Chapter 75: Fickle Hearts
“Even if we were to invite them, we must first get the Old Madam’s permission, otherwise it would be considered us acting on our own accord,” Madam Song said. “I’ve already been feeling uneasy due to my own frequent disturbances these past few days. If I were to displease the Old Madam because of this, what would I do?”
“You’ve thought it through. It’s fine, I’ll speak to the Old Madam later. Don’t worry,” Gong Xu said.
As Gong Xu was chatting with Madam Song, a friend who was an official in Yingdu sent a steward with many local specialties and a letter. Gong Xu then ordered the steward to be invited to the study for a meeting.
After he left, Madam Song instructed Granny Yang, “Go to my brother’s house and have him speak with Celestial Master Zhang in advance. Tell him…”
Granny Yang said, “Understood, I’ll go now.”
This Celestial Master Zhang had a good relationship with Song Xiang, and Madam Song knew he would definitely speak on her behalf when the time came.
As Gong Xu had to entertain guests, he sent a servant to inform the Old Madam that he would not be attending lunch.
After seeing off his guests, Gong Xu took a nap before heading to the East Courtyard again.
At this time, Old Madam Gong had just woken from her nap. A young maid was fanning her, while another brought over freshly ground almond tea.
“Bring a bowl for the Second Master too,” the Old Madam said. “This is best for the lungs, but it shouldn’t be drunk in excess. I don’t like sweet things, so I didn’t ask them to add sugar. If you can’t drink it as is, have them add some sugar.”
“The original taste is best. This son is also getting on in years and no longer likes sweet things,” Gong Xu said.
“How old are you? You’re in your prime!” Old Madam Gong laughed. “Do you still remember stealing candy when you were little? Your father punished you severely for it.”
“Of course, I remember. Father always felt I could do better,” Gong Xu chuckled. “My elder brother always did better than me in everything, so it’s no wonder Father favored him more.”
“Your father loved you too, but he said I spoiled you,” Old Madam Gong said. “You always had toothaches when you were young, and they got worse when you ate candy.
Your father said that if your teeth aren’t good, your spleen and stomach will also have trouble. If a person’s spleen and stomach are weak, their body won’t be strong. If the body isn’t strong, their temperament can become reclusive.
Therefore, he instructed me to strictly control your sugar intake, but what child doesn’t crave sweets? I couldn’t help but soften occasionally, which led to you being reprimanded.”
“I didn’t dare to eat candy directly back then, so I would say I wanted almond tea and then add a lot of sugar to it,” Gong Xu smiled. “As a result, many people thought I preferred almond tea.”
“Alas! How time flies! In the blink of an eye, you’re already thirty years old,” Old Madam Gong said with a hint of sadness. “But in my eyes, you’re still a child!”
“This son will always be a child in his mother’s eyes, but I no longer add sugar to my almond tea now,” Gong Xu finally stated his purpose. “This son has something to ask the Old Madam for permission for.”
“Go ahead and say it!” Old Madam Gong said. “Is it about Concubine Song again?”
“Nothing escapes the Old Madam’s notice,” Gong Xu said with a smile. “I came over this morning and heard that Chang An had a nightmare last night. Concubine Song has also been quite agitated for several days, and she’s truly terrified. She wants to invite a pháp sư to exorcise evil. Is that permissible?”
Old Madam Gong heard this, pondered for a moment, and said, “You can decide this matter!”
When the lamps were lit, Gong Xu received word from the person he sent to invite Celestial Master Zhang: “The Celestial Master said he can arrive in our prefecture the day after tomorrow.”
“In that case, prepare in advance,” Gong Xu said without looking up, as he was teaching Yun Ying calligraphy at the time.
“Master, it’s time for your dinner,” Yun Ying said, putting down her brush. “It’s all my fault for being so clumsy and delaying you so much.”
“One who enjoys teaching is tireless,” Gong Xu smiled. “You just lack strength in your wrist; it will improve with practice.”
“Master is truly patient. If it were me teaching someone else, I would have lost my temper long ago,” Yun Ying said, tidying up the table.
“Sister Yun Ying, Madam asked me to bring Master’s dinner over,” Sang Er’s sweet voice chimed in. She was wearing a moon-white jacket and a water-red silk skirt, her thick, dark hair making her face appear even more delicate.
“Bring it here! Thank you for your trouble. I was just about to go and get it myself!” Yun Ying said, smiling as she went to meet her.
“How could I dare trouble you, Sister?” Sang Er giggled. “Sister is now studying with Master! How can you do such menial tasks?”
“You little rascal, stop teasing me,” Yun Ying said, her face blushing. “If I were to study, it would have to be in my next life!”
“Sister, don’t say that. As the saying goes, proximity to vermilion leads to its color. You’ve been by Master’s side for a long time, so you’ve naturally picked up a scholarly air,” Sang Er said, chuckling.
“Sang Er, if you want to study, I can teach you too. You and Yun Ying, progressing side by side, wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Gong Xu felt that Sang Er possessed a natural charm that was unpretentious.
“This servant doesn’t want to!” Sang Er covered her mouth and laughed. “Lest someone accidentally tip over the vinegar jar and make things so sour!”
After she finished speaking, she ran out, making Yun Ying stomp her foot behind her, “You wicked girl! I’ll pinch your mouth until it’s sore later!”
Gong Xu saw her cheeks flush red, her bright eyes sparkling with playful annoyance, looking so pitiable and lovely, beyond description.
His heart couldn’t help but stir, and as if possessed, he suddenly grabbed her hand.
Yun Ying was shy and flustered, wanting to break free but lacking the strength. She could only softly plead, “Master, please let go. It’s not good if someone sees.”
How could Gong Xu bear to? He simply pulled her into his embrace. “Why did Sang Er say you were going to tip over the vinegar jar just now?”
“That girl is talking nonsense, Master, please don’t do this,” Yun Ying struggled in Gong Xu’s arms. “This servant has no title or status right now…”
“Wanting a title isn’t difficult. The Old Madam has already agreed,” Gong Xu said, holding the soft, fragrant woman in his arms, unwilling to let go. “Let me take you as my own on an auspicious day. Didn’t Madam tell you?”
He had been living like a monk for the past two months, and with a beauty in his arms, how could he restrain himself?
“Master should eat dinner first! This servant dropped her hairpin in the well; I am yours now,” Yun Ying said, her gaze shy yet full of affection. “Master, please be patient for a few more days; it would be a sign of your affection for this servant.”
Just then, someone passed by the room, and Gong Xu let go of her hand.
As Yun Ying stood up, Granny Yang arrived with Gong Bao’an.
“Father, Mother asked me to invite you to have dinner together,” Gong Bao’an said as he entered.
“Madam has already sent dinner over,” Gong Xu said. “You and your mother eat together.”
“Will Father come over later? Mother is very scared at night and wants Father to stay with her,” Gong Bao’an said, looking up expectantly.
In the past, Father always stayed with Mother, but now, for some reason, he went less and less.
“Granny Yang, please take the Fifth Young Master back! Tell Little Madam that after I finish dinner and rest for a bit, I will go to her room.”
Despite Gong Xu saying this, he didn’t feel willing in his heart. He didn’t know when his feelings for Madam Song had changed.
