Chaos of Ming 1628

into the night.

Only Sun Qing, Song Xian, and Shen Junru were in the room.

Shen Junru was still sitting to the side, dozing off. In that instant, it felt as if she had returned to the time at the post station.

However, everyone knows that things are completely different from before.

Sun Qing was no longer filled with anxiety. The man before him was neatly dressed, and although he still had his wine gourd in his hand, he was no longer the ragged, mad old man he once was.

Sun Qing poured tea and sat down opposite him, but Song Xian interrupted him as soon as he gestured for him to sit.

"Alright, alright, there's no need for this between us." Song Xian shook the wine jug in his hand: "This is still more to my liking."

After saying that, he put one foot on the stool, looking relaxed and casual.

Seeing Song Xian's state, Sun Qing breathed a sigh of relief, and his expression relaxed as well.

He chuckled softly, "Old Yu, didn't you say you were going to Gaoyang? Why are you back?"

"Hahaha, the young master's funeral is approaching, so our family must send someone to pay their respects, young master, don't you agree!"

Sun Qing sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Old Yu, I didn't expect even you to be making fun of me."

Song Xian then composed himself slightly, stared at Sun Qing, and solemnly took out another small bottle, placing it on the table.

The ceramic bottle is pure white and flawless. But judging from its appearance, it doesn't look like anything of value.

Sun Qing asked in a heavy tone, "What is this?"

"When Xiao Jun and I came here, we didn't know if you were still alive. This bottle originally belonged to me."

Song Xian spoke casually, as if he were talking about something insignificant: "The Sun family just discovered your existence and they want to reveal your identity and have you imprisoned."

"It was only because I repeatedly vouched for you that you were allowed to stay until now."

"You plotted to kill Madam Ke, and everyone says you're one of the Emperor's men. Now you're also associating with Tian Ergeng, which makes people question your identity once again."

"If I return and you are truly dead, that's fine. But if you return alive, this bottle will be mine."

Without hesitation, Song Xian poured the poisoned wine into the pot.

Sun Qing's expression turned serious: "If you have any doubts, please feel free to ask."

"Okay," Song Xian nodded, looking at Sun Qing with eyes full of reluctance. This young man always brings surprises, and it's really hard to bear the thought of him being gone.

Just like the story I'm telling today, who wouldn't want to actually see that day come?

"Did you see Wei Zhongxian on your trip to Kyoto?" Sun Qing finally asked.

Sun Qing nodded: "When Cui Chengxiu personally invited me to the capital that day, I was naturally there to see Wei Zhongxian."

Song Xian closed his eyes. Although it was an answer he had expected, his breathing still became heavier: "When Cui Chengxiu arrives, hang the sign on the gate. The consequences of slandering the eunuch faction like this are predictable."

"If you were to die, you would at least have some backbone. Naturally, we should sing your praises."

"But..." Song Xian found it difficult to say the rest.

Sun Qing gave a wry smile and slowly said, "Are you trying to say that I came back alive? That's a problem in itself."

Song Xian kept his eyes closed and remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.

Sun Qing stared at the tea in his hand, then drank it all in one gulp: "Old Yu, I would never claim to be a person of high moral character."

"I have the spirit of you scholars, but I don't have much of it."

"I have my own standards for what I should and shouldn't do. At the very least, I really can't bring myself to grovel before Wei Zhongxian for a chance to live."

"There must have been communication between me and Wei Zhongxian. I might even have said things that were in his favor, otherwise my life would have been in danger."

Sun Qing's composure left Song Xian at a loss for what to do.

"If I have to live, I'll have to submit to the eunuch faction and become their accomplice. I'd rather die than live like this!" Song Xianyi gripped the wine pot, his emotions running high. "I won't stop you from living this way, but I have no words to face the Grand Coordinator again."

As soon as he finished speaking, he made a gesture as if to drink the wine.

Sun Qing stepped forward first, snatched the drink from his hand, and shouted angrily, "Nonsense!"

"While the evil deeds of the eunuch faction are certainly hateful, my dealings with them are merely a matter of going along with the situation and handling affairs; I am by no means subservient or servile."

Song Xian loosened his grip slightly, and Sun Qing sighed heavily: "I only seek to act with integrity and a clear conscience, to be worthy of the laws of the Ming Dynasty above, and to live up to the expectations of the people below."

"Old Yu, why are you doing this to yourself?"

In truth, Song Xian didn't want to die; he hadn't yet seen the "communal pot of food" that Sun Qing had mentioned. However, he was forced to do this because of a difficult choice between gratitude and obligation.

With Sun Qing's words, Lao Yu finally felt relieved.

"If that's the case, what should be done between the young master and the eunuch faction?" Old Yu asked.

Upon hearing this, Sun Qing merely chuckled lightly: "Old Yu, in all my years of service, have I ever had a moment to consult with anyone?"

Song Xian's face turned pale.

Sun Qing's tone softened, and he said in a deep voice, "Old Yu, you've asked me many questions, and I also have something I want to tell you."

"You need not worry or have any doubts. Just follow my lead. I will not let you down and will do my best to settle you all down."

"Many inside stories and secrets are difficult to reveal, so do not ask too many questions or delve too deeply."

These words were not only spoken to Song Xian, but also to those who would follow him after his death.

Song Xian instantly understood, but his smile grew even more bitter: "Young master, I will convey your message."

"Since you have explained it so clearly, I'm sure no one in Gaoyang will disagree."

"In that case, I can convey the Grand Coordinator's words to you."

Sun Chengzong had something to say to him.

Sun Qing immediately stood up. He also had some admiration for this old hero, and even though it was just a formality, he listened attentively.

This action pleased Song Xian greatly.

Song Xian nodded and slowly said, "I have received great favors from two dynasties, and my ambition to serve my country has never diminished. Since you are a close confidant of the current emperor, I hope you will help me make an introduction. I will do my utmost to serve the court, even at the cost of my life."

Even though he is retired and getting old, he still cares about the safety of the country.

Such people, however, could not defeat the beasts within the court, and ultimately met such an end.

Thinking of this, Sun Qing felt particularly distressed, and his voice carried a hint of sorrow: "Does Grand Secretary Sun truly think this way?"

"The Grand Commander was loyal throughout his life, and only wished for the peace and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty." When this was mentioned, Song Xian straightened his back considerably: "Even if I were to die on the battlefield, I would probably be content with it."

Sun Qing sighed inwardly, realizing that Song Xian's words had truly come true.

After hesitating for a long time, he slowly said, "Since I have established myself by borrowing the name of the Sun family, I have long regarded myself as a member of the Sun family. I only hope that the Grand Secretary can live a peaceful and safe old age without any trouble.

This answer satisfied Song Xian.

Before he could even rejoice, Sun Qing added, "However, with the current internal and external turmoil, and His Majesty's suspicious and impatient nature, it is absolutely not advisable for the Grand Secretary to return to the court and wade into the muddy waters this time."

It's not that I don't want to help, it's just that I don't want to see this day come.

To everyone's surprise, Song Xian's face darkened upon hearing this.

He didn't blame Sun Qing, and his eyes showed the same worry, but he still hesitated for a moment before saying, "Don't you understand?"

"His heart has never left."

Sun Qing understood perfectly well; he was simply overwhelmed with emotion.

It seems that history, in the end, cannot be changed.

Sun Qing smiled wryly: "If the Grand Secretary has already made up his mind, then I have no choice but to give it a try."

Song Xian immediately smiled and bowed deeply: "In that case, I thank you in advance, young master."