tallest building

Chapter 126 Unexpected Changes

After seeing off the Zhong family sisters-in-law, Madam Wei said, "Everyone ate lunch at the old lady's place today, right? We were originally planning to entertain guests, and we asked the kitchen to prepare ten dishes!"

“Exactly,” said Madam Gong. “It’s so hot today, it won’t last long. I’ll have someone pick out two dishes that the Second Master likes and send them over later, since his leg is not very convenient.”

Gong Xu is still recovering at home and cannot get out of bed.

"I'm really in luck today. The old lady originally intended to entertain distinguished guests, but she gave way to me," Gong Yu'an said with a grin.

“The imperial examination is less than ten days away, and you’re still so irresponsible,” said Madam Wei. “You’re still all smiles and joking around when you see guests. I wonder when you’ll ever grow up.”

"Isn't having a steady older brother enough? I'm so wronged! I'm willing to play the supporting role and I still get criticized." Gong Yu'an made a face and said, "With me standing out, doesn't Miss Zhong think that older brother is even more handsome and talented?"

After finishing his question, he asked Gong Chang'an, "Fourth brother, do you think eldest brother might be a good match for Miss Zhong?"

Gong Jing'an blushed slightly upon hearing this and said, "Don't talk nonsense. Do you think you can make fun of young ladies from noble families like that?"

Gong Chang'an blinked and said, "Grandmother's judgment is never wrong."

This made everyone laugh: "You little rascal, you've grown so clever!"

After having lunch there, Gong Chang'an followed Wen Mingqian back to Lingyue Pavilion.

"Mother, today I played with the young master of the Qiao family at school. He said that his family has acquired a lot of Kunlun slave treadmills and invited us to come and see them." Gong Chang'an said while fiddling with the slingshot in his hand.

“I advise you to behave yourself. Go to school and back home properly. Don’t go to other people’s houses unless necessary,” Wen Mingqian said.

“It’s not that I wanted to go; it was Young Master Qiao who insisted we go. We’ve been hanging out together, and it wouldn’t be right to refuse his invitation so warmly. Besides, Brother Feng is going too,” Gong Chang’an said. “A few other close classmates are also going. If I’m the only one not going, I’ll seem out of place.”

“Miss, what the young master said makes sense,” Zhang Ma, who was following behind, couldn’t help but interject.

Just as Wen Mingqian was about to say something, Zhu's mother rushed over in a panic.

She stopped and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Madam, didn't you send this old servant to deliver some snacks to Madam Zhou?" Zhu Mama said breathlessly. "When I got there, I heard that something happened in their household."

"What happened? What's wrong with Cuiyi?" Wen Mingqian couldn't help but worry.

"I heard it from Zhao Mama. She said that ever since their daughter became pregnant, the concubines in the mansion have been bickering and fighting every day."

Today, Aunt Sun and Aunt Zheng got into another argument over some trivial matter, which escalated into a physical fight. The maids and servants tried to break them up, but little did they know that Aunt Sun's son, who was only three years old and at a mischievous and innocent age, had run off to the well by himself.

After the fight was finally broken up, they turned around and couldn't find the child. Only then did they remember to look for him; the child had already fallen into the well and drowned.

"Oh dear! This is really something!" Zhang Ma couldn't help but lament. "They only have this one grandson now." "This Concubine Sun is used to being domineering because she has a son. Although Concubine Zheng doesn't have a son to rely on, she's newly entered the household and is currently favored, so she's unwilling to back down." Wen Mingqian often heard Liu Cuiyi mention their concubines. "Now that something like this has happened, it's sowing the seeds of future trouble."

“When I heard about what happened, I didn’t dare go in. So I gave the snacks to Zhao Mama and asked her to tell the girls.” Zhu Mama said, “Madam originally told me to go there in person the day after tomorrow, but seeing the situation, I didn’t say anything.”

"I understand, you can go back and rest now," Wen Mingqian said. "I hope this matter doesn't affect Cuiyi. I'll go check on her in the next couple of days, otherwise I'll be really worried."

Just then, the Duke of Qiao's mansion sent someone over, their steward and a maid named Hu.

"Second Madam, it was our Madam who sent this old servant over. Our young master insisted on inviting your fourth young master over, saying he wanted to watch the Kunlun slaves play polo."

"Our lady said, please rest assured. There will be absolutely no mistakes. Our young master and fourth young master are very close friends, having played together since childhood. They're like brothers now, always looking out for each other." This Madam Hu was Lady Qiao's most trusted confidante; she rarely left the manor unless it was absolutely necessary.

“Madam, you’re being too polite. I’m afraid we’re not worthy of your presence. Since Young Master Qiao wants him to come over, then let him go! But this child is mischievous, so please keep a close eye on him and don’t spoil him,” Wen Mingqian said politely.

"Second Madam, you're being too modest. Everyone knows your Fourth Young Master is clever, well-mannered, and the most beloved by the elders," Madam Hu said with a smile. "Our Madam said she wants the Fourth Young Master and the other young gentlemen to stay at our residence for a while longer! As you know, we don't have many children, and Madam and Master are hoping for more children to make a fuss!"

Gong Chang'an listened from the side, just smiling and not saying anything. Qiao Ziyu was really efficient; he did exactly what he was told right away, and it wasn't even noon.

In reality, both Qiao Ziyu and Feng Tianzhu were little tyrants in the mansion, and they always had the final say.

Let alone just inviting a few close classmates over to play, even if they make more outrageous requests, their families will comply.

"Please wait a moment, Madam Hu, have a cup of tea. I'll have someone pack some things for him to take with him," Wen Mingqian said.

“Mother, we usually stay in the inner quarters, so it’s not enough to just bring a servant. Let’s bring another maid! Let Sister Sang Er accompany me,” Gong Chang’an said.

Wen Mingqian thought about it and realized that he did need to send a reliable person to serve him personally, so he said, "Alright, let Sang Er accompany you! When you get outside, you must listen to her and not cause any trouble."

"Don't worry, Mother," Gong Chang'an readily agreed, "I will definitely not cause any trouble."

After Zhang Ma and Sang Er finished packing Gong Chang'an's things, Gong Chang'an got into the Qi family's carriage.

"Look at him, he's so tiny, yet he's always away from home." Wen Mingqian shook his head helplessly as he watched the carriage disappear into the distance.

“This boy isn’t one to be kept indoors.” Zhang Ma’s tone was filled with undisguised pride. “Once he’s grown up, he’ll be flying high.”

"When Chang'an and the others came back today, did you see the expression on Miss Zhong's face when she saw Jing'an?" Wen Mingqian asked as he walked back.

“They seem very satisfied,” said Zhang Ma. “This marriage has a good chance of success.”

“They are both good kids,” Wen Mingqian said. “I wonder if Jing’an will pass the exam this time. If he does, I can subtly hint to the Zhong family.”