The Highest Tower

In the tenth year of Chun Jia, the second branch of the Ruyang Bo Mansion hosted a flower viewing banquet. A shabby carriage with a straw canopy and an old, mangy horse stopped at the entrance. The driver, an ugly, coarse old woman named Zhang Ma, refused to move and shouted at the steward. She announced that the madam and young master of the mansion were inside, demanding the main gate be opened and Concubine Song come to welcome them. The madam was Wen Mingqian, who had been sent to her old home in Shuangxi seven years ago after being accused of poisoning the son of Concubine Song. Her return was unexpected.Concubine Song had managed the inner chambers in her absence and was deeply favored. Despite her resentment, she understood she could not lose face publicly. She welcomed Wen Mingqian and her son Gong Changan, now seven or eight years old. Wen Mingqian was simply dressed, with a calm and deep gaze, no longer the proud young woman of before. She chose to stay in Lingyue Pavilion, where her maid A Shou had hanged herself after being implicated in the poisoning. The death of Concubine Song’s son and A Shou’s suicide had sealed the accusation against Wen Mingqian.At the flower garden, all the guests were seated. Wen Mingqian arrived with Concubine Song, and the chatter stopped. Wen Mingqian greeted everyone gracefully, apologized for her abrupt arrival, and presented her son. Gong Changan politely greeted the guests, winning smiles. Concubine Song offered Wen Mingqian her seat. Wen Mingqian conversed with the guests, showing awareness of current affairs and offering compliments. She appeared composed and dignified, making it clear she was not simply returning to seclusion but to reclaim her place.