Chapter 59: Butler’s Authority
Two days later, a servant from the Gong family rushed back with good news.
The Gong family had sent people to keep watch outside the Ministry of Justice these past few days, reporting any news immediately.
“Old Madam, First Master, the people at the Ministry of Justice said they would bring Second Master back before noon today!” the servant who delivered the news said, his face beaming with joy, panting.
Old Madam Gong was drinking tea and almost spilled it when she heard this. A maid beside her quickly took the tea cup.
“Is Second really coming back? Is it true?” Old Madam Gong asked urgently.
“Old Madam, please rest assured, this is what Judge Cui from the Ministry of Justice told me personally, there will be no mistake,” the servant assured. “He also said that our Second Master had no real fault, but the matters inside were too detailed and complicated, and he had to sort them out before releasing him.”
“Mother can rest easy this time,” Gong Rang said, a weight lifted from his shoulders. “I will have the butler quickly prepare a welcoming banquet. I imagine my second brother must be exhausted these days, and it would be good to calm his nerves.”
At this moment, Wei Shi also came in from outside, her face full of smiles: “I’ve already heard, and I’ve told them to prepare!”
Gong Rang said again: “Quickly prepare the horse carriage, I will personally go to pick him up!”
“Good, good, you are the eldest brother, he has always been closest to you since he was young,” Old Madam Gong said, her eyes moist. “I can finally sleep soundly this time.”
“It’s all thanks to Mingqian,” Wei Shi said. “I suppose she doesn’t know yet! I’ll go tell her now.”
“Yes, go and tell her to come over later. The family will have a reunion dinner, which can also serve as a welcome for her and Changan!” Old Madam Gong said. “After all, we haven’t had a moment’s peace since we returned, and with Second not home, everyone hasn’t been in much of a mood.”
“It is indeed Old Madam who thinks of everything so thoughtfully,” Wei Shi said with a smile, flattering her. “How about this, I’ll send someone to invite my sister-in-law over, and we women can have a good chat too.”
So she sent an old woman to invite Wen Mingqian.
“Miss, it seems that Gong Er has been released,” Zhang Ma said as she entered. “The old woman from Old Madam’s room just came over with a happy smile, saying that Old Madam wants to see you!”
“That must be it,” Wen Mingqian stood up. “I had told Zhu Hui that he would be released by today at the latest.”
“Then Miss should wear clothes of a festive color when you go!” Zhang Ma opened the wardrobe to find clothes. “We must consider the face of the Gong family.”
“Naturally,” Wen Mingqian said with a self-deprecating smile. “I am no longer a sinner of the Gong family, so I should also put on the demeanor of a matriarch.”
“Exactly, and it will also sting the eyes of those bitches!” Zhang Ma snorted. “From now on, this courtyard will no longer be her Song’s domain!”
Wen Mingqian changed her clothes and, with Gong Changan, headed towards the East Courtyard.
At this moment, the Gong family courtyard had shed its usual gloom, and everyone was smiling.
Wen Mingqian and her son arrived outside Old Madam’s door, and someone immediately lifted the curtain: “Second Madam is here, please come in quickly. Old Madam and First Madam are waiting for you!”
“Sister-in-law, please sit. We were just talking about you,” Wei Shi said, pulling Wen Mingqian to sit down. “Second Master is back, you must be relieved. I see you’ve dressed up specially today, you look truly beautiful, you’re in your prime!”
Old Madam Gong was also very pleased with Wen Mingqian’s attire today, as a presentable daughter-in-law brought honor to their Gong family.
Wen Mingqian lowered her head slightly, showing a hint of shyness: “I’m still a bit unaccustomed to wearing brightly colored clothes! But I thought since Master is returning today, it should be festive.”
“Sister-in-law, you are a great contributor now,” Wei Shi said, very happy for her. “I must say, you are truly capable! It’s all thanks to you for coming up with that method, otherwise, we would all have been at a loss!”
“Sister-in-law, please don’t praise me too much. This is what I should have done. Moreover, the success of this matter is also due to the blessings of our ancestors and the protection of heaven. And the merits accumulated by Old Madam’s years of doing good deeds and worshiping Buddha, otherwise, how could we have successfully found that thing?”
Wen Mingqian’s humility made Old Madam Gong even more satisfied.
She hugged Gong Changan and said: “Second daughter-in-law, you have suffered for so many years. It’s commendable that you raised the child so well and also cultivated your own character.
I was just discussing with your eldest sister-in-law! Now that Concubine Song is pregnant and her fetal condition is unstable, and you have returned, I will entrust the management of the West Courtyard to you!”
“This… this isn’t quite right, is it?” Wen Mingqian said, both grateful and hesitant. “After all, I’ve only just returned, and moreover, Master…”
“You are the legitimate matriarch, how can you not manage the household?” Old Madam Gong said. “I will speak to Second about it, will he not listen to me?”
“Sister-in-law, don’t hesitate any longer, this is Old Madam’s kind intention,” Wei Shi said with a smile. “Why don’t you thank Old Madam quickly.”
“Thank you, Old Madam. I will do my best. If there are any shortcomings, please guide me and Eldest Sister-in-law,” Wen Mingqian said, going with the flow and no longer refusing.
“From now on, if you sisters-in-law get along harmoniously and discuss matters with your husbands, I will be at ease,” Old Madam Gong said with a smile. “I only need Little Changan to accompany me, and that will be enough.”
“Grandmother, don’t worry, your grandson will always be by your side,” Gong Changan said, hugging Old Madam Gong’s leg like a little puppy. “With you backing me up, I’ll be able to act like a tiger with borrowed wings.”
“Oh my, you little mischievous monkey!” Old Madam Gong couldn’t help but laugh. “You think that with you here with me, your father and mother won’t be able to control you.”
“For the sake of the Buddha, you must also show some consideration for me, this little gatekeeper, right?” Gong Changan giggled. “I’m clinging to Grandmother, and you can’t chase me away!”
“You little monkey!” Gong Yu’an strode in from outside. “Seeing our Great Sage Sun, why don’t you quickly reveal your true form?!”
Wei Shi gently chided: “That’s not proper, Old Madam and your aunt are still sitting here, why don’t you quickly pay your respects.”
Gong Yu’an immediately composed himself and bowed to the elders.
Gong Jing’an then walked in with a composed stride, first paying his respects before speaking: “Second brother is always so impatient. I heard that Brother Changan was here, so he pulled me out of the study.”
“Good, good, it’s best for brothers to be harmonious and affectionate. Have you two heard about your second uncle’s return?” Old Madam Gong asked, looking at her three grandsons with genuine happiness.
“We know. We were originally going to pick up Second Uncle with Father,” Gong Jing’an said. “But Father said he was afraid the carriage would be too crowded, so he asked us to stay home and help Mother with household matters.”
Wen Mingqian knew that Gong Rang’s refusal to let his two sons go together was not because he feared the carriage would be too crowded. After all, the Gong family had more than one horse carriage, and the two brothers could easily ride horses.
It was just that he thought Gong Xu had been in prison for some time and might be somewhat disheveled and gaunt, which might not be very presentable for the younger generation to see.
