tallest building

Chapter 101 Reunion Feast

Gong Xu was ill for half a month and lost a lot of weight.

He asked the government for leave, and those who didn't know the truth assumed that he was grieving too much because of the death of his beloved concubine.

Indeed, I was saddened, but not because of Song's death.

"Master is in much better spirits today. The old lady just sent someone to ask about him!" Yunying said as she served a bowl of tea. "She said that if Master is feeling better, he can have dinner over there tonight. The eldest master, the eldest madam, and our madam should all go over."

Gong Xu looked out the window at the bright flowers and beautiful willows, and felt that he had been withering away for too long, so he said, "That's fine, I've made the old lady worry these days too."

“Then I’ll send someone to let them know,” Yunying said hurriedly. “Is there anything in particular that Master would like to eat? So we can have them prepare it in advance.”

"Anything is fine, no need to make any special arrangements." Gong Xu didn't have much of an appetite, but he knew that the old lady hadn't called him over specifically for a meal.

It rained in the afternoon, and by evening the weather became exceptionally pleasant.

Gong Xu put on a brand-new gauze dress and, supported by Yun Ying, came to the East Courtyard.

At that moment, Gong Chang'an and Gong Bao'an were playing in the courtyard. When they saw him, they came up to greet him.

The death of Song was undoubtedly a major event for Gong Bao'an. The once carefree child now had an indelible sorrow in his eyes.

Even though Madam Gong took good care of him and no one made things difficult for him, things were still different.

"Father." Gong Baoan couldn't help but purse his lips and reach out to Gong Xu.

My father and mother used to be together all the time, and they were so close to me every day.

But now that her mother is gone, her father hasn't been spending time with her like before.

In the past, Gong Xu would have definitely held him in his arms and comforted him.

But now, when Gong Xu saw him, he could no longer muster the same enthusiasm as before, and just said perfunctorily, "Play with your brother, wash your hands before you eat."

Then, looking at Gong Chang'an, he said, "Have you been listening to the teacher properly at school lately? As the eldest son of the family, you must not neglect your studies."

"I know, and I will not slack off in my studies. Please rest assured, Father," Gong Chang'an replied.

"Stop bragging, I'll be testing you later." Gong Xu couldn't help but look at Gong Chang'an; he had neglected this child for too long. Now, looking at him closely, he felt a surge of affection welling up inside him.

But the more he liked Gong Chang'an, the more serious he became towards him, which was different from his affection for Gong Bao'an.

Gong Chang'an is the eldest son of the family, and he is determined to achieve fame and glory for his family.

"The Second Master has arrived." The maid in the old lady's room lifted the curtain and said with a smile, "Everyone has been waiting for you!"

Gong Xu entered the room and saw the old lady sitting on the ebony couch, with Madam Wei and Wen Mingqian serving on either side, while his elder brother Gong Rang sat to the side drinking tea.

"Your son greets his mother. I haven't seen you for many days, and I'm sorry to have worried you."

"You sound a little weak, you must take good care of yourself." Old Madam Gong was naturally worried about her son. "It's not worth getting upset over that bitch."

"Alright, Madam, the matter is over, let's not bring it up again." Madam Wei could see that Gong Xu was somewhat embarrassed and didn't want anyone to mention Madam Song again.

"Let's not talk about it," said Madam Gong. "You should get well soon and live a good life with your wife. I was just talking to your elder brother and sister-in-law. Your wife and son have really suffered these years. Our Gong family has wronged them. From now on, we must find a way to make it up to them."

"What Mother said is true. I know, and I will do my best to treat them well."

While Tian Gongxu was ill, the absence of other distractions allowed him to quietly reflect on his actions.

Although he didn't say it, he knew in his heart that he had let Wen Mingqian down and that he had caused her to travel three thousand miles away and raise her son alone and helpless.

Looking at Wen Mingqian now, so gentle and dignified, his beauty no less than it was back then, how could one not have romantic thoughts?

"Your sister-in-law has truly suffered these past years. What's remarkable is that you have endured so much hardship without complaint or resentment. It's something that others might not be able to do." Gong Rang praised Wen Mingqian highly. "My second brother was blinded by greed and let you down. I hope you can forgive him and reconcile with him."

In truth, Gong Rang knew that his younger brother was not good enough for Wen Mingqian.

The reason her father insisted on marrying Wen Mingqian regardless of her social status was because he valued her steadfast character and her incorruptibility.

In the end, Gong Xu not only let down Wen Mingqian, but also his father's expectations of him.

As the elder brother, there are some harsh words that I cannot say.

Gong Xu sat down, and a maid brought him tea.

The old lady said again, "Why haven't Jing'an and Yu'an returned? The imperial examination is in just over a month. They can't keep running around like horses without bridles."

"Grandmother, don't worry, even without the dragon head, we can still find our way home." Before the old lady Gong finished speaking, Gong Yu'an and his brother Jing'an walked in.

He always had a smile on his face, with a hint of cynicism.

But with his upright posture and high-spirited demeanor, he stands out even in a crowd.

"You're eighteen already, and you still don't act like an adult at all." Although Madam Gong said this, her eyes were overflowing with love for her grandson. "Look at all that sweat on your head, go and wash up."

"No rush, there's still some time before dinner. I'm going out to learn some Cuju (ancient Chinese football) from my little brother Chang'an. That kid's all-around skills are truly amazing." Gong Yu'an then asked Wen Mingqian, "Auntie, how did you raise my brother so well? He's smart and quick-witted, loyal and kind, he's so lovable!"

"Not only that, he's also skilled in both literature and martial arts." Gong Jing'an, who hadn't spoken until now, said with a smile, "I met Dr. Jiang yesterday, and he was talking about my fourth brother. He's truly a first-rate genius."

"Oh my, did Master Jiang really say that? He's always been such a serious and old-fashioned person!" Old Madam Gong was overjoyed to hear this. "It's really not easy to get a compliment from him."

"What did I say?" Gong Rang laughed. "Chang'an is clearly a promising talent for our family!"

"Brother, please don't say that. Children don't know their place. They take a few compliments seriously and easily become spoiled," Gong Xu hurriedly interjected.

“I think you’re being too cautious. Children should be praised when they need to be praised,” Gong Rang said. “To be honest, Chang’an’s intelligence comes from his mother. If he were like you, he might not be so smart.”

Gong Xu was taken aback, but he wasn't angry. He went along with it and said, "That's true. His two uncles both passed the imperial examination in their early twenties, which is indeed rare."

When Wen Mingqian heard him mention his two older brothers, he simply lowered his head and smiled slightly.

Her two older brothers were naturally intelligent and passed the imperial examinations at a young age. However, their temperaments and personalities were very much like their father's, so to this day they are both serving as county magistrates in poor, remote areas far from the capital.

(End of this chapter)