Chapter Nineteen: A Day of Growth
“Brother Qin, it’s nothing—just a few lashes. At home, my father beats me every other day; this is no big deal!”
“Besides, in all my years, this is the first time I’ve ever had such a glorious moment!”
Yang Xiu, standing nearby, spoke nonchalantly, seeing Qin Song remain silent where he stood.
Yang Xun, the patriarch, heard this and wanted to speak but remained silent.
“That’s right, brother!”
Zhang Pengyuan also chimed in, “Lord Di himself has come, and this concerns military secrets. You’d better leave with him early.”
Seeing Qin Song still indifferent, Qin Yuanhuai, standing beside him, was as restless as an ant on a hot pan.
“Fine, I’ll go.”
After a long silence, Qin Song finally spoke. The faces of Madam Wu and the others brightened with smiles.
Upon hearing this, Di Chao nodded and turned to leave the public hall.
Raising his head, Qin Song fixed his gaze on Yang Xiu and Zhang Pengyuan. “Regarding today’s matter, forgive me, brothers, for my inability to protect you.”
Having said that, Qin Song attempted to bow in respect but was blocked simultaneously by Yang Xiu and Zhang Pengyuan.
“If there’s a next time, even if the sky falls, I’ll risk my wealth and life to protect you both!”
“Agreed!”
Yang Xiu and Zhang Pengyuan exchanged glances and responded in unison.
The three shared a look and broke into hearty smiles.
Behind them, Chu Haiyuan, who had witnessed the scene, couldn’t help but smile.
As for Yang Xun, though he didn’t smile openly, his usually stern face betrayed a faint trace of amusement.
After assuring the two, Qin Song glanced up at the plaque hidden in the shadows above.
“Justice and integrity!”
Looking at the signboard, Qin Song let out a bitter laugh.
“Governor, Lord Lin,” Qin Song sneered at the two standing nearby, “True justice lies in the hearts of the people. This incident today—I will make sure it is known to all one day!”
“And the real murderer—I will see to it that he pays his blood debt in full!”
Clearly understanding whom Qin Song referred to as the murderer, Li Wei and Lin You’s faces darkened considerably.
With those final words spoken, Qin Song turned and left, emotions of unwillingness and fury churning within him.
Madam Wu bid farewell to the group and cast a cold glance at Li Wei and Lin You before striding away.
Upon leaving the prefecture, Qin Song caught sight of Di Chao standing not far off.
---
Feeling the blinding sun overhead, Qin Song felt a chill deep within.
Striding up to Di Chao, Qin Song said, “Qin Song, I thank you, Lord Di!”
As he spoke, he took a stack of blueprints from his bosom and handed them to Di Chao.
“These?”
“A few days ago, I gave Lord Di some blueprints, but they had a minor flaw. These are the correct ones.”
The designs for the crossbow and repeating crossbow had long been drawn and kept close at hand by Qin Song.
Di Chao had largely fulfilled the tasks Qin Song entrusted to him, and with today’s events, Qin Song decided to hand over the materials.
“You!”
Di Chao gave a wry smile, half laughing and half scolding, before accepting the blueprints.
After taking the papers, Di Chao naturally asked, “The Qin family has weathered the crisis for now. What are your plans for the future?”
That Di Chao asked this question showed he was beginning to take an interest in Qin Song.
Qin Song did not answer immediately. After a long silence, he suddenly said, “If I became the ruler of this land, would I be able to act as I please? No matter the mistakes I made, would people forgive me?”
“Qin Song, how dare you!”
At those words, Di Chao’s face darkened instantly, a murderous gleam flashing in his eyes. “Just for that, I could execute you right now!”
“Hahaha...”
Qin Song laughed aloud, then continued, “You know the answer. What you just said is flawed.”
“The greater the power one holds, the less one can afford to make mistakes.”
“Because some people fear making mistakes, knowing they could be found out and lose their power.”
“And the greater the power, even the smallest error can cause immeasurable consequences. Sometimes, a single thought’s slip could lead to thousands of deaths.”
Di Chao said nothing, only watching Qin Song silently.
“But you’re not wrong either. Only by having control over enough can one have the right to err, to be forgiven.”
“To have the authority to decide life or death when others make mistakes.”
Fixing Di Chao with a fierce gaze, Qin Song declared, “That day will come!”
“Someday, I will stand before all and personally kill that bastard Cao Ruixuan!”
His eyes bloodshot and face fierce, Qin Song’s last words seemed to roar from deep within his throat.
After speaking, he bowed deeply to Di Chao and then strode away.
“Lord Di, if my son has offended you, please forgive him!”
Just as Qin Song left, Madam Wu approached Di Chao. She had been waiting nearby for some time.
“It’s nothing.”
Di Chao smiled slightly and did not take it to heart.
“Madam Qin, although the head of the Qin family has left, the family must go on.”
Seeing Madam Wu’s worn appearance and simple attire, Di Chao offered words of comfort.
“Thank you, Lord Di.”
Madam Wu expressed her gratitude once more before taking her leave without further words.
As for Di Chao, watching Qin Song’s departing figure, he murmured, “True fairness does not exist in this world, unless you are the maker of the rules.”
---
Elsewhere, seated in the carriage, Madam Wu looked at Qin Song inside and tears suddenly streamed down her face.
“Mother, why are you crying? I’m fine!”
Seeing her like this, Qin Song hurried to comfort her.
“It’s alright, it’s alright,” Madam Wu kept murmuring, taking a long time to calm herself.
“Song’er, you must never take such risks again!”
“That Li Wei clearly wants to destroy the Qin family!”
Madam Wu had already learned from Qin Song that Li Wei was associated with the current Right Minister, Cao Renjie.
“And that Lin You—a treacherous traitor!”
Thinking of the two, Madam Wu’s eyes filled with hatred.
“Mother, rest assured. One day, I will make them pay!”
Although Qin Song had not gained the upper hand today—in fact, he suffered considerable loss—he had learned much.
First, that the traitor Lin You had long betrayed the Qin family and become a lackey of the Cao family.
More importantly, his father's death was closely tied to the Cao family, likely caused by their collusion with river bandits to sabotage the tribute silk shipment to the capital.
Therefore, Qin Song must find a way to investigate thoroughly and gather evidence of the Cao family’s treachery. Only then could he strike a fatal blow to the Cao family and free the Qin family from their current plight.
Yet, as he contemplated, a deep sorrow welled within him.
After today’s events, Qin Song was profoundly disillusioned with many people and matters in this world.
Lost in thought, he soon returned to the Qin mansion. After comforting his mother and paying respects to his late father, he retired to the rear quarters.
Qin Yuanhuai, hoping to rest, did not return to his own courtyard. Not wishing to disturb Green Bamboo and Little Dengzi at work, he settled in a side room.
Qin Song’s mind raced with countless thoughts, his expression ever-changing.
After much deliberation, he finally made numerous decisions before falling into a deep sleep.