; it’s more likely that something’s gone wrong in the Duke’s Mansion, and you need someone to take the fall. You don’t want your favored children to suffer, so you think of this illegitimate son who’s been raised outside," Wang Yongzhu said confrontationally.

"You...I, Song Hong, may be lacking, but I’m not that kind of hypocritical, selfish wretch!" Song Hong’s face turned from green to white as he felt a pain in his chest, offended by the accusation.

"That’s for the best! Please, Lord Duke, remember your words today!" Wang Yongzhu pressed the point.

Song Hong gave Song Chongjin a profound look, "Are you sure about this? Won’t you regret it?"

Song Chongjin smiled faintly, "I have always been but a child from the countryside, without the fortune to enjoy the splendor and wealth of the Duke’s Mansion. So many years have gone by, I’ve gotten used to being an orphan, with no ties or worries. Now I’m quite content with how things are. Let it be as if Lord Duke never had this son, and I’ll live as though I never had parents. Let’s not bother each other and just live well on our own terms!"

Seeing the thunderous shade of Song Hong’s complexion, Song Chongjin added with a smile, "Besides, I’ve now married into the Wang Family as their son-in-law, severing any connection with the Song Family. Surely, Lord Duke, you wouldn’t have any need for a son who has become someone else’s dependent? "

"You—you’re being foolish, to marry into a country family as their son-in-law?" At hearing this, Song Hong nearly leapt up, losing all prior dignity.

Wang Yongzhu became indignant, hands on hips and coolly said, "What’s wrong with being a son-in-law? He’s proud to be one! Besides, our Old Wang Family isn’t so easily bullied. Let me tell you, Brother Song is mine, and anyone who tries to take him from me will have a fight on their hands!"

With that, her fist struck the teatable with a light thump, and "Crack—" it broke into several pieces, scattering the dry fruits, teapot, and cups all over the floor.

Song Hong, who felt like choking on a mouthful of suppressed fury, couldn’t swallow it down nor spit it out, was left feeling utterly suffocated.

Seeing Wang Yongzhu smashing a large tea table to pieces with her bare hands, he couldn’t help but feel a chill down his spine. The words that had reached his lips were swallowed back down.

His body instinctively took a defensive stance, looking at Wang Yongzhu with uncertainty and doubt. That strike from the maid a moment ago sent even this old veteran’s heart racing. She was definitely not the simple country maid who was a bit clever in business as described in the information!

When did such a formidable woman appear by Song Chongjin’s side? How much more about his son did he not know?

Song Hong, who had thought everything was under his control, suddenly felt uncertain.

He couldn’t help but regret underestimating the situation, thinking that a mere child’s tantrum couldn’t amount to much and thus paying it little heed.

Seeing that Song Hong was stunned, Song Chongjin quickly pulled Wang Yongzhu. "Now that everything has been said clearly, it seems that after this separation, Lord Duke, there won’t be another chance to meet. Please take care, and farewell!"

He hurriedly walked towards the exit, seizing the moment while Song Hong was still bewildered, quickly, run!

Otherwise, what was he waiting for here? To celebrate the Qingming Festival?

Wang Yongzhu also knew when to stop. Seeing Song Hong so infuriated and being shaken by her actions, she felt somewhat appeased.

In these times, filial piety was valued. Although Song Hong as a biological father was deplorable, sparking an itching fury upon hearing about him, filial duty meant not only could Song Chongjin not truly harm him, but verbal provocations weren’t satisfying. With this move, she wanted to make it clear to him not to push them too far, or they would be capable of anything!

Therefore, she obediently followed Song Chongjin out.

Song Hong came to his senses, wanting to say something. His mouth opened, then closed, without uttering a word.

He watched his son, who was protectively escorting that sharp-tongued maid out the door without looking back, with an indescribable gaze.

Outside, the personal soldiers, all sharp-eyed and keen-eared, had heard everything clearly.

They had thought their master, the Lord Duke, was about to rage, but to their surprise, he was angry but didn’t order them to seize the couple.

In the Capital City, even if it were his favorite eldest son, the Lord Duke would lash out with his whip on the slightest disagreement.

Considering the noise from inside, could it be that the Lord Duke had personally intervened?

Then, as the door opened and the young e couple emerged unscathed, the soldiers looked at them with a bit more scrutiny.

The leader hesitated, then called out to the room, "Lord Duke—"

It didn’t make sense. There was the sound of things being smashed inside, so why were the people who came out unhurt?

Song Hong’s voice, laden with suppressed anger, came from the room, "Let them go, the farther they go, the better!"

Although he said this, the personal soldiers knew that their Lord Duke would rather be angry than lay a finger on the young Lord.