Chapter 101: Reunion Feast
Gong Xu had been ill for half a month, and he had lost quite a bit of weight.
He had taken leave from the yamen, and those who didn’t know the truth all thought he was grieving excessively over the death of his beloved concubine.
He was indeed grieving, but not because of Consort Song’s death.
“Master is in much better spirits today. Old Madam just sent someone to ask!” Yun Ying said as she served a bowl of clear tea. “She said if Master is feeling better, you should come over for dinner tonight. First Master, First Madam, and our Madam will all be there.”
Gong Xu looked out the window at the blooming flowers and willows. He felt he had been listless for too long and said, “That’s fine. Old Madam has been worried about me these past few days.”
“Then I’ll send someone to inform them,” Yun Ying said busily. “Does Master have any particular dishes he’d like to eat? So they can prepare them in advance.”
“Whatever is fine, no need for special arrangements.” Gong Xu had little appetite, but he knew Old Madam wasn’t asking him over just for dinner.
It had rained in the afternoon, and by evening, the weather had become exceptionally pleasant.
Gong Xu put on a new gauze shirt and, with Yun Ying’s support, went to the East Courtyard.
At that moment, Gong Changan and Gong Bao’an were playing in the courtyard. Seeing him, they both came forward to pay respects.
Consort Song’s death was undoubtedly a major event for Gong Bao’an. The usually carefree child now had an unerasable sadness in his eyes.
Although Old Madam Gong took good care of him, and no one made things difficult for him, things were different nonetheless.
“Daddy,” Gong Bao’an couldn’t help but pout, extending his hand towards Gong Xu.
In the past, Daddy and Little Mother were always together, and they would be so close to him every day.
But now Little Mother was gone, and Daddy hadn’t spent time with him like before these past few days.
In the past, Gong Xu would have certainly held him in his arms and comforted him.
But now, seeing him, Gong Xu couldn’t muster the same closeness as before. He merely said perfunctorily, “Play well with your brother, and wash your hands before eating later.”
He then looked at Gong Changan and said, “Have you been listening to Tutor Jiang carefully at school recently? As the legitimate son of the family, you absolutely cannot neglect your studies.”
“Your son understands. He dares not slack off in his studies. Please rest assured, Father,” Gong Changan replied.
“Don’t brag. I’ll test you later.” Gong Xu couldn’t help but examine Gong Changan. He had neglected this child for too long. Looking closely now, he felt a fondness well up from his heart.
However, the more he liked him, the more serious Gong Xu became towards Gong Changan. This was different from how he felt about Gong Bao’an.
Gong Changan was the legitimate son, and it was imperative that he achieve official position and bring glory to the family name.
“Second Master has arrived.” A maid from Old Madam’s room lifted the curtain and said with a smile, “Everyone is waiting for you!”
Gong Xu entered the room and saw Old Madam sitting on a dark wood couch, with Wei Shi and Wen Mingqian attending her on either side. Elder Brother Gong Rang sat to the side, drinking tea.
“Your son pays his respects to Mother. I haven’t seen Mother for many days, and I’ve made you worry.”
“I can hear your voice is still weak. You must take good care of yourself.” Old Madam Gong naturally doted on her son. “There’s no need to distress yourself over that bitch.”
“Enough, Old Madam. It’s all in the past, let’s not bring up anything unpleasant.” Wei Shi could see Gong Xu was somewhat embarrassed and didn’t want anyone to mention Consort Song again.
“Let’s not mention it then,” Old Madam said. “Quickly recover your health and live well with your wife. I was just telling your elder brother and sister-in-law that your wife and son have truly suffered these past few years. It is our Gong Family’s fault.
From now on, we must find ways to make amends.”
“Mother is right. Your son understands and will do his best to treat them well.”
Gong Xu had been ill these past few days, but without other distractions, he had been able to reflect quietly.
Although he didn’t say it aloud, he knew in his heart that he had failed Wen Mingqian’s sincerity and deep affection, and had even caused her to travel three thousand miles away to raise their son alone and in hardship.
Looking at Wen Mingqian now, gentle and dignified, her beauty no less than in her youth, how could he not feel a stir of desire?
“Sister-in-law has truly suffered these years. It’s remarkable that you endured such hardship without complaint or resentment. Others might not have been able to do the same,” Gong Rang said with great admiration for Wen Mingqian. “Second Brother was blinded by infatuation back then and wronged you. I hope you can let go of the past and reconcile with him.”
In truth, Gong Rang knew that his younger brother was not worthy of Wen Mingqian at all.
When their late father insisted on marrying Wen Mingqian into the family regardless of their social standing, it was because he valued her steadfast character, untainted by worldly matters.
Ultimately, Gong Xu had not only wronged Wen Mingqian but had also failed to live up to his father’s expectations.
However, as an elder brother, some harsh words could not be spoken.
Gong Xu sat down, and a maid brought him tea.
Old Madam then said, “Why don’t I see Jing’an and Yu’an back yet? The imperial examinations are less than a month and a half away. They can’t keep running around like horses without reins.”
“Don’t worry, Grandmother. Even without a dragon’s head, we can still find our way home.” Before Old Madam Gong could finish speaking, Gong Yu’an walked in with his elder brother, Jing’an.
He had a cheerful smile on his face, always with a hint of nonchalance.
But his posture was upright, and his brows were raised. Even in a crowd, he would stand out.
“You’re eighteen already, and you still don’t act like an adult.” Although Old Madam Gong said this, her eyes overflowed with affection for her grandson. “Look at the sweat on your head, go wash up quickly.”
“No rush, there’s still some time before dinner. I’m going out to learn cuju from Brother Changan. This little fellow is full of skills, truly remarkable.” Gong Yu’an then asked Wen Mingqian, “Aunt, how did you raise my brother so well? He’s smart and alert, kind and benevolent, truly lovable!”
“Not only that, but he’s also skilled in both civil and martial arts,” Gong Jing’an, who had been silent, said with a smile. “Yesterday, I met Doctor Jiang, and he was talking about our fourth brother, saying he’s exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted.”
“Oh, did Tutor Jiang really say that? He’s always been such a stern and rigid person!” Old Madam Gong was overjoyed to hear this. “To receive a word of praise from him is truly not easy.”
“Didn’t I say it earlier?” Gong Rang smiled. “Changan is clearly a swift steed of our family!”
“Elder Brother, please don’t say that. Children don’t know their limits. Praising them a few times and they’ll take it seriously, which can lead to arrogance,” Gong Xu quickly interjected.
“I think you’re being too cautious. Children should be praised when they deserve it,” Gong Rang said. “To be honest, Changan’s intelligence comes from his mother. If he were like you, he might not be so smart.”
Gong Xu was momentarily speechless but didn’t get angry. He went along with it, saying, “That’s true. His two uncles both passed the Jinshi exam in their early twenties, which is indeed remarkable.”
Wen Mingqian, hearing him mention her two brothers, merely lowered her head and smiled faintly.
Her two brothers were naturally intelligent and had achieved official positions early. However, their temperaments were very much like their father’s, so they had always served as county magistrates in remote and impoverished areas far from the Capital City.
