Chapter 394 Cao Jinfang

Chapter 394: Cao Jinfang

Although Ge Quan and his wife Fang Jinrong had long been aware of Song Tingzhou's astonishing appetite, they still weren't quite used to it. Fang Jinrong, having eaten his fill, sat to the side and watched Meng Wan call the waiter to order more dishes. Stunned, he placed the half-eaten lion's head meatball (a braised pork meatball) from his own bowl into Ge Quan's, saying, "Brother Quan, try this."

Ge Quan: "..."

He was full too.

Meng Wan sipped his flower tea leisurely. "My Tingzhou has always been the slowest eater in our household, haha. Do forgive him."

While traveling, they mostly ate separately on the boat, and occasionally Meng Wan would share his snacks with Fang Jinrong as a treat. They had also stopped at other towns along the way, but because they were pressed for time, Song Tingzhou had been restrained in his eating.

His appetite had actually diminished considerably compared to his younger days. When he was in Lingnan, he would go up the mountains and down the fields every day, eating twice as much as he did now.

Song Tingzhou spoke little while eating. A stack of seven or eight small bowls were piled up beside him, and when new dishes arrived, the waiter who cleared the bowls also looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

Song Tingzhou polished off the last bowl of rice along with the remaining dishes, then casually refilled Meng Wan's teacup halfway and took a couple of sips himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the private seating area beside theirs—someone seemed to have been sitting there for a long while. "Brother Ge, could you look after Wan'er for me? I'll be back in a moment."

Seeing Ge Quan nod in agreement, Song Tingzhou stood up, gave Meng Wan a reassuring smile, smoothed the creases on his robe, and walked slowly toward the other booth.

It was unclear whether he spoke with the other person. No distinct conversation could be heard, and after about fifteen minutes—perhaps even less—Song Tingzhou returned.

The moment the four of them left the restaurant, two groups of people in the dining hall on the first floor rose and followed.

Walking along the street, Ge Quan remarked casually, "Should we deal with the shadows behind us?"

Song Tingzhou hadn't noticed any tails, but he had guessed that from the moment they disembarked, countless eyes had been watching them. "No need. You can never catch all the informants—it would only make them more cautious. Leave it as is."

After resting for a night, the local officials should have come early the next morning to call on Song Tingzhou, but there was no sign of anyone outside the courtyard they were staying in.

Song Tingzhou didn't mind. He had planned to greet Ge Quan before taking Meng Wan out, but it turned out that he and Fang Jinrong had already gone out to play early in the morning.

"My senior brother has gained another grandson, but since he's observing mourning, he didn't hold a grand celebration. Since we're here in Yangzhou, we should still prepare the appropriate gifts." Meng Wan sat in the carriage arranging the items beside him. They had rented two carriages that morning, and the one behind was loaded with the courtesy gifts Meng Wan had brought from Shengjing.

Lin Congrong's residence in Yangzhou wasn't far from their temporary lodgings—about half an hour by carriage.

"Oh my, is that Young Master Meng, the disciple of the old madam?" The gatekeeper of the Lin family recognized Meng Wan. Seeing the familiar face descending from the carriage, he hurried forward to take a closer look.

"Uncle Xiang, it's me."

Meng Wan and Song Tingzhou were both dressed in white brocade long gowns today, wearing nothing but a white jade hairpin. He handed the refreshments he had prepared to the old gatekeeper. "Are my senior brother and sister-in-law at home?"

Uncle Xiang was a distant kinsman of Xiang Yun—he only shared the Xiang surname by chance. Having escaped the famine in his hometown, he had sought refuge with the Lin family years ago and did odd jobs for them. Now that he was older and couldn't bear to be idle, he stayed on to guard the old residence.

"They're here, both of them are home," he said with a kind smile, taking the refreshments Meng Wan offered and inviting them straight in.

Seeing another strapping young man following behind carrying boxes, Uncle Xiang hurriedly called for the courtyard servants to help, while leading Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan inside, rambling along the way: "We're all family—why must you bring so many gifts every time? The elder master was just talking about you the other day, saying he'd heard the son-in-law was coming to Yangzhou and wondered when you'd arrive."

Strictly speaking, the Lin servants should call Lin Congrong "the master," but Uncle Xiang, being of higher seniority, had always called him "the elder master."

The three of them passed through the winding corridor, skirted a small lotus pond, and arrived at the main hall.

A swift servant had already gone ahead to announce their arrival, and Lin Congrong was personally accompanied by his son and daughter-in-law as he came out of the main hall to greet them.

He wore a dark blue everyday robe, with a touch of gray at his temples. Seeing Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan, he was clearly delighted—the creases at the corners of his eyes were warm with joy. "When did you arrive? I was going to send Er Lang with people to wait at the dock, but I was afraid of delaying Jingxing's important matters."

"Greetings, Uncle. Greetings, Uncle-in-law." Lin Congrong's eldest son was still serving in an official post elsewhere, while his second son studied at the Yangzhou academy and was currently on leave because his wife had just given birth.

Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan returned the greetings and were invited into the hall as guests. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Meng Wan mentioned wanting to go see Er Lang's wife and child.

They weren't strangers in the Lin household, so after Meng Wan spoke, Lin Congrong's wife, Lady Liu, personally led him to the rear courtyard.

"Wan'er hasn't changed a bit—still looking like a youth in his twenties, with a younger-looking face than your eldest niece-in-law. By the way, why didn't you bring A Yan along to play?" Lady Liu was in mourning in Yangzhou, which gave her far more freedom than in Shengjing. With only her second son's family at home, and her second daughter-in-law having just presented her with a grandson, she was clearly in high spirits—she, who rarely engaged in small talk, found herself chatting more with Meng Wan.

Chi Yu followed behind carrying the gift box. Meng Wan replied with a smile, "By His Majesty's favor, A Yan has been brought into the palace to serve as the Crown Prince's study companion. Once Senior Brother returns to the capital after autumn, I will naturally bring A Yan to pay a visit."

Lady Liu felt a momentary daze. Ever since Song Tingzhou took the imperial examination in the capital that year, Lin Congrong had always praised him as a promising talent. He had kept singing his praises all these years, and indeed, the man had risen from an ordinary imperial candidate to a second-rank official in the capital, so highly regarded by His Majesty.

Lady Liu's second daughter-in-law, née Sun, was a bright and vivacious young woman. Meng Wan had met her before and was fond of her temperament. She was still in confinement after childbirth, wearing a thick headband, and moved to bow, but Meng Wan stopped her.

"We're all family—why stand on ceremony? Niece-in-law, just rest and recover." Meng Wan gestured to Chi Yu, opened the yellow rosewood box he held, and took out the gold lock pendant engraved with protective blessings.

Nothing Meng Wan gave to those close to him was ever cheap. The Lin family had served as officials for three generations and weren't exactly poor, but there was still a difference between them and someone as wealthy as Meng Wan.

Sun Shi glanced at her mother-in-law's expression. "Uncle, this is far too precious."

Meng Wan playfully teased the little boy in the wet nurse's arms. "I just enjoy seeing other people's young boys. It's nothing—keep it for the child."

Only then did Lady Liu speak, saying with a smile, "Your uncle is a man of great means. Then I, as your sister-in-law, will shamelessly accept it on your behalf."

None of Meng Wan's friends were ordinary young men. He could discuss business with Nie Zhiyao or listen to Fang Jinrong's tales of wonder, but sitting in a confinement room chatting with two women made him rather uncomfortable.

He never showed it on his face, however. After presenting the gift, he merely said he didn't wish to disturb Sun Shi's rest, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and withdrew—without asking Lady Liu to accompany him, he took Chi Yu back to the front courtyard.

In the main hall, Song Tingzhou and Lin Congrong sat facing each other. The tea on the table had already been refreshed once. They seemed to be discussing something, as all the servants had been dismissed, and even Lin Erlang was absent.

Lin Congrong lifted his teacup, his fingertips tracing the cool celadon surface. "Yangzhou Prefect Cao Jinfang is driven purely by profit and is extremely slippery. On the surface, he appears to be a diligent and upright official who loves the people, but in truth, he is insatiably greedy. Every notable country gentry in Yangzhou has 'paid tribute' to him, and merchant ships passing through Yangzhou's docks are also squeezed for a cut. These are open secrets."

The official circles in Jiangnan were deeply intertwined—far more complex than the single-handed control Song Tingzhou had once held in Xiwu Prefecture.

Song Tingzhou's gaze sharpened slightly. "I've heard a thing or two from others as well. Cao Jinfang has served as Yangzhou Prefect for eleven years. During that time, he was once transferred out, but the late emperor recalled him to Yangzhou."

Lin Congrong sighed softly, a trace of worry appearing between his brows. "The man does have ability, but his close ties with the gentry mean he likely won't cooperate quietly in implementing the Equal Land Decree."

Song Tingzhou had already anticipated resistance before coming south, and showed no sign of worry. He said calmly, "It depends on whether he wants money or power."

Lin Congrong was still in mourning, so the household wasn't suited for entertaining guests. Meng Wan and Song Tingzhou had only come to visit. Once Lin Congrong returned to the capital, he would undoubtedly be promoted—the position of Minister of Rites was being kept for him. Since the Ministry of Justice had already gotten involved in the Equal Land Decree, it wasn't appropriate for the Ministry of Rites to intervene further.

As they left the Lin residence and returned to their temporary courtyard, the belatedly arriving Yangzhou Prefect Cao Jinfang was just descending from his sedan chair at the gate to greet them, his face wreathed in smiles. "Lord Song, where have you been? This subordinate has been waiting for quite some time."

Song Tingzhou replied flatly, "My husband's senior brother resides in the city, so we naturally went to pay a visit. I wasn't aware that Prefect Cao would be coming."

Cao Jinfang feigned surprise. "I had no idea Lord Song's husband studied in Yangzhou! Under which esteemed master, and was it embroidery and brocade weaving?"

Meng Wan had gained some renown in the painting circle, and Yangzhou was hardly a backwater—it would be strange if Cao Jinfang didn't know that Meng Wan was Xiang Yun's disciple and Lin Congrong's junior fellow apprentice.

Meng Wan noticed that the rank badge on Cao Jinfang's official robe was fraying at the edges, and there seemed to be signs of mending at the cuffs. He couldn't help but smile. "Merely some skill in painting, hardly worth mentioning. If Prefect Cao doesn't mind, I could gift you a piece another day."

Cao Jinfang's face crinkled into an even more radiant smile at these words, and he clasped his hands repeatedly. "Then this subordinate will graciously accept!"

This smile was genuine.

His visit today was a customary courtesy call to a superior officer. He also mentioned hosting a banquet at his residence the next day, inviting Song Tingzhou and Ge Quan to bring their families.

Song Tingzhou didn't refuse. Cao Jinfang was a shrewd man—he wouldn't broach political topics unless Song Tingzhou brought them up first.

At noon, Zhifan and Zhimao prepared the meal, also purchasing several Yangzhou specialties from a restaurant.

Meng Wan ladled himself a bowl of golden rice, took a bite, and suddenly thought of the worn official robe on Cao Jinfang. He let out a soft chuckle. "How amusing."

"What's interesting?" Fang Jinrong asked.

Meng Wan picked up the white porcelain spoon and stirred the rice, each grain distinct, a sharp, knowing look in his eyes. "Nothing. I'm not going to the Cao family banquet tomorrow—I'll go somewhere else to have fun. You coming or not?"

Even if he were going to the banquet, Fang Jinrong wouldn't tag along anyway. He hated those back-slapping, mutual-praise events the most. "I'm not going. Let Ge Quan accompany your Lord Song; I'll go play with you instead."

After the meal, they returned to their room for a nap. Meng Wan habitually leaned over to watch him organize his tallies, seals, and other official items, and quietly asked, "Is Shen Zhongshan going tomorrow too?"

Song Tingzhou looked up at him, the light from outside the window reflecting in his calm, steady eyes. "The 'rift' between Shen Zhongshan and me has already spread to Yangzhou, so naturally he won't be there."

He paused, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the brocade box. "When you go out tomorrow, Yangzhou city is crowded and full of watchful eyes. You and Jinrong must act with caution." Meng Wan had already discussed it with him the night before—they planned to visit Shijian Post Station tomorrow.

Meng Wan hummed in acknowledgment, reaching over to take the waist cord strung with various colored tokens from his hand, idly playing with it while his pinky unconsciously hooked around an ivory token engraved with the characters "Nei Fu" (Inner Palace). "I know my limits. Yangzhou isn't our turf, but I've still got people I can use, and besides, Chi Yu will be following along. By the way, do you think Cao Jinfang's worn official robe is genuine poverty or just an act?"

Song Tingzhou picked up the paperweight from the desk to press down the spread-out official documents. "Whether it's real or fake, we'll know at tomorrow's banquet."

He grasped Meng Wan's restless hand and pulled him close. "My affairs here might implicate you as well. Remember, do not let Chi Yu leave your side for even a moment."

Meng Wan tilted his head up and pecked him on the chin. "I'd rather scheme against others than let anyone scheme against me. The people under my command—if they're obedient, fine; if not, I have my ways to deal with them. You're the one who should be careful at the banquet."

Song Tingzhou never let Meng Wan's kiss go unanswered. He half-covered Meng Wan with his body, kissing him back, one hand lifting his chin to tilt his face up as their lips and tongues intertwined. When both were breathless, they paused, foreheads pressed together, gazing at each other.

Meng Wan's lips were rubbed to a vivid red, glistening with moisture. Song Tingzhou's gaze drifted from his dazed eyes to his lips, and unable to resist, he leaned in and nipped at them again. "Don't worry about me. His Majesty has entrusted me with great authority; if I can't smoothly implement the policies, then I'm simply incompetent."

"The Emperor is a master at manipulating people's hearts—you're just too honest." Meng Wan felt that Wen Zhao was the quintessential capitalist, treating everyone beneath him like draft animals, the only saving grace being that at least he feeds them well enough.

Song Tingzhou held him and chuckled softly. "It's enough that my man's got the brains."

Meng Wan didn't really consider himself all that smart; he was just used to being careful and thinking things through. Even if he had ten hearts combined, they wouldn't match the Emperor's one crafty, sharp mind.

As promised, Zhifan and Zhimao bought Meng Wan two sets of plain civilian clothing typical of Yangzhou locals during the day. The next morning, Meng Wan changed into a gray-green straight-collar jacket with wide, flowing moon-white trousers. Without even eating breakfast, he grabbed Fang Jinrong and headed out.

"This is what you call taking me out to play? What's fun about a post station?" Fang Jinrong stared at the banner reading "Shijian Post Station," totally dumbfounded.

Meng Wan held a paper-wrapped bundle of San Ding buns, eating as he led Fang Jinrong toward the station's main gate. "Who says a post station can't be fun? I promise you'll see some drama."