SGEIRS -Chapter 150 Madam Zhang Gets a Lecture

Old Madam Gu (the matriarch) listened to her eldest daughter-in-law talk about these young gentlemen—none of them met her approval. The one she liked the least was the heir of the Wu’an House, yet her daughter-in-law seemed most pleased with him. Watching her eldest daughter-in-law beam with self-satisfaction, she replied coolly, “I don’t think any of them are particularly impressive, especially the heir of the Wu’an House.”

At once, Madam Zhang’s face stiffened. She felt as though her mother-in-law was directly opposing her. Perhaps she couldn’t bear to see the eldest branch prosper, or to see Xuanyi marry well. She asked back, “Mother, the daughter-in-law thinks the heir of the Wu’an House is quite good. Why are you dissatisfied?”

Old Madam Gu said calmly, “The heir of the Wu’an House is indeed fine, and his family background is good. When the current Wu’an House head passes away, he will inherit the title. If Xuanyi were to marry him, she would become a Madam in the future.”

Hearing this, Madam Zhang relaxed her expression, puzzled. “If that’s the case, why do you still think it’s not good? If Xuanyi marries well, she could also help her natal family in the future.”

Old Madam Gu spoke bluntly: “Eldest daughter-in-law, do you really understand Xuanyi’s character? She’s not suited to be the matriarch of a branch.”

Madam Zhang awkwardly asked, “Why isn’t Xuanyi suited to be a matriarch? The wife of the Wu’an House has met her and likes her very much. She even hinted that she would like Xuanyi as a daughter-in-law.”

Seeing that Madam Zhang only noticed the title and status, eager to marry her daughter into a prestigious household while ignoring all other issues, Old Madam Gu’s face darkened. She spoke sincerely, “Eldest daughter-in-law, Xuanyi is proud and spoiled, does things her own way. How could such a personality manage the duties of a branch matriarch? The heir of the Wu’an House has several concubines; together they have four illegitimate children, plus two legitimate sons and one legitimate daughter.

Aside from the Wu’an House, the second, third, and fourth branches have not yet split off. I, as the wife of the elder uncle, am only a few years older than you. When I pass, who knows when the brothers will divide their households.

In such a large family, if she marries in, the main household duties will fall on her. Even if the matriarch supports her, she cannot immediately handle all the affairs. The matriarch may even find fault with her. Forgetting household management for a moment, just in terms of interpersonal relationships—such a complicated family, with her personality, marrying in would only bring her trouble. Aren’t you, by pushing this, essentially sending Xuanyi into a fire pit?”

Madam Zhang was stunned.

Madam Chen glanced at Madam Zhang coldly, silently cursing her: What an idiot!

In a family as complex as the Wu’an House, any proper young lady from a noble family would avoid marrying in to suffer. Otherwise, why would the matriarch of the Wu’an House hint to Madam Zhang?

Xuanyi, being the daughter of the eldest branch but of secondary birth, had a father, Gu Jingsheng, who was ineffectual, and her two brothers were not yet in official positions. By status alone, she was not a fully qualified match for the heir of the Wu’an House. Yet, the branches had not split, Gu Jingxi still enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, and the Changxing Marquisate was rising—bringing prestige to the first and second branches. Currently, household management was in Madam Zhang’s hands, with Madam Zhang only assisting as the second wife, which made the first branch appear respectable.

The second and third sons of the Wu’an House are illegitimate, and the fourth son is the child of the elder uncle’s additional wife. The fourth son, now around twenty-two or twenty-three, has passed the imperial examinations and holds office, even catching the Emperor’s attention. His rising prominence slightly overshadows the eldest, the heir of the Wu’an House. Madam Gu, as the matriarch, and the Wu’an House matriarch, though only a few years apart in age, still have the authority to pressure the matriarch.

The fact that the matriarch of the Wu’an House has been under her mother-in-law’s control for so many years shows that Old Madam Gu herself is no pushover.

That is why the matriarch wanted the heir to marry Xuanyi—this way, the heir gains the support of the Changxing Marquisate, alleviating pressure on the first branch. Xuanyi’s lower status makes her easier to manage. Having been under her mother-in-law’s influence for so long, the matriarch would naturally know how to handle her daughter-in-law—but Madam Zhang couldn’t see this, couldn’t understand.

The room fell silent for a long while before Madam Zhang finally stammered, “Mother, the daughter-in-law—didn’t think so far ahead. Thankfully, you reminded me. But the daughter-in-law has already arranged to go boating with the matriarch of the Wu’an House tomorrow. What should we do?”

Old Madam Gu, frustrated by her incompetence, scolded her sharply: “The mess you created yourself, you clean up yourself. Don’t push your child into the fire pit. Earlier, you almost made a mistake with Xiuyuan’s marriage. Now it’s Xuanyi’s turn, and you’re blundering again. I see you’ve never reflected on your mistakes.”

Madam Zhang lowered her head, unwilling to speak, though she felt a bit resentful—both her younger daughters-in-law were present, and her mother-in-law wouldn’t give her face.

Madam Chen didn’t defend her either, merely sitting back and watching. Originally, Madam Zhang had hoped Xiuyuan could marry into a good family to aid his career, but her mother-in-law blocked it, saying that girl was no pushover, and instead fixed Xiuyuan’s bride as Madam Jiang, which had angered Madam Zhang.

It turned out her mother-in-law had foresight. Madam Jiang was gentle and virtuous. The previous girl had already married and made a fuss in her husband’s family, though she had a good father who could protect her. Madam Zhang realized her mother-in-law’s judgment was correct and hurriedly apologized.

Seeing Madam Chen stay silent, Meng Jinyao also kept quiet, staying invisible, as it didn’t concern her.

Old Madam Gu sipped her tea to calm her anger and looked at her daughters-in-law earnestly. She said, “Marry a wife for virtue, marry a daughter for morality. Character is more important than status. Marriage decisions should not only consider family background but also virtue, ability, and family circumstances. Families too complicated bring trouble. Bringing a girl in is one thing, sending her out is another. Without strong ability to navigate challenges, it is like sending her into a fire pit.”

Meng Jinyao and Madam Chen quickly replied, “The daughter-in-law will obey mother’s teachings.”

Madam Zhang, a bit dazed, followed, “The daughter-in-law will obey mother’s teachings.” She hesitated, then dared to ask again, “Mother, the daughter-in-law has arranged to go boating with the Wu’an House matriarch tomorrow. Should Xuanyi be allowed to go too?”

Old Madam Gu replied, “You promised them. Let Xuanyi meet the heir. If she doesn’t go at the appointed time, it would be an insult and create resentment.”

Madam Zhang’s heart tightened. She worried aloud, “But if Xuanyi meets the heir and they like each other, what will happen?”

Old Madam Gu shot her a glance. “It’s just a meeting, not a formal engagement. Make it clear to Xuanyi: if she’s not foolish, she will understand and won’t be enamored. Even if she likes him, you as parents can decline the match on her behalf. Keep Xuanyi at home; tomorrow she need not be specially dressed—just proper and decent.”

Madam Zhang hurriedly responded, “Mother, the daughter-in-law understands.”