Chapter 320 Family members should help each other.

"Excellent tea!"

Meng De'an picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and praised it highly.

"This must be a tribute tea that's only available in the palace! My niece is truly blessed."

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, filling the room with warmth.

Meng Shilan smiled faintly.

"It was my maternal grandfather who doted on me."

Wang's eyes had already thoroughly examined the furnishings of the flower hall.

Hanging on the wall is a painting of orchids by Zheng Sixiao, a master painter from the previous dynasty.

The antique display shelf is filled with blue and white porcelain from the official kilns.

Even the chairs they sat on were made of the finest rosewood.

Each one conveys two words.

rich.

Wang's heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

A bitter taste and jealousy almost welled up in her eyes.

She cleared her throat, put on a compassionate expression, and looked at Meng Shilan.

"Shi Lan, I heard that you have been suffering all these years."

"Now the hard times are finally over, and I'm back home."

"We elders can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

As she spoke, she even solemnly used a handkerchief to wipe away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes.

"only……"

She changed the subject, her face showing a hint of hesitation and unease.

"But you're a young woman, raising two children alone and wandering around for so many years. I imagine you haven't learned any housekeeping or management skills, have you?"

That's a rather pointed question.

This not only questions Meng Shilan's abilities, but also implies that she is not fit to be the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo.

The atmosphere in the flower hall froze instantly.

Even Zhou Congxian, who had been silent all along, slightly raised his eyelids, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Meng Shilan, however, remained calm and composed.

She even gave Wang a faint smile.

She readily agreed, "Seventh Aunt is right."

"Shi Lan is dull-witted and has indeed never learned any housekeeping skills."

A hint of smugness flashed in Wang's eyes.

She was about to speak and continue.

But then Meng Shilan's voice rang out again, unhurriedly.

"However, over the years, while I was away from home, I raised two children on my own, and I did manage some of the daily necessities and social obligations myself."

"Although I can't compare to Aunt Qi in managing such a large household so well."

"But I think the principles of this world are generally the same."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Wang's face.

"It all boils down to the word 'sincerity'."

Treat people with sincerity, and handle affairs with sincerity.

"As long as you have a righteous heart, even the most complicated matters will eventually be resolved."

"Seventh Aunt, do you think I'm right?"

Her words were perfectly flawless.

Wang's face instantly turned a deep purplish-red, and she felt a lump in her throat, unable to breathe.

Seeing this, Meng Ruoshui, who was sitting next to her, quickly spoke up softly to help her out of the predicament.

“Sister is right.”

She raised her head, her large, watery eyes looking at Meng Shilan with a pitiful expression.

"Sister, you have suffered so much, yet you still have such a clear and insightful mind. I truly admire you."

As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Zhou Congxian.

"I suppose that's why my brother-in-law treats me with such devotion."

These words sound like a compliment to Meng Shilan, but upon closer inspection, they don't quite have that feel to them.

It's as if they're saying that Meng Shilan was able to marry Zhou Congxian only because she used some "sincere" methods to gain sympathy.

Shuang'er stood behind Meng Shilan, her face turning pale with anger.

This Meng Ruoshui is truly a beautiful white lotus in a prosperous era!

Zhou Congxian's face turned completely cold.

He was about to speak.

Fu'er, who had been sitting quietly in Meng Shilan's arms, suddenly spoke in a clear voice.

"This auntie."

The little girl looked up at Meng Ruoshui, her big eyes filled with innocent confusion.

Why are you looking at my father like that?

Meng Ruoshui's body suddenly stiffened.

Fu'er's voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

In the flower hall, you could hear a pin drop.

Meng Ruoshui's face flushed red at a speed visible to the naked eye, then turned deathly pale.

"I...I didn't..."

She waved her hands frantically, her voice trembling with a hint of tears.

Fu'er tilted her head, looking confused.

“But I once saw an aunt who looked at Father with the same eyes.”

"Later, my father sent people to break that aunt's legs and throw her out."

The little girl's voice was innocent and pure.

What he said made everyone present gasp in shock.

Those from the collateral branches of the Meng family, in particular, looked at Zhou Congxian with a hint of fear in their eyes.

This young master of the British Duke's mansion is rumored to be decisive and ruthless.

Seeing it today, I can confirm that it truly lives up to its reputation!

He could be so cruel even to a woman who loved him!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Congxian raised an eyebrow slightly.

She truly is his daughter.

That fierce protectiveness.

Like him.

Wang's face stiffened for a moment. On her first visit, she was accused of coveting her brother-in-law. Her daughter had no right to face anyone!

She turned to Meng Ruoshui and gritted her teeth, saying, "You've been spoiled rotten at home. Now people are misunderstanding you for interrupting!"

Meng Ruoshui's body swayed precariously, her face as white as a sheet of paper.

Tears fell in large drops.

"Mother's punishment was because Ruoshui was impolite."

Meng De'an's face was extremely grim.

He never imagined that today's visit would turn into such an embarrassing situation.

He glared fiercely at his daughter.

A piece of trash that's good for nothing but causing trouble!

He took a deep breath, forced a smile, stood up, and cupped his hands in greeting to Zhou Congxian and Meng Shilan.

"Your Highness, my niece Shi Lan was unruly. Please forgive her for her young age."

"It was my fault for not disciplining him properly. I will punish him severely when I get back!"

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity and humility.

Seeing this, Meng Shilan also took the opportunity to back down.

She spoke softly to Fu'er in her arms.

"Fu'er, don't talk nonsense."

Meng De'an breathed a sigh of relief, but he had not yet revealed the true purpose of his visit today.

It seems we need to try a different approach.

He composed himself and a smile returned to his face.

“Niece Shi Lan, don’t blame the child too much. She’s young and just at the age where she should be innocent and carefree.”

He abruptly changed the subject, steer the conversation toward serious business.

"To be honest, besides visiting my niece and getting to know her, there is another matter I would like to discuss with her today."

They've arrived.

Meng Shilan sneered inwardly.

The fox's tail is finally about to be revealed.

Her expression remained calm and composed.

"Seventh Uncle, please speak."

Meng De'an rubbed his hands together, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face.

"That's right."

"Your cousins ​​are now of age where they should be looking for jobs."

"But we are from a collateral branch, and we have little influence or connections in the capital."

He looked at Meng Shilan, his eyes filled with anticipation.

“Now that my niece has been recognized by her ancestors, we are all one family.”

"As a family, we should help each other."