SGEIRS -Chapter 218 The Upcoming Autumn Examination

Weirui Pavilion, Study Room.

Meng Jinyao rarely ventured into the study. Today, with nothing else to do and feeling a bit bored, she entered the room to pick up a book and pass the time.

The study in Weirui Pavilion was considerably smaller than the one in the front courtyard, and it had fewer books, but she was still able to find a travelogue that held her interest.

After a long while, Qingqiu pushed open the door and entered, closing it behind her. Seeing Meng Jinyao sitting at the desk reading, she stepped closer and whispered, “Madam, there’s news from the Yongchang Bo residence.”

Without lifting her head or shifting her gaze from the book, Meng Jinyao asked casually, “What news?”

Qingqiu replied, “Yesterday, Madam Sun was in a daze in broad daylight. She saw a maid whose silhouette resembled your mother’s and was so frightened that she suddenly screamed. Later, she ordered that maid reassigned to laundry duty, so she wouldn’t appear in her presence again.”

Meng Jinyao paused in her reading and let out a soft laugh, teasingly remarking, “So someone with a guilty conscience really is afraid of ghosts, huh?”

Qingqiu continued, her tone hinting at amusement, “It’s said that if one doesn’t do anything wrong, even ghosts knocking at night are nothing to fear. But if one has committed misdeeds, even the daytime brings fear. The more you think about it, the more frightened you become. Madam, today Madam Sun even went to the Hall of Rebirth at Lingyun Temple.”

Meng Jinyao’s expression faltered for a moment, then twisted into a mocking smile. Her mother’s spirit tablet was enshrined at the Hall of Rebirth in Lingyun Temple. Was Madam Sun so scared that she had to go beg for forgiveness before her mother’s tablet? She had already done the things she shouldn’t, and now repenting—wasn’t it far too late?

After a moment, she asked again, “By the way, when she screamed at that maid yesterday, did it alarm anyone else in the house?”

Qingqiu replied, “Only Second Young Lady knew. But she didn’t think much of it, assuming Madam Sun hadn’t rested well and was irritable. She didn’t overthink it, since her mood has indeed been a bit volatile lately.”

Meng Jinyao’s tone was regretful: “That’s a real shame.”

Qingqiu comforted her: “Madam, no matter how tightly she tries to cover it, the truth will eventually come out. She’s like a startled bird now, tormented every day. Sooner or later, she’ll be exposed.”

Meng Jinyao tugged at the corner of her mouth and said lightly, “Tell Nanny Qiao to continue following the original plan. If necessary, drop a hint in Madam Sun’s ear. By that day, I want to see a satisfying outcome.”

Qingqiu nodded in acknowledgment.

Shou’an Hall.

Today was the eighth day of the eighth lunar month. The Autumn Examination would begin on the ninth, with three rounds: the first on the ninth, the second on the twelfth, and the third on the fifteenth.

Tomorrow was the first day of the Autumn Examination. Three children from the family would be taking it. The elders were anxious but outwardly calm, so as not to pass on their anxiety to the younger generation.

The three Gu brothers went to take their turns for duty. Although the eldest, Gu Jingsheng, held only a minor post, he still had to report for morning duty. After paying respects to the Grandmother, the three brothers left to take their turns, leaving the women and other younger family members in Shou’an Hall.

Old Madam Gu said a few words of encouragement to the three grandsons, reminding them not to feel pressured—they were still young, and this was just an experience to accumulate.

Gu Xiuyuan, Gu Xiuhong, and Gu Xiuming all acknowledged her words, but their expressions differed. Gu Xiuyuan appeared somewhat nervous; Gu Xiuhong looked calm, as if taking the examination lightly and focusing only on participation; Gu Xiuming, however, was the only one of the three who exuded true confidence.

Meng Jinyao’s gaze swept across the three brothers, finally resting on Gu Xiuming. Seeing the confidence in his expression, she couldn’t help but wonder where it came from—Gu Xiuhong, who was the best scholar among the brothers, didn’t have this kind of confidence.

As they spoke, Old Madam Gu turned her gaze to Madam Zhang: “Eldest daughter-in-law, besides Xiuyuan taking part in the Autumn Examination, Xuanyi’s marriage is also approaching. Only half a month left. You need to be prepared as well.”

Madam Zhang replied gently, “Mother, don’t worry. Everything is in preparation. Second and Third daughters-in-law are helping as well.”

Old Madam Gu nodded: “That’s good. Double-check the guest list for the wedding banquet. Don’t leave any omissions—otherwise, it could be embarrassing.”

Madam Zhang acknowledged: “Yes, Mother.”

Leaving Shou’an Hall, Meng Jinyao stayed by Madam Zhang’s side to help. She had been helping her in recent days. Even as an assistant, it was fine—she had no experience, and this was a chance to learn. Later, when the family divided and she had to handle such matters on her own, she wouldn’t be flustered.

Madam Zhang, aware of how Old Madam Gu and Gu Jingsheng treated Meng Jinyao, did not dare to be careless. Whenever Meng Jinyao humbly asked questions, she would teach seriously.

Madam Chen, too, didn’t lag behind and would offer Meng Jinyao a few pointers.

Thus, the three sisters-in-law got along reasonably well.

Madam Zhang handed Meng Jinyao the guest list, speaking gently: “Third sister-in-law, take a good look at this list and familiarize yourself with the Gu family’s relatives and friends. The ones at the top are close connections or relatives. Those in the middle are ordinary acquaintances. Those at the end are distant relatives—optional to invite. But out of past consideration, they are all invited for such a joyous wedding.”

Meng Jinyao took the list, intending to review it carefully later.

Madam Zhang sighed several times.

Hearing her sighs, Meng Jinyao asked, “Sister-in-law, is something troubling you?”

Madam Zhang looked troubled: “Xuanyi’s temperament… who knows how she’ll fare in the Wu’an Bo residence. But she’s so carefree, getting herself excited for no reason.”

Now that the marriage was set—definite—Meng Jinyao didn’t know what to say, only offering comfort: “Sister-in-law, the boat will reach the pier by itself. The Wu’an Bo residence is indeed complex, but with the Changxing Hou residence as backing, they won’t dare to openly bully Xuanyi.”

Madam Chen, unusually, did not tease Madam Zhang, and added reassurance: “Sister-in-law, Third sister-in-law is right. A girl from Changxing Hou residence—no one dares to openly harm her. Even if Xuanyi suffers a bit, she’ll gain experience and grow.”

Madam Chen then shifted the topic: “Xuanyi’s wedding is still half a month away. Don’t worry yet. Tomorrow is the Autumn Examination. Sister-in-law, why not focus on Xiuyuan first? His wife is pregnant and recently had a fall, affecting her pregnancy. She can’t prepare things herself, so you should prepare what Xiuyuan needs for the examination.”

Madam Zhang’s attention was indeed diverted: “Thanks for reminding me, Second sister-in-law. I almost forgot. I’ll prepare Xiuyuan’s things for tomorrow’s exam first. Excuse me.”

Madam Chen replied: “Go ahead, I need to prepare Xiuhong’s things as well.”

Once the two sisters-in-law left, Meng Jinyao returned directly to Weirui Pavilion. As for acting like a doting mother to prepare things for Gu Xiuming—she had no interest. Even if she did, Gu Xiuming wouldn’t dare to use them.

She took out the guest list and studied it carefully.

When she came across her natal home, the Yongchang Bo residence, she narrowed her eyes. Some matters would need to be postponed. She had to let Madam Sun enjoy a few days of peace first. On someone else’s joyous occasion, one couldn’t let Madam Sun accidentally ruin things.