SGEIRS -Chapter 7 Sowing Discord

Shou’an Hall

Usually quiet, Shou’an Hall had become lively because a new bride had entered the household.

Early that morning, the younger members of the main family had already gathered in Old Madam Gu’s courtyard, waiting to see how the new daughter-in-law would handle herself today.

No one knew what kind of emotions the First Branch and Second Branch had gone through the night before. Gu Xiuming had fled from the marriage, and Gu Jingxi—who had been meant to be the groom’s father—had instead married his would-be daughter-in-law. Such a shocking and scandalous affair had surely spread everywhere. Their family had become the laughingstock of the entire capital. While waiting, members of the two branches exchanged countless meaningful glances in secret.

Old Madam Gu, however, looked energetic and spirited today, a kind smile on her face. Her son’s marriage had always been her greatest worry. Now that he finally had a wife, she was overjoyed. Life was theirs to live—she didn’t care what outsiders said. As long as her son had a wife and wouldn’t grow old alone, that was enough.

Seeing this, Madam Zhang spoke gently, “Truly, good fortune brings good spirits. Mother looks especially well today.”

Old Madam Gu nodded with a smile. “Of course. Now that Third Son has married, I can finally stop worrying about his marriage.”

At this, members of the First and Second Branch exchanged glances without a word. To them, this marriage was nothing but a joke. Yet the old madam could still smile. From now on, they would surely be mocked wherever they went.

Old Madam Gu noticed their subtle undercurrents but paid them no mind. The First and Second Branches were born of concubines and had always disliked seeing her son succeed. Only when they wanted to take advantage of something did they act like close brothers. When she saw Gu Jingxi walking in side by side with Meng Jinyao, her smile deepened. The others also turned their gazes toward them, each harboring different thoughts.

Ignoring the strange looks around her, Meng Jinyao remained as calm as ever. It was as if she had married Gu Jingxi from the start rather than Gu Xiuming. There was no shyness or awkwardness. She stepped forward openly and offered tea to Old Madam Gu.

“Mother, please have some tea.”

“Good, good, good.”

Old Madam Gu said “good” three times in a row, her eyes turning moist with emotion. She had waited more than ten years for this cup of daughter-in-law’s tea. At last, she had it. She took the cup, sipped once, and said warmly, “Good child, quickly rise.”

After Meng Jinyao stood up, Old Madam Gu removed the jade bracelet from her own wrist, took Meng Jinyao’s hand, and put it on her without giving her a chance to refuse.

Meng Jinyao lowered her eyes to look at it. The bracelet was translucent, bright green, and clearly of extraordinary value. She hurriedly said, “Mother, this is too precious. I cannot accept it.”

Seeing the bracelet, Gu Jingxi’s eyes flashed with surprise. Then he said, “A gift from an elder must not be declined. Since Mother gave it to you, just accept it.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao stopped refusing. She smiled and thanked her.

“Thank you, Mother.”

After sitting down, she noticed that Madam Zhang and Madam Chen’s expressions had changed slightly. Their gazes kept drifting toward her wrist. She immediately understood that this bracelet was no ordinary item—it was something they had long wanted but never obtained.

Indeed, both the First Madam and Second Madam were extremely envious. This jade bracelet had been passed down through generations of Gu family matriarchs and symbolized the position of the main wife. Originally, if Meng Jinyao had married Gu Xiuming and become the heir’s wife, she would eventually have received it anyway. But now it felt different. Someone who had once been their junior had suddenly become their equal—and even outranked them in status.

Madam Zhang’s eyes flickered slightly. In a gentle tone, she said, “Third Sister-in-law, did you sleep well last night? It’s all because that child Xiuming was so willful. We already sent people to look for him yesterday. If he had shown some responsibility, you wouldn’t have had to…”

She seemed to realize she had said too much and stopped in time. Then she changed the subject.

“Now that everything is settled, just forget those unpleasant matters. You and Third Brother should live well together.”