SGEIRS -Chapter 496 Target for Venting

Old Madam Meng felt a sense of gloom upon hearing this. Her son, after all, was the Marquis of Yongchang—why should the conditions be lowered so drastically?

The matchmaker, seeing her reluctance, couldn’t simply refuse, so she tried to persuade her: “Madam, think about it—this young girl is about the same age as the grandchildren in your household. How could she possibly manage the inner affairs and make the children obey her? Older women are different—they at least look like elders.”

Old Madam Meng considered this and felt the matchmaker’s point had some merit. From another perspective, having her son marry an older woman also had advantages. Older women couldn’t bear children, so they wouldn’t pose a threat to Chengxing’s status. Otherwise, her foolish son could be swayed by a scheming wife and try to displace Chengxing, installing the current wife’s child as heir instead.

After weighing the pros and cons, Old Madam Meng’s heart still favored her little grandson, Meng Chengxing. It was fine for her son to marry an older woman, but her grandson’s position as heir must remain unshakable. She said calmly, “You do have some point—older women have their advantages too.”

The matchmaker, seeing that her argument was accepted, continued: “Madam, rest assured. I will find an elegant, refined, and attractive woman for the Marquis. If you meet her and feel she isn’t suitable, we can continue searching. Surely, we’ll find a daughter-in-law to your satisfaction.”

Old Madam Meng nodded slightly and emphasized, “Our Meng family has been a noble house for a hundred years. Choosing a daughter-in-law also requires attention to her family background. She should come from an official or scholarly family. Even if her family isn’t high-ranking, as long as they are cultured, it’s acceptable.”

The matchmaker felt helpless. If it weren’t for Old Madam Meng’s insistence on a woman from an official or scholarly family, many young girls would be willing to marry the Marquis. She quickly agreed, “Madam, rest assured. I will search according to your requirements and ensure your satisfaction.”

After dismissing the matchmaker, Old Madam Meng let out a long sigh. She thought bitterly that the family’s misfortune stemmed from previously letting in someone like Madam Dong, who had ruined her son’s reputation and made his current marriage prospects difficult.

Outside, the matchmaker couldn’t help but scoff. It was really hard to earn money from the Meng family. The Marquis was on his fourth marriage, the family’s reputation was mediocre, they were in decline, yet they demanded a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old, cultured, never-married, beautiful girl? Truly humiliating. The more marriages one had, the higher their demands—what were they thinking?

Meanwhile, Meng Dongyuan, upon hearing that the matchmaker had visited again, guessed that she was scouting for girls and inquiring about his mother’s opinion. Irritated, he paced the room for a while, then suddenly had an idea and hurried to Rongfu Hall to see his mother.

Even if the matchmaker had found a girl, he could inquire, complain, and make his mother dismiss the idea. If this match failed, he could try again next time—his goal was simply to ruin his own marriage prospects.

At Rongfu Hall, Meng Dongyuan greeted his mother and, upon sitting, asked, “Mother, I heard that Matchmaker Zhang visited.”

Old Madam Meng, unsure of his intentions, nodded, “Yes, she did. Why do you ask?”

Meng Dongyuan continued, “Do you know which family she has chosen a girl from?”

Old Madam Meng was surprised—she hadn’t expected her son to ask about this. She thought he might have come to terms with leaving Madam Dong behind and marrying someone new, and she felt pleased: “I’m glad you care about your marriage, but this one didn’t go smoothly.” Her tone darkened. “All of this is because of Madam Dong. If she hadn’t caused a separation and ruined your reputation, you wouldn’t have been considered unlucky in love.”

Meng Dongyuan was puzzled. “Mother, what do you mean?”

Old Madam Meng explained the matchmaker’s report and added, “Your marriage is troubled, but hers isn’t any better. She’s twenty-six and has already been married twice. Even if she can marry again, it won’t be to a family better than ours.”

Meng Dongyuan, realizing his own marriage was blocked, felt relieved and said reassuringly, “Mother, at my age, it’s fine if I don’t marry. In a few years, Chengzhang will reach marriageable age. When your granddaughter-in-law enters our home, she can take over household management.”

Old Madam Meng’s expression darkened. Chengzhang wasn’t the heir, so why would his wife manage the household? It should be Chengxing’s wife who does so. Even though she repeatedly scolded her son for favoring Chengzhang, she wouldn’t allow it. When her son married a new wife, that wife would manage the household; later, when Chengxing married, his wife would take over the inner affairs.

She didn’t argue with her son, speaking gently: “Don’t be discouraged. Lower your standards a bit, and your marriage won’t be difficult. I will find a suitable woman for you. Arrange the marriage soon and marry in the second half of the year.”

Meng Dongyuan remained silent for a moment, then said, “Thank you, Mother, for your concern.”

Old Madam Meng replied, “We are mother and son—no need for formalities. I’m a little tired now; you may go.”

Meng Dongyuan bid farewell and left Rongfu Hall. Outside, he was seething with frustration but had no outlet. At his age, he couldn’t even control his own marriage. Whoever his mother chose, he had to marry—disobeying her would be unfilial.

Suddenly, he thought of someone on whom he could vent his anger: his youngest son, Meng Chengxing. This disobedient child had annoyed him for a long time, but his mother’s protection had prevented him from punishing him. Now, with his mother absent, he could take the opportunity to teach the boy a lesson. Chengxing surely wasn’t studying diligently at the moment anyway.

Without a word, Meng Dongyuan went to Chengxing’s courtyard. Servants saluted him, and he waved them away, walking straight toward his son’s study. He stopped the servants from notifying Chengxing to catch him off guard.

He opened the study door and looked inside. As expected, the scene did not disappoint him: his disobedient son was entwined with a beautiful maid, their clothes disheveled. Chengxing’s face showed anger at being interrupted, while the maid looked terrified.

Chengxing, surprised at his father’s arrival, shifted from anger to panic and embarrassment. He quickly pushed the maid away, straightened his clothes, and nervously asked, “Father, why are you here?”

Meng Dongyuan’s face darkened. “I happened to pass by your courtyard and remembered your grandmother said you study diligently. After returning from the academy, you lock yourself in your study. I came to test your learning.” He glanced at the trembling maid on the floor. “I didn’t expect this is how you study after returning from the academy.”

Chengxing was speechless for a moment but quickly tried to shift the blame onto the maid. He knelt, “Father, I know I was wrong—it was that wretched girl who tempted me.”

The maid looked at him in shock—he had clearly acted first.

Meng Dongyuan glanced at the maid. He knew exactly what his son had done but chose not to punish her severely; she could still be useful. He said lightly, “Since it’s your first offense, I’ll deduct three months of your allowance. Do not repeat this. If it happens again, you will not be spared.”

The maid was stunned—she had expected to be expelled from the household, not have only her wages reduced.

Meng Dongyuan then turned to his son, leaving no room for argument: “Since you know you were wrong, take your books and kneel in the ancestral hall while studying. Let the ancestors see that you are truly remorseful, and may they bless you to pass the exams at Lingshan Academy. Go. I will have someone watch you study.”

Chengxing was shocked and resistant but could not refuse. He said, “Yes, Father.”

Seeing his disobedient son squirm, Meng Dongyuan felt a sense of satisfaction.