tallest building

Chapter 149 Early Intentions

The Gong family was extremely busy, as they had assumed that the five masters and some disciples who had come down the mountain would arrive.

To everyone's surprise, only a blue silk donkey cart arrived in the end. Mr. Hua Ying drove the cart, and only Master Zhuge was inside.

People were waiting at the door early in the morning. Although only two people came, they were people that even princes and nobles would not be able to invite.

Gong Chang'an ran over and hugged the teacher tightly. The teacher affectionately stroked his head and asked, "Did you play football today?"

"We were supposed to kick it, but we didn't because we were welcoming the Master and didn't want to get our clothes dirty," Gong Chang'an said truthfully.

Master Zhuge nodded and followed him into the mansion.

After taking their seats, Madam Gong said gratefully to Master Zhuge, "It is truly an unexpected fate that my grandson can become your disciple. We will rely on you for the future of this child, and our whole family will be eternally grateful."

Gong Xu also said, "My son is naughty and has caused trouble for you, Master. Please do not hesitate to teach him and instruct him strictly."

Master Zhuge listened but only smiled.

Finally, he asked Wen Mingqian, "Madam, I would like to ask if you are willing to let the child go with me?"

“It is natural to feel reluctant to part with him, but I still wish him to go with the Master,” Wen Mingqian replied. “Parents who love their children should plan far ahead for them.”

“Very well, we will come to pick him up in three days. In the meantime, we need to prepare his luggage. The academy is quite a distance from the capital, and it is not easy to travel there and back,” Master Zhuge said kindly.

"Thank you for the reminder, Master," Wen Mingqian said humbly. "Besides clothing, is there anything else we need to prepare that is essential for the academy?"

“Madam, I’ve already made a list of the essential items needed at the academy,” Mr. Hua Ying said, “You can prepare them for your junior brother according to the list.”

Mr. Hua Ying is nearly forty years old, and he is also a direct disciple of Master Zhuge.

Despite the significant age difference between them, Gong Chang'an and he still addressed each other as fellow disciples.

Since it was already late when Master Zhuge and his group arrived, they only had time to chat for a short while before preparing for lunch.

After lunch, Master Zhuge and his disciples took their leave.

The entire Gong family went to the door to see them off, only to see the car turn the corner before returning.

By this time, everyone had exhausted their strength and felt utterly worn out.

Supported by two maids, Old Madam Gong walked back, saying, "Go back and rest now!"

Wen Mingqian returned to Lingyue Pavilion and took a nap. When he woke up, he prepared to pack some things for Gong Chang'an, only to find that Zhang Ma had already prepared a lot.

"Why didn't you take a break? You've been busy from morning till now, and you prepared so much food for lunch." Wen Mingqian felt sorry for her.

“I’m just destined to be a busybody. Besides, I don’t feel tired at all when I’m working for the young master,” said Zhang Ma.

Zhang Ma was naturally overjoyed that Gong Chang'an could enter the Sanjing Academy, but to be honest, she secretly shed many tears that night. Although she was tired that day, she couldn't sleep at all, only thinking about packing Gong Chang'an's luggage properly, as she didn't trust anyone else to do it.

"Have you had lunch yet? You look so worried; you must not be eating or sleeping well," Wen Mingqian said, looking at her.

“I watched him grow up, so of course I’m happy that he’s successful. But the thought of not being able to see him often in the future feels like my heart has been ripped out.” As she spoke, Zhang Ma wiped her eyes with her clothes. “Just the other day I was saying that he would fly away when he grew wings. I thought I would have to wait a few more years, but I never expected him to fly away so soon. Sigh!”

"Let me see what you've prepared for him?" Wen Mingqian stepped forward and took a look.

“He has clothes for all four seasons, as well as shoes and socks. But he grows so fast, most of what we have now won’t be enough, and he’ll probably be too small by next spring,” said Zhang Ma. “I was thinking of making him a couple of outfits these next few days, but that still won’t be enough. I don’t like the ones sold in the tailor shops. Let’s see who in this household has good needlework skills and make more.”

“You’ve prepared everything so well that I don’t need to do anything,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “I’m making him a winter coat myself, and I still need to finish making a larger one.”

The tone of his voice inevitably betrayed his hurt feelings.

"I'll prepare some more side dishes later. This child has been eating my cooking since he was little, and I'm afraid he won't be used to it if he eats something different. The weather is getting colder and the journey is arduous, so I hope he doesn't get sick again." As Zhang Ma spoke, tears streamed down her face even more.

Wen Mingqian held back his tears, sniffed, and smiled, "Don't just prepare his things, you should also pack your own luggage."

Aunt Zhang was taken aback for a moment and said, "What luggage should I pack?"

“You can’t just not pack; you have to go to the academy with Chang’an,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Only one person can accompany Chang’an to the academy. Who else could it be but you? How could I feel at ease if it were someone else?”

“But young lady…” Zhang Ma was extremely troubled, “What will you do next…”

“You don’t need to worry about what happens to me. Chang’an is still so young, and the academy is so far from home.” Wen Mingqian had a motherly heart full of love. “You know he is my life. Only when he is well can I be well.”

“Girl, how could I bear to leave you alone?” Zhang Ma cried. “Aren’t you pitiful too? Aren’t you lonely too?”

“I’m an adult now, and besides, I have Sang Er and the others by my side. Although they’re not as experienced as you, they’re still reliable,” Wen Mingqian said. “Besides, Chang’an is gone, and I’m leaving too. What happens next depends on fate; I don’t know how long it will take before I can take another step forward.”

Moreover, I think the Master is very fond of Chang'an. Although it is far from the capital, he can probably come back every few years.

Besides, we can still correspond and know each other is safe, so there's nothing to worry about.

"Young lady, please don't worry. With the young master's quick wit, he shouldn't be too long before he's finished his apprenticeship. We'll reunite then. I hope this old body of mine can hold on until then," said Zhang Ma.

"You definitely can, you're Zhang Ma! You're made of iron and have a heart of steel." Wen Mingqian teased her, "You'll never give up."

Just then, Gong Chang'an ran in, grabbed Wen Mingqian and hugged him without saying a word.

"Are you awake now?" Wen Mingqian hugged him affectionately. "Take a look and see if there's anything you want to bring. Tell them to pack it in advance so you don't end up in a rush and forget things."

"Mother, I only want to take you with me." Gong Chang'an cried, "Should I not have gone to the academy?"

“How could you not go, silly child? Your going there has reduced so many of my worries and obstacles.” Wen Mingqian smiled and cupped his face, gently wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes. “You know, I’ve always wanted to leave the Gong family. But if I were to leave, they would definitely keep you here, so I’ve been holding on. I originally thought I would leave when you were independent, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. You truly are my good son.”