SGEIRS -Chapter 254 Her Intentions

With Madam Sun being dismissed, Meng Chengzhang was recorded under the name of the late Madam Zhou. Once these two matters were settled, things could temporarily be considered concluded.

However, Madam Sun had been on edge all day. She mistook Meng Jinyao and Chan’er for Madam Zhou and Concubine Du, suffered a shock and a severe emotional blow, and her frail body could hardly withstand it. Even before leaving the main hall, she fainted.

After all, they had been husband and wife, and Madam Sun had given him two children. Meng Dongyuan had the servants first send Madam Sun back to her courtyard, understanding that she had been emotionally stimulated. He also had the maids fetch a doctor to prepare a calming medicine for her—a way to honor the years of marital connection they had shared.

Meng Jinyu and Meng Chengxing, worried about their mother, followed them to Madam Sun’s courtyard.

Old Madam Meng did not stop the siblings either. After all, though Madam Sun had been dismissed, she had not severed ties with the children. The children still had a duty to honor their biological mother.

The originally harmonious birthday banquet had been turned into a public embarrassment. After such an ordeal, Old Madam Meng was already mentally and physically exhausted. With the help of a maid, she returned to her own Rongfu Hall to rest.

Meng Dongyuan also went to draft the dismissal document. Once Madam Sun woke up, she would be handed the document to return to the Sun residence—and preferably take the two “restless spirits” with her, leaving no lingering mischief at the Meng household.

This left only Meng Jinyao, Gu Jingxi, and Meng Chengzhang in the hall, along with the maids Qingqiu and Chan’er.

Meng Chengzhang looked at his eldest sister, tears uncontrollably streaming down his face. People say men should not shed tears easily—but only when they have not yet reached the depths of sorrow.

Seeing this, Meng Jinyao stood and moved to sit beside him. In a gentle voice, she said, “Second brother, don’t cry. Our vengeance has finally been fulfilled.”

Meng Chengzhang looked at his sister, only three years older than him, who, though seemingly delicate, had stood strong for him. Choking back his emotion, he said, “Eldest sister, you’ve suffered so much over the years. Why didn’t you tell me the cause of Mother’s death?”

“I only learned the cause of Mother’s death this year,” Meng Jinyao explained. “Last time I went to Lingyun Temple to offer incense, I met one of Mother’s maids. She told me everything.” She then briefly recounted the encounter with the maid to Meng Chengzhang.

Meng Chengzhang then asked, “And today’s plan… why didn’t you tell me about it either?”

Meng Jinyao replied softly, “Your task is to focus on your studies. Leave these matters to me.”

Meng Chengzhang shook his head solemnly. “Eldest sister, I am no longer a child. I should share these responsibilities with you. I am a man—I cannot hide behind you.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao was momentarily taken aback, then pleased. “Second brother has grown up. Alright, next time something comes up, I will tell you—I won’t bear it alone.” She paused briefly, then looked at Gu Jingxi, who had quietly taken a seat beside her. With a gentle smile, she added, “But this time, I am not alone. I have him, your brother-in-law, by my side, and even borrowed a capable person to help me—making everything twice as effective with half the effort.”

Meng Chengzhang looked at Gu Jingxi. Though older, an adult has advantages. If his brother-in-law were just a teenage student, he could hardly provide such support for his eldest sister. But at thirty, mature, powerful, and steady, Gu Jingxi could truly protect her.

He said with gratitude, “Thank you, brother-in-law.”

Gu Jingxi raised an eyebrow. “Thank me for what? Your sister is my wife. I’m only doing what I should.”

Meng Chengzhang smiled. “Regardless, I must thank you. Without your protection, my eldest sister would have suffered greatly over the past few months.”

Meng Jinyao also smiled and nodded in agreement. “Yes, we must thank Chengzhang’s brother-in-law.”

Gu Jingxi met her lively eyes and smiled indulgently yet helplessly. “You’re always so mischievous.”

Meng Jinyao gave him a playful glare.

Watching them exchange glances, Meng Chengzhang realized that they clearly cared for each other. The brother-in-law’s concern for his sister was no longer just a matter of responsibility—it was genuine affection. This gave him reassurance.

After a while, Meng Jinyao asked, “By the way, Second Brother, I didn’t consult you beforehand about recording you under my mother’s name. Would you be upset that I acted on my own?”

Meng Chengzhang immediately shook his head. “Why would I be upset? I just wonder why you did it.”

Meng Jinyao calmly explained: “From now on, during festivals and ancestral rites, you can continue to honor Concubine Du as you do my mother. But henceforth, you are officially listed under my mother’s name—as a legitimate son, the eldest of the Yongchang Bo family. As for Chengxing, he is a son by a concubine.”

“Father is still young. If he remarries, the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children will become significant. As a concubine’s son, a stepmother could control him easily. But you, as my mother’s son, cannot be treated lightly. Also, if Chengxing inherits the title, there will still be distinctions between elder legitimate sons and younger ones. A younger concubine-born brother could outdo you, but a legitimate elder brother must be respected.”

At present, whether Meng Chengxing can smoothly inherit the title depends on his ability to maintain his position as heir until their father passes away. If not, Second Brother Chengzhang, as the eldest legitimate son, would inherit the Bo household.

Of course, Meng Jinyao did not speak this out loud—she had simply calculated it in advance.

As for their father, though not directly responsible for Mother’s death, his actions were indirectly linked and he concealed the truth. Yet now was not the time to deal with him. If he were gone, Chengxing would secure the title.

Moreover, if their father were gone, Second Brother would be unable to take the imperial exams during mourning, and as a new official, he would have to observe three years of filial mourning—affecting his career. Meng Jinyao needed him stable before taking action.

Regarding Chengxing, she would not actively scheme. She only waited to see if he could hold his position—but judging from his character, it wasn’t certain he could.

Meng Chengzhang, unaware of his sister’s long-term calculations, was deeply moved to see her think of him in every detail. He could not help but shed tears again.

Meng Jinyao smiled. “You just said you’re no longer a child. Why are you crying again?”

Meng Chengzhang wiped back his tears, looked at his eldest sister, and finally gathered all his words into one: “Eldest sister, I will study diligently and not disappoint you.”

Only by achieving success and entering government service could he support his eldest sister and become her reliable backing. Though he was not a woman, he understood how crucial a dependable maternal home was for a married woman.

Meng Jinyao nodded gently. “Good.”

Meng Chengzhang then asked, “Eldest sister, brother-in-law, you must be hungry at this hour?”

If she had not been reminded, Meng Jinyao would not have realized. Hearing this, she felt a little hungry and replied, “Yes, I am somewhat hungry.”

Meng Chengzhang immediately arranged lunch. The banquet had already been in preparation, so the dishes were ready.

During the meal, Meng Chengzhang also summoned Gu Xiuming, and the four of them shared a slightly delayed lunch together.

After lunch, Meng Jinyao gave Meng Chengzhang a few reminders, then departed, returning to their residence.