Chapter 2: The Noble Class of Concubines

I know, Qin Butler, you can rest assured that I will return it in two months. The people of the Gongsun family keep their word.

Xu'er, you have grown quite a bit recently, very much like your father. It has been over three years, and your father is finally close to achieving success in his studies. In the future, we will no longer have to endure humiliation. Alas, you are still young; it is better that you do not understand. Adult matters will be resolved by adults.

Listening to his mother finish speaking, Gongsun Xu thought of his own family. Although he had not gone out much in the past three years and was unaware of the news from the outside world, there were only three servants in the household: an elderly couple and a maid. The maid had come as part of his mother's dowry, and the elderly couple could not do much work. It could be considered that his mother had a kind heart; if it were another wealthy family, they would likely not require such old servants.

After trying on the clothes, Gongsun Xu smiled at his mother. Due to having been an orphan in his previous life, he initially found it quite unfamiliar to suddenly have a mother. His heart had been lonely for too long, and he had endured too many wounds; it would take time for him to feel warmth again

As he pondered, Gongsun Xu discovered someone was touching his head. He looked up to see his mother, who was gazing at him with a warm smile. To be honest, although he felt a bit uncomfortable, the feeling of maternal love made Gongsun Xu feel very warm and made him cherish it even more. "Perhaps, this is the person I need to protect in this lifetime," Gongsun Xu thought to himself. "No matter what, I have her blood running through my veins; blood is thicker than water. This is my mother. I didn't have the chance to enjoy this in my previous life, so I must cherish it well in this life." "Perhaps, this is the person I need to protect in this lifetime," Gongsun Xu thought to himself. "No matter what, I have her blood running through my veins; blood is thicker than water. This is my mother. I didn't have the chance to enjoy this in my previous life, so I must cherish it well in this life."

"Xu'er, you look very much like your father, and you are growing quickly. The clothes from last month no longer fit you. If your father doesn't come back soon, life at home will become even more difficult. Xu'er, grow up quickly and become an extraordinary hero like your father. Although your father is not well-known now, I believe he will be a hero. Your grandfather also had high hopes for him when he allowed me to marry your father." Whenever the servants went to work, Gongsun Xu's mother would say this, perhaps to Gongsun Xu, or perhaps to herself, occasionally wearing a happy smile on her face. Xu'er, grow up quickly and become an extraordinary hero like your father. Although your father is not well-known now, I believe he will be a hero. Your grandfather also had high hopes for him when he allowed me to marry your father." Whenever the servants went to work, Gongsun Xu's mother would say this, perhaps to Gongsun Xu, or perhaps to herself, occasionally wearing a happy smile on her face

However, according to his mother's meaning, the Gongsun family should be a prestigious and noble clan. Which dynasty's Gongsun family was a prestigious noble clan? Gongsun Xu could not recall. Although he had learned quite a bit of history, he had not delved into the study of historical aristocratic families. Moreover, with so many aristocratic families throughout history, who could know which Gongsun family it was? Never mind that for now. He would find out when his father returned and see what kind of person his father would be. How did the offspring of a noble family end up in such a situation? It is known that in ancient times, the reason why these families were called noble families was that they had their own academic systems. Generally, the children of such families would not let others teach them. If this were to be known, the head of the family would lose face. How did the offspring of a noble family end up in such a situation? It is known that in ancient times, the reason why these families were called noble families was that they had their own academic systems. Generally, the children of such families would not let others teach them. If this were to be known, the head of the family would lose face.

Sigh, after all, we are the esteemed Gongsun family, yet it is surprising that some are wealthy and noble while others live in poverty and isolation. Gongsun Xu understood why his mother sighed. The Gongsun family is a prominent clan in this region, but within such noble families, there is often much intrigue and rivalry. After his father left on a journey, it became difficult for his mother to support the household alone. Fortunately, his maternal grandfather and several uncles often provided some assistance, but it was always limited, as his grandfather held an official position in another region and was unaware of the situation here. His uncles were serving in the military, and it was not easy to sustain the family. The intrigue among noble families is overwhelming, and after his father's departure, it was challenging for his mother to manage everything alone. She placed all her hopes on his father, as women in ancient times often relied on men for emotional support.

Forget it, Huan'er. It is better to avoid trouble than to seek it. It is just a few words being said. My husband will be back soon, so let us not give him any more issues.

Although Gongsun Xu was unaware of the situation, he guessed that it was likely his mother who was being bullied outside. A woman managing a household inevitably faces gossip and criticism from others. However, Gongsun Xu understood that this was primarily related to their family's noble status. Having the title of nobility without the corresponding family wealth often invites deliberate bullying from certain individuals. In his past life, Gongsun Xu would have certainly dealt with these troublemakers decisively, but now he decided to let it go. He reflected on this and then reached out to his mother, considering it the only comfort he could offer her.

"Madam, they are here again," the maid suddenly rushed in to say. Before long, a loud voice echoed at the door: "I say, it's about time we settled this old debt, isn't it?" As soon as the words were spoken, a plump man in his forties appeared at the door, followed by a lackey. The plump man stepped inside and continued, "Madam, this is the third time I've come this year; don't you think it's time to clear the outstanding debt?" This man had a round face and a jovial expression.

Hearing from his mother that this matter could be entrusted to his father, it was the elderly couple who had watched his father grow up. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude; this was the only impression that Gongsun Xu had of a father he had yet to meet.

"Huan'er, you must not go. You know that it is not easy for my father to be an official. Although he is a governor of a prefecture, our family has never been wealthy. Liaodong has always been a harsh and cold place, where many common people struggle to have enough to eat. Since my father became governor, he has been diligent and responsible. Although the people under his governance live somewhat better, there are still many poor families facing hardships. My father has also spent his entire fortune, and our family is not living well either. If I were to add trouble to him again, wouldn't that be unfilial? Moreover, this small matter can be resolved by us. Besides, my husband will be back soon, and he will have a way to handle it." Huan'er nodded upon hearing this. Since the lady said so, the maid naturally had no choice but to obey. The lady said so, and the maid naturally had no choice but to obey.

Although Gongsun Xu has not communicated with others in recent years, he has still learned quite a bit from his mother's conversations with others. He knows that his maternal grandfather is a governor, which should indicate a significant position. However, he has seen him very rarely. Moreover, this grandfather has been diligent in his duties; although his abilities are not outstanding, he is a good official who benefits the local community. Gongsun Xu's father has been away studying for the past three years and has not returned home. People in ancient times were likely like this, prioritizing their studies and thus abandoning familial affections. Perhaps this is a manifestation of ambition in ancient times, akin to how Dayu passed by his home three times without entering while managing the floods. Without achieving something significant, who would wish to return home and bring honor to their ancestors? However, Gongsun Xu still does not know what dynasty he is in and cannot ask directly. Although there are many children who can speak fluently at the age of two or three, it would be too extraordinary for a child to start asking about topics typically discussed by adults. Gongsun Xu simply wishes to live an ordinary life.

"Well then, I will plead with the higher-ups again, my lady, but we cannot delay any longer." After saying this, the fat man left.

Alas, madam, it is not that I lack understanding of human feelings; it is just that you know I am merely an assistant. I am under considerable pressure from above, and if the accounts are not settled, I will have a hard time explaining myself. Moreover, your family, the Gongsun clan, is a prestigious noble family; surely you must have this small amount of money. I would say that anything you casually take out from your household is something we, these common people, have never seen in our lives. Madam, please do not make it difficult for me.

"Xu'er, you haven't eaten meat for almost four months, have you? Today, I will go buy you some meat. You are in a growing phase, so you need to eat more to be like your father." After saying this, Gongsun Xu's mother entrusted him to the care of the old servant. She and the maid then went out. An hour later, Gongsun Xu heard the maid's voice: "Madam, why do you have to swallow your anger? A mere commoner is bullying you, what is this? We usually do not provoke anyone, so why do they keep bullying us? Madam, you cannot be so weak any longer." Gongsun Xu heard the maid's voice: "Madam, why do you have to swallow your anger? A mere commoner is bullying you, what is this? We usually do not provoke anyone, so why do they keep bullying us? Madam, you cannot be so weak any longer."

"Madam, why don't I go to the master’s house to borrow some? The master likes you so much, he surely wouldn't want you to live a hard life," the maid said. The master she referred to was, of course, her maternal grandfather. It is rather strange that although her grandfather is an official and she comes from a prestigious family, their life is not very affluent. This could be considered a sorrow of her life.

"Qin Guanjia, can you wait for another two months? My master will be home soon, and once he returns, he will definitely repay you."