Chapter 101 Reunion Banquet
Gong Xu was ill for half a month and lost a lot of weight.
He filed a leave of absence with the Yamen, but those who didn't know it thought he was overly sad because his concubine died.
In fact, it is indeed sad, but it is not sad because of Song's death.
"The master is in much better spirits today. The old lady just sent someone to ask!" Yunying said while serving a bowl of tea. "I said that if the master feels better, he will go there to have dinner in the evening. The eldest gentleman, the eldest lady, and our ladies are all going over.”
Gong Xu looked out the window at the bright flowers and beautiful willows, and felt that he had been withering for too long, so he said: "It's good, these days have also made the old lady worried."
"Then I'll send someone there. "Tell me," Yunying said hurriedly, "Do you have any special dishes you want to eat so that they can prepare them in advance?"
"It's okay, no need to make special arrangements." But he knew that the old lady didn't call him over just for dinner.
It rained in the afternoon, and in the evening, the weather became particularly pleasant.
Gong Xu put on a brand-new gauze shirt and went to the east courtyard with Yunying's support.
At this time, Gong Changan and Gong Baoan were playing in the yard. When they saw him, they both came up to say hello.
Song's death is undoubtedly a big deal for Gong Baoan. The child who had always been carefree now has an indelible sadness in his eyes.
Even though Mrs. Gong took good care of him and no one made it difficult for him, it was different after all.
"Dad." Gong Baoan couldn't help but curled his lips and stretched out his hand to approach Gong Xu.
In the past, my father and my mother were always together, and they would be so close to me every day.
But now that my little mother is gone, my father is no longer with me like before.
If it were in the past, Gong Xu would definitely hold him in his arms for comfort.
But now that Gong Xu saw him, he could no longer bring up the previous closeness. He just said perfunctorily: "Play well with your brother, and wash your hands later before eating."
He then looked at Gong Changan and said, "Have you listened carefully to Master's words in school recently? You are the legitimate son of the family, and you must not neglect your studies."
"Son I know, I don’t dare to slack off in my studies, please rest assured,” Gong Changan replied.
"Stop boasting. I'm going to test you later." Gong Xu couldn't help but look at Gong Changan. This child had been ignored by him for too long. Now that I look closely, I just feel a fondness coming from my heart.
But the more he liked Gong Changan, the more serious he became towards Gong Changan, which was different from his love for Gong Baoan.
Gong Changan is the legitimate son, and he must seek fame and glory.
“The second master is here.” The maid in the old lady’s room lifted the curtain and said with a smile, “We are all waiting for you!”
Gong Xu entered the room and saw the old lady. The wife was sitting on the ebony couch, Wei Shi and Wen Mingqian were waiting on the left and right, and the eldest brother Gong Rang was sitting on the side drinking tea.
"My son wishes my mother well. I haven't seen my mother for many days, which makes my mother worried."
"I heard that your voice is still a little weak, so you must take good care of it." Mrs. Gong felt sorry for her son. "It's not worth worrying about that bitch."
"Okay, old lady, the matter is over, let's not mention the unpleasant things." Wei Shi could see that Gong Xu was a little embarrassed and didn't want anyone to Mention the Song family again.
“It’s okay not to mention it.” Mrs. Gong said, “You should take good care of yourself quickly and live a good life with your wife. I just told your eldest brother and sister-in-law that your wife and son are We have really suffered a lot, and it is our Gong family that feels sorry for them. From now on, we must find a way to make up for it.”
"What the mother said is that if her son knows, he will try his best to treat them well."
Tiangong is ill these days, but because there is no interference from other things, he can quietly reflect on it.
Although he didn't say it, he knew in his heart that he had failed Wen Mingqian's sincerity and affection, and even caused her to travel three thousand miles away to raise her son alone.
Looking at Wen Ming at this moment, who is modest and dignified, and whose beauty is no less beautiful than before, how can I not get fond of her?
"My brothers and sisters have really suffered over the years. What's rare is that you endured the humiliation and bear the heavy burden, but you still don't complain. Others may not be able to do it." Gong Rang praised Wen Mingqian, "My second brother was fascinated at first. I have failed you. I hope you can put aside the past and make peace with him.”
In fact, Gong Rang knew in his heart that his younger brother was not worthy of Wen Mingqian at all.
When the old father insisted on marrying Wen Mingqian regardless of her family background, he took a fancy to her strong character and untainted by the world.
In the end, Gong Xu not only failed Wen Mingqian, but also his father's expectations for him.
It’s just that as an older brother, there are some harsh words that I can’t say out loud.
Gong Xu sat down and the maid brought him tea to drink.
The old lady added: "Why don't you see Jing'an and Yu'an coming back? The scientific examination will be held in more than a month, but we can no longer run around like a horse without a bridle."
"Don't worry, grandma, you can still find a home even if you don't have a dragon head." Before Mrs. Gong finished her words, Gong Yu'an and his brother Jing'an walked in.
He has a smile on his face, always with a bit of cynicism.
But with a tall and straight posture and high eyebrows, he is still the number one person in a crowd.
"You are eighteen years old, but you still don't look like an adult." Although Mrs. Gong said this, the love for her grandson almost overflowed in her eyes, "Look at the sweat on that end. Hurry up and wash up.”
"Don't worry, there's still some time before dinner anyway. I went out to learn Cuju with my brother Chang'an. This little guy's ability to do anything is really amazing." Gong Yu'an said and asked Wen Mingqian, "Auntie, how are you doing? It’s so endearing to raise a brother so well, smart, alert, loyal and kind!”
“Not only that, he’s also good at both civil and military skills.” Gong Jing’an, who had been silent, said with a smile. I met Dr. Jiang yesterday, and he said that his fourth brother was really smart and enlightened. "
"Oh, Master Jiang, did you really say that? He has always been a serious and rigid person. Na!" Mrs. Gong was overjoyed when she heard this, "It's really not easy to get a compliment from him."
"What did I say earlier?" Gong Rang smiled, "This kid from Chang'an is very clear." He's my great horse!"
"Brother, don't say that. A child doesn't know the importance of it. If you just take it seriously when you praise him, it's easy for him to become arrogant." Gong Xu stopped him hastily.
"I think you are too careful. Children should be praised." Gong Rang said, "To be honest, Chang'an's intelligence is just like his mother. If he were like you, he might not be so smart."
Gong Xu was choked, but he was not angry. He followed suit and said, "That's true. His two uncles both won the Jinshi in their early twenties. It's really rare."
When Wen Mingqian heard him mention his two brothers, he just lowered his head and smiled.
Her two brothers are naturally smart and have achieved fame early. But her temperament and temperament are very much like her father's, so until now she is working as a county magistrate in a remote rural area far away from the capital.
(End of this chapter)