Chapter 122: Self-Infatuated
The day after the banquet, Liu Cuiyi sent someone to inform Wen Mingqian that she was indeed pregnant.
Wen Mingqian was naturally happy for her, saying, “If this child is a boy, she will be secure for life, and Yan’er and Shu’er will have someone to support them in the future.”
“May heaven bless her!” Zhang Ma said, “If she has another daughter, her husband’s family will likely look down on her even more.”
“In this world, women are inherently at a disadvantage. Without sons or brothers, they have even less to rely on,” Wen Mingqian sighed helplessly. “Moreover, her maternal family has never stood up for her.”
“Yes, her disposition is naturally a bit soft. If everything goes smoothly, it’s fine, but once there are setbacks, she becomes exceptionally discouraged,” Zhang Ma said. “The Zhou family is not a benevolent household. It’s tough!”
“Make a few of your signature dim sum and send them to her. Have the messenger say that I will visit her home in a few days. If she wants anything from our mansion, she can just send word,” Wen Mingqian told Zhang Ma.
Previously, Liu Cuiyi used to come to the Gong Family. Now that she was pregnant, her priority was naturally nurturing the fetus.
Wen Mingqian had not visited the Zhou family before because her reputation was poor, and her presence would only cause the Zhou family to blame Liu Cuiyi because of her.
But now it was different. Old Madam Gong’s appearance at her own banquet had shown the Gong Family’s stance to everyone.
The Zhou family would naturally be aware of this.
In fact, it wasn’t just the Zhou family who understood; all the families who had dealings with the Gong Family could see it clearly.
When Wen Mingqian returned to her hometown while pregnant, the second branch was managed by Consort Song. Now that Consort Song was dead, Wen Mingqian was in charge again, and Old Madam Gong protected her everywhere, which was equivalent to announcing to everyone that their Gong Family recognized Wen Mingqian.
“I went to deliver things to Old Madam, and she mentioned that now that the Ghost Festival has passed, Fourth Young Master should be starting school,” Sang Er said, entering with a smile. “She also said that the school supplies were prepared by the Duke Feng’s Family in spring. This time, our family has prepared everything, including the Heir Apparent of Duke Feng’s Family’s share.”
“That’s exactly right, that’s what I was thinking,” Wen Mingqian said. “And the gifts for the tutors should also be handled by our family.”
“Old Madam also said that since Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master also need to prepare, Old Madam will pay for it and hand it over to First Madam to handle,” Sang Er said. “You don’t need to worry about a thing.”
Zhang Ma heard this and said, “This Old Madam Gong is truly a hundred times better than before.”
“As people grow older, their hearts generally become more benevolent,” Wen Mingqian said.
“I don’t think so. In the end, it’s because she feels guilty towards you for the injustices you’ve suffered all these years. Anyone with a conscience would feel bad,” Zhang Ma said. “Another thing is that Yun Ying needs to keep a tighter hold on Gong Er, so he doesn’t keep coming here to harass us.”
Now, Zhang Ma and Sang Er treated Gong Xu as if he were a thief, as if he carried the plague.
Speaking of Gong Xu, he had some close colleagues at the yamen.
During a casual chat one day, a superior named Su said, “A few days ago, your mansion hosted a banquet for the ladies, and my wife attended. She praised your wife profusely afterward, saying she was both virtuous and beautiful. It’s a pity you don’t have a daughter, otherwise, we would definitely seek to form a marriage alliance with you.”
Gong Xu was naturally pleased to hear this, and he said humbly, “My wife is too praised. How could she be so outstanding? It’s merely minor talent and small kindness.”
Another person said, “Brother Gong is truly too modest. We all know that Sister-in-law is a rare virtuous helper, managing the inner chambers impeccably. She is also extremely virtuous; didn’t she personally choose the concubine you recently took? What a beauty!”
Others joined in the teasing. Gong Xu couldn’t suppress the smile on his lips. What man wouldn’t be happy about this?
The crowd seized the opportunity to demand he treat them, and Gong Xu readily agreed.
It was dark when he returned, half-drunk.
Wen Mingqian naturally paid him no mind and did not inquire whether he had returned.
Gong Xu entered with unsteady steps. The servant asked, “Does Master still want to go to Old Madam’s place?”
“I drank today, so I won’t go, lest I offend Old Madam,” Gong Xu said.
“Then to Concubine Yun’s courtyard?” the servant asked.
Gong Xu stopped, thought for a moment, and said, “Go feed the horses. I’m going to Madam’s.”
It was already very late. Zhang Ma was leading people to patrol the front and back courtyards, checking if everything was in order.
Sang Er went to the East Courtyard to deliver flower patterns to Wei Shi.
Two senior maids went to prepare bathwater. Only a young maid, Mei Er, remained with Wen Mingqian.
When Gong Xu entered, he saw Wen Mingqian reading by the lamp, wearing a moon-white sheer gauze robe. Her slender hands held a book scroll. Her black hair cascaded down, making her face appear even more delicate and fair.
Her entire being exuded an aura of elegance, devoid of any vulgarity.
Gazing at the beauty under the lamplight with his drunken eyes, Gong Xu was captivated.
He had been thinking of Wen Mingqian these past few days but could never get close to her, making him feel stifled.
Mei Er called out, “Master,” and Wen Mingqian also looked up.
“You go out!” Gong Xu said to Mei Er in a masterly tone. “Close the door.”
Mei Er dared not disobey. Moreover, she usually saw Wen Mingqian show great respect to Gong Xu, so she hurried out and closed the door.
“Master is drunk,” Wen Mingqian said, putting down her book and standing up. “I’ll have someone prepare a hangover soup for you.”
“I don’t want any hangover soup, I only want you!” Gong Xu grabbed Wen Mingqian. “What do I have to do for you to accept me?”
Wen Mingqian forcefully pulled her hand away and took a step back, looking at Gong Xu. Her eyes were as cold as the lonely moon on a winter night. “Master is drunk. You should go to Concubine Yun’s room to rest.”
“I don’t want to go there, I want to stay here! We are husband and wife, it’s only natural for me to be here!” Gong Xu acted shamelessly. “I wronged you before, but I promise I will make it up to you tenfold in the future, treat you well, and never make you sad again, alright? Mingqian.”
These words had been bottled up in Gong Xu’s heart for who knows how long. Today, fueled by alcohol, he finally spoke them, feeling a sense of relief.
“Someone, help Master back to rest!” Wen Mingqian called towards the outside.
“No one is allowed to come in!” Gong Xu said madly, embracing Wen Mingqian. “I’m staying here tonight! Not just tonight, but every night from now on!”
Wen Mingqian was in his arms. He had finally held her close again!
Even if she struggled and pushed him away, he would never let go.
Wen Mingqian resisted desperately, but the difference in their strength was too great.
The smell of alcohol on Gong Xu and his touch made her incredibly agitated and disgusted, making her wish she had a knife in her hand to plunge into Gong Xu’s heart.
But Gong Xu did not sense her aversion. Instead, in a daze, he said, “You smell so good! You’re like a fairy! Don’t be angry with me anymore. I swear I’ll never doubt you again. I know you still have me in your heart, you’re just sulking!”
