Chapter 298: As Good as New

ut Old Master Zhou, Meng Dongyuan was also helpless. He could only give his wife a look and helplessly said, "My wife, Ayao insists that you didn't add your dowry to her dowry list. For the sake of my...The next day.

Changxing Hou's Mansion hosted a banquet, inviting close friends and relatives.

Meng Jin Yao and her three sisters-in-law were busy once again. The men of the house were equally occupied. Gu Jingxi, the eldest of the three brothers, greeted guests of a similar age, while Gu Xiu Yuan, the youngest, entertained guests closer to his own age. Even Mrs. Gu, the matriarch, was not exempt from entertaining the older ladies who had come to the feast.

After the luncheon, everyone chatted idly. As it neared dusk, the guests departed, and everyone was finally able to rest.

After all the guests had left, Zhang's smile couldn't hold any longer. She frowned as if troubled by something and didn't greet her two sisters-in-law. She went straight back to her own courtyard.

Meng Jinyao noticed something was wrong with Zhang. She whispered to Chen, who had spent the most time with Zhang today: "Second Sister-in-law, what's wrong with Elder Sister Her mood seems off."

Chen replied, "It's not because of Xuanyi Today people from the Wuan Marquisate came, and your elder sister-in-law accidentally saw the Marchioness of Wuan quietly reprimanding Xuanyi in a inconspicuous corner. Xuanyi was wronged but didn't dare to speak up. In front of others, she put on a smile and didn't show any grievance."

She finished speaking and let out a soft sigh. For over ten years, she and Zhang had been at odds as sisters-in-law, constantly clashing with each other. Now, seeing Zhang fretting over her child's affairs, she suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. Since Xuanyì’s marriage, it seemed that their hidden and overt conflicts had lessened.

Meng Jinyáo asked again, "Didn't your sister-in-law go out and talk about Lady Wǔ'ān at the time"

Mrs. Chen shook her head: "She did think about it, but she held back. If she stood up and accused Lady Wu'an, Lady Wu'an would be unhappy, and when Xianyi went back, she would definitely be scolded. Afterward, she thought about giving Xianyi some advice on how to deal with it, but the people from the Wu'an Marquis's Mansion left earlier and she didn't have a chance to say anything. Fortunately, our daughter Xianling is a well-behaved and obedient child. Although she married down, she lives happily. In another year or two, if she has a child, her life will be even more complete. Otherwise, my husband and I would worry too much."

Meng Jin Yao fell silent after hearing this. The two daughters of the Gu family, one married to the son of an earl's mansion and the other to the son of a low-ranking official, had vastly different experiences. The former lived a life of hardship, while the latter enjoyed a happy marriage with loving in-laws. Sometimes, listening to the advice of parents and elders can help you avoid falling into misfortune. Most people who act stubbornly and against advice usually end up with disastrous results.

For a moment, Chen shi curiously asked, "Third sister-in-law, what's going on between your Xiu Ming and Li shi recently I see that he seems to be carrying a bit of resentment lately, as if something is bothering him."

Meng Jin Yao lightly said, "What else could possibly happen At this age, children fighting with their loved ones are nothing but petty romantic squabbles. They're creating conflict now, and once they've had enough, they'll be back together."

Hearing this, a twitch appeared at the corner of Chen's mouth. He thought to himself: You're two months younger than Xiu Ming. If you call him a child, then aren't you one too

Meng Jiny Yao continued, "The children are all grown up now, they can handle their own affairs. Descendants have their own blessings, as elders we should not meddle in the younger generation's affairs. Worrying too much will age us."

Mrs. Chen agreed, "That's true. I think after Xuan Yi got married, your sister-in-law became much more worried and her spirits seemed to have faded."

Meng Jinyao changed the subject: "Second sister-in-law, I heard from the Marquis that Xiu Hong's chances of passing the imperial examination this spring are quite high. After the spring examination, Xiu Hong's marriage should be settled, right"

“I had the thought, if he passes the imperial examinations this year, I would find him a good wife. Chen sighed softly and said with a headache, “But if he fails the exams, he won’t be willing to get engaged or married. He has his own goals, and he must pass the imperial examinations before considering marriage.”

Meng Jinyao comforted, "Second sister-in-law, there's no need to worry. Xiu Hong is so diligent in his studies; he's sure to pass the imperial examination this year."

Mr. Chen actually had some confidence in his son and said, "I hope so. That's what I wish for. Otherwise, I don't know when I'll have a daughter-in-law."

-

These days, everyone is busy visiting relatives and friends to reconnect.

In the blink of an eye, the seventh day of Lunar New Year has passed. The man in the family who holds an official position is back from his holiday and resumes duty at the office on the eighth day, marking the beginning of another busy year.

The sons of scholars still have free time. Now that the academy hasn't started yet, all the academies open after the Lantern Festival. Gu Xiuyuan and his friends also invited other young masters to their home as guests, together they enjoy tea and write poetry. The house is quite lively.

Gu Xiuhong, who was taking the imperial examination this spring, did not participate in these activities. On the ninth day of the second month, when the Spring Festival Examination was held, he prepared for the exam by staying indoors and focusing solely on studying the works of sages. He would only leave his house to ask his uncle for advice if he encountered any problems.

There is something worth mentioning, regarding Qingyu Xuan.

Originally, Gu Xiuming had a conflict with Li's concubine. Every day, Tongfang maid Yan'er served him. As Yan'er's status in Qingshuixuan rose, even Yan'er herself became complacent.

Just then, Li Yiniang suddenly coaxed Gu Xiuming into good spirits. Gu Xiuming made up with Li Yiniang and no longer ignored her. It was only Yan'er who was left cold-shouldered, which angered her greatly.

Ning Dong had always been interested in the gossip and was the first to share it with Meng Jin Yao.

Meng Jin Yao looked slightly surprised: "You're saying they suddenly made up yesterday"

Ning Dong nodded: "Yes, yesterday Li shi personally made the dishes that the Crown Prince liked, and apologized to him. The Crown Prince saw her sincerity, so he didn't continue to hold a grudge against her. Then they reconciled as before."

Meng Jin Yao let out a light chuckle: "So impatient already It seems the good show is about to begin."

Ning Dong was puzzled: "Madam, what are you so eager for What good show is there"

Meng Jiny Yao smiled and said, “It’s not possible to say for now. Let's just watch, I estimate that in the near future we can see a good show.”

Ning Dong asked, "Is it related to the young master and Lady Li"

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly, an unusual anger must have a reason. How could Gu Xiuming be so angry because of Li Yi's pregnancy and then make up just because of a table of dishes Making up as if nothing happened was definitely a smokescreen, to let Li Yi indulge in sweetness, some things were better done secretly.

If she was right, Gu Xiuming had already been planning to get Li Yiniang's child miscarried. Li Yiniang had cooked a whole table of dishes, which just gave Gu Xiuming a step down.

Driven by a curiosity that wasn't fully satisfied, Níng Dōng felt an intense itchiness in her heart. She stared at Mèng Jǐn Yáo with pleading eyes and asked, "Madam, do you know something"

"I know a little more than you," Meng Jin Yao said, playfully gesturing with her finger to a small point in her mouth.

Ning Dong became even more curious: "What is it"

Meng Jiny Yao said, "It's too early to say. Let's catch up and gossip properly in a while."

Upon hearing this, Ning Dong wilted completely. If even her master wouldn't say it, then it was definitely impossible to say. Even if she knew there was a good show, she couldn't tell anyone else about it. At most, she could only tell Qing Qiu.

Meng Jinyao saw her drooping her head and pursed her lips with a smile. Then she pushed the plate of snacks in front of her forward, saying softly, "Come on, this is your favorite. Eat more, his matters are nothing compared to food!"

Ning Dong was immediately soothed, and her face lit up with a smile: "My wife is right, food is the most important thing."

Meng Jin Yao helplessly smiled and teased, "You little girl are so greedy. Won't you be seduced by men with some delicious food in the future"

Upon hearing this, Ning Dong's cheeks flushed instantly, shaking her head repeatedly: "This servant doesn't want to marry! This servant only likes the food given by Madam. I don't care about any delicacies that smelly men would offer. As long as I stay by Madam's side, I can always have delicious food. If I follow a smelly man, who knows if I'd even get anything to eat When he wants to please me, he might give me good food, but once he doesn't feel like it, wouldn't I have nothing left"

Meng Jinyao saw her blushing, but she didn't let her off the hook. She continued teasing, "I'm afraid you'll be longing for me by then. Didn't you used to say that you wanted to marry a chef Chefs can make lots of delicious food

"

Níngdōng's face reddened even more, she was embarrassed: "Back then I was young and didn't understand. When I grew up, I realized that many cooks don't cook at home, it's always the women who do. It's not just cooks, even when married to someone else, they have to cook. As a maidservant following the mistress, I don't need to cook. But if I marry someone else, I have to cook. This isn't getting married, this is going to suffer!"

Meng Jin Yao's lips curled upwards, a gentle smile on her face. She no longer teased Ning Dong. As for now, Qing Qiu and Ning Dong had no thoughts of getting married, but she didn't want to waste their lives either. In a few years, she would ask them again. If they had ideas, she would find them good husbands. If they truly had no plans, staying by her side for life, she wouldn't mistreat them.yone a headache, otherwise I would really be embarrassed.The next morning.Gu Jingxi went to Dali Temple early in the morning to stand duty.Qiwunwen, seeing him, quickly stepped forward and asked, "Yao...