SGEIRS -Chapter 464 Two Useless Ones

After the banquet ended, Meng Jinyao returned to the residence with Madam Jiang.

On the way back, Meng Jinyao listened to the lively sounds outside. She lifted the window curtain slightly to look out. Although the weather had turned cold, the bustling atmosphere outside had not diminished.

Suddenly, she caught sight of a familiar figure. At first, she thought her eyes were deceiving her, but when she focused, she realized it really was her third younger brother, Meng Chengxing.

Her brows furrowed slightly. The academy hadn’t dismissed for the holiday yet, and classes hadn’t ended. Why wasn’t Meng Chengxing at the academy studying quietly? How could he be out here with others? There were no family matters requiring him to take leave. Could it be that he had skipped school?

Seeing her frown and focus in one direction, Madam Jiang asked with concern, “Third Aunt, what’s wrong?”

Meng Jinyao shook her head lightly. “It’s nothing.”

Hearing her say that, Madam Jiang didn’t press further.

Meng Jinyao continued to watch Meng Chengxing. She saw him finally laughing and chatting with the others as they entered the opera house. Only then did she pull back her gaze. She thought for a moment, then curved her lips into a smile that carried a hint of intrigue.

Not bad. A useless, incompetent father, and now a worthless, unambitious son.

One dreams of success, the other is hopelessly incompetent. Two useless people together might just be entertaining.

She had seen through her father. Even though he had previously pampered Meng Chengxing, as long as the boy was disappointing and useless, bringing no benefit to the Meng family, he would be looked down upon. Naturally, Meng Chengxing would be dissatisfied with his father’s attitude, which would create friction between them. She was looking forward to seeing this father-son pair drift apart, causing a commotion.

Madam Jiang noticed her odd smile and, curious, leaned to follow her gaze. Seeing nothing, she became even more curious and asked, “Third Aunt, did you see something interesting?”

Meng Jinyao lowered the curtain and said with a smile, “I did see something interesting.”

Madam Jiang pressed, “What is it? I didn’t see anything at all.”

Meng Jinyao replied, “It just passed, so you didn’t see it. Actually, it’s too early to tell; we’ll have to see later if it becomes interesting.”

Madam Jiang didn’t understand. “Third Aunt, what kind of interesting thing requires waiting to see?”

“Some plays need to be watched with a long-term perspective. But perhaps I’m just guessing wrong.” Meng Jinyao finished speaking and changed the topic. “Today I brought you to the Shen residence but didn’t have time to accompany you. Are you adjusting well?”

Madam Jiang replied, “Don’t worry, Third Aunt, I’m doing fine. At the banquet, I even made two new friends, and they invited me to a flower-viewing gathering in a few days.”

Meng Jinyao nodded. “That’s good. I just feared you might not be used to it.”

Madam Jiang smiled. “Although there were many unfamiliar people at the banquet, there were also acquaintances. I just spoke with the familiar ones first, and then got to know the unfamiliar ones.”

Meng Jinyao was inwardly impressed by Madam Jiang’s approach. Someone proactive like her easily made friends. Meng Jinyao, by contrast, was passive and rarely took the initiative.

The next afternoon.

Meng Jinyao delivered newly made clothes to her mother-in-law. Since becoming pregnant, she went out less often and had little else to do. Most of her free time was spent on needlework, so she had made quite a few garments for both her husband and mother-in-law. She had made a set for her husband, so the next one was for her mother-in-law.

Old Madam Gu was delighted to receive her daughter-in-law’s gift. She didn’t lack clothes, but this was made by her obedient daughter-in-law, unlike the pieces made by the household embroiderers. Wearing them felt particularly heartwarming.

She gently caressed the soft fabric and spoke softly, “A-Yao, I told you before that the embroiderers could do it, so why did you make them yourself? I know you are dutiful, but don’t tire yourself.”

Hearing these familiar words, Meng Jinyao remembered what Madam Qi had told her yesterday. She was certain her mother-in-law was very pleased. Perhaps she would even turn to her old friends and say, “These clothes were made by my daughter-in-law.”

Seeing this little secret between her mother-in-law and husband, Meng Jinyao found the pair endearing. Outwardly steady, yet actually capable of childish behaviors.

Meng Jinyao politely replied, “Mother, this can’t tire me. It’s just some needlework.” Then she changed the topic. “Mother, you haven’t finished the story you were telling me last time. Why not continue it now?”

Old Madam Gu, who was recounting her youthful experiences, became animated when her younger family members showed interest. She eagerly continued her story, speaking nonstop to her daughter-in-law.

Meng Jinyao listened and occasionally interjected with questions. The two conversed happily. In the evening, she stayed for dinner to avoid eating alone, which could feel lonely. Though she had never minded eating alone before, having company had become a comforting habit.

After eating, Meng Jinyao accompanied Old Madam Gu for a little while longer, effectively taking a post-dinner walk.

After she left, Old Madam Gu spoke to her trusted maid, “A-Yao is clever, smart, and dutiful. Such a good child! How could the Meng family not know how to cherish her? They keep pushing her away, making her distance herself from them. Look at Xuanling—she married nearby and often returns to visit her elders.”

Nanny Feng replied, “The Meng family is blind, mistaking common things for treasures. Second Miss Meng, cold and selfish, wouldn’t even visit her deceased mother, yet they treasure her. They say marrying an unworthy wife brings disaster for three generations. The Meng family’s decline owes much to that.”

Old Madam Gu sighed lightly, feeling sorry for the elder Meng. Fate sometimes played cruel tricks. Good men could not marry virtuous wives; good women could not marry good men. The elder Meng had been friends with her husband. She had once considered befriending his wife, but seeing that Old Madam Meng was not compatible with her, she gave up, not forcing herself to associate with someone she disliked.

Nanny Feng added, “Madam, your husband probably doesn’t need their appreciation. Your and the Marquis’s care is enough.”

Old Madam Gu smiled. “Of course, Yao is precious to us. She’s a lucky star. Her presence brings more smiles to Yaoling. She makes him come alive.”

Nanny Feng said, “Because of her, your husband’s illness is gone, and soon you’ll hold your grandchild. Isn’t that a lucky star?”

Old Madam Gu shook her head gently. “I’ve long stopped worrying about whether I’d hold my own grandchild. But it’s good that Yaoling is healthy. That way, A-Yao won’t have to live a life of solitude. Having children now is a bonus. Their happiness reassures me.”