tallest building

Chapter 11 Invitation to Meet
Gong Xu stared at Wen Mingqian for a moment, feeling that she was completely unrecognizable.

Previously, he had at most thought Wen Mingqian was malicious, but now it seemed that he was not only malicious, but utterly shameless.

Wen Mingqian could clearly see the look in his eyes. If it were seven years ago, Wen Mingqian would have felt heartbroken at the sight of such an expression.

Nowadays, she wouldn't care anymore.

Compared to these grudges and entanglements, she had more important things to do.

“Master, just as you said, time has passed, why don’t we put aside the grudges of the past? For the sake of the child, please allow my son and me to have a place in this family.” Wen Mingqian’s tone softened even more.

Having spent so long in the border regions, she must find a way to establish herself firmly upon returning to the capital.

Therefore, a combination of soft and hard tactics should be used against the Gong family.

“You want to stay, but you’re not content to behave yourself. I’m afraid this family still won’t accept you,” Gong Xu said, frowning. “You’ve only been back for a few days, and you’re already beating and scolding the servants and trying to sell them off. What kind of behavior is this?”

"Master knows we're staying, so how could he possibly bully us for no reason?" Wen Mingqian laughed. "Seeing isn't always believing, let alone hearing it."

"I'm too lazy to argue with you," Gong Xu said, his patience with Wen Mingqian completely gone. "In short, your fate will be decided after the old lady returns. In the meantime, you stay here obediently and don't have any wishful thinking!"

Wen Mingqian smiled as he watched Gong Xu's departing figure.

All these years have passed, and he has made no progress whatsoever.

To be biased and believe only one side, and to be self-righteous.

When Gong Xu returned to the Song family's courtyard, Song was already up and standing under the eaves watching the maids water the flowers.

"Why are you up? Why not sleep a little longer?" Gong Xu walked up to Song Shi and carefully examined her complexion. "You still look very tired."

"I'm much better, sir, don't worry," Madam Song said softly. "But you've been busy all day, sir. Please sit down and rest! I've already asked them to make some tea."

After watering the flowers, the maids tactfully withdrew. Gong Xu looked at Madam Song and said, "Don't worry."

Upon hearing this, Madam Song was taken aback, then smiled and said, "What could I possibly worry about?"

“I know what’s on your mind, but you’re always too reluctant to make things difficult for others, which is making things too hard on yourself,” Gong Xu sighed. “Although she has the title of the principal wife, it’s all empty. No one in this mansion, from top to bottom, acknowledges her, and you don’t need to be respectful to her. She doesn’t deserve it.”

"Master, have you seen Madam?" Madam Song asked.

"I went to warn her not to act arrogantly and to know her place," Gong Xu said. "I didn't expect her to be even more shameless now, insisting on staying in this mansion no matter what."

Madam Song lowered her head, and after a long while, she finally raised it: "Actually, I've always wanted to say that if she could repent and prioritize the greater good, I wouldn't..."

“Xiulian,” Gong Xu interrupted her, “a vicious woman like her doesn’t deserve any pity.”

“But sir, outsiders don’t know the inside story. Now that she’s back, how can we just push her out the door for no reason?” Madam Song shook her head gently, her tone full of helplessness. “The reason we didn’t punish her back then was for the sake of the bigger picture, and it’s the same now.”

"You don't know, I feel disgusted like I've swallowed a fly whenever I see her!" Gong Xu said with disgust. "When the old lady comes back, we'll find a way to send her to a temple, or somewhere else. In short, we can't let this menace stay in the house."

Madam Song stepped forward, gently took Gong Xu's arm, and said with concern, "Master, don't worry about things at home. Today is the fifteenth, and I've already prepared a delicious meal. Let's wait for the moon to rise, enjoy the fragrance of flowers and the shadows of bamboo, and savor the fine food and wine. Put aside your mundane affairs for now and have a good time."

“You are truly my confidante,” Gong Xu said, pulling her into his arms. “You can help me resolve any worries I may have.” The next day, as Madam Song was arranging for someone to serve Wen Mingqian, a maid came in and said, “Young Madam, the Yongqing Marquis’s residence has sent someone to deliver some refreshments.”

So Song asked, "Who did you send?"

“It’s Aunt Zhao,” the little girl said.

Upon hearing this, Madam Song smiled slightly. Granny Yang asked from the side, "What are you laughing at, young mistress?"

“What I’m laughing at is that this pastry is most likely not for me,” said Madam Song, standing up. “Please invite her in.”

"This old servant knows. This Zhao Mama is the maidservant of the eldest mistress of their household." Granny Yang diligently brushed a stray hair from Song's shoulder. "The eldest mistress of their household used to be very close to our man, and now she will probably try to catch up with him."

Sure enough, Zhao Mama brought in a young maid, who greeted Song Shi and said, "Our old master celebrated his death anniversary the other day. Thank you, young mistress, for sending someone to deliver the gifts. I only managed to find time to return the favor these past few days. Please forgive me."

"Mom, please sit down. Our two families are frequent visitors, there's no need to be so polite," Madam Song said with a smile. "Please have a cup of tea."

"No need for tea, young mistress. But I would like to meet your lady. There's nothing else, but our young lady specifically asked me to send this box of pastries over. After all, it's been many years since we last met, so we should be mindful of the proper etiquette," said Zhao Mama with a smile.

“We just happened to send someone over to serve our mistress, so they can go with you,” said Madam Song. “Mama Yang, you can take it over yourself!”

Granny Yang led her people over, and Zhang Ma came out and said, "Mother Zhao is a guest, please come in. Elder sister Yang, let's give these two newcomers some instructions outside for now."

When Zhao's mother came in to greet Wen Mingqian, Wen Mingqian helped her up to stop her from bowing, saying, "It's been many years since I've seen you. How are you doing?"

"Thanks to Madam, everything is fine, except she has aged a bit," said Zhao's mother. "Madam has suffered these past years."

"It's not so much suffering," Wen Mingqian said with a smile, "I just really miss your daughter."

“Oh, oh, how could our daughter not miss you? It’s just that we’ve sent so many letters over the years, but you haven’t replied to a single one,” said Zhao’s mother. “She misses you, but there’s nothing she can do to help.”

“Now that I’m back, I want to see her whenever I have the chance, but I’m afraid she won’t be available, so I don’t dare to make an appointment with her.” Wen Mingqian knew that the Yongqing Marquis’s family had strict rules, and Liu’s mother-in-law was especially strict.

My reputation isn't good, and if my family finds out about my private interactions with Liu, they might make things difficult for me.

"Well, a few days ago it was the anniversary of the death of our old master. The whole family was busy for many days, but we couldn't find any time to celebrate."

Our young lady has been thinking of you ever since she met you in this mansion that day.

She called me here to tell you that we should meet at the Wuqiu Nunnery in the south of the city the day after tomorrow morning. "That place is quiet and peaceful; no one will disturb us," said Zhao Mama.

“Okay, I understand. I’ll definitely go the day after tomorrow,” Wen Mingqian said.

Liu was a close friend she made when she first arrived in the capital, when neither of them was yet married. After she got married, they continued to see each other, and their affection even deepened.

However, ever since Wen Mingqian went to Shuangxi, he has cut off all contact with his relatives and friends. Liu Shi did not blame her for this, otherwise she would not have taken the initiative to make an appointment with him.

“This box of pastries was made by our daughter herself. Please have a taste with your son,” said Zhao’s mother. “I can’t stay too long, so I have to go back now.”

(End of this chapter)