Chapter 52: Fox’s Tail
Gong Rang entered the family home with his two sons.
Gong Jing’an and Gong Yu’an, the two brothers, had gone to Qingya Academy in Xijing for their studies at the beginning of the year. They had originally planned to return to the capital in the autumn, but unexpectedly their second uncle had an incident, so they rushed back upon receiving the news.
The father and his two sons met outside the city, and seeing each other, they couldn’t help but sigh.
When they returned, the sky had just begun to lighten, and everyone had not yet woken up.
“Miss, the Eldest Master from the East Courtyard has returned,” Zhang Ma said, having made a bowl of emerald flatbread soup that morning and bringing it in for Wen Mingqian to eat while it was hot.
“We’ll be going to pay respects to the Old Madam shortly anyway, so we’ll see him then,” Wen Mingqian said, neatly tying her hair bun.
“I’ll accompany you there in a moment,” Zhang Ma said. “I always feel like that lowly maid in the West Courtyard will cause trouble again.”
“Indeed, even a cornered dog will jump over a wall! She’s been frantic these past few days. In my opinion, she’s likely already brewed up some wicked scheme,” Wen Mingqian understood Consort Song well, knowing she wouldn’t let her off, especially in such a critical situation.
“What do we have to fear? We’ve already thought of a countermeasure. No matter what insidious trick she plays, we’ll be more than enough with a mountain pressing down on her,” Zhang Ma didn’t take Consort Song’s tactics seriously.
After breakfast, Wen Mingqian went to the East Courtyard, and Consort Song followed closely behind, afraid of being left out.
Old Madam Gong was also dressed neatly and sitting at the table eating breakfast today. Because her eldest son had returned, she felt much more at ease.
Wen Mingqian waited in the outer room for the Old Madam to finish her meal before going in to pay her respects. The Old Madam disliked having too many people around while she ate.
Normally, only Madam Wei and a personal maid served her, while others waited in the outer room.
Today, Gong Rang, the two young masters from the Main House, and Gong Changan were all eating at the same table as the Old Madam, making the room feel even more crowded.
Consort Song was also waiting in the outer room. She smiled at Wen Mingqian and said, “Madam rose early today. I had intended to come over with you, but you arrived ahead of me.”
“It’s only a few steps, what difference does it make if I arrive a little earlier or later?” Wen Mingqian glanced at her indifferently, seeing the calculation hidden in her eyes.
“It’s not about walking together. I just thought Madam might want to ask about Master’s affairs, as I’ve been bringing meals to Master these past few days.” Consort Song felt like a cat playing with a mouse at this moment.
She felt that Wen Mingqian surely didn’t know that a large net had already been set up above her and her son, and once it fell, they would be unable to escape no matter what.
“I wonder what Madam has been busy with these days?” Consort Song continued, seeing Wen Mingqian’s silence.
“I see that Concubine Song, you look truly gaunt. You should learn to worry less,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Melancholy harms the spirit, and you’re even carrying a child!”
“Thank you for your concern, Madam,” Consort Song pretended not to hear the sarcasm in Wen Mingqian’s words. “Madam has maintained herself so well over the years; I must learn from you.”
As they spoke, the meal inside was finished, and the maids and old women hurried in to clear the table.
Wen Mingqian stood up, tidied her clothes slightly, and walked in, supported by Zhang Ma’s hand.
Consort Song followed behind, looking at Wen Mingqian’s retreating back and smiling triumphantly to herself.
Gong Rang had already learned of Wen Mingqian’s return from his wife, Madam Wei. Unlike the Old Madam and Gong Xu, he didn’t think Wen Mingqian shouldn’t have returned; instead, he said, “It’s good that you’re back.”
It took some time for everyone to greet each other. Once they were all seated, the Old Madam said, “The First Master has returned, and the household now has someone in charge. I’ve been so worried these past few days that I couldn’t sleep, and I’m sure you’ve all been worried too.
However, since things have come to this, we must prepare for the worst while striving for the best.
Later, have the Eldest Master go out and inquire thoroughly to see if he can find any connections. If money is needed, it will come from the public funds; if it’s not enough, I will make up the difference.”
“Old Madam, First Master, may this concubine ask a question?” Consort Song couldn’t help but say. “How much confidence does the First Master have in being able to get our Master out?”
“What kind of talk is that?” The Old Madam’s gaze immediately turned sharp. “They are brothers, born of the same mother; how could we not try our best?”
“Old Madam, please don’t misunderstand. That’s not what I meant,” Consort Song quickly knelt down. “We all know that Zhu Hui is stubborn and unyielding; how can he be reasoned with?”
“This matter is indeed difficult, but no matter how difficult, I will try,” Gong Rang said. “Concubine Song, I know you are worried about Second Brother’s safety, which is why you asked. Please get up!”
“It’s good that the First Master also knows this matter is difficult,” Consort Song did not get up. “What if I said there is now a method to ensure our Master returns safely?”
“What? You have a way?” Everyone was skeptical.
They knew that Consort Song’s brother was a confidant of Prince Zhao, but even Prince Zhao would be wary of the reckless Zhu Hui.
The relationship between the Gong family and Prince Zhao was not enough for Prince Zhao to risk everything to help, even with a valuable gift, as Prince Zhao was not short of money.
“It’s true, I’m not lying. There is indeed a method now that can save our Master,” Consort Song said with certainty, almost swearing to the heavens.
“Tell us what this method is,” the Old Madam asked her. “Speak it out so everyone can hear and judge if it’s feasible.”
Consort Song looked around upon hearing this, and finally her gaze fell on Wen Mingqian. “The key to this matter lies with Madam. As long as Madam agrees, our Master can be saved.”
Everyone followed her gaze to Wen Mingqian. Wen Mingqian sat there without any panic, but replied to Consort Song with a gentle smile, “Concubine Song, we are all family, and it’s to save Master. You don’t need to be like this; please get up and speak!”
“No,” Consort Song shook her head vigorously. “Madam, this matter has been weighing on my heart for many days, and I truly feel I’ve wronged you.
But if I don’t say it, it’s like watching Master fall into danger with my own eyes. I am truly in a dilemma…
Madam, I am sorry…”
Consort Song eventually began to sob, as if filled with immense guilt but also helplessness.
Her behavior truly piqued everyone’s curiosity. The Old Madam was already anxious and urged her repeatedly, “What exactly is going on? Explain it to me clearly. What kind of behavior is this, hiding things like this?”
“Old Madam, please calm your anger,” Consort Song wiped her tears. “If Prince Zhao and the Princess Consort are willing to help with all their might and go to the palace to plead with the Empress and Your Majesty on behalf of our Master, then Zhu Hui wouldn’t dare disobey the imperial decree, would he?”
“What? You mean you want Prince Zhao to plead for our family, and even request an imperial decree?” Gong Rang felt it was incredible upon hearing this. He suspected Consort Song might be too anxious about this matter and had fallen into delirium.
