Chapter 148: Hearts Grow Apart
Before dawn broke, the people in the Ru Yang Bo Mansion were already busy.
“Everyone must be diligent with their tasks, and there will be rewards from above after today,” the steward said more than once.
“We know, we know, even without rewards, we’re happy,” everyone said with a smile. “This is such a joyous occasion, we all feel honored.”
“Ah, you’re right to say that. Now, people from our mansion are looked up to wherever they go.”
Wen Mingqian also got up early. This was to welcome Gong Changan’s tutor, and as his mother, she naturally had to be diligent.
However, Ma Ping’an came in and said, “I’ll handle the outside matters, and Zhang Ma will take care of everything in the kitchen. You just need to sit there and make decisions; you don’t need to worry about anything else.”
Zhang Ma also said, “Yes, it’s cold now. If you can avoid going out, do so. Besides, you can spend more time with the Young Master.”
“Sister Zhang, come over here and take a look. Which ingredients do we need for the dim sum we’re preparing today? If we’re short on any, have someone go buy them,” Granny Zhu said, rushing in.
Zhang Ma couldn’t talk to Wen Mingqian any longer and quickly followed Granny Zhu out.
Afterward, Gong Xu, who was being congratulated, walked in gracefully, with Yun Ying and a young maid following behind him.
Yun Ying asked with a smile, “There’s a big event in the mansion today. I came specifically to ask Madam if there’s any work she needs me to do.”
“Why are you up so early?” Wen Mingqian said. “You are pregnant now and need to take good care of yourself. The first three months are the most critical and cannot be taken lightly. Although there are things happening in the mansion, there are enough people, and besides, there aren’t that many guests.
It’s easy to feel sleepy at this time. You’ll feel uncomfortable if you get up so early.”
Yun Ying had felt unwell a few days ago and had a doctor examine her. She was already over a month pregnant.
Wen Mingqian specifically instructed those accompanying her to serve her well. She also sent many supplements from her own room, urging her to rest assured and nurture the fetus. She told her to ask for anything she wanted to eat or use, ensuring the child’s safe arrival.
Yun Ying had been grateful to Wen Mingqian from beginning to end. Having a child meant she would have support in the future, something she wouldn’t have dared to imagine a few years ago.
“It’s strange, I don’t feel particularly sleepy,” Yun Ying said with a smile. “Instead, I’m quite greedy, especially when I see others eating, I feel like I want to eat it immediately too.”
“Being able to eat well and having an appetite is a blessing. The mansion doesn’t lack food for you. Just ask the kitchen to make whatever you want to eat. If the mansion can’t make it right away, go buy it from outside,” Wen Mingqian said. “But remember not to eat too much, otherwise, the fetus will be too large, making it difficult to give birth.”
Gong Xu was also in high spirits due to the happy occasion. He had already taken leave from the yamen yesterday.
Before going to bed, he specifically asked Yun Ying to find his clothes for the morning, a light cyan brocade silk robe that would make him look a few years younger.
He was very satisfied with Gong Changan’s matter. Last night, after returning to the mansion, he chatted with Old Madam Gong until late.
Still not satisfied, he ordered food and drink to be prepared, wanting to drink and converse with Wen Mingqian.
Wen Mingqian ignored him, merely saying she was tired and wanted to rest early, taking Zhang Ma and Sang Er back to her room.
Gong Xu had no choice but to order the food and drink to be placed in the study room, where he drank alone.
Getting into the mood, he eventually ordered Gong Changan to be called over and indulged himself until late at night before allowing the child to go back to sleep.
Gong Changan was so sleepy he could barely lift his head. The day had already been very taxing, and upon returning, he collapsed onto his bed and hadn’t woken up yet.
Gong Xu looked around and, not seeing Gong Changan, immediately asked, “Has Changan not woken up yet? Being so lazy is not acceptable. Hurry up and wake him! Did everything I said last night go in vain?”
“It’s still early, let him sleep a little longer! The tutors will come, and they’ll surely arrive before noon. If he’s groggy then, it won’t look good. It’s better to let him sleep enough,” Wen Mingqian said with a gentle demeanor, but in reality, she didn’t take Gong Xu’s words to heart at all.
She understood why Gong Xu was acting this way.
Gong Changan had been raised solely by her from birth until he was seven years old. The Gong Family, including Gong Xu, had paid no attention to the child.
Now that Gong Changan was so accomplished, Gong Xu wanted to strongly emphasize that he, as his father, had also fulfilled his duty of educating him.
He might not necessarily be doing it for show, but he certainly wanted to be able to speak about his son later without feeling so guilty.
Hearing Wen Mingqian say this, Gong Xu couldn’t refute her, but he still felt a bit uncomfortable.
Wen Mingqian outwardly showed him great respect, but in her heart, she was not close to him at all.
He certainly didn’t want this. He knew Gong Changan was closer to his mother, and Wen Mingqian’s attitude towards him would naturally affect Gong Changan.
He felt wronged. He had clearly tried his best to show his desire to mend their relationship, but she had always been indifferent to him.
Therefore, these days, he had a deeper understanding of the Sage’s words, “Only women and petty people are difficult to raise.”
“I’ll go to the East Courtyard to see Old Madam,” Wen Mingqian said, standing up. “Does Master want to come along?”
She invited Gong Xu simply because she didn’t want him to linger in her room, as in her heart, Gong Xu had long lost that privilege.
Gong Xu was quite pleased with the invitation and replied with a smile, “Good, let’s go see Old Madam together.”
Gong Changan’s acceptance into San Jing Academy was enough to make Gong Xu happy for quite some time, so minor unpleasantries could be forgotten quickly.
Moreover, Wen Mingqian’s proactive gesture of goodwill was also a way for him to save face.
“Yun Ying, you come along too! You’re pregnant now, and Old Madam will be happy to see you,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile, calling Yun Ying along.
Gong Xu’s originally bright complexion couldn’t help but darken.
Upon arriving at Old Madam Gong’s courtyard, Granny Xu happened to come out of the room. Seeing Wen Mingqian and Gong Xu, she quickly greeted them with a smile.
She then said to Yun Ying, “Concubine Yun’s complexion looks really good. People say a good complexion means she’s carrying a daughter. Old Madam was saying yesterday that it would be wonderful if Concubine Yun could give birth to a daughter. We haven’t had a daughter added to our mansion for a long time.”
“I also hope she gives birth to a daughter,” Gong Xu said. “Daughters are affectionate, and Changan should have a younger sister.”
“Did we come too early? Has Old Madam woken up?” Wen Mingqian asked.
“She just woke up. I was just about to have them serve breakfast,” Granny Xu said. “Second Master, Second Madam, please come in.”
At this moment, Old Madam Gong had already heard the commotion outside and said, “Who is outside? Come in quickly! It’s quite cold this early in the morning.”
Wen Mingqian and the others quickly agreed and went in, paid their respects to Old Madam, and chatted for a while.
When breakfast was served, Madam Wei also came to attend.
Wen Mingqian then said she still had many things to finish and excused herself.
