SGEIRS -Chapter 524 Welcoming the Bride

The summer sun blazed, and the weather was stifling.

Inside the room, an ice mirror had been set up to cool the air, making the interior fairly comfortable. Meng Jinyao lazily leaned against the soft pillow on the couch, enjoying the fresh fruits and melons delivered from the manor’s estate that morning. Life was delightfully leisurely.

Glancing at the time, she said to the maid beside her, “Qingqiu, go check if the young master has woken up yet.”

Yingyue paused for a moment before replying, “Madam, Sister Qingqiu got married a few days ago. I’m Yingyue.”

Meng Jinyao was momentarily taken aback. She had been so used to Qingqiu’s presence over the years that she felt a little odd without her. Since Qingqiu’s marriage to Zhou Yun, several times she had instinctively called for Qingqiu, only to be answered by another maid.

Still, Yingyue didn’t mind. If the madam had promoted her to head maid, it must mean she was pleased with her work—otherwise, she could have promoted someone else. Yingyue said, “I’ll go check on the young master. If he’s awake, shall I bring him over?”

Meng Jinyao nodded, “If he’s awake, bring him here.”

Not long after, Yingyue returned, holding Wanwan.

Seeing her son, Meng Jinyao smiled and took the little one into her arms. Noticing he still seemed a bit groggy, she kissed his small face and said with a laugh, “Your father was right—you really are a little piglet.”

Wanwan didn’t understand the words, but responded with cheerful “ya-ya” sounds. Seeing his mother’s gentle smile, he giggled foolishly.

Meng Jinyao chuckled, tapping his forehead lightly. “Silly boy, I said you’re a little piglet, and you’re still smiling?”

He kept grinning, replying with the same “ya-ya” sounds.

Yingyue commented, “Madam, the young master is actually quite smart. When I tried to pick him up, he wanted to keep sleeping, but once he saw you, he quickly became alert.”

Meng Jinyao felt pleased inside but said teasingly, “It’s probably because you haven’t spent much time with him; he doesn’t recognize you yet.”

At that moment, Gu Jingxi returned. Before even entering the room, he could hear his wife and son inside. The little boy didn’t understand a word, yet laughed nonstop. If there were a way to capture this scene, he would want to record it: his mother calling him a little piglet, and him laughing so heartily.

Then he heard his young wife speaking about him: “Wanwan, do you think your father was as silly as you when he was little? Your grandmother says your temperament is probably more like your father’s.”

Gu Jingxi: “……”

Seeing her husband enter, Yingyue quickly whispered, “Madam, the Marquis is back.”

Meng Jinyao looked up, her smile widening. “My husband’s back.”

Gu Jingxi nodded, chuckling, “And I just heard A-Yao say I was silly as a child, just like this little guy now.”

Meng Jinyao paused briefly, then forced a sheepish smile. “Husband, I just said it casually. You became the top scholar; surely he’ll be much smarter than this little one.”

Gu Jingxi took their son from her arms, smiling warmly. “I became top scholar at sixteen. If he isn’t top scholar at sixteen, it proves he’s not as smart as me.”

Meng Jinyao: “……”

Suddenly, she felt worried for her son. While there were many cases of children surpassing their parents, becoming top scholar at sixteen was rare. Most top scholars were around twenty-six.

Gu Jingxi continued, “A-Yao, on my way back I ran into someone familiar. Guess who it was?” He then signaled Yingyue to step aside.

Yingyue immediately bowed and left, understanding the hint.

Meng Jinyao shook her head lightly. “I can’t guess. Who did you meet?”

Gu Jingxi gave a clue: “Someone you know very well, someone you have a past conflict with. Try again.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao thought for a moment. Only one person came to mind—her third younger brother, Meng Chengxing. She furrowed her brows slightly. “What did Meng Chengxing do this time?”

Gu Jingxi shook his head. “Not him. Want to guess again?”

Meng Jinyao looked at him, puzzled. “If not him, then who? There aren’t many people in the capital who have a grudge against me.”

Gu Jingxi answered, “It’s your second younger sister, who married the wealthy merchant Deng Yuanqing in Yangzhou. I ran into her on my way back, and Deng Yuanqing was with her.”

Meng Jinyao was slightly stunned. Then she quickly realized that her father’s wedding was coming up. Meng Jinyu must have returned to the capital to attend it. Deng Yuanqing seemed considerate, bringing her along from so far away.

Curious, she asked, “So you met them, but why specifically mention it? We don’t really have dealings with them now.”

Gu Jingxi replied, “Your second younger sister is proud by nature. As the legitimate daughter of a noble family, she wasn’t pleased to marry a mere merchant, so she looked down on Deng Yuanqing. But today, when I saw her, she seemed like a completely different person—completely obedient to him.”

Meng Jinyao was surprised. “So Deng Yuanqing must be quite skilled to have her so obedient.”

Gu Jingxi said, “The eighth day of the lunar month is her father’s wedding. When you see her then, you’ll understand. She’s completely changed.”

Meng Jinyao smiled. “Husband, now I’m a bit curious.”

Gu Jingxi added, “In just two days, you’ll see for yourself.”

Two days later, it was the day Meng Dongyuan was to marry Madam Zhao.

Wanwan was still too young to attend the festivities, so Old Madam Gu helped look after him. Although the wet nurse could also take care of him, Meng Jinyao couldn’t fully relax; she often checked on him even at home. After all, it was her own child.

Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi went together to the Meng residence for the celebration. By the time they arrived, many guests had already come. The Meng household was filled with joyous activity, and Old Madam Meng welcomed the guests with a radiant smile.

Meng Jinyu was also helping attend to the guests. She was dressed in fine silks and brocades, adorned with pearls and jewels. She looked elegant and dazzling, far more impressive than when she was the second Miss Meng. Her belly was slightly rounded, indicating a few months of pregnancy.

Meng Jinyao paused in surprise and then subtly nodded. She looked transformed—poised and capable of handling guests smoothly. She could even humble herself to interact with those of lower status than the Meng family. Her demeanor had become far more polished. It seemed her brother-in-law deserved some credit for refining her so thoroughly.

At this moment, the room quieted. Meng Jinyu paused mid-sentence and, following the gaze of the guests, saw Meng Jinyao. Her expression froze briefly, then she quickly smiled and approached her elder sister, her voice tinged with excitement: “Elder sister, you finally came! It’s been so long—I’ve missed you.”

Meng Jinyao was taken aback by her sudden warmth, unsure of her intentions. She maintained her composure and replied calmly, “Second sister, I’ve missed you too. After going to Yangzhou with your husband, have you gotten used to it there?”