SGEIRS -Chapter 278 Caring for a Cousin

Imperial Physician Wen’s medicine truly worked wonders. After just one dose, Meng Jinyao’s severe abdominal pain was greatly relieved. Though there was still a faint lingering ache, it was bearable. Her spirits improved noticeably, and she could walk about freely without having to hunch over and clutch her stomach in pain.

The next day, seeing that she had mostly recovered, Gu Jingxi felt reassured and went to the Court of Judicial Review for duty. After a day’s backlog of official business, he expected to be very busy and told her not to wait for him for dinner that evening.

A few days later, after her monthly cycle had ended, Meng Jinyao felt refreshed and well again. She had originally planned to visit A-Ning at the Song residence. A-Ning was confined at home by Madam Song in preparation for marriage and rarely went out, so Meng Jinyao intended to go to her instead. The following day, she planned to visit A-Yan at Prince Liang’s residence. With no household affairs tying her down, she had plenty of free time and could meet her close friends for leisure.

Unexpectedly, just as she was about to head out, a maid from the front courtyard came to report that the eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family had arrived.

The eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family?

Meng Jinyao was momentarily stunned. She quickly recalled her late aunt’s only child—her cousin, Luo Yong’an. His wife was naturally her cousin-in-law. Her uncle had been transferred to the capital some time ago, and they had met during her grandmother’s birthday banquet. She wondered why her cousin-in-law had suddenly come to visit.

She instructed, “Quickly invite the guest in,” then turned to Xiazhu, who was closest to her. “Xiazhu, go prepare some tea.”

Madam Xu was a gentle woman. She had formed a good impression of her husband’s cousin the last time they met. When she saw Meng Jinyao, the gentle smile at her lips deepened as she asked softly, “Cousin, I came without prior notice. Did I disturb you?”

“Not at all,” Meng Jinyao replied warmly. “I don’t have many pressing matters on hand. Your visit is perfect—I can have someone to chat with and ease my boredom.” She invited Madam Xu to sit and asked, “Why did you have time to come see me today, Cousin-in-law?”

Madam Xu was straightforward by nature and did not beat around the bush.

“Cousin, after that disgraceful incident at Grandmother’s birthday banquet last time, my husband was worried that you might feel depressed after learning the truth about Aunt and Elder Cousin’s deaths. He couldn’t put his mind at ease. Since it wasn’t convenient for him to come in person, he sent me instead. Seeing that you’re in good spirits now, we’re finally relieved.”

Meng Jinyao froze briefly. She had not expected this to be the reason. Warmth flowed through her heart as she replied gently, “I’ve troubled Cousin and Cousin-in-law to worry about me. At first, I was filled with anger and resentment. But after seeing Madam Sun receive her retribution, I felt much better. All my enemies are gone now, so I no longer dwell on it. Please don’t worry.”

Madam Xu nodded lightly. “It’s good that you’ve been able to let go. Originally, I wanted to come see you when Second Miss Gu got married and attend the wedding feast. But unfortunately, both my child and my mother-in-law caught a cold and fell ill. Young and old alike needed care, and I couldn’t spare the time. That’s why I didn’t come that day.”

Meng Jinyao knew about this. Her cousin-in-law had sent word the day before, saying that both she and her father-in-law’s second wife could not attend. Only the men of the Luo family had gone. Since things were hectic at the time, she had not even seen her cousin.

She asked, “Cousin-in-law, are Brother Zheng’er and Madam Luo doing better now?”

“Don’t worry,” Madam Xu replied. “They’ve both recovered.”

Madam Xu was gentle and talkative, and the two chatted happily. By noon, she even stayed to have lunch with Meng Jinyao.

Before leaving, Madam Xu suddenly remembered something.

“Cousin, will you be free in two days? Our family has just moved to the capital and hasn’t hosted any gatherings yet. I was thinking of holding a small tea party in a couple of days, inviting some newly acquainted ladies as well as relatives and friends.”

Meng Jinyao agreed without hesitation. “Of course. I’ll be free then. I’ll see you in two days.”

Madam Xu smiled. “Then I’ll be waiting for you.”

After seeing Madam Xu off, Ningdong asked softly, “Madam, do you think the Luo young madam came mainly to visit you, or to invite you to the gathering?”

“Both,” Meng Jinyao replied gently. “Don’t overthink it. When Cousin used to come to the capital to visit Grandmother, he always treated me very well and knew right from wrong. My uncle now serves in the Ministry of Personnel as a fifth-rank official. Though his rank isn’t high, the Marquis says he’s upright and capable. He may even rise further in the future. A person like that wouldn’t send his juniors to curry favor with me.”

Ningdong said guiltily, “It was this servant who overthought things.”

“It’s not your fault,” Meng Jinyao said. “There are simply too many people with ulterior motives. Being cautious is a good thing. Even I sometimes feel like a startled bird, always thinking others might mean me harm.”

She paused slightly, then added, “Cousin and Cousin-in-law are both kind people.”

Ningdong suddenly asked, “Madam, on the day you go to the Luo family’s gathering, Second Miss won’t be attending, right?”

Meng Jinyao shook her head. “Madam Sun passed away not long ago. As her daughter, even though Madam Sun was divorced, she still must observe mourning for her. Children must mourn a divorced birth mother for one year.”

Ningdong slapped her forehead. “Look at my memory—I completely forgot about that.”

At the Luo Residence

Luo Yong’an had been playing with his child. When he saw his wife return, he handed the child to the wet nurse and had her take the child away. Then he asked anxiously, “How is Cousin?”

Madam Xu had barely sat down when she heard his question. Smiling, she replied softly, “Don’t worry. Cousin is clear-minded and open-hearted. That matter hasn’t troubled her. She’s in good spirits now and even laughed and chatted with me.”

“That’s good,” Luo Yong’an sighed lightly, his tone filled with an elder brother’s pity. “Cousin has had a hard life. She was tormented by Madam Sun, and Uncle never cared much for her. Grandmother also held prejudices against her, mistakenly believing that Aunt and Elder Cousin were killed by her bad luck. These past years, she hasn’t lived well.”

Madam Xu knew that her husband cared deeply for this cousin, but she was not jealous. His concern was that of an elder brother for a younger sister, while his love for her was romantic. Back then, he had gone to great lengths to win her over. After marrying her, he had not taken any concubines even during her pregnancy.

She comforted him, “Now that Grandmother knows the truth, those prejudices should have faded.”

Luo Yong’an fell silent.

A few days ago, he had visited his grandmother. Her dislike for Cousin was not something formed overnight—it had accumulated over many years. Even after learning the truth, her attitude could not change so easily. From her expression when he mentioned Cousin, he could tell that she still disliked her as before.

Madam Xu continued, “By the way, Cousin will also come to our gathering in two days.”

Hearing this, Luo Yong’an thought of another cousin and asked, “Did you invite Cousin A-Yu as well?”

Madam Xu shot him a look and scolded lightly, “Do you think I’d be careless with such matters? A-Yu has lost her mother and needs to observe mourning. Of course I didn’t send an invitation to the Meng family.”

“I was just afraid you might forget,” Luo Yong’an said hurriedly.

Madam Xu laughed helplessly. “I’ve been busy lately, but how could I forget something like that?”