Chapter 51: Malice Revealed
In the evening, Wen Mingqian first went to the East Courtyard to pay her respects to the Old Madam.
“The Old Madam is asleep, Sister-in-law, you shouldn’t go in yet,” Wei Shi said softly to Wen Mingqian as she came out from the inner room.
“How is the Old Madam today? Is she any better?” Wen Mingqian also asked in a low voice.
“You know it’s a hidden worry,” Wei Shi sighed lightly, “Once Second Master returns home, she will be fine.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Sister-in-law. How about I take over for you tonight?” Wen Mingqian looked at the dark circles under Wei Shi’s eyes, knowing she hadn’t slept well these past few days.
Among the people Wen Mingqian had met, Wei Shi could truly be called virtuous and benevolent.
She was filial to her elders, lived in harmony with Gong Rang, was skilled in raising her children, and managed the household with moderation.
Wen Mingqian and she had been sisters-in-law for many years, and their relationship was quite harmonious.
“No need, the Old Madam only wants me to serve her. She’s not used to others,” Wei Shi said. “You should go back and rest too! It’s getting late.”
Although Wen Mingqian didn’t say what she did outside every day, Wei Shi didn’t ask.
“Then I’ll trouble you, Sister-in-law. First Master and the others will be back soon, won’t they?” Wen Mingqian asked.
“Soon. If nothing unexpected happens, they should be home tomorrow. Jing’an and Yu’an are also rushing back from Xijing. Their father and sons should arrive around the same time.” Speaking of her husband and sons, Wei Shi genuinely showed a gentle smile.
“When First Master returns, the Old Madam’s heart will be at ease,” Wen Mingqian said. “Then I’ll be going back.”
“You go back! Changan said he would have dinner with you over there before coming here to accompany the Old Madam.” Wei Shi was very fond of Gong Changan. “Sister-in-law, you have a good son. He is your future fortune.”
Wen Mingqian came out of Old Madam Gong’s courtyard and first walked north, then turned west.
The two homes were separated by a wall, with a small door for passage.
She had heard about the affairs of the Luan family from outside and knew that such news would only make the remaining implicated families even more on edge.
“Miss is back. Are you hungry?” The lamps were already lit, and Zhang Ma had prepared dinner.
“Mother, please have some tea.” Gong Changan poured a cup of tea for Wen Mingqian and then put away his studies.
“I was planning to enroll you in school, but now it’s delayed again.” Wen Mingqian reached out and stroked her son’s head.
“It doesn’t matter,” Gong Changan didn’t mind. “Sooner or later is all the same.”
“Yes, as long as you can study at home and calm your mind, you will gain something,” Wen Mingqian said. “If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me.”
As they spoke, Zhang Ma had already served the meal.
Wen Mingqian and her son sat opposite each other and ate, the only sound being the faint clinking of bowls and chopsticks.
“Who is it?” Granny Zhu asked from the courtyard.
“What’s wrong?” Zhang Ma went out to ask.
“Oh, someone was peeking around the door just now, so I asked,” Granny Zhu said. “Who knew that as soon as I asked, the person turned and left. I didn’t get a good look at who it was.”
“Hmph!” Zhang Ma snorted through one nostril. “It’s dark, and rats are scurrying everywhere. Get some traps one of these days, and I’ll break their rat legs!”
“It must be someone from Song Xiulian’s side, peeking around, wondering what they could steal by looking over here.” Zhang Ma said as she entered the room. “Her sister-in-law came today, and the two of them were shut in the room. They must be brewing up something bad again.”
“At this point, shouldn’t she be entirely focused on the Master?” Wen Mingqian’s tone was indifferent. “What are they trying to spy on over here? Are they trying to scheme against me again?”
By this time, Gong Changan had finished his meal, and Wen Mingqian asked Zhang Ma to take him to the Old Madam.
Gong Changan clung to her, lingering for a long time before reluctantly leaving.
“Little Madam, that person has returned,” Granny Yang reported to Consort Song. “She probably went to see the Old Madam first. Shall we go over now?”
“What for?” Consort Song smiled. “To chat about everyday matters?”
“Then Little Madam will have to explain things clearly to her, won’t she?” Granny Yang was a bit confused. “This matter can’t possibly be kept from her, can it?”
“First Master and the others will be back tomorrow. I suppose she won’t be going out tomorrow either,” Consort Song felt much more relaxed and ate more than usual for dinner.
She was now sitting at her dressing table, examining her face.
She had indeed become much gaunter these past few days, perhaps due to her pregnancy. There seemed to be some spots appearing on her cheekbones.
“Little Madam means…” Granny Yang also looked at Consort Song’s face in the mirror.
“Heh, if I go to her now, I’ll surely be scolded. Wouldn’t that be asking for humiliation?” Consort Song’s face appeared dim and unclear in the flickering candlelight. “These words must be spoken in front of everyone, especially the Old Madam and First Master.
Let everyone know that now Wen Mingqian’s son is related to the safety of the entire Gong Family. If she agrees, everyone will be happy. If she refuses, it means she doesn’t consider the bigger picture.
I’m only responsible for stating the facts. Who would be foolish enough to step into that nest and kick it? Do you think I still need to discuss it with her? We are already sworn enemies, irreconcilable foes.”
“Yes, yes, yes, Little Madam is right. I’m getting old and confused. How could this matter be discussed directly with her? She definitely wouldn’t agree!” Granny Yang completely understood Consort Song’s intention. “At that time, clarifying the matter in front of the Old Madam and First Master will be equivalent to putting Wen Mingqian on the spot. On one side is her own son, and on the other is the Master’s safety.
In this world, how can a son not save his father when he is in danger? In my opinion, she has no choice but to agree!”
“Even if she finds it difficult, what can she do? It’s not my fault,” Consort Song sneered triumphantly. “After all, I’m also anxious to save the Master!”
“Who says not! Even the Old Madam wouldn’t object if she heard it. After all, if this matter is successful, Prince Zhao will not only rescue the Master but will also surely promote him greatly in the future.” Granny Yang’s body itched with joy at this point, as if she were getting promoted along with Gong Xu’s advancement.
“Indeed, the Sage’s words are not wrong. Fortune lies where misfortune is, and misfortune lies where fortune is. What we thought was a terrible disaster has, in this way, become immense fortune for us.” The candlelight reflected in Consort Song’s pupils, flickering like insatiable greed.
“Old Servant has said it before, Little Madam, you are truly a blessed person,” Granny Yang flattered her profusely. “They, mother and son, are only fit to be your stepping stones.”
“Let’s not talk about that for now. Look at my face, it’s truly unbearable. When the Master returns in a few days, he can’t see me looking so gaunt.” Consort Song looked at herself in the mirror with affectionate eyes. “From today onwards, I must take good care of myself. Remember to stew bird’s nest for me tomorrow morning, and make sure to pick it very finely.”
“Understood, Little Madam. You should go to bed and rest. The more you sleep, the better your spirits will recover,” Granny Yang said, helping Consort Song up and escorting her to the bedside.
