tallest building

Chapter 75 Change of Heart

“Even if we were to invite her, we would have to get the old lady’s permission first, otherwise it would be us making decisions on our own,” said Madam Song. “I’m already feeling uneasy because of my constant commotion these days. What if I upset the old lady because of this?”

“You’ve thought of everything. It’s alright. I’ll talk to the old lady about it later,” Gong Xu said. “Don’t panic.”

Gong Xu was talking with Madam Song when a friend who was an official in Yingdu sent his clerk with a lot of local products and a letter. Gong Xu then ordered someone to invite the clerk to his study for a meeting.

After he left, Madam Song instructed Granny Yang: "Go to your brother's house and have him speak with Zhang Tianshi beforehand. Tell him..."

Granny Yang said, "I understand, I'll go right away."

This Master Zhang was on very good terms with Song Xiang, and Song knew that he would definitely speak up for her when the time came.

Gong Xu had to entertain guests, so he sent his servant to tell the old lady that he wouldn't be coming over for lunch.

After seeing the guests off, Gong Xu lay down for a nap before coming to the east courtyard.

At this moment, Madam Gong had just finished her afternoon nap. A little maid was fanning her, while another brought over freshly ground almond tea.

"Bring a bowl for the Second Master as well," the old lady said. "This is very good for the lungs, but it's not advisable to drink too much. I don't like sweet things, so I didn't ask them to add sugar. If you don't like it, ask them to add some sugar."

"This way, the original flavor is the best. My son is getting older now and doesn't like sweets anymore," Gong Xu said.

"How old are you? You're in your prime!" Old Madam Gong laughed. "Do you remember when you were little and you stole candy? Your father used to punish you severely for that."

"Of course I remember. My father was always disappointed in me." Gong Xu chuckled. "My older brother always did things better than me when we were little. No wonder my father valued him more."

“Your father also loves you, but he says I spoiled you,” said Madam Gong. “When you were little, you always had toothaches, and eating candy would make the pain even worse.”

Your father said that if your teeth are bad, your spleen and stomach will also be difficult to manage. If a person's spleen and stomach are weak, their body will not be strong enough. If the body is not strong enough, one is more likely to be withdrawn and isolated.

So I was told to keep a close eye on you and not let you eat sweets, but what child doesn't crave sweets? I can't help but soften my heart sometimes, which results in you getting scolded.

"Back then, I didn't dare to eat sugar directly, so I would say I wanted to drink almond tea and then put lots of sugar in it," Gong Xu said with a smile. "As a result, many people thought I preferred almond tea."

"Alas! How quickly time flies! In the blink of an eye, you're already thirty years old." Old Madam Gong said with a touch of sadness, "But in my eyes, you're still a child!"

"A son will never grow up in his mother's eyes, but I no longer add sugar to my almond tea." Gong Xu then revealed his true purpose: "I have something to ask you, madam."

"Go ahead and tell me!" said Madam Gong. "Is it about Concubine Song again?"

"Nothing can be hidden from the old lady," Gong Xu said with a forced smile. "I came over this morning and heard that Chang'an had a nightmare last night. Aunt Song has been making a fuss for days now; she's really terrified. She's thinking of inviting a Taoist priest in to exorcise the evil spirits. Is that feasible?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Gong pondered for a moment and said, "You shall decide this matter!"

When the lanterns were lit, the person Gong Xu had sent to invite Zhang Tianshi returned and said, "The Tianshi said he can come to our prefectural city the day after tomorrow."

"In that case, let's prepare in advance," Gong Xu said without looking up as he was teaching Yunying to write.

“Master, it’s time for dinner.” Yunying put down her pen. “It’s all my fault for being so clumsy and taking up so much of your time.”

“You’re always eager to teach others and never get tired,” Gong Xu laughed. “You just lack wrist strength; you’ll get better with some practice.”

"Master is so patient. If I were teaching someone else, I would have lost patience long ago." Yunying cleaned the table. "Sister Yunying, Madam asked me to bring Master's dinner over." Sang Er's charming voice came in. She was wearing a moon-white jacket and a light red silk skirt. Her thick, black hair made her face look even more delicate.

"Here you go! I'm so sorry to trouble you. I was going to go get it myself!" Yunying greeted her with a smile.

"How could I trouble you, sister?" Sang Er chuckled. "Sister is now studying with the master! How could you do such rough work?"

"You silly girl, stop teasing me." Yunying blushed. "As for me to pursue scholarship, you'll have to wait until my next life!"

"Sister, don't say that. As the saying goes, 'one is influenced by one's company.' You've been by Master's side for a long time, so you've naturally picked up a scholarly air about you," Sang Er said with a giggle.

“Sang Er, if you want to study, I can teach you. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you and Yun Ying could study together and grow together?” Gong Xu felt that Sang Er had a natural and unpretentious cuteness.

"I don't want that!" Sang Er covered her mouth and laughed, "lest someone accidentally spill the vinegar jar, and it'll be so sour!"

She ran out as soon as she finished speaking, making Yunying stomp her feet in anger behind her: "That brat! I'll twist your mouth off when I get back!"

Gong Xu saw that her cheeks were flushed, her beautiful eyes were filled with anger, she was pitiful and lovely, and hard to describe.

My heart couldn't help but itch, and as if possessed, I grabbed her hand.

Yunying was shy and helpless. She wanted to break free but didn't have enough strength, so she could only plead softly, "Master, please let go. It wouldn't be good if someone saw us."

Gong Xu couldn't bear to part with her, so he simply pulled her into his arms: "Why did Sang Er say you were about to get jealous?"

"That girl is talking nonsense, Master, please don't do this." Yunying struggled in Gong Xu's arms. "This servant has no status or title now..."

"Wanting a title is easy enough, isn't it? The old lady has already agreed." With her soft, fragrant body in his arms, Gong Xu refused to let go. "I'll take you in on a chosen day. Didn't Madam tell you?"

He had been living like a monk for the past two months, how could he possibly resist having a beauty in his arms?

"Master, please eat first! I am yours now, like a hairpin that fell into a well." Yunying said shyly and tenderly, "Master, please be patient with me for a few more days, it is only because you care about me."

Just then, someone passed by the house, and Gong Xu let go of his hand.

Just as Yunying stood up, Granny Yang arrived with Gong Baoan.

"Father, Mother asked me to invite you to have dinner together," Gong Baoan said as he entered the room.

“The lady has already sent someone to bring dinner,” Gong Xu said. “You and your mother can eat together.”

"Will Father go over later? Mother is very scared at night and wants Father to stay with her." Gong Bao'an looked on expectantly.

In the past, my father always stayed with my mother, but now, for some reason, he goes there less and less.

“Mother Yang, take the Fifth Young Master back! Tell the young mistress that I will go to her room after dinner and resting for a while.”

Despite what Gong Xu said, he was not truly willing. He didn't know when his feelings for Song Shi had changed.

(End of this chapter)