Chapter 149: Long-Held Intentions
The Gong Family was in a flurry of activity, expecting the five tutors and some disciples who had descended the mountain to arrive.
To their surprise, only a green silk donkey cart appeared in the end, with Mister Hua Ying driving and Tutor Zhuge inside.
Everyone had gathered at the gate to welcome them. Although only two had arrived, they were figures that even princes and nobles would find difficult to invite.
Gong Changan ran over and hugged the tutor, who affectionately patted his head and asked, “Did you play ball today?”
“I was going to, but I was afraid of getting my clothes dirty while waiting to welcome you, so I didn’t,” Gong Changan replied truthfully.
Tutor Zhuge nodded and entered the mansion with him.
After they were seated, Old Madam Gong said gratefully to Tutor Zhuge, “It is truly an unexpected fate that my grandson can become your disciple. I will entrust this child to you from now on; our entire family is deeply grateful.”
Gong Xu also said, “My son is unruly and has caused you trouble, Tutor. I beg you to impart your teachings without reservation and discipline him strictly.”
Tutor Zhuge listened and merely smiled.
Finally, he asked Madam Wen Mingqian, “Madam, are you willing to let the child go with me?”
“It is natural to be reluctant, but I am still willing to let him go with you, Tutor,” Wen Mingqian replied. “A parent’s love for their child should be for their long-term benefit.”
“Very well, we will come to pick him up in three days. You will need to prepare his luggage during these days. The academy is quite a distance from the Capital City, and travel is not easy,” Tutor Zhuge said kindly.
“Thank you for the reminder, Tutor,” Wen Mingqian said. “Besides clothes and the like, are there any other essential items for the academy that I should prepare?”
“Madam, I have already written a list of essential items for the academy,” Mister Hua Ying interjected. “You can prepare them for your junior brother according to the list.”
Mister Hua Ying was nearly forty years old and was also a direct disciple of Tutor Zhuge.
Although Gong Changan was much younger than him, they still referred to each other as senior and junior brothers.
As it was already late when Tutor Zhuge and his group arrived, they would be preparing for lunch after a brief chat.
After lunch, Tutor Zhuge and his disciple took their leave.
Everyone from the Gong Family saw them off at the gate, only returning after watching the cart turn the corner.
At this point, everyone had also let go of their tension, feeling utterly exhausted.
Old Madam Gong, supported by two maids, said as she walked back, “Hurry and go back to rest, everyone!”
Wen Mingqian returned to Lingyue Pavilion and took a nap. After waking up, she prepared to pack things for Gong Changan, only to find that Zhang Ma had already organized a lot.
“Why haven’t you rested? You’ve been busy non-stop since morning, and you prepared so much food at noon,” Wen Mingqian said, feeling heartache for her.
“I’m just destined to work hard. Besides, I don’t feel tired when it’s for the Young Master,” Zhang Ma replied.
Zhang Ma was genuinely happy from the bottom of her heart that Gong Changan could enter San Jing Academy, but to be honest, she had also secretly shed many tears at night.
Although the day was tiring, she had no sleepiness, only thinking about packing properly for Gong Changan; she wouldn’t feel at ease if others did it.
“Did you eat lunch? You look so worried, I imagine you haven’t been eating or sleeping well,” Wen Mingqian said, looking at her.
“I watched him grow up, so I’m naturally happy to see him succeed. But thinking that I won’t be able to see him often from now on, my heart feels like it’s being cut out,” Zhang Ma said, lifting her sleeve to wipe her eyes. “I was saying just a few days ago that once he grew wings, he’d fly all over the sky. I thought I’d have to wait a few more years, but I didn’t expect him to fly so soon, sigh!”
“Let me see what you’ve prepared for him,” Wen Mingqian said, stepping forward to look.
“There are clothes for all four seasons, as well as shoes and socks. But he’s growing fast, so most of these won’t be enough. I’m afraid they’ll be too small by next spring,” Zhang Ma said. “I was thinking of making him two more sets in the next couple of days, but that’s still not enough. I don’t like the ready-made clothes sold in shops. Let’s see who in the mansion has good needlework and make more.”
“You’ve prepared so thoroughly that I’m not needed,” Wen Mingqian smiled. “I was also making him a winter outfit, and I still need to finish another larger one.”
Her tone was tinged with sadness.
“I’ll prepare some travel food later. This child has been eating my cooking since he was little, and I’m afraid he won’t get used to it if it’s suddenly changed. The weather is getting colder, and the journey will be hard; I hope he doesn’t get sick,” Zhang Ma said, her tears flowing even more.
Wen Mingqian held back her tears, sniffled, and smiled, “Don’t just prepare his things; you should pack your own luggage too.”
Zhang Ma was stunned for a moment and said, “What luggage do I need to pack?”
“You must pack; you have to accompany Changan to the academy,” Wen Mingqian smiled. “Only one person can accompany Changan to the academy. If it’s not you, who else could it be? If it were someone else, how could I be at ease?”
“But Miss, you…” Zhang Ma said with great difficulty, “What about your upcoming…”
“You don’t need to worry about my upcoming matters. Changan is still so young, and the academy is so far from home,” Wen Mingqian said with a devoted mother’s heart. “You know, he is my life. Only when he is well can I be well.”
“Miss, but how can I be at ease leaving you alone?” Zhang Ma cried. “Aren’t you also pitiful? Aren’t you also lonely?”
“I am an adult, and besides, I have Sang Er and the others around. Although they are not as experienced as you, they are reliable,” Wen Mingqian said. “Moreover, after Changan leaves, I will also be leaving. What happens next depends on fate, and I don’t know how long it will take to make further progress.
Furthermore, I see that the Tutor is also very fond of Changan. Although it is far from the Capital City, I believe we can return once every few years.
Besides, we can still correspond, and as long as we know each other is safe, there will be nothing to worry about.”
“Miss, you should also relax. Given the Young Master’s intelligence, I believe it won’t take too long for him to complete his studies. We will reunite then. I only hope my old bones can last until that time,” Zhang Ma said.
“You definitely will. You are Zhang Ma! You have an iron body and a heart of steel,” Wen Mingqian said, teasing her. “You won’t fall no matter what.”
As they were speaking, Gong Changan ran in and hugged Wen Mingqian, not saying a word.
“Are you awake now?” Wen Mingqian hugged him affectionately. “Take a look and see if there’s anything you want to bring. Have them pack it in advance so that it’s not chaotic and you don’t forget anything.”
“Mother, I only want to bring you,” Gong Changan cried. “Should I not go to the academy?”
“Silly child, why shouldn’t you go? By going there, you’ve reduced so many of my troubles and obstacles,” Wen Mingqian said, smiling as she cupped his face and gently wiped the tears from his eyes. “You know, I’ve always wanted to leave the Gong Family. But if I were to leave, they would definitely keep you behind, so I’ve been enduring it. I originally thought I’d leave when you could be independent, but I didn’t expect it to be so much earlier. You truly are my good son.”
