Chapter 326 — Nursing the Sick (Extra Update, Begging for Pink Votes)
Purple Streets of Chang'an · Page 2 of 4
"No need!" He lay in bed, face pale, his voice hoarse and weak, yet the words he spoke were sharp as a blade, leaving no room for compromise. "Let Qinge stay to look after me. The Heir and Tian'en may each return to their own rooms." Then he instructed Tian'en, "You still have lessons with your tutor. Your studies come first."
He could not let Song Yan nurse him at his bedside.
With that monstrous Song Yan around, he would surely seize the chance to stir up trouble and settle scores with those who served him. By the time he recovered, the Yingzhenguo Estate would have changed masters—and would he not then be meat on Song Yan's chopping block!
Song Maochun was at a loss for a moment.
What would the guests who had come to visit the sick make of this?
That Song Ke was filial and Song Cen did not care for Song Yan? Or that Song Qin, the cousin, had a glib tongue and had set father and son at odds?
He said hurriedly, "How can this be! How can this be!"
Song Fengchun, who had come along, was deeply uncomfortable.
He had never stinted on gifts to his second brother at festivals and holidays. Yet his second brother was still closer to their eldest brother after all.
Both of his second brother's sons were alive and well, yet their eldest brother's son was to nurse his second brother... It was like walking along the edge of a cliff. Please his second brother, and he offended Yantang; please Yantang, and he offended his second brother. Whether it brought fortune or disaster, no one could say for certain.
He said not a word, standing by with folded arms and taking a hidden delight in the trouble.
Song Sui gave a cold laugh.
Every time he came into contact with his father, a little more of his heart died.
Of course he would not let Song Cen do as he pleased and pin the charge of filial impiety on his head—but neither would he stay here to make himself a nuisance.
"In that case, Tiangen and I will wait in the banquet room outside!" Song Ke said mildly. "If there is anything you need, Elder Brother, just send word to us brothers."
It amounted to consenting to Song Qin's nursing attendance.
Song Duo cast a meaningful look at his brother.
Song Qin could only smile bitterly and pretend he had not seen it.
His Second Uncle had named him by name to attend the sickbed—could he refuse?
And on what pretext could he possibly refuse?
This was truly disaster falling from a clear sky. Mingche had said the whole affair was absurd, and yet Song Qin had no choice but to steel himself and sit down on the brocade stool before Song Cen's bed.
Song Yan called everyone together: "Father's illness requires quiet rest. Let us go to the banquet room and drink tea first! We must not disturb the old gentleman's recovery."
Song Maochun and the others naturally agreed, rising one after another to follow Song Yan out.
Song Cen's eyes went wide, and he felt a faint pain begin to throb in his chest again.
Here he was, still alive and well, and already the boy dared to isolate him under the name of "quiet rest." If some day he grew old and feeble and could no longer manage the Yingzhenguo Estate, would he not be done to death outright?
He could not help saying sharply: "Yantang, if you must go, then go—but I still have words to say to your Eldest Uncle and Third Uncle."
Song Maochun and Song Fengchun exchanged a glance and stayed.
Song Ke, taking the hint, said with a smile to Song Duo: "The elders have matters to discuss. Let us go to the banquet room first, then!" So saying, he was the first to leave the inner chamber.
Song Duo nodded again and again and followed Song Yan out of the inner chamber.
They came face to face with Song Tongchun and Song Yue.
Song Tongchun asked hurriedly: "How is Second Brother faring?"
Song Yan could not be bothered to deal with him and said: "Father is speaking with Eldest Uncle and Third Uncle right now. Go in quickly and see for yourself!"