Chapter 25: Unwilling
Zhang Ma personally made breakfast and watched as it was delivered to Gong Xu.
With Madam Song away these past few days, Gong Xu was naturally unaccustomed to it.
He also found Zhang Ma to be crude and initially refused to eat her cooking.
It was only when Gong Changan pleaded with him to eat breakfast together that Gong Xu reluctantly agreed.
After that one meal, he no longer harbored any other thoughts.
“You shouldn’t just play around all the time; you should also study and practice calligraphy,” Gong Xu instructed Gong Changan after finishing his meal. “I’ve been busy lately, but once I have free time, I’ll test your studies. If you do well, I’ll send you to the academy.”
“Understood,” Gong Changan obediently replied.
Gong Xu didn’t dote on this son excessively, as Gong Changan had been far away until now.
However, as a father, he had a duty to raise his son. This child had grown up in the borderlands, and his education had been neglected.
Gong Changan insisted on seeing Gong Xu off at the mansion gates every day, but he never said much, usually just following quietly behind Gong Xu.
As Gong Xu mounted his horse, he looked at the small figure standing on the steps, and a pang of sadness welled up in his heart.
In his heart, he pitied this child, knowing he was innocent.
Yet, he couldn’t treat him the same way he treated Gong Kang’an and Gong Bao’an, feeling it would be unfair to Madam Song.
Wen Mingqian slept exceptionally soundly that night.
Gong Xu didn’t require her service, so she enjoyed her leisure, slowly getting up and stretching. Zhang Ma had already brought in breakfast with her attendants.
“Did Miss sleep well and feel refreshed?” Zhang Ma asked with a smile.
“I slept very soundly,” Wen Mingqian yawned again. “I lit benzoin last night, perhaps I used too much, which is why I only woke up now.”
“There’s nothing to do today, so sleeping in is fine,” Zhang Ma said as she helped Wen Mingqian wash up.
“Where has Changan gone?” Wen Mingqian asked, not seeing her son.
“He went to see Master off,” Zhang Ma said, helping her with her sleeves and placing a large towel on her collar. “He should be back soon.”
Just as Wen Mingqian finished washing up, Gong Changan entered, giggling and leaning on her shoulder to act spoiled.
“Go study! I’ll test you later.” Wen Mingqian had never slacked off in her son’s studies over the years, so although Gong Changan was only seven, he had already read several books.
Two days later, after Wen Mingqian had finished breakfast, Aunt Tian came in and said, “Madam, Little Madam has sent Granny Yang back.”
“Let her in,” Wen Mingqian said. She knew Granny Yang was sent back to be an informant, and she also wanted to send a message through her.
Granny Yang hunched her shoulders slightly, squinting as she paid her respects to Wen Mingqian. “Little Madam sent me back to inform Madam that Aunt-in-law gave birth to a baby girl yesterday. Little Madam said she needs to stay there for a few more days, so the mansion’s affairs will have to trouble Madam.”
Wen Mingqian was happy to maintain a cordial appearance and said with a smile, “Aunt-in-law gave birth? Congratulations, congratulations. Have Zhang Ma accompany you to send a congratulatory gift. Tell Concubine Song to take good care of herself there! Women are most weak after giving birth; she must be well looked after.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Madam,” Granny Yang said. “I’ll go down now to find some clothes to change into. I’ll call for Zhang Ma before I leave.”
“This old fool must have come back after hearing the news,” Zhang Ma pouted. “Her cousin was dealt with by us, she’s probably unhappy about it!”
“Have the replacements arrived yet?” Wen Mingqian asked leisurely as she selected a pair of gold earrings inlaid with pearls from her jewelry box.
“They have. They arrived before lamps were lit yesterday, but I thought it was too late, so I didn’t bring them up.”
“No rush, I’ll go to the back later, and I’ll see them then,” Wen Mingqian said, looking in the mirror.
The person in the mirror was beautiful, with eyebrows like painted art.
Beautiful she was, but the youthful passion expected of her age had long since turned to ash.
As soon as Granny Yang returned, she went to Steward Chen. Steward Chen explained the situation to her.
In fact, after Wen Mingqian hosted the banquet, they had already guessed that things had likely fallen through.
The troupe of actors had disappeared, and it was unknown if they had fled the trouble after their scheme was exposed.
Furthermore, there was no news of Duke Feng’s Family’s Heir Apparent falling ill. More importantly, Cui Baozhu had not come to claim credit.
Therefore, after another two days, Madam Song could no longer hold back. She sent Granny Yang back, wanting to hear definite news.
“Elder Sister, you’re back! Granny Liu’s entire family has been punished and sent to the manor.” Steward Chen had twisted his ankle and was recovering from his injury at home, but he was inwardly relieved that he hadn’t gotten involved.
“With Little Madam away, Madam is acting like a tyrant,” Granny Yang said resentfully. “Didn’t no one get hurt? Why such a heavy punishment?”
“Can’t be helped,” the steward quickly waved his hand. “This one is not the same as she was back then. She’s quite capable now, even winning over Duke Feng’s Family’s Little Madam.”
“So, it’s better that Little Madam doesn’t return for now,” Granny Yang said after pondering for a long time.
“I think so too. Let’s wait for things to blow over. They’re in their prime right now!” the steward said.
Granny Yang was unhappy but helpless. She didn’t know if Wen Mingqian was lucky or sufficiently vigilant.
This time, the matter didn’t escalate, and no one seemed to be pursuing it, but ultimately, they were the ones who suffered a loss.
This banquet allowed Wen Mingqian to break through. Not only did she appear before everyone as the matriarch, but she also formed connections with several families.
This was not a good development for them.
However, they would never give up. The return of Wen Mingqian and her son threatened their most crucial interests, and they would never back down.
It was already April, and the weather was getting hotter.
Small flower buds were forming on the pomegranate tree, but it was still a long way from blooming.
Wen Mingqian recognized the person before her at a glance: “Aren’t you Granny Zhu?”
“Madam has a good memory,” Granny Zhu said, glancing lightly at Wen Mingqian before lowering her head. “This old servant also worked in the mansion for a few years.”
“Yes, many servants in this mansion have changed,” Wen Mingqian nodded. “I remember you have a daughter named Chun’e, she’s married now, right?”
“Alas! She is married, but she’s not living well,” Granny Zhu sighed. “Her husband was driving a cart and broke his leg. It’s been almost half a year, and he can only lie on the kang…”
She suddenly felt she shouldn’t be telling her mistress these things and apologetically stopped speaking. “These trivial matters should not be told to Madam.”
“I remember that year I lost an earring while admiring the moon outside. That earring was left to me by my mother, and she helped me find it the next day,” Wen Mingqian said. “She was only eleven or twelve years old then.”
“Yes, yes, Madam even rewarded her for that,” Granny Zhu said.
“Have Zhang Ma give you some silver later. Take it to get your husband treated! It’s not good for him to be bedridden at such a young age,” Wen Mingqian said. “While the injury is still fresh, find a good doctor to treat it, and don’t let it leave a permanent root.”
“Oh! Madam, you are truly a living Bodhisattva!” Granny Zhu, along with her son and husband, knelt down to thank Wen Mingqian.
“It’s a small matter, not worth kneeling for,” Wen Mingqian said. “Get up, all of you. Just do your work diligently from now on.”
