Chapter Seven: Sowing Discord
Shou'an Hall.
The usually quiet Shou'an Hall became lively with the arrival of the new bride.
Early in the morning, the younger members of the family arrived at Madam Gu's courtyard, eager to see how the new bride would handle things today.
The eldest and second wives spent the night in unknown turmoil. Gu Xiuming had run away from his wedding, and Gu Jingxi, the prospective father-in-law, had married his prospective daughter-in-law. This shocking event must have already spread far and wide, making their family the laughingstock of the entire capital. During the wait, the two families secretly exchanged countless glances.
Today, however, Madam Gu was in high spirits, with a kind smile on her face. Her son's marriage had been a worry for her, but now that he had a wife, she was happy. She was living her own life and didn't care what outsiders said. As long as her son had a wife and wouldn't have to grow old alone, that was enough.
Seeing this, Zhang said gently, "It's true that people are in high spirits when they have good news. Mother is in excellent spirits today."
Madam Gu nodded with a smile: "Of course, now that the third son is married, I no longer have to worry about his marriage."
Upon hearing this, the members of the first and second wives exchanged a silent glance. This marriage was a joke, and it was a wonder that the old lady could still laugh. From now on, they would be laughed at whenever they went out.
Old Madam Gu noticed their undercurrents, but didn't care. After all, the eldest and second sons were born out of wedlock and had always been jealous of her son's success. They were only brothers when they wanted to take advantage of her. When she saw Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao coming side by side, Old Madam Gu's smile deepened, and the eyes of the others also fell on them, each with their own thoughts.
Ignoring the strange looks from others, Meng Jinyao remained as calm as ever, as if she were marrying Gu Jingxi, not Gu Xiuming. Without the slightest hesitation, she generously offered tea to Old Madam Gu: "Mother, please have some tea."
"Okay, okay, okay."
Madam Gu said "good" three times, her eyes welling up with tears. She had been waiting for this cup of tea for her daughter-in-law for more than ten years. She took the teacup, took a sip, and then said, "Good child, get up quickly."
After Meng Jinyao got up, Old Madam Gu took off the jade bracelet from her wrist, held Meng Jinyao's hand, and put it on her wrist without allowing her to refuse.
Meng Jinyao looked down at the bracelet. It was of excellent quality, clear and green, and must be priceless. She quickly said, "Mother, this is too precious. I cannot accept it."
When Gu Jingxi saw the bracelet, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he said, "It is a gift from an elder that should not be refused. It was given to you by your mother, so please accept it."
Upon hearing this, Meng Jinyao did not refuse any longer and thanked her with a smile, saying, "Daughter-in-law thanks Mother." After sitting down, she noticed that Zhang Shi and Chen Shi's expressions changed, and their gazes seemed to be glancing at her wrist. She knew that this bracelet was not simple and must be something they wanted but could not obtain.
In fact, the First Madam and the Second Madam were truly envious. This bracelet was passed down from generation to generation by the matriarch of the Gu family and was a symbol of the matriarch. Although Meng Jinyao was originally going to get this bracelet sooner or later after marrying Gu Xiuming and becoming the wife of the heir, they always felt it was different. Originally, she was their junior, but now she had become their peer and her status was even more noble than theirs.
Zhang's eyes flickered, and she said gently, "Third sister-in-law, did you have a good night last night? It's all because of Xiuming's willful and reckless behavior. We sent people to look for him yesterday. If he hadn't been so irresponsible, you wouldn't be in this situation..."
As she spoke, she seemed to realize that she had said something she shouldn't have, so she stopped herself in time and said, "The matter is settled now, so just forget about those unpleasant things, Third Sister-in-law. You and Third Brother must get along well."
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