Chapter 63: Timely Diligence
This day Wen Mingqian came to pay respects to Old Madam Gong.
“Sister-in-law, the water chestnut leaf cakes you sent yesterday were very much to Old Madam’s liking,” Madam Wei said with a smile, “and the jar of bamboo fungus soup was even better.”
“It’s rare that Old Madam doesn’t dislike it; it’s all Zhang Ma’s skill.” Wen Mingqian said, “I was worried Old Madam wouldn’t be used to it!”
“Zhang Ma actually has such good skills.” Old Madam usually saw Zhang Ma as large and rough, thinking her to be a complete coarse person who couldn’t do such delicate work.
“Don’t look at her appearance; she’s actually very skillful, especially with her understanding.” Wen Mingqian said, “If Old Madam doesn’t dislike it, I’ll have her make some food for you every day and send it over.”
“That would be wonderful. Sister-in-law, you don’t know, ever since the Suzhou chef we had left last year, we haven’t found a cook that suits Old Madam’s taste.” Madam Wei said, “It’s been worrying me to death.”
“However, the diet of the elderly is important. They say food is better than medicine, and it truly needs to be particular.” Wen Mingqian followed Madam Wei’s words, “See what Old Madam likes to eat, and have Zhang Ma try making it. If it suits Old Madam’s taste, then teach it to your cooks here. That way, Old Madam can eat it whenever she wants.”
“Is that alright? Speaking of which, it’s Zhang Ma’s specialty; how can she casually teach it to others?” Madam Wei had some reservations.
Wen Mingqian laughed upon hearing this, “What’s the big deal? Serving Old Madam well is the most important thing. Besides, Zhang Ma doesn’t consider this a secret unique skill.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” Madam Wei nodded, “You’ve helped me a great deal.”
Old Madam Gong also said, “As the saying goes, ‘one who eats your food has short hands,’ I don’t want to eat her food for nothing. Yesterday, when they were tidying the wardrobe, they found a lot of fabric stored at the bottom. Although it’s not fashionable, it’s all good stuff. Moreover, she’s also getting on in years, and those colors are just right for her to wear. I’ll find a few pieces to send to her later.”
“Then I’ll thank Old Madam on behalf of Zhang Ma.” Wen Mingqian said, “Old Madam is truly generous; any gift she gives is so substantial.”
“Indeed. Changan should also be going to school soon,” Madam Wei was observant and had already noticed Gong Changan’s schooling. “Has Second Master decided which school to send him to?”
“Master has been busy these days and hasn’t had time for this matter, nor have I urged him.” Wen Mingqian said, “Does Sister-in-law have any good suggestions?”
“You know, Jing’an and Yu’an have been traveling and studying in Xijing since last spring. In a few days, the Imperial Academy will be admitting new students, and they want to try.”
Changan is too young, so he naturally cannot go. However, I heard that just behind the Imperial Academy, Chen Doctor and Jiang Doctor have started a new academy. It accepts students from seven to fifteen years old, and many people are already sending their children there.
The tuition is not cheap, but families like ours don’t need to worry about such things.
Bao’an is still too young and needs to stay at the Wang family’s school for another two years. Changan is old enough. Every day, he can take the carriage with his two elder brothers, drop him off at school, and then return together in the evening.”
Madam Wei told Wen Mingqian this because she considered that if Gong Changan and Gong Bao’an were to study at the same place, both Consort Song and Wen Mingqian would be uncomfortable.
But if they went elsewhere, it would inevitably lead to gossip from outsiders. It would be better to go here, and the reason would be more respectable.
“Such a good thing! Thank you, Sister-in-law, for telling me.” Wen Mingqian thanked her with a smile, “Then when Master returns today, I will discuss it with him.”
“The education of the young is a major matter, especially since Changan is so intelligent and clever.” Old Madam Gong was also very concerned about this matter. “If he doesn’t agree, just tell me, and I will make the decision for you.”
“With Old Madam’s support, what can’t be achieved? Master has always cared about Changan’s studies, but he’s been delayed by too many things. He even inquires about Changan’s homework when he has free time.” Wen Mingqian never spoke ill of Gong Xu in front of the Gong family.
“Mm, that’s good.” Old Madam Gong nodded. “Speaking of which, having only one legitimate child like Changan is indeed a bit too few. While managing the household is important, it’s even more important to have a few more children. You are still young; you need to be mindful of this.”
Wen Mingqian blushed slightly and responded.
She could no longer share a room with Gong Xu, but she still had to put on a show in front of outsiders.
“Old Madam, you don’t need to worry about this. Sister-in-law has only been back for a short time.” Madam Wei came to Wen Mingqian’s rescue, “They are a young couple; they’re still shy!”
“That’s true, after all, they haven’t seen each other for seven years,” Old Madam Wen nodded, “and the second one has a stubborn personality.”
When Wen Mingqian left the Capital City back then, she had only been married to Gong Xu for just three years. They had been separated for a long time, and moreover, the incident back then had been so embarrassing.
“Sister-in-law, have you been tired from managing the household these days? I hear from the staff that you’ve managed everything very well.” Madam Wei appropriately changed the subject and asked Wen Mingqian about managing the household.
“Sister-in-law, please don’t say that. I’m truly ashamed. To be honest, I’m just relying on the fact that everyone here is used to their roles. I’m just a figurehead; how much can I truly oversee?”
“The most commendable thing is governing by non-action; as long as everyone can perform their duties, that’s good enough,” Madam Wei said.
“This is all thanks to Old Madam’s blessings and Sister-in-law’s support. By the way, I have something I’d like to ask Old Madam for permission for. We’ve always been short-handed, so I was thinking of buying two more maids.” Wen Mingqian steered the conversation.
“You are the head of the household; if you want to buy two maids, why do you need to ask me?” Old Madam Gong said, “Do you think I wouldn’t allow you to buy them?”
“Old Madam naturally allows it,” Wen Mingqian said with a slightly meaningful smile, “I was thinking that since Concubine Song is currently pregnant, and I’m busy managing household affairs, Master doesn’t have anyone to properly attend to him.”
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Gong and Madam Wei understood.
“For you to think this way is commendable and virtuous.” Old Madam Gong was very pleased with Wen Mingqian’s actions, “It shows you’ve truly matured.”
In the beginning, Wen Mingqian greatly minded Gong Xu taking a concubine. They had been married for less than a year when Gong Xu brought Consort Song back from outside.
Although Wen Mingqian didn’t make a big scene, she became noticeably colder towards Gong Xu from then on.
To be fair, it was indeed inappropriate for Gong Xu to take a concubine less than a year after marriage, especially when Wen Mingqian was not pregnant.
But Old Madam Gong felt that men were just like that. Crying and making a fuss back then would have been enough; why become so cold afterwards?
Now that Wen Mingqian has taken the initiative to arrange someone to attend to Gong Xu, it shows she also knows that her actions back then were wrong.
Now that she has the magnanimity to tolerate others, it’s likely she will be able to live a good life with Gong Xu in the future.
It’s really busy during the holidays! I’ve only just managed to find time to type this now.
