Chapter 151: Where the Dream Ends
Sang Er naturally could not stay here any longer. She simply placed the dim sum box on the stone table in the courtyard and hurried away.
She returned to Ming Jing Tower in one breath and saw that Wen Mingqian was already drunk, with cups and plates scattered all over the table.
Looking at the snow falling heavier outside, she said, “Mother is drunk, let’s go back and rest!”
“Alright, let’s go back!” Wen Mingqian nodded, “Remember to calculate the cost of the wine and reward Master Huang with an additional five taels of silver.”
Sang Er helped Wen Mingqian onto the carriage, and she fell asleep inside.
Sang Er did not wake her either, knowing that she had been expending too much energy these past few days. She also knew her reluctance towards Gong Changan, yet she could not express it fully.
It wasn’t until the carriage arrived in front of the Gong Mansion that she gently woke Wen Mingqian, “Madam, wake up, we’re home.”
Wen Mingqian opened her hazy, drunken eyes and asked, “Are we home?”
“Take your time, don’t rush to get out of the carriage. I’ll have the coachman call a couple more people out. The snow is quite heavy outside.” Sang Er quickly pulled her cape around her.
A while later, Liu Er and Qing Mei, along with a few other maids, came out, some holding umbrellas, others carrying clothes.
Several people escorted Wen Mingqian into the mansion.
Upon arriving at Lingyue Pavilion, Sang Er quickly brewed some hangover tea for Wen Mingqian to drink. She then helped her remove her outer clothes and shoes and socks, and covered her with a thick quilt.
“The First Madam just sent someone to ask if our Madam would like to go over for tea,” Liu Er said. “Several groups of people have come.”
“I’ll go and reply!” Sang Er stood up. “You stay here and watch Madam closely, and be prompt with any requests for tea or water.”
Then she put on her cloak and came out, descending from the hallway to Wei Shi’s side.
Wei Shi was having someone set up a small charcoal stove to roast green tangerines, persimmons, and olives, preparing to gather around the stove with Wen Mingqian to enjoy the snow.
She had sent people to invite them three times, but Wen Mingqian had not yet returned.
“First Madam is in a very elegant mood today,” Sang Er said with a smile as she entered. “No wonder our Madam always says privately that no one can match your style.”
“My sister-in-law is too kind,” Wei Shi said, her face flushing with a smile. “I am a very common person, but I thought the snow today was truly beautiful, and my sister-in-law is a person of refined taste, so I arranged this gathering.”
“First Madam is truly thoughtful. It’s just a pity that our Madam is not in good spirits after seeing Fourth Young Master off, so she went to Ming Jing Tower and had some wine. She is now drunk and sleeping,” Sang Er said apologetically.
Wen Mingqian’s drunkenness could not be hidden anyway, and besides, Wei Shi usually protected her, so Sang Er naturally had to tell the truth.
Indeed, after hearing this, Wei Shi sighed, “Yes! We all miss Changan terribly since he left, let alone his biological mother!
It’s inevitable to drown one’s sorrows in wine. Even though she appears steady and dignified in front of others, who knows how much she is suffering inside.
It’s because this child is too accomplished that she cannot be kept. It’s better to have a foolish one who can stay by your side.”
“Although our Madam cannot come, I know she would definitely like First Madam’s tea. I’ll take some of the roasted green tangerines and olives over, and brew tea for her when she wakes up,” Sang Er said.
“No rush, since you’re here, sit down and have a cup,” Wei Shi said, pulling her. “I was just telling them, on a snowy day like this, how beautiful you would look standing in the snow wearing a red cape.”
“Please don’t tease me, I’m just a country girl,” Sang Er said.
“All the maids in this mansion combined are not as beautiful as you. When I was young, I had a few red dresses. With the cold weather these past couple of days, they’ve been brought out from the boxes. If you don’t mind, pick one to wear! It would be a shame for them to go to waste,” Wei Shi said.
Sang Er knew that Wei Shi was good to her out of love for Wen Mingqian, so she did not refuse, only thanking her, “Thank you for the reward, First Madam. Your things are naturally good and carry good fortune. I’ve truly come at the right time today.”
Afterward, she chose a bright red gauze cloak and had a bowl of tea before leaving.
Wen Mingqian slept until dark before waking up. Sang Er had been guarding her the whole time. Seeing that she was awake, she quickly brought her tea.
“This tea is brewed well, perfect for drinking after wine,” Wen Mingqian’s voice was slightly hoarse.
“The First Madam gave it,” Sang Er said. “She originally wanted to invite you over for tea.”
“What time is it now?” Wen Mingqian asked.
“It’s time for dinner. What would you like to eat? The kitchen has cooked porridge and noodle soup.”
“I’m not hungry, I don’t want to eat,” Wen Mingqian slowly got up. “The snow is heavy today, so I won’t go to Old Madam’s place.”
“The snow is still falling! If I had known, we should have asked the Young Master to leave a few days later,” Sang Er said.
“The days were set by the tutor, not by us. It will just be slower on the road, and he has his own destiny,” Wen Mingqian said. “Starting tomorrow, you will pack my things! Don’t rush too much, it should take about four or five days to finish. Remember, only pack my own things, do not touch anything in this mansion.”
“Mother, you’re going to…” Sang Er couldn’t help but freeze for a moment.
Wen Mingqian looked up and smiled at her, “My grievances with this place are all settled, it’s time to go.”
“So soon, Mother, you’ve already planned it all?” Sang Er couldn’t help but feel a little dazed. Although she had known for a long time that Wen Mingqian would leave, she was still a bit stunned when it actually came to this.
“I’ve planned it for a long time, just waiting for this day,” Wen Mingqian said. “In fact, I wanted to end it seven years ago, but something delayed me and I had to postpone it.”
“Yes, Mother shouldn’t be trapped here, she should leave,” Sang Er nodded. “No matter where you go, I will follow.”
“Of course, I will take you with me,” Wen Mingqian said. “But I don’t know if you can always stay by my side. You can see that the Grand Princess values you quite a bit. If she asks you to serve her, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep you.”
“For Mother’s important matters, I can stay by the Grand Princess’s side, but my heart will always be with Mother,” Sang Er said. “Mother doesn’t need to worry about me, I’ve grown up.”
“Yes, you’ve grown up day by day, no longer that little girl. By the way, you went to see your uncle today, is he alright?” Wen Mingqian asked with a smile.
“Don’t mention him!” Sang Er suddenly showed an annoyed expression. “I will never go to see him again.”
“What, did you two quarrel again?” Wen Mingqian asked curiously. “I thought since you hadn’t seen each other for a long time, you would at least have a good chat when you met.”
“He’s doing very well now, Mother, you don’t need to worry. He’s better than any of us,” Sang Er said. “Shall I move the lamp closer so you can read a few more pages? You probably can’t sleep right now.”
Sang Er didn’t want to mention her troublesome uncle anymore. Today, she would just pretend she had seen a ghost.
