SGEIRS -Chapter 325 First Impressions

After the wedding ceremony, Meng Dongyuan left the bridal chamber to attend to the guests.

The women who had gathered to watch the bride, satisfied with their curiosity, gradually left the bridal room as well.

Meng Jinyao and Meng Jinyu were the last to leave. A matron introduced the sisters to Madam Dong, and after they had both bowed and exchanged a few polite words, they finally stepped aside.

Once outside the bridal chamber, Meng Jinyu cast a dark, scrutinizing glance at Meng Jinyao. Seeing how favorably Jinyao had treated Madam Dong earlier, it was hard for her not to suspect that Jinyao was trying to curry favor with Dong to turn against her.

Meng Jinyao, feeling uncomfortable under her sister’s shadowy gaze, turned her head—and met that cold stare head-on. She asked directly, “Second Sister, that murderous look of yours is kind of scary. What mischief are you plotting?”

Meng Jinyu was momentarily speechless at her words. She withdrew her gaze, then tugged at the corner of her lips and sneered, “Big Sister, that ‘Mother’ you just called—truly heartfelt, wasn’t it? My mother raised you for over ten years, and you never called her that with such sincerity.”

Meng Jinyao laughed lightly. “Then why don’t you take a look at all the good deeds your dear mother has done?”

She and Madam Dong had no conflict at present. Dong had just married into the Meng family and hadn’t committed any misdeeds. Even as a stepmother, she deserved the respectful address of ‘Mother.’ With no grievances between them and both being women, why humiliate someone? Moreover, it was the bride’s happy day—disrespecting her would only spark enmity from the very first meeting. What might happen later could be dealt with then.

Meng Jinyu was instantly silenced by this.

Meng Jinyao continued in a calm tone, “Second Sister, today is Father’s joyful day. I won’t bear the responsibility if anyone ruins Father’s wedding. You’d better think carefully before acting rashly.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyu’s expression tightened. Seeing her father’s fondness for the new stepmother, she knew that if she misstepped and lost his favor, her father would probably be swayed by the stepmother and casually find her a husband, sending her away as soon as her filial period ended.

Meng Jinyao ignored her and prepared to return to the banquet for the evening meal.

On the way, she suddenly overheard a conversation about her father. Instinctively, she slowed her pace and listened. To her surprise, she actually caught some useful information, including matters involving her mother.

“Looks like Uncle Meng still prefers his first wife.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Madam Dong’s temperament is remarkably similar to the first wife, Madam Zhou. She’s gentle and carries a scholarly aura. The previous Madam Sun only seemed gentle but lacked that refined air.”

“Really?”

“Why would I lie? I used to be close with Uncle Meng’s first wife, so I’m quite familiar with her. Even after all these years, I remember the kind of temperament she had.”

“Uncle Meng is truly faithful in his affections.”

“Let’s not talk here, there are too many people.”

…

Listening to their discussion, Meng Jinyao frowned. She had never seen her mother in person, only her portrait—which Meng Jinyu had torn apart. She had fought with Jinyu over it in anger. When Madam Sun learned of it, she took on a maternal pose, scolding Jinyu for being naughty and had an artist paint a new portrait. But it only captured her likeness, not her spirit.

Her new stepmother, Madam Dong, did indeed resemble her mother in temperament. But to say her father still loved her mother passionately was absurd—he only loved Madam Sun back then. That Dong happened to resemble her mother now was likely just a coincidence. Her father had probably already forgotten what her mother’s temperament had been like.

At the banquet, cups clinked and wine flowed. After a few rounds and many courses, the evening meal drew to a close.

Before long, the guests departed.

Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi weren’t interested in staying to chat with Meng Dongyuan, so they were among the first to leave. Once outside the Yongchang Bo mansion, they boarded their carriage and departed without looking back.

Having experienced two weddings before, Meng Dongyuan was careful this time, not letting himself get drunk to avoid delaying the bridal chamber rituals. Seeing his daughter and son-in-law leave so briskly, his expression stiffened momentarily, but he quickly forced a smile and continued socializing with the remaining guests, exchanging pleasantries and seeing them off.

Once all the guests had left, Meng Dongyuan suddenly asked the steward, “What gift did my eldest daughter bring this time?”

The steward replied respectfully, “The eldest daughter brought a folding screen.”

Meng Dongyuan frowned upon hearing this, his tone displeased. “Truly an unfilial girl! Raising her all these years for nothing. Last year, she gave me a garment that wasn’t suitable for my age, but now, on my wedding day, she brings only a folding screen to congratulate me? Is she deliberately trying to embarrass me? She might as well have come empty-handed!”

The steward hurriedly explained, “My lord, the folding screen is embroidered with a pair of lovebirds on intertwining branches. The embroidery is exquisite and lifelike, comparable to the finest embroiderers in the capital. The screen itself is made of yellow pearwood, clearly of considerable value. This gift shows her sincerity in celebrating your wedding.”

Hearing this, Meng Dongyuan’s expression softened. “So that unfilial girl does have some sense. Otherwise, she might have caused an embarrassment, shaming her own family. Does she think she wouldn’t be laughed at herself?”

The steward assessed his mood, then said, “My lord, the night is precious. It’s getting late, and the new lady has been waiting. Perhaps you should return to her. The rest will be taken care of.”

Thinking of the beautiful face beneath the red veil, Meng Dongyuan’s heart stirred. A smile appeared on his face as he nodded and strode back to the bridal chamber.

At first, knowing that Madam Dong had been married before and was in her twenties, he had been hesitant. But upon seeing her, he realized marrying her wasn’t so bad. No wonder some men preferred mature women—even those past their youth could be appealing. Now he liked her too.

Meanwhile, Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi returned to the Changxing Marquis mansion.

After dismounting and entering the home, on their way back to Weirui Pavilion, Gu Jingxi asked gently, “A-Yao, nothing happened today, right?”

Meng Jinyao shook her head lightly. “No. It’s a joyful day—no one dared cause trouble. My sister was a bit snide, but she couldn’t actually do anything. No matter her resentment, she wouldn’t stir up trouble today.”

Gu Jingxi then asked, “And what do you think of Madam Dong?”

Meng Jinyao gave an objective assessment: “She’s beautiful, gentle at first impression, and probably well-educated. She carries an air of refinement. From our brief conversation, her manner is elegant, gentle, and kind. But whether she truly is that way… with Madam Sun as a precedent, I’m cautious about judging people from first impressions.”

“Time reveals a horse’s strength; days reveal a person’s heart. Let’s just observe for now,” Gu Jingxi said, taking her small hand in his.

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly. “Exactly.”