Chapter Thirty-Four: Discord

through his purse and produced several ounces of broken silver and copper coins, respectfully presenting them: "Miss, please check if anything is missing."Meng Jinyao was slightly stunned at the sight...Chang Xing Houfu's land area is larger than Yongchang Bo Fu's. It has elaborate beams and paintings, pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water; everything imaginable is present. The prosperity of the mansion far surpasses that of the dilapidated Yongchang Bo Fu. Nowadays, Yongchang Bo Fu can only maintain its facade by relying on ancestral wealth.

Meng Jinyáo strolled through this grand estate, which, barring any unforeseen circumstances, would be her home for the rest of her life. Besides the main courtyard and the secondary courtyard, as well as Old Master Gu's residence, she had explored every corner, familiarizing herself with the layout of the mansion.

As Meng Jin Yao came down from the small bridge, she saw Zhang Shi walking towards her. Her steps faltered for a moment before she walked towards Zhang Shi and greeted her softly: "Big sister-in-law,"

Zhang had actually seen her from afar, strolling with two maidservants. She purposely walked over to her, gave a slight nod of greeting, and then asked, "It's springtime now, and the flowers in this courtyard are blooming beautifully. Third sister-in-law, have you come to admire them"

Meng Jinyao replied, "Since I have some free time, I might as well stroll around the mansion to familiarize myself with the surroundings. As I pass by the garden, I'll take a detour to admire the flowers."

Then I'll accompany the third sister for a stroll.

Zhang said, glancing at her, and seeing her readily agree, she walked with her among the flowers. After a few steps, she seemingly casually asked, "I heard that Xiuming had a high fever last night that didn't subside. Did Third Sister-in-law go to see him this morning"

Upon hearing this, Meng Jinyang's face paled slightly. She instantly understood Zhang's intention to accompany her shopping. She readily replied: "My son is sick. How could a mother rest assured I'll just go and see how he's doing. Fortunately, there's nothing serious."

Zhang sighed, "Third sister-in-law, you truly have the heart of a Bodhisattva. Even though Xiu Ming treated you like that, you still don't hold a grudge. That's truly admirable."

Meng Jinyao smirked softly and said, "Sister-in-law is also a mother, she should understand me. Which mother would argue with her own son"

Zhang's expression tightened, but she remained silent, sizing up the woman with a cool gaze. Seeing her gentle brows and kind smile, not a hint of displeasure on her face, it seemed she truly was a mother who wouldn't hold grudges against her child.

This mind is more stable than I imagined. Despite harboring resentment towards Gu Xiuming, being younger than him, she can still feign the appearance of a loving mother. It remains to be seen how long she can maintain this facade. Given Gu Xiuming's personality, even if she could keep up the act, this unnatural mother-son relationship will inevitably clash sooner or later.

Thinking this way, Zhang sighed softly and continued, "Although that's the case, Xiu Ming that child has been spoiled and willful. He is also a stubborn person, and once he makes up his mind, it's hard to change. It's unfortunate that the third sister-in-law has been wronged."

Matters that have been confirmed

Could it be Miss Wan'er

Meng Jinyao pretended not to understand Zhang's provocation, her face unchanged as she said: "It's understandable, after all, my husband is busy with official duties and hasn't paid much attention to him. After being adopted, he didn't have a mother's guidance. Now that he has a mother, I will educate him well."

Zhang's heart was filled with disdain, she only thought the other was insincere. She still followed along and said, "With your patience and guidance, Third Sister-in-law, you will definitely get better over time. By the way, since Third Brother just got married and has a honeymoon period, why haven't you accompanied him to familiarize yourself with the environment of the manor"

"My husband has other matters to attend to, and he left the house after lunch. Meng Jin Yao didn't hide anything, she told the truth. After all, Zhang shi manages the household affairs, and even knew about Meng Jin Yao going to the ancestral hall this morning. As for Gu Jing Xi leaving the house, one just has to ask the doorman."

Zhang shi listened, her brows furrowed slightly as she spoke up for Meng Jin Yao's plight: "Third brother is truly…," she hesitated, glancing at Meng Jin Yao's ethereal beauty before sighing with regret. She then continued, "This marriage already wronged Third sister-in-law, yet he still throws himself into his duties, oblivious to spending more time with her as compensation."

Meng Jin Yao, understanding and compassionate, said: “My husband, as a high-ranking official in the court, is busy with official duties. How can he always be with me, a humble woman, in the inner house”

Upon hearing this, Zhang thought of her own useless husband. He held a low-ranking position thanks to his family's protection and had been idle for many years without achieving anything notable. Her third brother was favored by the emperor, yet he didn't help his elder brother secure a better future. As a result, her husband had remained in a powerless, low-level position for years.

These past years have been peaceful. Every day, I just go to the government office to clock in. The rest of the time is either attending those so-called social gatherings or staying at home. In the early years, I would still accompany her, but now that she's aging and faded, I spend my time entertaining myself with those flirtatious concubines in their rooms. Fortunately, she keeps a tight eye on them and has never produced any illegitimate children to bother people.

After a moment, Zhang Shi squeezed out a smile: "Third sister-in-law is truly understanding. Third brother, you've been blessed to marry such a wife."

Meng Jinyao smiled and replied, "Big brother is fortunate to have such a virtuous wife as your sister-in-law. Who in this capital city doesn't know that your sister-in-law manages her household with skill"

When Zhang heard this, an alarm bell rang in her heart. She couldn't help but glance at the woman. Seeing her smile sweetly, like spring breeze passing by, a strand of hair fell from her temples. She reached up to tuck that strand behind her ear. As she raised her hand, her sleeve slipped down, revealing a wrist that was white and delicate. Around her wrist, there was a swirl of emerald green, which made her slender jade-like hand even whiter.

Seeing this, Zhang's sense of crisis grew stronger. That bracelet was priceless, a family heirloom passed down through generations of the Gu family, symbolizing the status of the head wife. Could Meng Jin Yao's words and that meaningful gesture be subtly hinting at her to relinquish her authority

That won't do. The second son is at least a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Rites. Even if his wife doesn't help her manage the household accounts, she wouldn't lose much. But her husband is different. He's the most incompetent among the three brothers. If the eldest brother loses control of the household, he won't have any standing in the house.

During this fleeting moment, Zhang's mind raced. Finally, she decided to retreat in order to advance: "Speaking of the head of the household, previously it was because the third brother hadn't married that this gift fell into my hands. I managed it on his behalf. Now that the third brother is married, the gift should rightfully be given to his wife."

Meng Jin Yao was slightly taken aback. The saying goes that the speaker has no intention, but the listener intends it. Clearly, it wasn't meant that way, yet people could still interpret it as such.

She had only meant what she said on the surface, and hadn't expected Zhang Shi to overthink it. She therefore laughed and said, “I’m still young and inexperienced, so I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Big sister-in-law has plenty of experience managing the household, so she should continue in charge.”

Zhang looked at her bright smile, which seemed genuine. Not a trace of abnormality could be seen. She thought to herself that the woman was truly composed, wanting it very much in her heart but feigning refusal on her lips. Wasn't this just to allow her to persuade her and then calmly take over the decision-making power

But he wouldn't coddle her, nor would he be polite to her. He merely said with difficulty: "In that case, I will continue to manage for your younger sister for now. When she is older, I will return it to her."

Meng Jinyao nodded and said, "Then I'll continue to trouble my sister-in-law."

Although Meng Jiny Yao still wore a smile, Zhang’s brow furrowed slightly. Meng Jiny Yao was harder to deal with than she had imagined, like a cunning fox, her every move guarded and impenetrable, leaving no room for error.

She replied softly, "You don't have to be polite with your sister-in-law."t befell their mistress.Fortunately, the Marquis married them, and he treated their mistress well. But unexpectedly, the Marquis turned out to have a sweetheartNing Dong choked back tears and said, "M...