Chapter 53: Forced Harshly
Consort Song wiped away her tears and began to explain the details: “Prince Zhao’s youngest son was born frail and sickly. Doctors have examined him and said that a male child born on the same day, month, and year as him must be chosen to become a monk as his substitute to ensure his safety and well-being.
The Prince’s Mansion had previously sought several candidates, but none were effective.
Now, a master from Zhongnan Mountain has arrived, stating that the substitute must be from a wealthy background, a scion of a noble family, as children from poor families cannot bear such a burden.
Therefore, Prince Zhao has spread the word that if any family’s son is willing to become a monk for their young heir, no matter how much gold or silver, or even the stars and moon, if he can obtain it, they will not refuse.
We know Prince Zhao’s status; if he truly intends to help with all his might, nothing is impossible, but the key lies in whether they are willing.
My brother also went to plead before, but our influence was insufficient, and there was nothing we could do.
Perhaps fate has not closed all doors! Our Fourth Young Master happens to be born on the same day, month, and year as the Prince’s young heir…”
“Such a thing has happened? Are you speaking the truth?” Old Madam Gong asked.
“How would I dare to fabricate such a matter? If Old Madam does not believe me, she can send someone to inquire again,” Consort Song said. “In fact, I already knew this a few days ago, but I kept it to myself and did not speak of it. I know this is truly a difficult situation for anyone.
I am also a mother, and I understand a mother’s deep concern for her son.”
At this point, Consort Song crawled on her knees to Madam Wen Mingqian and pleaded: “Madam, I know that asking you to give up Fourth Young Master is akin to cutting out your own heart.
But if Master meets with misfortune, will it not cause Old Madam to weep away her remaining years? Moreover, this concerns the entire Gong Family.
I know I have wronged you; in my next life, I will repay you by being your ox or horse. Please take pity—not on me, but on Old Madam, who at her age still has to worry and fret over Master’s affairs.
Furthermore, you and Master are husband and wife. If something were to happen to Master, how could Madam be unaffected?”
Consort Song wept profusely, her words filled with earnest entreaty.
Everyone quietly watched Madam Wen Mingqian, knowing that this matter placed her in an extremely difficult position.
To abandon her only son was equivalent to taking her life, but if she stood by and did nothing, would she not become a sinner of the Gong Family?
Seeing Madam Wen Mingqian remain silent, Consort Song cried again: “Madam, do you know the torment Master is enduring in prison? There is truly no other method now.
The third master of the Luan family has already been forced to his death. Haven’t you seen our Master… he… he has lost so much weight… When has he ever suffered such hardship? I truly wish I could take his place…”
“Help Consort Song up! This matter is of great importance and requires careful deliberation. Although Second Brother is imprisoned, Changan is also our family’s child. He grew up in the borderlands and has already suffered much. To abruptly give him away now is truly…” Gong Rang felt a pang of reluctance.
Old Madam Gong was also in a terrible predicament. She was very fond of this grandson, but she could not disregard her son.
Consort Song remained kneeling on the ground, refusing to rise: “First Master’s words are indeed reasonable, and how could I wish to be the villain? But circumstances wait for no one. If we can extricate our Master before the verdict, wouldn’t that be good? If we wait until he is already convicted, it will be too late.”
“Consort Song, please get up! Have you not pressured Madam enough?” Zhang Ma spoke up.
“Granny Zhang, I know you have the Madam’s best interests at heart, and you raised Fourth Young Master from a young age,” Consort Song said, looking up at Zhang Ma. “I will accept whatever you say about me, as someone has to play the villain.
I am an ignorant woman; I have always regarded Master as my sky. Now that my sky is about to collapse, how can I not be afraid? How can I not be anxious?
Moreover, when a husband is in trouble, how can a wife or concubine stand by and watch? When a father is in trouble, how can a son not save him?
Otherwise, would the Sage’s teachings become mere falsehoods?
Granny, please don’t say I’m speaking without understanding the difficulty. To put it bluntly, even if Fourth Young Master is given away and enters the monastic life, Madam can still see him. It’s not a separation of life and death, never to meet again!”
Consort Song’s last sentence was pointed, and everyone present understood its implication.
Madam Wen Mingqian had caused the death of her son, Gong Kang’an, yet Consort Song, prioritizing the greater good, had not exposed her.
Now, for the honor of the Gong Family, Wen Mingqian’s son was to be given away. If she refused, she would be too selfish.
“Consort Song, if it can save Father, Changan is willing to do anything. Let alone becoming a monk, he wouldn’t hesitate even if it meant losing his life,” Gong Changan stepped forward and stood in front of Madam Wen Mingqian.
“Ah, Fourth Young Master,” Consort Song wiped away a tear and forced a smile at Gong Changan. “I knew it. Although you are young, you are also a person of utmost sincerity and filial piety.
I did not dare to force you and Madam; it is solely my worry and heartache for Master that compels me to beg Madam to lend her aid.”
Madam Wei stood by, greatly conflicted, unable to speak for a long time.
She sympathized with and understood Madam Wen Mingqian, but she could not refute Consort Song.
It was the same predicament she had faced seven years ago.
Back then, she had believed in Madam Wen Mingqian’s character and was certain she would never harm a young child.
But Gong Xu had already determined that Wen Mingqian had murdered his eldest son, and Old Madam did not permit the matter to be escalated.
As the daughter-in-law of the main house, she could only remain silent.
Now, Consort Song repeatedly used Gong Xu’s safety and the Gong Family’s honor as leverage. What could she and her husband say?
After all, they too had no way to ensure Gong Xu’s safety.
Moreover, Madam Wei knew in her heart that Madam Wen Mingqian was now being put on the spot.
If she agreed, she would lose her son. If she refused…
Could she refuse?
Unless she left with her son once more, but that would mean completely severing ties with the Gong Family.
Everyone present held their breath, their expressions a mixture of indecision as they looked at Madam Wen Mingqian.
Consort Song looked at Madam Wen Mingqian with tear-filled eyes, her gaze filled with anxious pleading, and a hint of triumphant malice in her depths.
She wanted to force Madam Wen Mingqian, to push her to a dead end, to the edge of a cliff!
Madam Wen Mingqian, who had maintained a poker face, suddenly smiled slightly and reached out to help Consort Song up: “Consort Song, please get up! As you said, how can I not worry about Master? And how can I not try my best to find a way to save him?”
“Madam, you… you… you agree?” Consort Song was overjoyed.
Indeed, Madam Wen Mingqian had been forced to yield by her. Now she had to give up her son, seemingly becoming a hero of the Gong Family, but she had also lost her lifelong support and would be at Consort Song’s mercy from now on.
“Old Madam, First Master,” Madam Wen Mingqian ignored her and spoke to Old Madam Gong and Gong Rang. “Actually, I have also been thinking of ways to save Master these past few days, but it was inconvenient to speak of it before it was accomplished.”
“You?” Old Madam Gong looked at Madam Wen Mingqian in disbelief. “You haven’t been in the capital for many years, what methods could you possibly have thought of?”
