SGEIRS -Chapter 485 Parting on Bad Terms

That afternoon, Meng Jinyao was strolling with her two sisters-in-law, casually chatting to pass the time.

Madam Chen, attentive as always, noticed that Meng Jinyao seemed a little weary, so she stopped and asked, “Third sister-in-law, are you already tired after just a short walk?”

Meng Jinyao nodded. “A little tired, yes.”

Madam Zhang glanced at the pavilion ahead. “Then let’s go sit in the pavilion and chat for a while.”

The three sisters-in-law took a seat in the pavilion and continued their conversation from before.

Madam Chen noticed Meng Jinyao stifling a yawn and asked with concern, “Third sister-in-law, didn’t you sleep well last night?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “I haven’t been sleeping well lately. Even when I finally fall asleep, I wake up hungry.”

Hearing this, Madam Chen suggested, “Then have some peanuts and walnuts. When you sleep, lie on your left side; that will help improve your rest. When I was pregnant with Xiuhong, someone told me the same thing. I tried it, and it really helped a bit.”

Madam Zhang nodded in agreement. “Yes, it does help somewhat. But even if third sister-in-law wakes up hungry now, don’t eat too much. You must control it carefully. You don’t want to over-nourish the baby and make it too big—then delivery will be difficult.”

Meng Jinyao nodded. Madam Zhang had mentioned this several times before. Having spent so much time together, she understood that Madam Zhang had no ill intentions—just a little over-cautiousness—but who doesn’t have their own little worries?

Madam Zhang glanced at Meng Jinyao’s prominently rounded belly and reminded her, “Third sister-in-law, when the time comes for delivery, make sure to call Imperial Physician Bai Li, just in case of emergencies.”

Meng Jinyao was puzzled. “Imperial Physician Wen is highly skilled. Why not call him?”

Madam Zhang explained, “Third sister-in-law, you may not know this. Physician Wen can treat complex illnesses, but for sudden complications during childbirth, Imperial Physician Bai Li has much more experience. Even the palace empresses call him to wait outside the delivery room. When Empress Dowager gave birth to the sixth prince and suffered severe bleeding, it was Bai Li’s skill that saved her life.”

Madam Chen chimed in. “What Sister-in-law said is correct. For recipes that improve beauty and health, consult Physicians Yang or Wen; for complex illnesses, see Physician Wen; for infertility, see Physician Su. But for childbirth, it’s always best to have Physician Bai Li. Even if nothing goes wrong, having him present gives the mother peace of mind.”

Meng Jinyao understood. “I see.”

Madam Chen was about to say more when she suddenly noticed a familiar figure and smiled. “Look, third brother has returned.”

As she spoke, Meng Jinyao followed her gaze and saw Gu Jingxi dressed in a crimson official robe embroidered with peacocks, his smile broadening as he approached.

Madam Chen noticed the change in Meng Jinyao’s expression and teased, “Third sister-in-law, you’re like a blooming flower when third brother appears.”

Meng Jinyao’s cheeks flushed slightly, her gaze never leaving Gu Jingxi.

At that moment, Gu Jingxi also saw Meng Jinyao. Seeing her smiling at him so warmly, all the fatigue from a busy day vanished instantly. He quickened his pace toward the pavilion and greeted the two sisters-in-law first: “Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law.”

Madam Chen, ever tactful, said, “Since third brother is here, we’ll leave you two to be together. We should get going.”

And so, Meng Jinyao left with Gu Jingxi.

Madam Chen and Madam Zhang watched the couple’s departing figures, both showing signs of envy. The third brother really was different from the two elder brothers.

Madam Chen sighed. “Third brother holds a high post and is busy with official duties, yet he still comes home at this hour to accompany his wife. My husband is just a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Rites, and he isn’t even in sight. It seems he’s busier than third brother, who holds a third-rank position.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang thought of her own husband. Compared to the two younger brothers, he was practically useless. Even his leisure posts were thanks to family influence. Often he returned home later than the two younger brothers; if he came home early, it was because he was indulging in his concubine’s charms. Last year, she had quarreled with him, stewing in frustration for a long time, but he paid no attention. Eventually, she realized she could no longer hope for him to change.

She said calmly, “Second sister-in-law, be content. At least second brother isn’t out causing trouble—he’s just attending social engagements. Third brother comes home early simply because he dislikes such gatherings.”

Madam Chen paused and then asked, “Are you still angry with eldest brother?”

Madam Zhang’s expression was indifferent. “Why would I be angry with him? Let him indulge as he pleases. I have a son and daughter, and my son is doing well. It makes little difference whether he’s around or not.”

Madam Chen didn’t press the point and said, “It’s good that you can let go. Sometimes letting things be brings unexpected results. Men are like that—the more you show you care, the bolder they become. If you show indifference, then they start to care.”

In reality, Madam Zhang’s attitude stemmed from her youth. She had once shared an intimate bond with her husband. Later, when he favored a concubine, the emotional gap was too great, and that’s why she felt hurt.

It was similar for Madam Chen: her husband had favored the birth mother of Xuanling, a maid named Fang Yinian, who became his concubine after Madam Chen married in. He still treated Madam Chen with the dignity due to a wife, and Fang Yinian was well-behaved. Madam Chen harbored no resentment and understood that passionate intimacy with her husband was impossible. Respect and propriety were enough. She had never expected love, so she had never been disappointed.

After Fang Yinian passed away, she treated Xuanling well. Xuanling was filial, and over time, they formed a mother-daughter bond. Her husband, seeing her virtue, grew a bit more considerate and sometimes even put effort into her. Their marriage was simple and peaceful, but with warmth at times.

For Madam Zhang, the situation with her husband had been reversed. That’s why she felt hurt. The more she fussed, the more her husband could ignore her, leaving her the one truly affected.

Madam Zhang was slightly lost in thought and asked, “Second sister-in-law, is this based on your twenty years of experience? In the past, second brother’s heart was with Fang Yinian. Now, he treats you well and hasn’t taken another concubine.”

Madam Chen blinked in surprise. She had only meant to comfort, but her words clearly struck a nerve.

Her tone softened slightly. “Eldest sister, I just remembered—second master said yesterday he wanted my cooking. I should hurry back and prepare it. You take care.” With that, she didn’t wait for Madam Zhang’s reply and rose, leaving. Once again, the sisters-in-law parted on bad terms.

Madam Zhang was stunned. She hadn’t said anything provocative, so why the cold treatment?

It was utterly baffling.

She glanced at her personal maid and asked, “Why did she suddenly turn her face away like that?”

The maid, as an observer, understood the situation but dared not speak the full truth. She said, “Madam, perhaps Second Lady suddenly remembered something she had to do and left in a hurry.”

Madam Zhang was exasperated. “What kind of temper is this? When she’s happy, she gives a kind face; when displeased, she scowls. Does she think I’m easy to bully? She’s used to pushing me around, is that it? Why doesn’t she dare do that to Third Sister-in-law?”

The maid remained silent, unwilling to answer, though in her heart she thought: next time, think carefully before speaking—you might offend someone the moment you open your mouth.