SGEIRS -Chapter 127 A-Yao Loses Her Temper

The atmosphere fell into silence.

Seeing her mistress quiet and unresponsive, Ningdong thought she must be upset and stammered awkwardly, trying to console her: “Madam… you, you shouldn’t be upset.”

Meng Jinyao let out a soft, questioning “Hmm?”

Ningdong steadied herself and spoke more firmly: “Madam, you are the principal wife. That woman could never surpass you, and she has most likely already married someone else.”

Meng Jinyao smiled faintly and let out a soft laugh: “What are you thinking about? I’m not upset.”

Seeing that they still seemed unconvinced, she added, “Really, I’m not upset.”

Hearing this, it somehow sounded more like she was trying to cover something up than being honest.

The two maids exchanged glances, both convinced that their mistress’s words did not reflect her true feelings. After all, the marquis had taken something that he had originally intended to give to his “white moonlight” out of the storage and placed it in the study.

In the study, aside from brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and some books, the remaining items were valuable. That set of headpieces was clearly cherished by the marquis. As his wife, how could the madam’s heart remain completely unmoved?

Seeing the two maids so anxious, Meng Jinyao spoke candidly: “I admit, hearing about such a thing does stir my heart a little. But so what?”

She shrugged lightly, smiling faintly: “She’s the past, I’m the present. I have no quarrel with her. The marquis treats me well and has given me a secure place in the marquisate—that’s all I care about. I never married for his love. Who he gives his heart to, isn’t something I should concern myself with.”

Qingqiu and Ningdong were silent. Their mistress was so perceptive, yet so heartbreaking. A girl of just sixteen, who had once harbored sweet hopes about marriage, now dared not even dream of receiving true love. Gu Xiuming’s despicable actions had affected her deeply.

Meng Jinyao added, “Enough. Let’s not bring this up again. Compared to matters of love, I have far more important things to attend to.”

Ningdong, feeling her mistress’s pain, forced a small smile and said, “Madam, Brother Lin says everything is progressing as we hoped. The net should be closed in a few days.”

Meng Jinyao nodded: “Good. You may leave now. I’ll rest a while.”

At her words, Qingqiu and Ningdong exchanged a glance, subtly shaking their heads, then withdrew.

Outside the room, Ningdong whispered, “Qingqiu, is Madam really okay?”

Qingqiu replied, “I can’t say for certain.”

After a while, Qingqiu quietly returned, glancing toward the soft couch by the window, and saw her mistress sound asleep. It seemed they had worried needlessly; their mistress wasn’t troubled by such matters. Qingqiu quietly exhaled in relief.

Twilight deepened, and it was time for dinner.

Ningdong served Gu Jingxi his meal. When placing the bowl in front of him, she showed a hint of resentment, her movements a bit rough, and the bowl hit the table with a loud “thunk.”

Gu Jingxi was momentarily stunned, looking at Ningdong in surprise. Her brows were set with a faint anger, seemingly giving him attitude. He froze, unsure why a mere maid dared show such boldness before him now that his status at home had become so low.

Qingqiu felt a cold sweat trickle down her spine at Ningdong’s behavior.

Ningdong froze, acting instinctively without thinking much.

Meng Jinyao immediately intervened, thinking quickly: “Husband, Ningdong is upset because she recalled a deceased elder. Don’t take it to heart.”

Gu Jingxi, hearing this, didn’t pursue the matter further.

Meng Jinyao looked at Ningdong and spoke warmly: “Ningdong, you don’t need to serve here now. The courtyard is nice tonight; go take a walk and clear your mind.”

Ningdong quickly nodded and withdrew with a bow.

Qingqiu watched her leave, quietly relieved. Her mistress had said Ningdong had become steadier, but it seemed her emotions were still easily revealed.

Later, Meng Jinyao called Ningdong over, gave her a proper scolding, and said sternly: “Ningdong, have I spoiled you too much? You’ve become bolder and even dared to be disrespectful before your mistress. Have you forgotten the rules?”

Ningdong’s eyes reddened. Choking back tears, she said, “Madam, I only acted this way because I was angry.”

Meng Jinyao’s expression was cold: “I’m not angry. Why are you?”

She took a deep breath and said firmly: “Don’t forget how I came to this marriage. He was forced to marry me. Before marrying me, he had no intention of loving me. Isn’t it normal for a girl to desire someone she can’t have? Of course, who asked him to be a poor teacher to his son and settle debts he didn’t want to? Even then, he didn’t oppose marrying me.”

Facing her mistress’s angry gaze, Ningdong trembled. Tears streamed down uncontrollably like beads spilling from a broken string. She knelt and sobbed: “Madam, please don’t be angry. I know my mistake. I won’t dare again.”

Meng Jinyao’s expression softened. She spoke earnestly: “Ningdong, understand this: our peaceful life didn’t come easily. We cannot create trouble. Some things are better left unknown. I’m not the type to brood over small grievances. Such matters won’t bother me.”

Ningdong nodded seriously: “Madam, I understand.”

Meng Jinyao said: “Enough. Go now, and remember: no next time. Otherwise, I’ll find you a husband and add a dowry to marry you off.”

Ningdong’s heart tightened. She opened her mouth to speak but dared not. She bowed and left.

After Ningdong left, Qingqiu spoke gently: “Madam, please calm down. After this, Ningdong definitely won’t dare again.”

Meng Jinyao sighed softly: “I guess I have spoiled her too much; that’s why she’s so bold.”

Qingqiu glanced at her mistress, offering an explanation for Ningdong: “Madam, Ningdong was usually able to stay composed. This time, she was probably too worried about you because the marquis brought that headpiece out of storage. She feared he would still favor that other woman and try to rekindle the past, which could make your situation difficult.”

Meng Jinyao replied: “I know, but she shouldn’t have been so bold in front of the marquis. I didn’t scold her this time, but what if it escalates next time?”

Qingqiu hesitated: “Madam, Ningdong’s worry isn’t unreasonable. Aren’t you worried too?”

“What is there for me to worry about?” Meng Jinyao shook her head with a wry smile, speaking calmly: “I am the principal wife. As long as I do nothing wrong, he cannot dismiss me without reason. No matter how much he likes another girl, the worst she can be is a concubine, under my status.”

Hearing this, Qingqiu stared at her mistress for a long time, finally understanding.

Meng Jinyao spoke warmly: “As for you two maids, don’t think too much. I’ve considered all the worst-case scenarios. With the marquis’ character, even if he takes a concubine, my situation won’t be too bad.”

She smiled faintly: “Besides, he once promised me he would never take a concubine—unless he breaks that promise.”

Back then, she thought Gu Xiuming was a rare romantic person for Li Wan’er, and Gu Jingxi had assumed she liked Gu Xiuming. He said that this wayward son wasn’t a good match. Later, she asked him in return: “And my husband? Is he a good match?”

Gu Jingxi had said: “I will not take a concubine. As for whether I am a good match—that depends on what you think, Madam.”

She thought, Gu Jingxi shouldn’t break his promise, right?