SGEIRS -Chapter 139 Being the Sucker

Qingqiu and Ningdong followed Meng Jinyao out of the private room, feeling a bit dazed. But when they thought of the Second Young Mistress’s startled and flustered expression, they couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of satisfaction.

Ningdong smiled and asked, “Madam, do you think the Princess will believe what you just said in front of her?”

Meng Jinyao shrugged indifferently and said with a smile, “Whether she believes it or not doesn’t matter. I just wanted to annoy Meng Jinyu. She goes around saying misleading things all the time, causing misunderstandings—if I can ruffle her feathers a little, that’s already a win. The things I said in front of Princess Jingning today will at least make her more cautious, not blindly trusting Meng Jinyu or always defending her… unless, of course, the Princess lets herself be swayed by her words again.”

Ningdong remarked in admiration, “I didn’t expect the Princess, born into the ruthless royal family, to be so innocent. That’s rare.”

Meng Jinyao didn’t think much of it. “Being pampered all her life, she’s never known hardship. Naturally, she’s simple-minded. Otherwise, how could she have been tricked by such clumsy tactics from Meng Jinyu?”

Ningdong paused for a moment and then nodded. That made sense—Prince Liang is the Emperor’s full brother, and Princess Jingning is the Empress Dowager’s direct granddaughter, deeply favored by her. She’s the most esteemed princess in the realm, like a star surrounded by admirers. Who would dare use dirty tricks in front of her?

Qingqiu asked, “Madam, where should we go now?”

Meng Jinyao thought for a moment and replied, “Let’s stay away from this restaurant. We might run into them again, and it’s annoying to have our mood spoiled. We’ll find another restaurant and have lunch there first.”

Qingqiu and Ningdong agreed and followed her out to look for another restaurant.

Meanwhile, inside the private room of the restaurant…

Princess Jingning watched Meng Jinyao and her two attendants leave, frowning and looking at Meng Jinyu beside her with a complex gaze.

At this moment, Meng Jinyu’s eyes were red, and she looked thoroughly aggrieved.

The Princess couldn’t tell which of the two sisters was telling the truth. Reviewing their conversation, she felt that Meng Jinyao seemed more straightforward and logical, while Meng Jinyu’s words had always been vague. Her heart instinctively leaned toward Meng Jinyao.

Meng Jinyu looked up and quietly glanced at Princess Jingning. Seeing the Princess’s expression calm and unshaken, she appeared apologetic and hesitated before murmuring, “Princess, I’m truly sorry. I didn’t know my eldest sister would suddenly act so strangely. If I had known, I wouldn’t have invited her over and caused you any disappointment.”

Princess Jingning spoke bluntly, “Second Miss Meng, I don’t think your elder sister is as bad as you described. She’s not just unruly and childish, bullying her younger siblings.”

Not long ago, the Princess had affectionately called her “A-Yu,” but now she addressed her coldly as “Second Miss Meng,” immediately creating distance.

Meng Jinyu stiffened and then, looking hurt, asked, “Princess… are you saying I lied to you?”

The Princess’s voice turned cold. “Only the two of you know who’s lying. But don’t take me for a fool. You’d better pray that everything you’ve said before is true. I hate being deceived.” She then motioned to her maid, “Let’s go.”

Meng Jinyu was stunned. Watching the Princess leave with her maid, she hurried to follow, calling out:

“Princess!”

“Princess, it’s not what you think! My eldest sister was speaking nonsense!”

But Princess Jingning didn’t stop, ignoring her.

Her maid understood and immediately blocked Meng Jinyu. “Second Miss Meng, please stay.”

Seeing this, Meng Jinyu could do nothing but watch as the Princess left, stamping her feet in frustration and biting her teeth with rage. She hadn’t expected to be outwitted by Meng Jinyao, and it seemed the Princess was already about seventy to eighty percent convinced.

At another restaurant, Meng Jinyao and her attendants got out of the carriage.

Just as they were about to enter, they noticed a luxurious carriage nearby, and all three froze.

It was Princess Jingning.

The Princess, equally surprised, paused before saying, “Madam Gu, I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon.”

Meng Jinyao’s expression remained calm, lips curling in a small smile. “Princess, why aren’t you with my second younger sister? Or… are you here again to defend her and make trouble for me?”

Princess Jingning glared at her. Seeing Meng Jinyao smiling so casually, as if mocking her, she felt irritated. “Madam Gu, didn’t you want me to invite you to lunch? Look, you just left, and I followed right after. Don’t worry, since I promised, you won’t miss this meal.”

Meng Jinyao feigned surprise but quickly accepted gracefully. “Princess, your generosity overwhelms me. Since that’s the case, I shall not refuse.”

The Princess’s lips twitched slightly, her pride piqued, and she let out a soft huff before stepping into the restaurant.

Meng Jinyao followed without a change in expression.

By now, it was noon. The restaurant was busy but still had private rooms. Princess Jingning reserved one on the third floor. The waiter led them up, guided them to their seats, poured tea, and handed over the menu.

Meng Jinyao took the menu without hesitation, not holding back in front of the Princess. She picked the most expensive, delicious dishes and ordered eight or nine at once.

The Princess raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Are you planning to eat all that by yourself?”

Meng Jinyao blinked innocently and smiled. “Princess, you are hosting. If I don’t eat heartily, wouldn’t that be ungrateful to your kindness?”

The Princess’s lips twitched again. Feeling like she was the one getting played, she reminded herself she had plenty of money and said generously, “Go ahead, order more. Don’t starve and then blame me for being stingy.”

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly and added a few more dishes. In total, twelve dishes were ordered, including a nourishing soup for beauty and health.

Princess Jingning looked at her incredulously. Meng Jinyao appeared delicate and petite, even slightly shorter than her. By her appearance, she didn’t seem capable of eating so much. She then asked Qingqiu and Ningdong, “Does your Madam always eat this much?”

Ningdong answered bashfully, “Not really… our Madam has a pretty good appetite.”

The Princess eyed Meng Jinyao with a forced smile. “Eating so much, even the Marquis’ salary wouldn’t be enough to support her, right?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “Princess, don’t worry. Besides his salary, the Marquis has some small property. It’s enough to support me.”

The Princess rolled her eyes, thinking: Which wife can eat as much as Meng Jinyao? Who could keep up with her appetite? Even as a princess, I’ve never eaten twelve dishes in one meal.

After a moment, thinking of Meng Jinyu, she asked seriously, “Madam Gu, were all your previous words true?”