SGEIRS -Chapter 457 Encounter with Mei Qingyun

In midwinter, all things hibernate, awaiting the return of spring.

The first snowfall of the capital arrived, and after a night, the entire city was draped in a silvery blanket.

Two carriages rolled out from the Changxing Marquis’ residence. In the front carriage sat Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao; in the rear carriage sat Qingqiu and Ningdong. With the Marquis present, it wouldn’t be proper for them to share the same carriage as their master, so they had to sit separately.

Meng Jinyao, feeling bored at home, had heard that the plum blossoms in the Mei Grove were in full bloom and wanted to go see them. Since it happened to be Gu Jingxi’s day off, he accompanied her.

After dismounting, they walked into the grove, and the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.

Looking around, the city and countryside were covered in silver, while clusters of plum blossoms punctuated the scene with vivid splashes of color, brightening the winter landscape.

Meng Jinyao gazed at the blooming trees, feeling exceptionally happy. A joyful smile appeared on her face as she strolled through the grove with Gu Jingxi, sharing amusing stories they had recently heard or witnessed.

She said, “Husband, I went to see A-Ning’s child. The little one is incredibly adorable. If fate allows, having him as our son-in-law wouldn’t be bad.”

Son-in-law?

Gu Jingxi furrowed his brow immediately, thinking it absurd. A baby still in swaddling clothes, who could only eat and cry—how could such a little rascal be worthy of his daughter? One had to wait until the child had achieved something and his character and abilities could be properly assessed, especially his character.

He said gently, “A-Yao, the child hasn’t even been born yet. There’s no need to rush into marriage. When she’s fifteen or sixteen, we can consider it—there’s still plenty of time.”

Meng Jinyao smiled. “I’m just saying it casually. It’s not like we’ll decide so easily. If in the future the two children take a liking to each other, marrying into each other’s families would be a good thing. And with A-Ning as the mother-in-law, our daughter definitely won’t suffer.”

Gu Jingxi, however, disagreed. “Even the best mother-in-law isn’t as good as the husband.”

He glanced at Meng Jinyao and continued, “A son and daughter-in-law are fundamentally different. A mother-in-law may reprimand and guide her son for the sake of her daughter-in-law, but in the end, the son matters more. The guidance and correction are not only for the daughter-in-law’s sake but also to maintain harmony in the son’s household and prevent trouble in the home.”

Meng Jinyao was slightly taken aback. “But if the husband is good and the mother-in-law is not, won’t the daughter-in-law still suffer? After all, the husband can’t always be home to watch over her.”

Gu Jingxi replied, “If that’s the case, it ultimately reflects on the husband. If he were truly good enough, would his wife still suffer? A man who can’t mediate between his mother and wife can hardly be expected to succeed in other areas. If he’s blindly filial, placing his mother above all else, it’s better not to marry such a man. Whoever marries him will only have bad luck.”

Meng Jinyao looked at him and nodded in agreement. “You’re right, husband. With you around, our daughter will surely marry a good man.”

Gu Jingxi smiled gently. “Even with me around, it might not matter. People’s hearts change, and some will not always behave well. The key is to educate our children properly, so they can handle any challenge. Only then can they remain unshakable. Otherwise, when problems suddenly arise and others can’t be relied upon, they will be crushed.”

Meng Jinyao was reminded of her late grandfather, who had repeatedly taught her to plan carefully before acting. That principle had kept her composed, allowing her to outmaneuver Madam Sun after many years, only acting impulsively when pushed to the limit—like the time Gu Xiuming tried to flee an arranged marriage.

Qingqiu and Ningdong followed behind, listening to the conversation, and reflected on their own futures. After the new year, they would turn eighteen and face the question of marriage. If they didn’t marry, as long as their master was kind, staying by his side would guarantee a good life. If they did marry, outcomes could be uncertain—either unhappy or blissful.

Elsewhere, Mei Qingyun, seeing the snow from last night and the blooming plums in the grove, decided to go admire the flowers to clear her mind. Staying at home meant her elder sister-in-law would try every way to convince her to marry, which was frustrating.

She loved plum blossoms. Just seeing them in full bloom lifted her spirits.

Her attendant, noticing the rare smile on her mistress’s face, let out a quiet sigh of relief. The mistress was usually gloomy and stern; serving her required extreme caution, fearing even a small misstep could provoke displeasure.

Suddenly, Mei Qingyun stopped and gazed to the right. Not far off were four people: a couple walking ahead, followed by two maids.

The couple chatted happily, the husband subtly tilting his head toward his wife as he listened attentively.

The scene was so picturesque, it seemed a shame to disturb it.

The attendant stopped too, following her mistress’s gaze. Seeing the group, she was slightly surprised—she hadn’t expected to encounter the Changxing Marquis and his wife. She instinctively looked at her mistress’s expression; it was neutral, unreadable. Pondering this, she softly suggested, “Miss, should we go the other way?”

Mei Qingyun had initially considered it, but hearing this, her expression darkened. Irritated, she said, “This path isn’t theirs. I’m not ashamed of my appearance, so why should I avoid them?”

The maid hurriedly replied, “I didn’t mean that, Miss. I only feared you might feel unhappy seeing them.”

Mei Qingyun’s displeasure deepened. “Why would I be unhappy?”

The maid fell silent, not daring to answer. She knew well that her mistress was still regretful about the broken engagement years ago. The Changxing Marquis had long been fixated on her and only later was forced to marry his current wife. Had her mistress been released a couple of years earlier, perhaps she and the Marquis could have been together. But alas, the opportunity was missed.

Ignoring her attendant, Mei Qingyun strode toward Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao as if nothing had happened.

Meng Jinyao, talking with Gu Jingxi, suddenly noticed a familiar figure and swallowed the next words she was about to speak, preparing to greet her.

Gu Jingxi also saw Mei Qingyun and frowned, feeling his mood dampened.

Mei Qingyun paused, momentarily startled as if only now noticing the couple. She then smiled and walked over to greet them: “Marquis Gu, Madam Gu, I didn’t expect to meet you here—it’s quite a coincidence.”

Gu Jingxi nodded lightly but said nothing.

Meng Jinyao responded with a smile, “It is indeed a coincidence. I didn’t expect to see Miss Mei either.”

Hearing the words “Miss Mei,” Mei Qingyun felt a pang of irritation. It seemed Meng Jinyao was deliberately addressing her as a ‘young lady’ in a triumphant tone, mocking her. At an age when she could almost be a grandmother, being called “Miss Mei” was downright sarcastic.

Meng Jinyao continued, “Miss Mei, do you have plans with anyone? If so, we’ll take our leave and not disturb you.”

As she finished speaking, Gu Jingxi reached for her hand, ready to depart.

Mei Qingyun saw their hands clasped together and pressed her lips. Compelled by some impulse, she said, “Marquis Gu, may I have a word with you?”