SGEIRS -Chapter 53 The Short-Sighted Ones

Watching the whole family interact so harmoniously, Old Madam Gu felt her mood lift, especially seeing Meng Jinyao by her legitimate son’s side. The young girl spoke to Yaoling with warmth and gentleness.

In her joy, she gifted each of her daughters-in-law a hairpin—fairly, without favoring anyone. Each hairpin was exquisitely carved from high-quality jade and was quite valuable.

Madam Zhang and Madam Chen were both flustered by the unexpected gifts. Normally, the only time they received anything from their mother-in-law was the formal gift on their first day of tea ceremony. At other times, they got nothing, though their children had been rewarded before.

“Thank you, Mother,” the three daughters-in-law said in unison, all smiling.

Old Madam Gu looked at them kindly and said, “In the neighboring household, the daughters-in-law fight openly and secretly, creating a chaotic household, so that the men can’t focus on advancing their careers. Fortunately, all of our daughters-in-law are good. Seeing you all, it brings me great comfort.”

At her words, Madam Zhang and Madam Chen’s expressions faltered slightly—they knew her comment was directed at them. Plainly put, it was a warning: don’t quarrel with the third daughter-in-law. As long as they didn’t fight or covet, there’d be no scheming.

Yet, they showed no outward reaction, almost speaking in unison with Meng Jinyao: “We will follow your teachings, Mother.”

The family was happily at ease, until, as always, someone short-sighted stirred up trouble right in front of Old Madam Gu, bringing up the most sensitive topic.

Madam Zhang looked at Meng Jinyao with concern. “By the way, Third Sister-in-Law, what exactly happened yesterday? I heard it had to do with some dowry, and that Madam Meng, relying on her seniority, bullied you? If you had any difficulties, you could have told us—we could have helped figure out a plan together.”

As soon as she spoke, everyone instinctively looked at Meng Jinyao.

Old Madam Gu shot Madam Zhang a slightly displeased glance—she had just reminded them not to fight openly or secretly, and now they’d already started.

Meng Jinyao turned to Madam Zhang, seeing her concerned expression but knowing Madam Zhang merely wanted to watch her make a fool of herself. Smiling, she replied, “Thank you for your concern, Sister-in-Law. It’s really nothing major—I resolved it yesterday.”

Madam Zhang looked surprised. “Resolved? I didn’t see the scene myself yesterday, but the maid described it, and it sounded alarming. I’m not quite clear what happened, so I just asked to make sure Third Sister-in-Law wasn’t bullied.”

“Perhaps the maid made it sound worse than it was, causing Sister-in-Law to worry,” Meng Jinyao said calmly, smiling. She then recounted the events in a light, relaxed tone: “Here’s what happened. After my birth mother passed away, she left a dowry for me. When I was young, my stepmother said she’d hold it for me until my marriage. A few days ago, I checked my dowry and found it missing, so I went to claim it. Yesterday, they sent it over, and I just had to check it.”

Her expression was calm, her demeanor open, and she showed no irritation whatsoever. Her tone was light, as if she were recounting someone else’s story.

Madam Zhang felt a pang in her heart. She had known Meng Jinyao was formidable, but her composure in such a serious situation was unexpected. If anyone else had gone through this, they might have been embarrassed in front of their own family. Meng Jinyao, however, remained unbothered, making Madam Zhang feel like the one who was foolishly trying to stir trouble, forcing a strained smile as she replied, “So Madam Meng withheld Third Sister-in-Law’s dowry… such things are really…”

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly, treating it as a trivial matter: “It’s not uncommon for a stepmother to occupy a stepdaughter’s dowry. I just happened to be unlucky, but it’s nothing major—I simply got it back.”

Madam Zhang muttered awkwardly, “Yes, thankfully Third Sister-in-Law reclaimed it.”

Meng Jinyao nodded again, lifting her teacup for a sip. If she were younger, she might have felt embarrassed, but now she no longer cared about such things, so no one could use it to trouble her.

Old Madam Gu was already pleased with her daughters-in-law, but seeing Meng Jinyao resolve potential awkwardness in just a few words made her even more satisfied. Such a good girl—Xiuming that brat didn’t deserve her, but she was perfect for Yaoling.

Sighing lightly, Old Madam Gu said, “I’m getting old, can’t keep up—enough for today. You may all leave.”

At her words, Madam Zhang hesitated slightly. She had felt fine moments ago—why now did Old Madam Gu suddenly tire? Could it be dissatisfaction? She hadn’t said anything, and Meng Jinyao’s matter had already made a huge stir.

The third house’s members all took their leave and exited Shou’an Hall.

Second Madam Chen and Madam Zhang walked closely together, with Madam Chen meaningfully saying, “Sister-in-Law seems a bit too eager.”

Madam Zhang’s face stiffened, and she shot her a glare.

Madam Chen pursed her lips, smiling slightly, and whispered, “Trying to watch someone else make a fool of themselves but failing… must be unpleasant to end up being the joke yourself. In front of Mother, Sister-in-Law, it’s best to be smart. Otherwise, if you anger her, your control over the household’s kitchen may be taken away.”

Her words sounded sincere, but to Madam Zhang, they were bitterly ironic.

Madam Zhang’s expression darkened, and she said nothing, quickening her pace. Naturally, Granddaughter-in-law Jiang had to follow closely after Old Madam Gu, and Gu Xuanyi followed the elder sister-in-law.

Madam Chen snorted lightly, wanting to speak to her husband, but seeing the three brothers walking ahead in conversation, she wisely stayed behind, taking along the younger daughter, Gu Xuanling.

Meng Jinyao strolled slowly at the rear, glancing at Madam Zhang and Madam Chen splitting off ahead. She muttered, “What a pity—I wanted to watch a good show, and it’s already over.” Then she quietly asked Qingqiu, “Qingqiu, which one do you think is more formidable?”

Qingqiu replied, “Mistress, I think Second Madam is more formidable.”

Meng Jinyao nodded gently. “Yes, I think so too.”

Qingqiu, deep in thought, cautioned, “Mistress, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. You should still keep your guard up.”

Meng Jinyao’s expression flickered briefly, then she nodded. Whenever interests clash, disputes arise. Currently, the First Madam and Second Madam share control over the kitchen, subtly competing. If one day Mother asks her to oversee the kitchen, trouble may follow.

After a while, Meng Jinyao smiled lightly. “Enough, come what may, I’d better go back and tally the harvests from the estates and shops over the years. That way, I can claim the money from the Yongchang Marquis’s household sooner. Money is best kept in one’s own pocket—if left in someone else’s, it could be spent without notice.”

Qingqiu nodded with a smile. “Mistress speaks wisely.”