Chapter 23: Long-Term Plan
Wen Mingqian did not escalate the matter not simply to make peace, but for long-term considerations; she could not do so.
Even if this matter were to be brought before the officials today and it was revealed that Consort Song was behind it, since no one was ultimately harmed, the authorities would not punish anyone.
This incident would only be considered a scandal, becoming fodder for gossip.
Gong Xu would not blame Consort Song for this; he would feel that her extreme actions in revenge for the death of her son were understandable.
Instead, the Gong Family would blame Wen Mingqian, believing she had caused family shame to be exposed to outsiders as soon as she returned, making them a laughingstock. After all, the Gong Family cared most about their reputation.
Consort Song had the backing of her brother and Gong Xu, while Wen Mingqian had no support.
Furthermore, Gong Xu would undoubtedly use this as a reason to request Old Madam Gong to intervene and expel her from the mansion again.
Therefore, Wen Mingqian absolutely could not let the situation escalate. She needed to establish herself in the Gong Family first, and then proceed slowly.
Wu Shi and Cui Mingzhu, naturally, did not consider this. They simply thought Wen Mingqian was a lenient person who wanted to downplay the incident.
“Second Miss Cui, wipe your tears,” Wen Mingqian offered her handkerchief. “Madam and I want an explanation; that’s not too much to ask, is it?”
Cui Baozhu had no way out now, and Wen Mingqian had indeed given her an out. However, she was still a bit uneasy and asked, “If I tell you the truth, will you truly not investigate further or spread rumors?”
“Rest assured, we keep our word,” Wen Mingqian said with certainty.
“Stop dawdling, didn’t I already agree?” Wu Shi rolled her eyes impatiently.
“Alright, I’ll tell you,” Cui Baozhu said, wiping her tears. “It was your Little Madam’s companion, Granny Yang, who found me and asked me to do this.
She said that during today’s banquet, you would be greatly humiliated. This way, you wouldn’t be able to stay in the mansion, and once you were driven out, this place would still be Little Madam’s domain.
As you know, Song Xiao Furen and I have always been close. I am young and easily swayed by a few kind words. I always felt that for a friend, one should go through fire and water. Since she asked for my help, I truly couldn’t bear to refuse…”
“It really was her!” Wu Shi had naturally suspected Consort Song long ago. “She knows my son’s disposition best. I treated her like a person, and yet she schemed against me!”
Wu Shi hated Cui Baozhu in her heart, but she hated Song Xiulian even more. No one wanted to be framed, especially when the target was their own beloved.
“I’ve explained everything, and I know what I did was wrong,” Cui Baozhu regretted her actions deeply. “Please spare me! I will never dare to do it again.”
“Second Miss Cui, you are still young, and it’s inevitable to sometimes mistake the true from the false. This is also a blessing in disguise. We will not pursue this matter with you and will even keep your secret. I hope you will be kind and walk the right path in the future, and not make such mistakes again.” Wen Mingqian knew that Cui Baozhu had been used as a pawn by Consort Song, which was both hateful and pitiable.
Hopefully, after this incident, she would distance herself from Consort Song and no longer be manipulated by her.
Eliminating an opponent’s helper did not necessarily mean destroying them. As long as they could be divided, or even won over to one’s side, that would be a better outcome.
“Thank you, Second Madam,” Cui Baozhu nodded to Wen Mingqian. “I will remember this favor. I won’t return to the banquet; we’ll meet again another day!”
With that, she turned and left.
“Little Madam, thank you for your magnanimity today,” Wen Mingqian turned to express her gratitude to Wu Shi. “You almost caused the Heir Apparent to be frightened, and I feel truly remiss.”
“It’s not your fault; it’s thanks to your son’s quick thinking,” Wu Shi said. “It’s just that those two bitches got off easy! If I see Song Xiulian another day, I will definitely question her face to face.”
“Little Madam speaks her mind so readily. Who would have thought people’s hearts could be so vile?” Wen Mingqian lowered her gaze. “It’s getting late, let’s go back to the banquet!”
By the time they returned, the banquet tables were already set.
Wen Mingqian said apologetically, “I am truly sorry to everyone. It was my poor hosting. Before the banquet begins, I will punish myself with three cups of wine. Please forgive my negligence!”
She then drank three cups of wine.
Wu Shi smoothed things over, saying, “Don’t blame the Second Madam. The fault is mine. I detained her while asking her for advice, so I will also punish myself with three cups.”
Seeing the preceding events, the guests understood there were hidden circumstances and did not ask further, passing it off with laughter.
“This banquet today is truly excellent,” said the Marchioness Jiangxia. “The combination of meat and vegetables is light and delicious, perfectly suiting my palate.”
“Thank you for your praise, Madam. Everyone, please don’t be shy. I will have someone note down what everyone likes to eat, and I will certainly invite you again if there’s an opportunity.” Wen Mingqian’s face was flushed from the wine, making her look even more radiant.
For a time, cups clinked, and laughter filled the air, creating a beautiful scene of a spring banquet.
When the banquet ended, the cups and plates were cleared from the tables, and tea was served.
At this point, some guests began to leave.
“Everyone, please wait a moment. I have a small gift to present.” As soon as Wen Mingqian finished speaking, several young maids came forward carrying carved red trays, holding various bottles and jars, their contents unknown.
“Thank you all for taking the time to grace us with your presence. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. These are scented pastes and cosmetics I made myself. I know you all use fine products, so mine may seem humble. But it is a token of my sincerity; you can use it to moisturize your hands or give as a gift!”
“Sister, you are too modest. I’ve used the bottle you gave me a few days ago, and everyone praises my complexion!” Liu Cuiyi said with a smile. “I was actually hoping to ask you for more! This time, I’ve benefited from everyone else’s presence.”
“No wonder! I was just saying that Madam Zhou’s face looks much fairer and smoother than usual,” someone with sharp eyes immediately remarked.
“I find Second Madam’s skin to be as delicate as a peach. I was wondering how one could maintain such good skin from the harsh and cold region of Shuangxi? So, it turns out you have a treasure!”
Everyone then happily accepted Wen Mingqian’s gifts.
Afterward, they departed one by one, and Wen Mingqian saw them all to the door.
Duke Feng’s Family’s Young Heir refused to leave, pulling Gong Changan to go back with him.
“If Your Lordship doesn’t mind, I will visit your mansion with my mother another day!” Gong Changan said, trying to build connections for his mother. “We have matters to attend to at home today, so it’s inconvenient to go.”
“Then what about the sworn brotherhood?” Feng Tianzhu continued to hold onto him.
“Sworn brotherhood is a serious matter; it must be approved by both sets of parents. My mother will naturally agree. Your Lordship, please ask Duke and Madam when you return!” Gong Changan said. “I have a little something to give you; I made it myself.”
Indeed, Feng Tianzhu, having received a novel trinket, stopped clinging to Gong Changan.
“Second Madam, when you have some free time, you must bring Fourth Young Master to our mansion.” Wu Shi knew her son’s temperament; if Gong Changan didn’t visit after a few days, he would throw a tantrum.
