tallest building

Chapter 52 Fox Tail

Gong Rang entered the house with his two sons.

The brothers Gong Jing'an and Gong Yu'an went to Qingya Academy in Xijing for study at the beginning of the year. They originally planned to return to the capital in the autumn, but unexpectedly, their second uncle had an accident, so they rushed back as soon as they received the news.

The father and his two sons met outside the city, and they couldn't help but sigh with emotion upon seeing each other.

When they returned, it was just dawn, and everyone was still asleep.

"Miss, the old man from the east courtyard is back." Zhang Ma had made jadeite soup early in the morning and brought it in for Wen Mingqian to eat while it was hot.

"Anyway, I'll be going to pay my respects to the old lady soon, so I might as well see her then," Wen Mingqian said, neatly tying his hair up in a bun.

“I’ll go with you in a bit,” said Zhang Ma. “I have a feeling that that wretched maid in the west courtyard is going to lay maggots again.”

"Hmm, even a cornered dog will jump over the wall! She's been frantic these days, and in my opinion, she's probably already come up with some wicked schemes." Wen Mingqian knew Song Shi well and knew she wouldn't let him off the hook, especially given the current extraordinary circumstances.

"What are we afraid of? We've already come up with a plan. No matter what insidious tricks she uses, we'll just crush her with overwhelming force." Zhang Ma didn't take Song's methods seriously.

After the meal, Wen Mingqian went to the east courtyard, and Madam Song followed closely behind, afraid of falling behind.

Madam Gong was also dressed neatly and sat at the table to eat breakfast today. The return of her eldest son made her feel much more at ease.

Wen Mingqian waited in the outer room until the old lady finished her meal before going in to pay his respects, as the old lady did not like having too many people around when she ate.

Normally, only Madam Wei and one personal maidservant would serve her, while everyone else would wait in the outer room.

Today, Gong Rang, the two young masters of the eldest son's family, and Gong Chang'an all ate at the same table as the old lady, making the room feel even more crowded.

Madam Song was also waiting in the outer room. She smiled at Wen Mingqian and said, "Madam got up early today. I was planning to rush over and come here with you, but I didn't expect you to arrive first."

"It's just a few steps. What does it matter if I come a little earlier or a little later?" Wen Mingqian glanced at her indifferently, seeing the calculation hidden in her eyes.

"It wasn't so much to come together, but I thought that Madam might want to ask about Master, since I've been the one bringing him meals these past few days." Madam Song had a cat-and-mouse mentality at this moment.

She felt that Wen Mingqian was completely unaware that a huge net had been laid over their heads, and once it fell, they would never be able to escape.

"I wonder what Madam has been busy with these days?" Madam Song asked when Wen Mingqian did not answer.

“I see you look terribly haggard, Aunt Song. You should try to worry less,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Worrying will only upset your mind, especially since you’re pregnant!”

"Thank you for your concern, Madam." Madam Song pretended not to hear the sarcasm in Wen Mingqian's words. "Madam has taken such good care of herself over the years, I must learn from her."

They had finished eating inside, and the maids and servants hurriedly went in to clean up.

Wen Mingqian got up, straightened his clothes, and walked inside with Zhang Ma's help.

Song followed behind, watching Wen Mingqian's retreating figure, and smirked smugly.

Gong Rang had already learned of Wen Mingqian's return from his wife, Madam Wei. Unlike the Old Madam and Gong Xu, he didn't think Wen Mingqian shouldn't have returned; instead, he said, "It's good that he's back." It took some time for everyone to exchange greetings. Once everyone was seated, the Old Madam said, "The eldest master is back, and there's someone in charge of the household. I've been so worried these past few days that I haven't been able to sleep. I'm sure you're all worried too."

However, things have come to this point, so we must prepare for the worst while also trying our best to move towards the best.

"I'll have the old man go out and inquire carefully, see if he can find a way. If it's money, it can be taken from the public funds; I'll make up the difference if it's not enough."

"Madam, Master, may I ask a question?" Madam Song couldn't hold back any longer. "I wonder how confident you are in getting our Master out?"

"What are you saying?" The old lady's eyes immediately turned sharp. "They are siblings from the same mother, how can we not do our best for them?"

"Grandma, please don't misunderstand, that's not what I meant." Madam Song quickly knelt down. "We all know that Zhu Hui is a stubborn and inflexible person, how could he possibly have any influence?"

“This is indeed a difficult matter, but no matter how difficult it is, I will try,” Gong Rang said. “Aunt Song, I know you asked that because you were worried about my second brother’s safety. Please get up!”

“It’s good that Master knows this is a difficult matter,” Madam Song said without getting up. “What if I told you there’s a way to bring Master back safely? What would you say?”

"What? You have a way?" The crowd was skeptical.

They certainly knew that Song's brother was a confidant of the King of Zhao, but even the King of Zhao had to be wary of Zhu Hui, that reckless and ruthless man.

The relationship between the Gong family and the King of Zhao was not enough to make the King of Zhao risk everything to help them, even if he sent valuable gifts. The King of Zhao was not short of money.

"It's true, I'm not lying. There really is a way to save my master." Madam Song spoke with absolute certainty, almost as if she were swearing an oath to the heavens.

"Tell me what your method is," the old lady asked her. "Tell everyone whether it's feasible or not."

Upon hearing this, Madam Song looked around and finally fixed her gaze on Wen Mingqian: "The key to this matter lies with you, Madam. As long as you agree, our master will be saved."

Everyone followed her gaze to Wen Mingqian, who sat there calmly without the slightest panic. Instead, he smiled kindly and replied to Madam Song, "Aunt Song, we are all family, and this is all to save Master. You don't need to act like this. Please stand up and speak!"

“No,” Madam Song shook her head vigorously, “Madam, this matter has been agonizing in my heart for many days, and I really feel sorry for you.”

But if I don't speak up, it's like watching my master get into serious trouble. I'm really torn...

Madam, I'm so sorry..."

Later, Song started sobbing, as if she felt extremely guilty but helpless.

She really piqued everyone's interest. The old lady, already impatient, urged her repeatedly, "What exactly happened? Explain yourself clearly. What kind of talk is this, keeping your face covered like this?"

"Please calm down, Madam," Madam Song wiped away her tears. "If Prince Zhao and his wife are willing to do their utmost to help, and go to the palace to plead with the Empress and His Majesty for our husband, then surely Zhu Hui wouldn't disobey the imperial decree?"

"What? You mean you want the King of Zhao to plead for our family, or even request an imperial edict?" Gong Rang found it unbelievable. He suspected that Song Shi was so anxious about this matter that she had fallen into delirium.

(End of this chapter)