Chapter 60: Lending Support
Old Madam Gong’s room was filled with laughter, which Consort Song could hear from afar.
The laughter grated on her ears, deepening her displeasure.
Old Madam had not sent anyone to inform her of Gong Xu’s return; instead, she had summoned Wen Mingqian alone.
It was no wonder Consort Song was unhappy with such favoritism.
“Mother,” Gong Bao’an said, shaking Consort Song’s hand, “why aren’t you walking anymore?”
“Bao’er, be good. Let’s go to the entrance to welcome Daddy, shall we?” Consort Song felt that even if she went in now, she wouldn’t be welcomed.
Since that was the case, it was better to go directly to Gong Xu, saving her the trouble of putting on a fake smile here.
“But Fourth Brother and the others…” Gong Bao’an frowned, his face looking distressed. “I want to be with them too…”
Consort Song thought for a moment and said, “Very well, I’ll have a maid take you. You go play with them, and I’ll go welcome Master.”
Gong Bao’an was overjoyed and darted off like a swallow.
The first person Gong Xu saw upon returning home was Consort Song. Seeing her gaunt face, he naturally felt heartache.
However, in front of Gong Rang, he couldn’t say much, only nodding to her.
“Master, you must have suffered,” Consort Song said, holding back tears. “I already had them prepare hot water and new clothes. Please bathe and change first, then go see Old Madam!”
“That’s true. My appearance might not be suitable for Mother to see,” Gong Xu said to his elder brother. “Please go ahead to Old Madam’s side and tell her I’ll be there shortly.”
After Gong Xu cleaned himself up, he then went to see his mother.
Upon their reunion, there were naturally more sighs.
It took a long while before they sat down again.
“Alas, no matter what, you’ve returned safely,” Old Madam Gong said, calming her emotions and sighing. “Remember to go to the ancestral shrine to offer incense to the ancestors later.”
“Yes, Mother,” Gong Xu replied with his hands clasped. “It is thanks to the ancestors’ blessing that your son could return this time.”
“It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back. Quickly bring the food!” Old Madam Gong said. “It’s getting late.”
Then she looked at Consort Song behind Gong Xu: “You are not well, you should rest and recuperate. I’ll have them pick out a few of your favorite dishes for you, and you can eat in your own room!”
“Thank you, Old Madam, for the dishes. I will take my leave now.” Concubine Song, though unwilling in her heart, had to put on a show of complete obsequiousness.
She was merely a concubine and was not qualified to dine at the same table as Old Madam and the others.
Gong Xu glanced at her, his eyes full of comfort and heartache.
Wen Mingqian happened to see this, and a subtle smile bloomed on her lips.
In the past, she would have found the exchange of glances between these two rather jarring, but now she only found it laughable and lamentable.
She didn’t know how much genuine affection Consort Song had for Gong Xu, but Gong Xu treated it as if it were everything.
Gong Xu also saw Wen Mingqian. Compared to Consort Song, she could truly be described as rosy and beautiful, but unfortunately, she had no heart.
After the meal, Wei Shi had everything tidied up and then took her two sons out.
Wen Mingqian also took Gong Changan back for a nap.
Only Gong Xu and his mother and brother remained in the room.
“Mother, I’ve made you worry these past days,” Gong Xu said, showing filial piety. “It’s all my fault for being unworthy.”
“How can this be your fault?” Old Madam Gong said. “It’s a great fortune that you’ve returned safely.”
“You must not have eaten or slept well these past few days. Why don’t you rest for a while, and I’ll come back later to chat with you,” Gong Xu said.
“No rush,” Old Madam Gong said. “Your elder brother and I have something to discuss with you.”
“Please speak, Mother.” Gong Xu vaguely suspected it had something to do with Wen Mingqian.
“I know you and your wife still have some discord,” Old Madam Gong sighed. “But firstly, she has returned, and she brought Changan with her. Secondly, you owe your return this time to her, and moreover, I’ve seen these past days that she has truly repented.
What happened in the past cannot be undone, but one must look forward in life. You should also persuade yourself to let go of past grievances with her and stop being so stubborn.”
“I understand Mother’s intentions. It’s just that I can’t quite come to terms with it yet.” Gong Xu had already learned from Gong Rang how Wen Mingqian had rescued him.
He couldn’t say he wasn’t moved, but the knot in his heart couldn’t be completely untangled.
“Second Brother, a gentleman must allow for repentance,” Gong Rang also advised. “Sister-in-law is just a woman. She endured seven years of hardship in the borderlands, and upon her return, she has worked diligently for you. You are husband and wife after all, you can’t face each other with a cold shoulder forever, can you?”
“Yes! To atone for her sins, she wrote scriptures with her blood. That intention is sincere enough,” Old Madam Gong said. “Moreover, she raised the child so well.
Changan is your legitimate son, so you should naturally treat him differently.”
Old Madam Gong cared greatly about legitimacy and concubinage, so she was somewhat distant towards the children born to Consort Song.
Everyone knew this.
Although Gong Xu resisted Wen Mingqian from the bottom of his heart, he chose to verbally agree in front of his mother.
“Since Mother has said so, your son will do his best to mend our relationship.”
“That’s right,” Old Madam Gong smiled. “Harmony in the family brings prosperity. It’s all for the best.
And now Concubine Song is frail and should be well-cared for, without any strenuous tasks.
Let’s hand over the housekeeping duties to Mingqian! I see she is quite steady now and I believe she won’t make any major mistakes.”
“Mother, this still… let’s wait a bit,” Gong Xu couldn’t help but interject. “After all, she only returned not long ago.”
“What does it have to do with how long she’s been back?” Old Madam Gong was displeased. “When she wasn’t home, Consort Song managed, and that was fine. Now that she’s back and well, it would be a laughingstock if she didn’t manage the household!
Besides, I’ve already said it, and you have no choice but to agree.”
“Second Brother, don’t be stubborn with Mother. Old Madam is also doing this for your own good,” Gong Rang said. “Originally, with Sister-in-law not being home for so many years, there were already many rumors outside. If it’s still like this after she’s returned, you’ll be criticized too.”
Gong Xu sighed helplessly in his heart. He knew that no matter what, he couldn’t win against these two people.
His father had passed away before he even came of age.
His mother managed the inner chambers, and his elder brother handled all external affairs.
He had grown up under their protection but was also quite restricted.
Even at this age, there were many things he couldn’t decide for himself.
“Mother and Elder Brother are both right,” Gong Xu suppressed his reluctance. “Then let her manage the household.”
Seeing that he had agreed, Old Madam Gong, regardless of whether he was happy or not, said, “That’s good. You must be tired too, go back and rest! Wait until the yamen notifies you to go, for now, rest at home.”
“Please rest as well, Mother. Your son takes his leave.” Gong Xu stood up, bowed, and took two steps back before turning to leave.
“Eldest Brother, you should rest too!” Old Madam Gong said. “Let’s all rest!”
