tallest building

Chapter 151 Where the Dream Ends

Sang Er naturally couldn't stay there any longer, so she simply left the pastry box on the stone table in the courtyard and hurriedly left.

He rushed back to Mingjing Tower and found Wen Mingqian already drunk, with cups and plates scattered all over the table.

Seeing that the snow outside was falling heavier and heavier, he said, "Mother is drunk, let's go back and rest!"

"Alright, let's go back!" Wen Mingqian nodded. "Remember to settle the bill for the wine, and give Master Huang an extra five taels of silver."

Sang Er helped Wen Mingqian into the car, and she fell asleep as soon as they got in.

Sang Er didn't wake her, knowing that she had exhausted herself these past few days. She also knew that she was reluctant to part with Gong Chang'an, but couldn't fully express it.

Only when the carriage arrived at the palace gate did she gently wake Wen Mingqian: "Madam, wake up, we're home."

Wen Mingqian opened his blurry, drunken eyes and asked, "Are we home yet?"

"Wait a minute, don't get out of the carriage yet. I'll have the driver call two more people out. The snow is really heavy outside." Sang Er quickly wrapped her cloak around her.

After a while, Liu'er, Qingmei, and several other maids came out, some holding umbrellas and others fetching clothes.

Several people escorted Wen Mingqian into the mansion.

Upon arriving at Lingyue Pavilion, Sang Er quickly brewed some hangover tea for Wen Mingqian, made him drink it, removed his outer clothes and shoes, and covered him with a thick quilt.

"Just now, the First Madam sent someone to ask if she wanted to invite our Madam over for tea," Liu'er said. "Several groups of people have come over."

"I'll go and give a reply!" Sang Er stood up. "You stay here and keep a close eye on Madam, making sure she gets her tea and water promptly."

Then he put on a cloak and came out, going down the hallway to Wei's side.

Wei had someone light a small clay stove and roast green tangerines, persimmons, olives, and other things, preparing to sit around the stove with Wen Mingqian and enjoy the snow.

They sent people to invite him three times, but Wen Mingqian still hadn't returned.

“Madam is in high spirits today,” Sang Er said with a smile as she entered. “No wonder our Madam always says in private that no one can compare to you in terms of style.”

“You’re really flattering me, sister-in-law,” Mrs. Wei said with a blush. “I’m just a very ordinary person, but I thought the snow was really beautiful today, and you’re a person with refined tastes, so I arranged this event.”

“Madam is so kind, but unfortunately, she was in a bad mood after seeing the Fourth Young Master off, so she went to Mingjing Tower for a drink. She’s drunk now and is asleep,” Sang Er said apologetically.

It was impossible to hide the fact that Wen Mingqian was drunk, and besides, Madam Wei usually protected her, so Sang Er naturally had to tell the truth.

Sure enough, after hearing this, Madam Wei sighed and said, "Yes! We all miss Chang'an terribly, let alone her own mother!"

It's inevitable that she'll drown her sorrows in alcohol. Don't be fooled by her composed and dignified demeanor in public; she's probably suffering terribly inside.

So, this child is too promising to stay. The less bright one is better off, at least he can keep you company.

“Although our lady cannot come, I know she must like the First Madam’s tea. I’ll ask for some roasted tangerines and olives to take over, and brew tea for her when she wakes up,” Sang Er said.

“No rush, since you’re here, sit down and have a drink.” Madam Wei pulled her aside and said, “I was just telling them that you would look so beautiful standing in the snow wearing a red cloak.” “Please don’t tease me, I’m just a wild girl,” Sang Er said.

“All the maids in this mansion combined aren’t as beautiful as you. I had a few red dresses when I was young. They’ve been rummaging through their trunks and packing them out these past few days because it’s cold. If you don’t mind, pick one out and wear it! It’s a shame to leave it unused,” said Madam Wei.

Sang Er knew that Madam Wei's kindness towards her was out of affection for her, and out of respect for Wen Mingqian, she did not refuse, but thanked her, saying, "Thank you for the gift, Madam. Your things are naturally good and bring good fortune. I have come at the right time today."

He then chose a bright red feathered cloak and drank a bowl of tea before going.

Wen Mingqian slept until dark before waking up. Sang Er had been watching over her the whole time, and when she saw that she was awake, she quickly brought her some tea.

"This tea is well-brewed, perfect for drinking after wine." Wen Mingqian's voice was slightly hoarse.

“It was given to me by the First Madam,” Sang Er said. “I was originally going to invite you over for tea.”

"What time is it now?" Wen Mingqian asked.

"It's time for dinner. What would you like to have? There's porridge and noodle soup in the kitchen."

"I'm not hungry, I don't want to eat." Wen Mingqian slowly got up. "The snow is heavy today, so I won't go to the old lady's place."

"The snow is still falling! I should have let the young master stay a few more days," Sang Er said.

"The date is set by the Master, not by us. It just means the journey will be slower, but fate will take its course," Wen Mingqian said. "Starting tomorrow, you can pack my things! Don't rush, it will only take four or five days. Remember, only pack my own things, don't touch anything in the mansion."

“Mother, what are you going to do…” Sang Er couldn’t help but be stunned for a moment.

Wen Mingqian looked up at her and smiled, "I've settled all my grudges here, it's time for me to go."

"So fast, Mother, you've already made up your mind?" Sang Er was a little dazed. Although she had known for a long time that Wen Mingqian would leave, she was still a little surprised when the time came.

“I’ve been planning this for a long time, just waiting for this day,” Wen Mingqian said. “Actually, I wanted to end it seven years ago, but something came up and I had to postpone it.”

“Yes, Mother shouldn’t be trapped here; she should leave.” Sang Er nodded. “Wherever you go, I will follow.”

“Of course I will take you with me,” Wen Mingqian said, “but I don’t know if you can stay by my side forever. You can see that the Princess values ​​you highly. If she were to ask you to serve her, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep you.”

“For Mother’s sake, I can stay with the Princess, but I will always be of one mind with Mother,” Sang Er said. “Mother, you don’t need to worry about me, I’ve grown up now.”

“Yes, you’re growing up every day, you’re not that little girl anymore. By the way, you went to see your uncle today, is he doing well?” Wen Mingqian asked with a smile.

"Don't mention him!" Sang Er suddenly showed an expression of disgust. "I never want to see him again."

"What, did you two quarrel again?" Wen Mingqian asked curiously. "I thought you hadn't seen each other for a long time and that you could at least have a proper chat when you met."

“He’s doing very well now, Mother, you don’t need to worry. He’s better than any of us,” Sang Er said. “Why don’t I move the lamp over so you can read a few more pages? You probably won’t be able to sleep right now.”

Sang Er didn't want to talk about her troublesome uncle anymore; she'd just pretend she'd encountered a ghost today.