Chapter 204: With All My Intention
The Gong Family was holding a grand funeral, and Wen Mingqian was observing mourning rites for Gong Changan in the rear quarters.
However, she did not assist Madam Wei with any arrangements. After all, Gong Xu had remarried, and Madam Wan was virtuous and capable; they could manage things themselves.
As the saying goes, one should not concern themselves with matters outside their purview. Wen Mingqian naturally had to avoid suspicion.
Just as she finished burning paper money before the Old Madam’s spirit tablet, she heard someone announce that the Second Master had arrived with several close relatives to pay respects.
Wen Mingqian quickly rose and went around to the back.
Unexpectedly, she ran into Madam Wan and had no choice but to stop and greet her.
Madam Wan carefully observed Wen Mingqian for a few moments before speaking, “The mansion is in a state of chaos now, and we have neglected Madam Wen. If you don’t mind, I’ll ask Concubine Yun to come and keep you company.”
Wen Mingqian knew that the Concubine Yun she spoke of was Yun Ying, so she replied, “That would be very kind of you, Second Madam.”
Madam Wan naturally knew that Yun Ying had originally been brought into the mansion by Wen Mingqian, making them former mistress and servant.
But ever since she entered the mansion, Yun Ying had always been humble and respectful towards her.
As the Matriarch, she could not appear petty. The entire household, openly and secretly, compared her with Wen Mingqian, as Wen Mingqian was very popular.
Madam Wan felt that even if she was inferior to Wen Mingqian in some aspects, she should not lose to her in terms of magnanimity. She was now the legitimate Second Madam, and Wen Mingqian was a guest; she ought to treat her properly.
Therefore, she had someone invite Wen Mingqian to a secluded quiet room and then sent for Yun Ying.
Upon hearing that Wen Mingqian had arrived, Yun Ying rushed over and called out “Madam” as soon as she entered.
Sang Er happily ran over and held her hand, “Elder Sister Yun, it’s so good to finally see you.”
“It’s been half a year since we last met, and you’ve become even more beautiful,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile.
“It’s wonderful to see you, Madam. I think of you all every day, but as a concubine, I cannot act freely,” Yun Ying said. “I couldn’t even visit you.”
“You don’t need to worry, we are all doing well,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Please sit down, let’s catch up.”
“I received the items you entrusted to the First Madam to bring. That longevity lock is so precious; I’ll wait until this child is older and understands its value before I let her wear it!”
“Don’t mention preciousness, it’s just a token of my affection.”
As they were talking, the Granny brought in Yun Ying’s child. The child was only three months old and looked like a little snowball.
Wen Mingqian happily picked her up and praised, “What a beautiful girl, with such a prosperous face. She’ll surely do well in the future. With this child, you’ll have someone to rely on.”
“This is all thanks to you, Madam,” Yun Ying said as she signaled the Granny to leave. “If you hadn’t brought me into this mansion, how could I have had such good fortune?”
“Don’t say that. It’s because your fate already held such a destiny,” Wen Mingqian said. “I see that Madam Wan is a virtuous person, and you have a gentle disposition. Your life should be quite comfortable.”
Yun Ying nodded upon hearing this, “Madam has always been the best judge of character. This Second Madam treats me very well. She is also pregnant now and has even asked me to learn how to manage the household and assist her!”
“To be honest, although Gong Xu is a scoundrel with questionable morals, he has truly good luck,” Sang Er clicked her tongue. “He marries virtuous ladies; it must be due to the accumulated virtue of his ancestors.”
Wen Mingqian glanced at her, and Sang Er stuck out her tongue and smiled.
“Younger Sister Sang Er is still so outspoken,” Yun Ying said. She had no feelings for Gong Xu, so she didn’t mind Sang Er’s words. “You’ve seen so much more of the world now, accompanying Madam to Prince Zhao’s Mansion and the Grand Princess’s residence. It’s truly enviable.”
“You are truly fortunate to live a stable life here with your daughter by your side,” Wen Mingqian said, affectionately stroking the child’s small hand. “Look at this little one; I wouldn’t trade her for a mountain of gold.”
“Yes, with her, I truly want for nothing,” Yun Ying sighed contentedly. “Madam must also miss Young Master Changan every day! Is he doing well?”
“How could I not miss him? He and Zhang Ma are doing well, but it’s a pity that the Old Madam’s passing was so sudden, and he couldn’t make it for the funeral. He was supposed to return in the autumn, but perhaps he might return to the capital earlier because of this matter.”
“Life is unpredictable. I had originally planned to arrange the Eldest Young Master’s wedding this autumn! Now that the Old Madam has passed, their wedding date will have to be postponed.” Yun Ying sighed. “There’s nothing that can be done about it.”
As dusk approached, Wen Mingqian went to the mourning hall again. After burning evening paper money, she took her leave from Madam Wei and Madam Wan.
“I’ll return for now. I will come every day for the seven days of the wake to offer incense and burn paper,” Wen Mingqian said. “I also ask both Madams to take care of yourselves and not overexert yourselves to the detriment of your health.”
Madam Wei and Madam Wan saw her out. As they walked back, Madam Wan quietly asked Madam Wei, “Eldest Sister-in-law, has Madam Wen always had this kind of temperament from the beginning?”
“Are you referring to when she first married into the Gong Family?” Madam Wei replied. “She was much more lively then than she is now. But after spending seven years in Shuangxi and returning, I think anyone’s temperament would change!”
“That’s true. To refine a person’s temperament over seven years is like putting sand into a clam shell; it will eventually produce a smooth pearl,” Madam Wan said. “When I see her, I can never quite describe her aura. Now I understand; it’s like that of a pearl, layers of blood and tears wrapped around until it becomes smooth and lustrous.”
“You understand her well,” Madam Wei sighed softly. “It’s a pity that you and she are destined to be mere acquaintances.”
“Perhaps I don’t truly understand her,” Madam Wan smiled. “I just understand that a man who has wronged a good woman will be restless day and night for the rest of his life.”
From then on, every morning and evening, Wen Mingqian came to offer incense and burn paper. On the third day, she encountered Gong Xu.
Gong Xu’s eyes were red and swollen from staying up late and crying, making him look gaunt and tired, inevitably showing his age.
It had been raining since early morning, and his old ankle injury flared up, causing him to limp slightly as he walked.
Upon seeing Wen Mingqian, his ankle seemed to ache even more.
Their eyes met, and neither spoke.
Wen Mingqian lowered her head slightly, held her umbrella, and walked quickly past him, as if passing through an old dream.
Gong Xu stood in the rain, turned his body, and watched Wen Mingqian walk through the heavy gates.
In the misty rain, he felt a moment of disorientation, recalling a similar rain many years ago. He had called out in the rain, and Wen Mingqian had turned around, smiling at him without any guard.
That kind of smile would never return, and that person would never turn back.
Gong Xu turned his head and looked with emotion at the white silk flowers hanging under the eaves.
He suddenly felt that there was also a funeral between him and Wen Mingqian, but he was unsure of what was being buried.
He only knew that everything was over.
