tallest building

Chapter 24 Loosening the Soil

After seeing off Madam Wu and her son, Wen Mingqian returned to the inner courtyard.

Zhang Ma came over and asked, "Young lady, what should be done with the people in the opera troupe?"

"What else did you find out during the interrogation?" Wen Mingqian asked.

When Zhang Ma inquired about the details, the two men explained the whole story in detail, but it wasn't of much use.

The person who went to find them was a thin man, whose description Wen Mingqian and the others did not recognize.

Song wasn't stupid; she didn't directly ask someone close to her to do it, but probably had someone from her brother's family handle it.

"Although we know that this was the work of that bitch Song Xiulian, it's not easy for her to actually be implicated. She definitely won't admit it," Zhang Ma said.

“Yes, and besides, there’s no one in this family who can make decisions for us. Making a scene will only hurt both sides.” Wen Mingqian had long seen through this.

"Since my scheme didn't work anyway, I just made them hand over the two hundred taels of silver as punishment," Zhang Ma said.

“Remember to tell them that if the other party asks, just say that I disliked the play as soon as I heard its name and immediately changed it,” Wen Mingqian said. “I don’t want the Song family to know that we are not ignorant of what’s happening in the capital all these years. It’s better to let her underestimate us.”

“Understood,” Zhang Ma said. “We changed ‘The Mandarin Duck Alliance’ to a ballad, and the guests didn’t find anything wrong with it.”

He added, "What about the young master of the Feng family? Isn't that also Song's doing?"

Wen Mingqian then briefly recounted Feng Tianzhu's matter.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ma couldn't help but curse, "That heartless, vile maid! She doesn't even spare children. That young mistress of the Feng family was all for nothing, and she's just trying to scheme against us, dragging their precious child down with her."

"This also shows that Aunt Song is ungrateful and only cares about herself." Wen Mingqian smiled. "How can such selfishness last?"

“That Cui Er is a fool too!” Zhang Ma scolded Cui Baozhu. “We’re only doing this to save face for her, otherwise she’ll never get married in this lifetime.”

“I can tell from her family’s situation that things aren’t going well. She probably sees Song Shi as her savior, otherwise she wouldn’t have done such a despicable thing for her.” Wen Mingqian sighed. “She doesn’t understand that the most important thing in this world is to rely on yourself. Others can at most lend a hand, but they can’t be relied on.”

“This time it was all thanks to our young master’s cleverness; any other child would have fallen into their trap,” said Zhang Ma. “If they had succeeded, the Feng family would have vented their anger on us, and the Gong family would have used us as scapegoats.”

"However, this matter will eventually leak out. Even without others, the young mistress of the Feng family alone will not really let it go," Wen Mingqian said. "The Song family has deep roots in this family. If you want to do something to her, you have to be patient. Right now, we can only loosen the soil for her. If we want to uproot her, we will have to put in more effort."

“She’s hiding at her brother’s house right now, so we won’t confront her for the time being. But that old hag Liu needs to be taught a lesson, otherwise she’ll think we’re easy to fool,” Zhang Ma said. “I know she’s old hag Yang’s cousin, a rotten melon from the same vine. It’s better to deal with this scumbag as soon as possible.”

"That's what I was thinking too. I'll call her over later and deal with her as soon as possible." Wen Mingqian raised his hand and rubbed his sore shoulders. "After a long day, I want to rest too."

"Girl, go back and rest for a bit. I'll go get her now," said Zhang Ma. "We didn't go through all this trouble for nothing. Even if it doesn't break any bones, it'll still hurt her for a few days."

As Gong Chang'an pulled Wen Mingqian's hand and walked back, he chuckled and asked, "Mother, when should we visit the Feng family?" "No rush," Wen Mingqian replied with a smile, "that young master is spoiled. If he wants to see you, the Feng family will definitely send someone to invite him. It seems that after today's events, he has remembered you. However, that child is exceptionally willful; you must be careful when you play with him."

"Mother, don't worry. No matter how willful he is, I can handle him." Gong Chang'an said confidently. "Besides, if we use him properly, he can be a protective charm."

“I know what you mean. The Feng family is of higher social standing than the Gong family. If we can befriend them, the Gong family will show us leniency.” Wen Mingqian looked at the flying clouds on the eaves and thought of the snow-capped mountains of Shuangxi that never melt.

"Mother, are you thinking about the past again?" Gong Chang'an asked softly, tilting his head up.

Wen Mingqian chuckled and ruffled his hair: "You little rascal, you seem to know everything."

The mother and son entered the house, and Gong Chang'an personally scooped a bowl of vegetarian dishes from the earthenware pot in the oven and presented it to Wen Mingqian.

"Mother, you've been busy entertaining guests today and haven't had a proper meal. Have this to tide you over," Gong Chang'an said, then instructed a maid to fetch a bowl of hot rice from the kitchen.

“I’m not that hungry. A snack and a cup of tea will do,” Wen Mingqian said.

“You can’t make do,” Gong Chang’an said. “Otherwise, Zhang Ma will force you to eat it when she comes back.”

Wen Mingqian had no choice but to use a simpler method.

Just after rinsing her mouth, Liu's mother was brought in.

Upon entering, he knelt down before Wen Mingqian and pleaded, "Madam, please have mercy on this old man!"

“Aunt Liu, you are ultimately at fault in today’s events. I won’t argue with you about the truth, lest we drag too many people into this.” Wen Mingqian knew she was convinced she was denying it, so he didn’t engage in a verbal battle with her. “Putting everything else aside, we still need to give the Feng family an explanation. Otherwise, what will we do if they are still angry?”

Liu Mama rolled her eyes and said, "Madam's consideration is very thorough, but I have worked in this household for many years. Even if I have not made any great contributions, I have certainly worked hard. I beg you to have pity on me and leave me a way out."

"Don't worry, I won't really do anything to you." Wen Mingqian said with a kind face. "Just go to the manor outside the city! There aren't many jobs there, and the wages are still the same."

"Oh, Madam, I'm already this old, please don't send me out of the city. Two months' wages will be enough," Liu Mama said, bursting into tears. "My poor husband and son are both in this household. It's like we've been torn apart. What are we going to do?"

“Old Liu, what are you complaining about? It’s just that the Fourth Young Master is alright today, otherwise your old bones wouldn’t be enough to compensate! Madam has been merciful, letting you go to the estate outside, but you’re still here crying and making a scene. Do you really think Madam can’t do anything to you?” Zhang Ma said sternly. “If you can’t bear to leave your husband and son, then your whole family can go to the estate! Let the people who were originally looking after the estate come up here, and no one will lose out.”

Of course, Liu's mother was unwilling to give up and wanted to argue a few more points.

Wen Mingqian's face also darkened: "I am the mistress of this house, do you think I have no right to control you? Even if Aunt Song is at home, do you think she can protect you from punishment?"

After hearing this, Liu's mother dared not say anything more. She knew that if they really confronted each other, Song would definitely sacrifice herself.

It's better to just accept it than to offend both sides.

(End of this chapter)