SGEIRS -Chapter 428 The Joy of Raising Children

A chilly breeze drifted gently, and cold dew fell in silence.

Without anyone noticing, autumn had already deepened. It had rained the night before, and the morning air was heavy with cold. As soon as one left the warmth of the bed, the chill became obvious.

Meng Jinyao put on the late-autumn dress she had previously ordered from Jinxiu Workshop and adorned herself with newly purchased jewelry. After breakfast, she went to Shou’an Hall to pay her respects to Old Madam Gu. The moment she entered the room, everyone felt their eyes light up. Seeing her refined and luxurious attire, it was as if she were about to attend a banquet.

She wore a red dress embroidered with golden vines and floral patterns. On her head was a gold filigree hairpin inlaid with rubies that swayed as she walked. Moon-shaped earrings hung by her ears. She stepped forward gracefully, her skirt fluttering, dignified and noble, dazzling beyond compare.

After greeting Old Madam Gu, Meng Jinyao took her seat below her.

Madam Zhang asked curiously, “Third Sister-in-law, you seem especially dressed up today. And in such festive colors too. Are you going out to attend a banquet?”

Meng Jinyao was slightly startled, then smiled. “No. I just thought the dress was pretty, so I dressed up a bit. Otherwise, it feels like I wouldn’t be worthy of it.”

Madam Chen looked her over and asked, “Judging by the style, this wasn’t made by the household seamstresses, was it?”

Meng Jinyao answered honestly, “It’s from Jinxiu Workshop.”

Hearing this, both Madam Chen and Madam Zhang understood. Since it was from Jinxiu Workshop, it must have been prepared by her younger brother-in-law. Even while on official business away from home, he had arranged everything his wife needed—food, clothing, and daily necessities.

Old Madam Gu’s gaze also fell on her youngest daughter-in-law. She looked dignified and elegant in her attire, and her small face seemed to have gained a little more flesh. Sitting there with a gentle smile, she resembled a wealthy, blooming flower.

Although everything had been prepared in her son’s name, it was actually Old Madam Gu who had arranged it. After so many years, she was once again experiencing the joy of raising a child—and raising her well. A sense of accomplishment rose in her heart. Raising a daughter-in-law truly felt different from raising a son.

Madam Zhang said enviously, “Third Sister-in-law, Third Brother is really considerate toward you. Unlike his elder brother—he’s like a block of wood.”

Meng Jinyao lowered her head slightly in a shy manner. Whenever she felt embarrassed to answer, she would act like a bashful young wife. Others naturally understood and didn’t press further.

Old Madam Gu said gently, “Eldest Daughter-in-law, Eldest Son has always been careless. If you want something, you must tell him yourself. Otherwise, he won’t know, and you’ll just sulk in silence and upset yourself.”

“Yes, Mother is right,” Madam Zhang replied quickly.

She felt depressed inside. Sometimes her husband was so foolish that it made her angry. When she was upset, he wouldn’t even notice. Once, on the first day of the lunar month, she deliberately wore a thin, gauzy nightdress and hinted at him with her eyes. It was like flirting with a blind man—he even asked if there was something wrong with her eyes, instantly killing her mood.

Old Madam Gu added, “Their father was the same back then. Without clear hints, he would never realize such things. Eldest Son takes after his father in this regard.”

She was speaking the truth. The old Marquis had never been a particularly considerate husband, whether to his wife or concubines. He never interfered in inner household matters. However, aside from being a poor husband, he had been an excellent official, father, friend, teacher, and son.

Later, when she had endured enough, she began speaking up whenever she felt unhappy and directly demanded what she wanted. Though her husband found her troublesome, as long as it didn’t involve his mother or conflicts, he would still try to satisfy her, easing her heart.

Listening to this, Madam Zhang thought of her father-in-law. He indeed wasn’t a tender husband, but he and her mother-in-law respected each other. When her own husband was younger, he had been a little better—at least he would coax her sometimes. Her father-in-law, being so stern, probably never lowered himself to placate women.

Comparing the two, she found some comfort. At least her situation wasn’t the worst.

Smiling, she said, “Thank you for Mother’s guidance.”

Old Madam Gu then announced, “Several old friends and I have agreed to stay at the temple for a few days. Eldest and Second Daughter-in-law, you two will manage the household affairs. Third Daughter-in-law is pregnant, so she must not overexert herself.”

As soon as she spoke, Gu Xuanyi immediately said, “Grandmother, I’ll go with you to pray for blessings.”

Old Madam Gu was surprised. Usually, whenever this granddaughter heard about going to burn incense, she would hide as far away as possible. What was going on today?

Gu Xuanyi also seemed to realize her reaction was unusual and explained, “Recently, I’ve had some realizations, but my thoughts are still unclear. I feel I need to be closer to the Buddha to understand them better.”

Old Madam Gu nodded. “It’s rare for you to calm down and reflect like this. Go back and pack your things later. Tomorrow morning, come with me to Lingyun Temple.”

Gu Xuanyi smiled brightly. “Yes, Grandmother.”

Madam Zhang felt miserable inside. She knew exactly what her daughter was planning—to avoid her. She would rather go to a temple and live on vegetarian food than listen to her nagging.

But she was doing this for her daughter’s own good. Even if a divorced woman was still pure, many unmarried men would still mind it. The older she got, the more they would mind. It was better to find a husband while she was still young.

By attending more banquets and meeting more people, she might encounter a good match. Yet her daughter didn’t understand her painstaking efforts and resisted so strongly.

After leaving Shou’an Hall, Gu Xuanyi hurried back to her courtyard as fast as she could, afraid her mother would start lecturing her.

Madam Zhang watched her go, both angry and helpless. Her husband was unambitious and inconsiderate, and now her daughter was also disappointing and unable to understand her sincerity. Fortunately, her two sons were capable—the elder had passed the provincial exam, and the younger had passed the county exam. Otherwise, how could she endure such days?

She turned to Meng Jinyao and pleaded, “Third Sister-in-law, Xuanyi is close to you now. Please help persuade her. How can a girl not marry?”

Meng Jinyao replied gently, “Eldest Sister-in-law, the more you force her, the more she’ll resist. If you wait another year or so, she’ll probably come around on her own.”

Madam Zhang worried, “Another year or two? She’ll be seventeen next year. I’m really doing this for her sake.”

“So what if she’s seventeen?” Madam Chen said indifferently, shaking her head slightly.

She looked down on Madam Zhang’s behavior and said calmly, “Girls of the Gu family never lack suitors. You’re so eager to take Xuanyi around to meet matches, as if you’re afraid no one wants her. In outsiders’ eyes, it looks like Xuanyi is desperate to marry. Isn’t that belittling her?”

Madam Zhang was left speechless.

Madam Chen glanced at her and continued, “Mother already told you that Xuanyi’s marriage isn’t urgent. Last time, your haste harmed her. When she married into the Wu’an Earl’s residence before—yes, Xuanyi was stubborn—but without you introducing them, would she ever have met her former husband?”

Madam Zhang’s face darkened immediately. She said unhappily, “Second Sister-in-law, why bring up that unlucky matter again?”

“I’m just reminding you,” Madam Chen replied, “not to repeat your mistakes and hurt the child again.”

After speaking, she no longer bothered to argue and walked away.

Meng Jinyao also didn’t want to be dragged into the dispute. She said, “Eldest Sister-in-law, take things slowly with Xuanyi. I still have something to do, so I’ll head back first.”