tallest building

Chapter 60 Providing Support

The room of Old Madam Gong was filled with laughter and chatter, which Song could hear from a great distance.

The laughter sounded harsh to her, deepening her displeasure.

When Gong Xu returned, the old lady didn't send anyone to inform her, but instead summoned Wen Mingqian alone.

With such favoritism, it's no wonder the Song family is unhappy.

“Mother,” Gong Baoan shook Song’s hand, “Why aren’t you leaving?”

“Baby, let’s go to the door to greet Daddy, okay?” Madam Song felt that even if she went in now, she wouldn’t be welcomed.

Since that's the case, we might as well head straight to Gong Xu and save ourselves the trouble of putting on useless smiles here.

“But Fourth Brother and the others…” Gong Baoan frowned, his face contorted with worry, “I also want to be with them…”

After thinking for a moment, Madam Song said, "Alright, I'll have a maid take you there. You can play with them while I go to greet the master."

Gong Baoan was overjoyed and flew over like a swallow.

When Gong Xu arrived home, the first person he saw was Madam Song. Seeing her haggard appearance, he felt sorry for her.

However, since she was in front of Gong Rang, she couldn't say anything, so she just nodded at her.

“My lord, you have suffered so much,” said Madam Song, holding back her tears. “I have already asked them to boil water and prepare brand new clothes. Please take a bath and change your clothes before you go to see the old lady!”

“That’s true. It wouldn’t be good for Mother to see me like this,” Gong Xu said to his elder brother. “Please go to the old lady first and tell her that I will be there shortly.”

After tidying up, Gong Xu came to see his mother.

When they met again, there was naturally another wave of sighs.

It took him quite a while to sit down again.

"Well, at least you're back safe and sound." Old Madam Gong said with a sigh after calming herself down, "Remember to go to the ancestral hall to offer incense to our ancestors later."

"Yes, Mother," Gong Xu replied, his hands at his sides. "Your son was able to return this time thanks to the blessings of our ancestors."

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. Quickly bring the food!" said Madam Gong. "It's getting late."

Then, looking at Song Shi behind Gong Xu, she said, "You're not feeling well and should rest. I'll have them pick out your favorite dishes for you later, and you can eat them in your room!"

"Thank you for the food, madam. I'll head back now." Although Aunt Song was unwilling, she still had to put on a show of utmost deference.

She was just a concubine and had no right to eat at the same table as the old lady and the others.

Gong Xu glanced at her, his eyes filled with comfort and heartache.

Wen Mingqian noticed it unintentionally, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

She used to find the way the two of them exchanged flirtatious glances rather irritating, but now she just finds it laughable and lamentable.

It's unclear how much sincerity Song Shi truly had for Gong Xu, but Gong Xu certainly considered it all true.

Gong Xu also saw Wen Mingqian. Compared to Song Shi, she was truly beautiful and radiant, but unfortunately, she had no heart.

After the meal, Madam Wei had someone clean up and then went out with her two sons.

Wen Mingqian also took Gong Chang'an back for a nap.

Only Gong Xu and her two sons remained in the house.

"Mother, I've worried you these past few days." Gong Xu was still very filial. "It's all because I'm an unfilial son."

"How can this be your fault?" said Madam Gong. "It's a blessing that you came back safely." "You must not have been eating or sleeping well these past few days. Why don't you rest for a while, and your son will come over to talk to you later," said Gong Xu.

“No rush,” said Madam Gong. “Your brother and I have something to say to you.”

"Mother, please speak." Gong Xu vaguely felt that it was mostly related to Wen Mingqian.

"I know you and your wife still have some disagreements," the old lady sighed, "but firstly, she's back, and she's brought Chang'an with her. Secondly, you were able to come back this time thanks to her, and besides, I've seen that she has genuinely changed her ways these past few days."

What's past is past, but we must always move forward. You need to convince yourself to forgive and forget about her, and stop being so stubborn.

"I understand what Mother means. It's just that I'm still a little confused." Gong Xu already knew from Gong Rang how Wen Mingqian had rescued him.

He couldn't say he wasn't moved, but the resentment in his heart couldn't be completely eliminated.

“Second brother, a gentleman must forgive a man’s repentance,” Gong Rang also advised. “Your wife is just a woman who has endured seven years of hardship on the frontier and has returned to serve you wholeheartedly. You are husband and wife after all; you can’t be cold to each other forever, can you?”

"Yes! She wrote the sutra in her own blood to atone for her sins; her intention was sincere enough," said Madam Gong. "Besides, she raised her child so well."

Chang'an is your legitimate son, so naturally you should treat him differently.

Madam Gong was very particular about whether the child was born of a legitimate or illegitimate parent, so she was somewhat indifferent to the children born to Madam Song.

Everyone knows this.

Although Gong Xu disliked Wen Mingqian from the bottom of his heart, he still chose to verbally agree in front of his mother.

"Since Mother has said so, I will do my best to reconcile with her."

"That's right." Old Madam Gong smiled. "Harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things, that's the best."

Moreover, Aunt Song is currently in poor health and should be taken good care of; she shouldn't be burdened with any more stress or worry.

"Let's leave the housekeeping to Mingqian! She seems quite composed these days, and I don't think she'll make any major mistakes."

"Mother, let's... wait a little longer," Gong Xu couldn't help but say, "After all, she only just returned not long ago."

"What does this have to do with how long she's been back?" Old Madam Gong said unhappily. "When she wasn't home, Song Shi could manage things. Now that she's back, and acting all high and mighty, wouldn't it be a laughing stock if she didn't take charge of the household?!"

Besides, I've already made my decision; you have no choice but to agree.

“Second brother, don’t argue with Mother. She’s only doing this for your own good,” Gong Rang said. “Your wife has been away from home for years, and there’s already a lot of gossip going around. If she’s still like this now that she’s back, you’ll be criticized too.”

Gong Xu sighed helplessly in his heart, knowing that he could not possibly win against the two people in front of him.

He was still a minor when his father passed away.

The inner quarters were managed by their mother, while the eldest brother took care of all the affairs outside.

I grew up under their protection, but I was also somewhat strictly controlled.

Even at this age, there are still many things that are beyond our control.

“Mother and elder brother are both right.” Gong Xu suppressed his resentment. “Then let her manage the household.”

Seeing that he had agreed, Madam Gong disregarded whether he was happy or not and said, "That's good. You must be very tired. Go back and rest! Go when the yamen informs you. For now, stay home and recuperate."

"Please rest well, Mother. I'll take my leave now." Gong Xu stood up, bowed, took two steps back, and then turned to leave.

"Eldest son, you should go and rest too!" said Madam Gong. "Let's all rest!"

(End of this chapter)