SGEIRS -Chapter 124 She Refused

The words startled everyone in the room.

Madam Zhang’s heart jolted. Meng Jinyao had been married into the family for some time, yet her mother-in-law had never mentioned the matter of managing the household treasury. She had assumed it was because Madam Chen thought Meng Jinyao too young and inexperienced for such responsibility. She hadn’t expected the topic to come up today.

Madam Chen, however, wasn’t particularly surprised. This was something she had anticipated; it was only a matter of time. She glanced at Madam Zhang, noticing her rapidly shifting expression, and smiled faintly, almost imperceptibly.

Madam Chen herself had been appointed by the matriarch to assist Madam Zhang in managing the household funds as a way to balance the interests between the first and second branches. Her husband wasn’t exactly mediocre—he held a fifth-rank official position at the Ministry of Rites, unlike the hollow, low-ranking role of the first branch. There was no need to use the treasury management as a showpiece.

Not only did Madam Zhang’s expression change, but even Gu Jingsheng’s face flickered slightly. Since Meng Jinyao had married in, he had heard Madam Zhang’s analysis: if the first branch lost control over the treasury, they would appear inferior in front of the second and third branches.

Meng Jinyao’s face revealed a flash of surprise, but she quickly masked it, quietly observing everyone’s reactions.

Old Madam Gu, noticing the variety of expressions, didn’t need to guess what everyone was thinking. She asked, “Do any of you have opinions on this matter?”

Madam Zhang quickly recovered and smiled. “Mother, your daughter-in-law also believes it’s time for Third Sister-in-law to take over the household treasury.”

Madam Chen glanced at the slightly strained smile on her face, her own smile deepening, and spoke warmly in agreement: “Mother, your daughter-in-law feels the same. Third Sister-in-law is the Lady of the Marquis; sooner or later she will be in charge of the treasury. For now, since Elder Sister-in-law and I have not yet become grandmothers and don’t have grandchildren to attend to, we still have time to assist her. This will help her take over the treasury more smoothly.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Gu nodded slightly and gave her final word: “Since everyone has no objections, the household treasury shall be handed over to A-Yao. She is still inexperienced, so eldest Daughter-in-law and Second daughter-in-law will assist her.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Meng Jinyao’s voice rang out: “Mother, I have an opinion.”

Everyone turned to her, puzzled.

Old Madam Gu asked, curious: “A-Yao, what is your opinion?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “Mother, actually, Elder Sister-in-law mentioned to me long ago that I should take over the treasury, but I refused.”

She paused briefly, then looked at Madam Zhang and Madam Chen, speaking humbly: “I am still inexperienced and fear I may not be competent. Elder Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law manage it well—perhaps it’s better to let them continue? I can learn from them daily, and when I’m ready, I can take over. What do you think?”

Everyone was stunned.

This was a prime opportunity to control the household treasury. Any other daughter-in-law would have jumped at the chance, but Meng Jinyao had just refused the matriarch’s direct offer?

The “pigeon” that had been within reach had flown away—and now, she was returning it. Madam Zhang’s emotions had swung wildly in a short time. She looked at Meng Jinyao in disbelief, seeing no sign of pretense. She couldn’t understand her actions.

Madam Chen was also puzzled. Anyone else would have eagerly accepted. Controlling the treasury in a prominent household was a symbol of a woman’s power and status.

After a moment of silence, Gu Jingxi spoke: “Mother, in that case, let Elder Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law continue managing the treasury. When A-Yao is ready, she can take over—it’s not too late.”

Since the matriarch’s own son and daughter-in-law said this, even if she had doubts, she couldn’t force it. She nodded lightly: “Very well. The treasury shall continue under Elder Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law.”

Madam Zhang and Madam Chen smiled and responded, “Yes, Mother.”

The family chatted for a while longer until Old Madam Gu, growing tired, dismissed them.

Everyone left Shou’an Hall, each with their own thoughts.

Walking together, Madam Zhang and Madam Chen, though usually at odds in private, could discuss today’s matter freely, unlike with Meng Jinyao.

Madam Zhang glanced at Meng Jinyao walking another way with Gu Jingxi and asked softly, “Second Sister-in-law, what do you think Third Sister-in-law meant by her actions today? Seeing how she caused a stir with her natal family, it doesn’t seem like she’s incapable of handling the treasury.”

Madam Chen paused, looking at her meaningfully: “What does it matter what her intentions were? For Elder Sister-in-law, only the outcome matters, doesn’t it?”

Madam Zhang stiffened, snorting softly: “Could it be that for Second Sister-in-law, the outcome isn’t a good thing?”

Madam Chen smiled faintly: “Regardless of the outcome, I don’t mind. After all, Second Master is competent enough. Our second branch doesn’t need to rely on controlling the treasury to assert status in the household.”

The seemingly casual remark struck Madam Zhang sharply. Her husband was the least competent among the three brothers. He had never achieved anything notable and only held a minor post. Their first branch’s status had been upheld solely because she managed the treasury.

Seeing her darkening face, Madam Chen’s smile widened slightly, then added: “Elder Sister-in-law, since Third Sister-in-law doesn’t wish to manage the treasury, we will take good care of it for her. When she decides she wants to, we’ll hand it back.”

Madam Zhang listened, feeling uneasy. She hated to let go of something others could now claim easily. Though it remained in her hands, if someone wanted it back, she had no choice but to return it.

Madam Chen gently advised, “Don’t dwell on it. Things that don’t belong to us aren’t worth clinging to. Cherish what you have now. At least you once had it, didn’t you?”

Madam Zhang took a deep breath, suppressing her displeasure, and replied with a smile: “Second Sister-in-law is right. Though our eldest brother isn’t outstanding, Xiuwen is competent. He still needed Third Brother’s personal recommendation to the head of the academy and was sent to Lingshan Academy.”

Her words caused Madam Chen’s smile to falter.

Seeing she had gained a small victory, Madam Zhang’s smile became more genuine. She was pleased; her son Xiuwen had caught the attention of the third branch and the matriarch. Perhaps he would even be adopted into the third branch as heir. Once her son became heir, would it matter whether she controlled the treasury? Xiuwen was her own son—he would support the first branch in the future, wouldn’t he?

Madam Chen, seeing her gleeful expression, felt a tinge of unease. She said half-smiling: “Elder Sister-in-law, some matters haven’t even started yet. The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. Perhaps they aren’t thinking in this direction at all, while you are imagining too much.”

Madam Zhang paused, pretending not to understand: “Second Sister-in-law, what do you mean? Xiuwen going to Lingshan Academy—what else could we expect? Whether he succeeds in the future depends on his own abilities. As parents, we cannot control the outcome.”

Madam Chen said meaningfully: “You indeed cannot control the outcome. All you can do is hope, Elder Sister-in-law, that things go as you wish.”