Chapter 160: Zhang Family Shocked

er, so there's no need to be filial"Has Gu Xuanyi ever been questioned so repeatedly beforeWhen questioned, she retorted sharply. Despite being in the wrong, her tears flowed even harder, and her hea...In a flash, Song Xining said: "Indeed, it's better to be wealthy yourself than to have your husband be wealthy. "

She said with a chuckle, gloatingly, “Just like my stepmother, she has money so she’s arrogant and doesn't rely on my father for a living. Instead, my father argued with her, and their life became much harder. The saying goes, it's easier to go from frugality to extravagance than the other way around. Now, he’s humbled himself and apologized to my stepmother, begging for forgiveness, but she remains unmoved.”

Meng Jinyao's expression faltered, and she said: "Not all mistakes can be forgiven."

Just like Mrs. Shen, who had a deep love in her youth and remained devoted to her husband for many years, suddenly suffered a major blow when an old illness resurfaced and nearly took her life. How could she possibly forgive Mr. Shen's betrayal

Nowadays, Mr. Shen is nothing more than a father to Mrs. Shen. She no longer sees him as her husband, only as someone whose official position can pave the way for their child in the future. By holding onto her status as Mrs. Shen, she prevents Mr. Shen from taking another wife, ensuring their son will not have a stepmother and their future daughter-in-law won't be oppressed by an antagonistic mother-in-law.

Jingning County Princess asked, “An’ning, the Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen you mentioned, are they Gongbu Minister Shen Shilang and his wife”

Song Xinning nodded: “That’s right, that’s my future in-laws.”

"Quiet Ning, the county princess said: 'Not long ago, my mother still said that Minister Shen and Madam Shen were a loving couple for many years, not even having a concubine, it was enviable. But now they suddenly took on a concubine, making her feel like all men in the world are the same. She was sad for quite some time.'"

Upon hearing this, both Meng Jinyang and Song Xining were taken aback. They had heard that King Liang and his wife were childhood sweethearts who deeply loved each other and eventually married. However, King Liang had several concubines and numerous illegitimate children, so presumably, while the queen appeared glamorous on the surface, she must have suffered inwardly. She loved her husband, yet he also had other women.

For her children, Liang Wangfei must have endured for a long time, never mistreating her concubines. She was also kind to the children born to the concubines, making every effort to maintain harmony within the marriage so that she would not be despised and her own children would be favored by her husband.

The Crown Princess of Liang truly lived up to her status. Although the King of Liang had concubines, he treated the Crown Princess with all the respect and honor due to a legitimate wife. He doted on the twin daughters born to the Crown Princess and favored them above all others, even publicly praising the Crown Princess for her gentleness and intelligence.

It's common knowledge in the capital that Lady Liang has won the heart of King Liang. However, what others don't know is the inner turmoil of the parties involved. Compared to the reputation she's earned for being gentle and generous, Lady Liang perhaps desires more to be known as jealous and possessive of King Liang all to herself.

The princess Jingning didn't notice anything amiss with them and continued talking to herself, "My mother is currently choosing a husband for me. She worries more than I do. She wants someone outstanding but fears I won't be able to handle him. If she chooses someone meek, she thinks it wouldn't be good enough for me. And if she chooses someone average, she worries he might only be using me to get ahead."

At these words, Meng Jinyu and Song Xining were startled again.

Meng Jinyo asked, "Ayan, you know so many young masters from prominent families, haven't you met anyone you like"

Quiet Ning County Lord shook her head: "I feel they are all about the same, none of them are particularly liked, so the marriage is entirely up to my father and mother. When they find a suitable person, I will meet him afterward if I have no objections, then the marriage will be settled.

Meng Jinyang softly said, "Then let the princess choose slowly for you. The princess will definitely pick a young master most suitable for you."

Jingning County Princess nodded and said, "Well, let's not talk about those things. Let's play cards for a while to pass the time. We can have lunch at noon. I specially booked a private room at the restaurant this morning.

The two of them responded in unison and told the maidservant to bring over the leaf cards.

Changxing Houfu.

After returning home, Meng Jinyao immediately went to Zhang's courtyard.

Today she went to the lake and saw something that she felt it was necessary to tell Zhang Shi about. If Zhang Shi already knew, then she would have been meddling in other people's business.

If Zhang Shi didn't know, knowing in advance would also allow her to prepare. Don't let Gu Xuanyi step into a fire pit. Otherwise, by the time it is learned from Gu Xuanyi's mouth, it may be too late, and things will only get worse.

Nig Dong asked: "Madam, why are you so concerned about the matters of the first wife"

Meng Jin Yao replied, "I'm a woman too. Since I know about this, I naturally won't stand idly by and watch her jump into the fire pit. The old mistress isn't someone to be trifled with in Wu An Bo's mansion."

Ning Dong froze, then nodded.

When Zhang learned that Meng Jinyao had come to look for her, she was suddenly a little surprised. You see, every time it was only her who went to Weiruixuan to chat with Meng Jinyao, and Meng Jinyao had never looked for her before. She quickly ordered the maid to prepare tea and fresh fruit.

"Zhang shi warmly asked, “Third younger sister, what brings you to my place today”

"Elder sister-in-law, I'm here because I have something to tell you," Meng Jinyang said, her gaze sweeping lightly over the several maids serving in the room.

Seeing this, Zhang immediately understood and waved her hand, signaling the maidservant to retreat. She questioned, "Third younger sister, what's the matter Why are you being so mysterious"

Meng Jinyao asked, "Sister-in-law, do you favor the son of Duke Wu'an as your son-in-law"

As she spoke, she subtly observed Zhang's facial expressions. Seeing Zhang first startled and then shake her head repeatedly, she realized that Zhang was unaware of this matter. It must have been Gu Xuanyi who secretly corresponded with the son of Duke Wu'an.

Zhang frowned: "Third sister, why do you ask that Mother said that the son of Duke Wu'an is unsuitable, and I also think he is unsuitable. But I have already made an appointment with the wife of Duke Wu'an to meet him. There is no way to go back on my word, so I just met him."

Meng Jin Yao then asked, "So to say, your sister-in-law refused Lady Wu'an after that meeting"

Zhang shook her head and replied truthfully, "Lady Wu'an hasn't mentioned anything about the marriage. I figured that the Crown Prince probably didn't find Xuanyi suitable, so she just pretended nothing happened. There wasn't a case of anyone rejecting anyone. Why did my third younger sister-in-law suddenly bring this up"

Meng Jinyao replied, "Today I made an appointment with a friend to go boating. I saw Xuanyi and the son of Duke Wuan together on the lake. Seeing how well they get along, I thought my sister-in-law favored the son of Duke Wuan as her husband."

Zhang's voice suddenly rose in pitch: "What!"

She stared at Meng Jin Yao in shock and disbelief, feeling like the sky was about to fall. She asked urgently, "Third younger sister, are you sure Is it really Xuanyi and the son of Duke Wuan"

Meng Jin Yao's voice was firm: "I didn't see wrong, it really is them. Sister-in-law, if you don't believe me, you can go ask Xuan Yi first.

"No, I believe my third sister-in-law. There's no need for her to lie to me." Zhang said, a surge of anger rising in her heart. "I already told Xuyan that the Wu'an Marquis' mansion is complicated, and this child actually secretly met with the Marquis Wu'an's heir behind my back.

Meng Jinyao said softly, "Sister-in-law, don't be angry. Young girls are prone to taking detours when they first fall in love. Good parents should guide them."

Zhang's brows were tightly knit, her expression anxious: "Third sister-in-law, I apologize for the lackluster welcome today. Let's talk another day. I need to see if Xuanyi has returned."

Meng Jinyo nodded: "Good." but when she heard him say that, her heart suddenly felt relieved. However, she still felt awkward and mumbled back: "I'm not a child."Gu Jingxi chuckled: "You're younger than my son, so aren't you a...