SGEIRS -Chapter 483 Provoking Hatred

Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning fell silent, unsure how to even comment. Originally, Madam Shen and Duke Shen would have been a perfect match, but the eldest sister had stolen that union. Their parents, knowing that the younger daughter had liked the then-heir Duke Shen first, still favored the eldest daughter, directly cutting off the younger daughter’s chance with Duke Shen.

As for Madam Shen, because she resented her sister for taking the man she loved, and with her sister having died young, she couldn’t take revenge on her sister. So she transferred her hatred onto her nephew instead.

But Shen Yunzhou was innocent. The grievances of the elders—if Madam Shen hadn’t spoken of them—the younger generation would never have known.

Not only Shen Yunzhou, even Duke Shen probably didn’t know Madam Shen’s true feelings.

After a moment, Meng Jinyao asked, “Did Duke Shen ever find out that Madam Shen had liked him in her youth but had her marriage stolen by her sister?”

Princess Jingning shook her head slightly. “I’m not sure if my father-in-law knows. Perhaps he does now. But for the moment, he treats her as well as ever. If it weren’t for my own mother-in-law back then meddling by taking advantage of our parents’ favoritism, they would have been a happy couple.”

“But because of this, my husband has also let go of his grudges against her. My mother-in-law, back then, knowing she was the first to like my father-in-law, still used parental favoritism to steal the match. To my husband, she is the wrongdoer. But to her, my husband’s mother is also a wrongdoer.”

Meng Jinyao said, “The grievances of elders are not for the younger generation to manage.”

Princess Jingning nodded. “Exactly. That’s why my husband has let go too, but he still keeps his guard against her, just in case she tries anything in the future. Sometimes you can’t underestimate someone who’s bedridden but cunning—they can still plan mischief while their mind is clear.”

Song Xinning was puzzled. “I really can’t understand—how can biological sisters like the same man and even scheme against each other to get him? Aren’t sisters, bound by blood, supposed to be closer than a man with no family relation?”

Princess Jingning replied, “What my mother-in-law and stepmother did is small potatoes. The twin sisters from the Lai family… now that was madness.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning fell silent again. The Lai twins had been famous throughout the capital several years ago.

The two sisters had both fallen for the same man. The man liked the elder sister and was engaged to her. But on the eve of the wedding, the younger sister killed the elder sister. Their parents, having lost one child and not wanting to lose another, and wishing to save face, concealed the elder daughter’s death. They allowed the younger daughter to marry the intended husband as a stand-in. Later, they planned to say that the younger daughter had died suddenly from illness, so she could continue living as the elder daughter.

However, the intended husband truly loved the elder sister and knew her well. No matter how well the younger sister acted, she had flaws. It didn’t take long for the husband to realize he had married the younger sister, not his beloved. The real culprit was now his wife. Enraged, he lost all reason and killed both the murderer and his wife, becoming the first scholar in our dynasty to be imprisoned for killing his wife.

Song Xinning sighed. “What a pity for the Lai family’s son. So talented, yet imprisoned for killing his wife. The Lai family tried to save him, preserving his life, but he was exiled. He fell ill during the journey and died.”

Princess Jingning said, “Love can make people lose their minds.”

Song Xinning agreed, “Indeed. Over the years, I’ve heard countless tales of love and hatred—sisters fighting over a man, brothers fighting over a woman, a younger brother killing an elder brother and marrying his widowed sister-in-law.”

Meng Jinyao added, “And a father-in-law getting involved with his son-in-law, eventually discovered by his daughter. That happened in the capital too, and it caused quite a scandal. We were only eleven or twelve back then.”

Hearing this, Song Xinning and Princess Jingning felt a shiver run down their spines. Father-in-law and son-in-law? That was even more disgusting than fighting over a man or woman. The mother-in-law, learning of her husband and son-in-law’s affair, fell ill from anger. The daughter, discovering the relationship, was so shocked that she went mad.

Song Xinning suddenly asked, “Jinyao, how is Miss Gu now?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “Xuanyi is doing quite well. She just doesn’t want to marry. Her ex-husband was homosexual and abusive; now she fears marriage.”

Princess Jingning said, “The Gu family is wealthy and influential; they can easily support one daughter. Marriage or not, it doesn’t matter, as long as she’s safe and well. Perhaps if fate brings her a mutual love in the future, she might reconsider.”

Meng Jinyao responded softly with an “mm.”

Song Xinning suddenly remembered something. “Oh, Jinyao, a few days ago, my husband ran into your father at a tavern. Your father… well, he’s truly one of a kind.”

Meng Jinyao frowned, concerned since it involved her father. “What did he do this time?”

Song Xinning said, “He was drunk, babbling nonsense with his friends. He said that your stepmother’s current pregnancy is definitely a boy. If your third brother doesn’t improve, he should report him to the emperor to be deposed, letting your stepmother’s son become heir. If your third brother heard this, he would probably hate him to death. And it also stirs hatred toward your stepmother and her unborn child.”

Meng Jinyao’s frown deepened. She didn’t really care whether her stepmother’s son would become heir, as long as it wasn’t Meng Chengxing, the useless and unscrupulous third brother. But if her father’s words got out, it would not only make him a laughingstock but also incur her third brother’s resentment.

Princess Jingning showed an exasperated expression. “Jinyao, your father knows exactly how to provoke hatred, both from others and toward himself. A few drinks, and he says anything.”

Meng Jinyao snorted lightly. “He’s used to both praising and criticizing. He did the same with me and my second younger sister before—praising her for being obedient and sensible, while criticizing me, the eldest, for not setting a good example. Now that my second brother is starting to succeed, he praises him while belittling the third. He says all of this openly, without restraint, as if afraid the children might get along too well.”

Princess Jingning stammered, “From what you describe, your father sounds like one of those meddlesome old women in the inner court who stir up trouble. Even though he’s a man, his skill in causing strife is no less than theirs.”

Meng Jinyao pressed her lips together. “Takes after his mother—my grandmother.”

Princess Jingning furrowed her brows. “When your sister once deceived me and we visited the Meng household, I also met your grandmother. My first impression was that she was a kind and loving old lady. I liked her. Only after knowing you did I realize that was just a façade.”

Meng Jinyao pressed her lips and smiled faintly. “That’s why you can’t judge a person by appearances, or you’ll suffer greatly.”