SGEIRS -Chapter 530 The Formidable Wife, Madam Zhao

Old Madam Meng felt increasingly pleased with Madam Zhao upon hearing this. She liked daughters-in-law who were gentle yet perceptive, unlike Madam Dong, who lacked insight and often spoke without thinking, ruining her plans.

With a smile, she said kindly, “Good child, I’ve troubled you tonight. Mother will make it up to you properly.”

Madam Zhao sensed the sarcasm—it was like being slapped and then offered a sweet date. On the surface, she expressed gratitude, “Your daughter-in-law thanks Mother for your consideration.”

Old Madam Meng enjoyed the feeling of combining reward with threat, of having complete control over someone. This was something that Madam Zhou, Madam Sun, or Madam Dong could never give her. She added, “It’s late now. You’ve had a long day. Rest early tonight; he won’t wake up anytime soon.”

Madam Zhao replied politely, “Yes, Mother.”

Old Madam Meng then spoke a few more kind words. Once she saw her daughter-in-law fully steadied, she returned to the Rongfu Hall.

After Old Madam Meng left, Meng Chengxing let out a sigh and hesitantly said, “Mother, you were wronged. The Huiyun my father mentioned… she was actually Father’s previous wife. They were deeply in love, harmonious in every way, but impulsively divorced in the end.”

As he spoke, he seemed to realize he had said too much and quickly added, “Mother, you are so gentle, virtuous, and wise. Father will see your worth sooner or later and treat you well. Don’t take tonight’s matter to heart—Father just spoke carelessly in his drunken state.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Chengzhang frowned and shot his third younger brother a sharp, disapproving glance, as if to say: “If your mouth won’t behave, better sew it shut.”

Madam Zhao raised a brow and carefully studied Meng Chengxing. She sensed this boy was scheming, likely trying to provoke her by implying closeness with Meng Dongyuan and creating resentment. She feigned a quiet, sorrowful expression, slightly lowering her head before saying, “Chengxing, you’re a good child. Don’t worry; Mother is fine. It’s late now, so you two should go rest. Your father is in my care.”

Meng Chengxing glanced at her, satisfied that his plan to drive a wedge further under his father’s mischief had succeeded, and so he didn’t linger, taking his leave.

After he left, Meng Chengzhang said, “Mother, you were wronged tonight. The household is a little chaotic, and you may find it difficult to adjust. I’ll be returning to the academy in a few days. If you encounter any problems you cannot handle, you can come to Changxing Marquis House to find my elder sister.”

Madam Zhao looked at Meng Chengzhang and felt that this stepson was different from Meng Chengxing—likely a good man. He also indirectly indicated that he, like Meng Jinyao, differed from other Meng family members.

This gave Madam Zhao a plan: if her husband and mother-in-law couldn’t be relied upon, she would align herself with Meng Jinyao and Meng Chengzhang. These two children were promising and could bring her benefits as well.

With meaning, she said, “Chengzhang, rest assured. Mother knows what to do.”

Meng Chengzhang saw that she understood and, without lingering, took his leave.

The room was left with Madam Zhao and Meng Dongyuan, who lay unconscious on the bed.

Madam Zhao exhaled slowly. The troublesome event had finally been managed. She had embellished the story slightly, omitting any mention of her quarrel with Meng Dongyuan, keeping herself clean, all to appear as the perfect victim in front of her mother-in-law.

Whether out of guilt or embarrassment, Old Madam Meng would not pursue the matter further. Her strategy had worked: whether Meng Dongyuan remembered tonight’s events or not, she could firmly claim that he had been too drunk to recall. Old Madam Meng likely already knew that Meng Dongyuan’s heart still leaned toward Madam Dong, which would make her words even more believable.

Moments later, Madam Zhao stepped to the bedside. Looking at the man on the bed, her anger and resentment surged. Gritting her teeth, she rolled up her sleeves and raised her fist, ready to strike Meng Dongyuan’s face with fluid, forceful movements—truly formidable.

But the next moment, realizing hitting him would be too obvious, she withdrew her fist, pulled back the covers, and forcefully pinched the soft flesh around Meng Dongyuan’s waist several times.

Seeing him frown as if feeling pain but not waking, she pinched him once more for satisfaction. Only then did she release him, letting out a soft snort: “No matter why you divorced Madam Dong, in Zhao Qianyi’s life, there’s widowhood, not divorce. If you can’t let Madam Dong go, then dwell on her forever—after all, you’ll never have her back.”

Even when she married, she had expectations. But at her age, she no longer sought romantic love. If her husband treated her well, that would be fine. If not, she sought status: being a countess was far better than being a widow, or the wife of someone with less prestige. Now, with this position, she could help her daughter secure advantageous marriages as well.

As for Meng Dongyuan, it didn’t matter if he liked her or not. As long as she didn’t violate the Seven Grounds for Divorce, he couldn’t dismiss her. If he treated her poorly, she would make him pay.

The next day.

When Meng Dongyuan awoke, his head throbbed violently. Seeing Madam Zhao at the bedside, he was stunned. Memories of last night flooded back, especially Madam Zhao’s forceful, commanding demeanor. He snapped, “Madam Zhao, why are you still here?”

Madam Zhao responded calmly, “Husband, this is our bridal chamber. Last night was our wedding night. If I weren’t here, where should I be?”

Meng Dongyuan was momentarily speechless: “You…”

Madam Zhao rose, towering over him, her expression indifferent, and said slowly, “Husband, are you going to claim this was your room with Huiyun and not a place for me? That was then. Now, the lady of this courtyard is me. I hope you recognize reality and stop speaking nonsense. If this spreads, it will be your embarrassment. Others will only mock you for failing to cherish what you lost, for dwelling on your former wife while remarrying—your so-called deep love will be seen as ridiculous.”

Meng Dongyuan’s face darkened. He glared at Madam Zhao but could not reply.

Madam Zhao didn’t waste words further. She continued, “Since you’re awake, get up. We still need to go pay respects to Mother. It’s past noon now, and she has been waiting.”

With that, she left without waiting for his response and went to summon a maid to attend.

Meng Dongyuan muttered in confusion: “?”

When had he agreed to go with Madam Zhao to pay respects? This woman even arranged his schedule with an authoritative tone.

He was instantly furious. In all his decades of life, women had always obeyed him without question. Who had ever dared to treat him this way?

Madam Zhao—neither gentle nor obedient, her words sharp and commanding—was a far cry from the obedient daughter-in-law his mother envisioned. How could Old Madam Meng have taken such a woman to heart?