Having Family Back Home

Beside the official road, a post station, enclosed by a fence, with piles of fodder stacked inside.

From a distance, a rider galloped at full speed, slowing as they approached the post station. Chen Guishuo directly steered his horse into the post station.

He stopped inside, dismounted, and flashed a token at the welcoming clerk.

Soon, the clerk brought him a fresh, well-rested horse. Chen Guishuo mounted it and immediately charged out of the post station, spurring the horse onward, the rider resting while the horse did not...

On an official road within Guangyi Commandery, Niu Youdao led a group of ten riders. Their speed wasn't fast; they traveled at a leisurely pace, as they had no post stations to use and needed to consider the horses' stamina.

Shang Chaozong's personal guards had all changed into ordinary civilian clothes. Some were stationed by Niu Youdao along the route, while others accompanied them.

Ahead, the tall city walls of the commandery capital appeared in their sight. Yuan Gang made a gesture, and the two riders at the rear stayed behind, turning into the nearby forest to hide, responsible for relaying messages. The rest continued on. Upon reaching the city gate, they dismounted to undergo inspection by the guards. Shang Chaozong's personal guards stepped forward to handle the situation and ensure passage. Although Shang Chaozong was in decline, he was still not someone ordinary people could compare to. Under normal circumstances, without strict wartime security, arranging a cover identity as a merchant to enter the city was not a problem.

Upon entering Guangyi Commandery city, one could see that a prosperous land of fish and rice was truly extraordinary. The streets were quite bustling, with crowds of people and numerous shops. Many were well-dressed, unlike the dilapidated and desolate state of the outside world. Niu Youdao rode his tall horse, parting the crowds, looking around at the prosperity of the world.

They found a decent inn. The horses were taken care of by the inn staff, and the personal guards prepared the guest rooms.

The group found their rooms, then gathered together. Yuan Gang instructed three people to go into the city to gather the necessary information. He then said to the other three, "You've had a tiring journey. Take this time to rest in turns."

"Yes!" The three cupped their fists in acknowledgment and immediately turned back to their rooms.

Yuan Gang himself then followed Niu Youdao out of the inn and wandered the streets of the commandery city.

The two of them appeared to be genuinely sightseeing. When they encountered a silk shop, Niu Youdao ran in and caressed the fine silks and satins, occasionally turning back to Niu Youdao and exclaiming, "Look at the weaving craftsmanship, the workmanship! Exquisite, very good!"

His praise pleased the shopkeeper, but when Niu Youdao asked the price, he didn't buy anything and left, causing the shopkeeper's joy to be in vain.

They visited jewelry stores and livestock markets, with Niu Youdao everywhere asking for prices.

In short, the two of them didn't look like they were there on business at all, but rather like they were there to shop...

In the Capital City, at the Song Manor, Song Jiuming, dressed in civilian clothes, stood on the steps outside the living room to greet guests. A guest that the esteemed Minister of Justice himself waited to welcome could naturally not be simple.

Song Jiuming stood there seemingly at ease, while guards and experts were subtly present in the corners on both sides.

A moment later, a group emerged from behind the rock garden and screen wall. A burly man with a full beard strode forward, his face set in a displeased expression.

This person was the Grand Commander of one of the four major garrisons of the capital region, named Wang Heng. Although his official rank was not as high as Song Jiuming's, he commanded tens of thousands of troops, and no one in the capital dared to underestimate him. Wang Heng was also Song Yanqing's father-in-law. Following closely behind him, with her head bowed, was the plump woman, Wang Liufang, Song Yanqing's wife.

Song Shu and his wife stood beside them, smiling apologetically. They had personally escorted their in-laws from the main gate. However, their in-laws seemed to be in a bad mood this time, their expressions displeased.

Wang Heng was accompanied by four cultivator guards, who remained vigilant of their surroundings throughout the journey.

Reaching the steps of the living room, Wang Heng cupped his fists and bowed, saying coldly, "Your subordinate greets the Minister of Justice!"

Song Jiuming, who was usually expressionless, showed a hint of a smile. He quickly descended the steps, grabbed Wang Heng's wrist, and said, "My in-law is too polite. There are no subordinates or superiors here; we are all family. Grand Commander, please come inside!" He personally took Wang Heng's hand and warmly pulled him into the hall.

The two sat down as host and guest, while Song Shu and the others could only stand. Wang Liufang kept her head down, standing behind her father Wang Heng with a wronged expression.

Servants served tea, and the host and guest took a sip. Song Jiuming got straight to the point, "What brings the Grand Commander here?"

Bang! Wang Heng almost slammed his teacup onto the coffee table, saying impolitely, "If I don't come, my daughter might not survive. I, Wang Heng, am from a humble background and cannot presume to be equal to the Minister of Justice. I have come today to request a letter of divorce from the Song Family for my daughter!"

Song Jiuming exclaimed in surprise, "What does the Grand Commander mean? Fang'er is obedient and virtuous; we couldn't love her more. How could she not survive? The young couple is deeply in love, so what divorce are you talking about? Is the Grand Commander trying to break them up?"

Wang Heng glared, "Minister of Justice, let's speak plainly. It was your Song Family who wanted to marry her back then, and it's your Song Family who neglects her after she married in! A married daughter is like spilled water; she follows her husband like she follows a chicken or a dog. How the young couple lives their lives is their own business; I can't control that broadly. But no one bullies people like that scoundrel Song Yanqing!" Bang! He slammed his hand on the coffee table again, making the teacups jump.

The curse of "scoundrel" made Song Shu's mouth twitch. If Song Yanqing is a scoundrel, then he himself would be a scoundrel. The Song family members felt somewhat awkward; they all became scoundrels.

"The Grand Commander exaggerates!" Song Jiuming said calmly.

Wang Heng: "Not at all. I am not unaware that Song Yanqing, that scoundrel, indulges in debauchery and frequents pleasure quarters. We are all men; I can understand some social engagements and am not unreasonable. I turn a blind eye to some things, pretending not to see them. I can't control him when he's out playing, nor can I tie him up with a rope. But everything has its limits. He has a family and cannot be so engrossed in his pursuits that he neglects his home. My daughter can't even see him often; what kind of situation is this? This time, it's even worse. The entire month has passed, and my daughter hasn't seen him at all. She spends every day alone, crying tears of sorrow. Is this how one bullies another? Since they cannot live together, then don't force it. Give me the divorce letter, and let's go our separate ways!"

His voice was so loud it almost blew off the roof. His daughter, Wang Liufang, behind him, had red eyes and tears streaming down her face, looking extremely wronged.

The Song family was very embarrassed. It was rare to encounter someone who barged in, yelled, slammed tables, and threw tantrums. Ordinary people would not have the status to do so; who would dare to try? But Wang Liufang's family background was different. As the saying goes, a married daughter still has her family! No matter how unhappy Wang Liufang was usually, the entire Song family treated her politely. Her living conditions were absolutely top-notch. Even her in-laws, if they had any opinions about her, would speak to her kindly and amiably.

Song Jiuming felt his face was disgraced, and he was filled with anger. He glanced coldly at Song Shu and suddenly pointed at him, angrily reprimanding, "To raise without teaching is the father's fault! I'll make this clear today in front of my in-laws: if anything like what my in-laws have said happens again, I'll break that scoundrel's legs..."

Wang Heng looked up at the roof, remaining silent, listening to Song Jiuming scold Song Shu for his lack of supervision. He said that the divorce letter was just talk; coming to defend his daughter today was the real reason.

After a long scolding that left Song Shu meek and submissive, Song Jiuming stood up, walked to Wang Heng's side, and said kindly, "Grand Commander, it was my negligence. Don't worry, this will not happen again in the future. Also, Grand Commander, you might have misunderstood that scoundrel regarding this matter."

"Misunderstood?" Wang Heng raised his eyebrows and slowly stood up. He thought Song Jiuming was going to apologize, and then they would exchange a few pleasant words and move on. He hadn't expected another misunderstanding to arise, and he immediately became unhappy. This was truly bullying his Wang family! If they treated him like this, would his daughter have a good life in the Song Family in the future?

Song Jiuming raised his hand slightly, signaling him to calm down, and whispered in his ear, "A month ago, before that person in the celestial prison was released, the higher-ups gave an order. Yanqing rushed back to the Shangqing Sect overnight to handle an important matter. He wasn't indulging in pleasures and not returning. He was also acting under duress. I hope the Grand Commander can understand!"

"Oh!" Wang Heng blinked his eyes, likely understanding something. The anger on his face gradually subsided, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

Just then, the Song Manor's butler appeared at the door and called out to Song Quan inside, "Master!"

Song Quan quickly walked out. Seeing his unusual expression, he knew something might have happened. He went with him under the eaves to the side. "What is it?"

The butler whispered, "The young master of the third master's family is in trouble." He handed over a secret letter.

Song Quan took it and read it. His expression gradually became solemn. He quickly turned back into the house and asked Song Jiuming, who was talking quietly with Wang Heng, to step aside. After whispering a few words, the secret letter was passed on.

After reading the secret letter, Song Jiuming slowly closed his eyes. Everyone in the room noticed something was wrong and stared at him.

Opening his eyes again, Song Jiuming looked at Hu Guizhi, Song Shu's wife, and said, "Third master's wife, take Fang'er out for a stroll!"

Hu Guizhi agreed and went to Wang Heng to invite Wang Liufang. Wang Liufang looked at her father. Wang Heng realized Song Jiuming must have something important to discuss, so he raised his hand, allowing his daughter to leave with her mother-in-law.

With no one to influence the matter, Song Jiuming handed the secret report in his hand to Wang Heng.

After reading it, Wang Heng's expression changed drastically. He looked sharply at Song Jiuming, "Lord Ming, is this report true?"

"There's no need to fake such a matter," Song Jiuming said calmly.

Wang Heng sat down silently, feeling as if he had gone limp in his chair, his expression somewhat bewildered. The guards behind him exchanged glances, not knowing what had happened.

"Third son, you need to be mentally prepared," Song Jiuming said, turning to his son. "Yanqing is in trouble; he has met with misfortune!"

"..." Song Shu was stunned, finding it unbelievable. He immediately rushed to Wang Heng's side, snatched the secret report from his hand to examine it. After understanding the situation, he staggered back a few steps, looking as if he might collapse. Song Quan quickly stepped forward to support him.