tallest building

Chapter 23 Long-Term Plan

Wen Mingqian did not escalate the matter simply to appease the situation, but rather because he believed that such an action was not advisable in the long run.

Even if the matter goes through the authorities today and it is found that Song was the one who instigated it, since no one was ultimately harmed, the government will not punish anyone.

This matter can only be considered a scandal, becoming a topic of conversation among people.

Gong Xu would not blame Song Shi for this; he would think that it was understandable for Song Shi to take some extreme actions to avenge the loss of her son.

The Gong family would blame Wen Mingqian for this, believing that she had aired her dirty laundry in public as soon as she returned, making a laughing stock for outsiders. You should know that the Gong family cares most about their reputation.

Song had her brother and Gong Xu backing her up, while Wen Mingqian had no one to rely on.

Furthermore, Gong Xu would inevitably use this as a reason to request Old Madam Gong to order him to be expelled from the mansion again.

Therefore, Wen Mingqian must not allow the situation to escalate. She needs to first establish herself firmly in the Gong family before making any further moves.

Wu and Cui Mingzhu naturally didn't think of this; they simply assumed that Wen Mingqian was a kind and easy-going person who wanted to downplay the matter.

“Miss Cui, wipe your tears,” Wen Mingqian handed over his handkerchief. “My wife and I want an explanation. Is that too much to ask?”

Cui Baozhu had no way out at this point, and Wen Mingqian had given her a way out, but she was still a little uneasy and asked, "If I tell you the truth, will you definitely not investigate further or spread it?"

"Don't worry, we mean what we say," Wen Mingqian said firmly.

"Stop nagging, didn't I already agree?" Mrs. Wu rolled her eyes impatiently.

“Alright, I’ll tell you,” Cui Baozhu said, wiping away her tears. “It was your mistress’s maid, Yang Mama, who found me and asked me to do this.”

She said she would take advantage of today's banquet to humiliate you, Madam. That way, you wouldn't be able to stay in the manor anymore. Once you're kicked out, this place will be their young mistress's domain again.

As you know, Mrs. Song and I have always been on good terms. I'm young and easily swayed by kind words. I always feel I should go to great lengths for a friend, and since she asked for my help, I really couldn't bear to refuse..."

"It really was her!" Madam Wu had naturally thought of Madam Song long ago. "She knows my son's problems better than anyone. I treated her like a human being, yet she dared to scheme against me!"

Wu hated Cui Baozhu, but she hated Song Xiulian even more. No one wants to be framed, especially when they want to harm their own beloved.

“I’ve explained everything clearly, and I know I was wrong,” Cui Baozhu said with deep regret. “Please forgive me! I will never do it again.”

“Miss Cui, you are still young, and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between true and false people. This time it’s a stroke of luck amidst misfortune; we won’t pursue the matter and will even keep your secret. We hope you will be kind and walk the right path in the future and not do anything wrong again.” Wen Mingqian knew that Cui Baozhu had been used as a tool by Song Shi, which was both hateful and pitiful.

Hopefully, after this incident, she will distance herself from the Song family and no longer be used by them.

Eliminating the opponent's allies doesn't necessarily mean killing them. It's better to divide them or even win them over to your side.

"Thank you, Second Madam." Cui Baozhu nodded to Wen Mingqian. "I will remember your favor. I won't return to the banquet now. See you another day!"

After saying that, she turned and left.

“Madam, thank you for your magnanimity today,” Wen Mingqian turned to express his gratitude to Madam Wu. “I feel really bad that the young master was almost frightened.”

"It's not your fault, it's all thanks to your son's quick thinking," said Madam Wu. "It's just that those two vile women got off easy! When I run into Song Xiulian another day, I'll definitely confront her." "Young Madam, you're so quick-witted, I never imagined people could be so despicable," Wen Mingqian said, lowering his eyes. "It's getting late, let's take our seats!"

When they returned, the feast had already been set out.

Wen Mingqian said apologetically, "I am really sorry, everyone. It is all my fault for not being a good host. I will punish myself with three cups before the meal begins. Please forgive my negligence!"

After saying that, he drank three glasses of wine.

Madam Wu smoothed things over, saying, "It's not Second Madam's fault. It's all my fault. I kept her occupied because I was asking her some questions. I'll punish myself with three cups."

Seeing the situation unfold, the people at the table knew there was more to it than met the eye, so they didn't ask any further questions and just laughed it off.

“This feast is truly exceptional,” said Lady Jiangxiahou. “The combination of meat and vegetables is refreshing and delicious, just my liking.”

"Thank you for your kind words, Madam. Please don't be so polite. I'll have someone write down everyone's favorite dishes, and I'll definitely treat you all to something again when the opportunity arises." Wen Mingqian's face was flushed from the wine, making him look even more radiant and charming.

For a time, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air, creating a beautiful scene of springtime banquet.

After the banquet ended, the cups and plates on the table were removed and replaced with tea.

At this point, some guests were about to leave.

"Please wait a moment, everyone. I have a small gift to offer." As soon as Wen Mingqian finished speaking, several maids came up carrying a carved lacquer tray with some bottles and jars inside, the contents of which were unknown.

"Thank you all for taking the time to come. I am so grateful that I don't know what to do. These are handmade perfumes and balms. I know you all use the finest things, so mine seems rather meager. But it's all a token of my appreciation. Keep them to wipe your hands or give them away!"

"Sister, you're too modest. I used the bottle you gave me last time for a few days, and everyone praised my complexion!" Liu Cuiyi said with a smile. "I was going to ask you for more! This time I'm benefiting from everyone's kindness."

"No wonder! I knew Grandma Zhou's face looked much fairer and smoother than usual," someone with sharp eyes immediately remarked.

"I noticed that the Second Madam's skin is so delicate and smooth. I was wondering how she could maintain such good skin in such a harsh place like Shuangxi. It turns out she has a treasure!"

Everyone happily accepted Wen Mingqian's gift.

They then took their leave one by one, and Wen Mingqian saw them all to the door.

The young master of the Feng family refused to leave and pulled Gong Chang'an, wanting him to come back with him.

“If Your Highness doesn’t mind, I’ll visit your residence with my mother another day!” Gong Chang’an said, trying to build connections for his mother. “I have things to attend to at home today, so it’s inconvenient for me to go.”

"What about the sworn brotherhood?" Feng Tianzhu still wouldn't let go of him.

“Becoming sworn brothers is a big deal, and it should be discussed with both sets of parents. My mother naturally agrees, but you should go back and ask the Duke and his wife!” Gong Chang’an said. “I have something for you that I made myself.”

Sure enough, once Feng Tianzhu got his hands on the novel gadget, he stopped pestering Gong Chang'an.

"Second Madam, when you have some free time, you must bring Fourth Young Master to our residence." Madam Wu knew her son's temper; if Gong Chang'an didn't come after a few days, he would definitely make a scene.

(End of this chapter)