Chapter 457 Encountering Plum Blossoms
In the middle of winter, all things hibernate, awaiting the return of spring.
The first snow of the year fell in the capital, and after one night, the entire city was covered in a blanket of white.
Two carriages departed from the Changxing Marquis's residence. Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao were in the first carriage, while Qingqiu and Ningdong were in the second. With the Marquis present, they could not ride in the same carriage as their mistress and had to ride in a separate carriage.
Feeling bored at home, Meng Jinyao heard that the plum blossoms in the plum grove were in full bloom, so she wanted to go there to admire them. It just so happened that Gu Jingxi was on his day off, so she accompanied him to admire the plum blossoms.
After disembarking from the carriage, we entered the plum grove, where the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.
Looking around, everything is covered in silver, with plum blossoms dotting the landscape, making them look exceptionally beautiful and adding a touch of brightness to the winter.
Looking at the blooming plum blossoms, Meng Jinyao was in a particularly good mood, and a happy smile appeared on her face. She strolled with Gu Jingxi in the plum grove, sharing interesting things they had heard or seen recently.
Meng Jinyao said, "Husband, I went to see A-Ning's child. The little guy is very cute. If we are destined to be together, it would be nice for him to be our son-in-law."
Daughter/son-in-law?
Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi's father immediately frowned, feeling utterly disgusted. How could a brat still in swaddling clothes, who knew nothing but eating and crying, be worthy of his daughter? He would at least have to observe Gu Jingxi's character and abilities after he passed the imperial examinations, especially his character.
He said gently, "Ayao, the child hasn't been born yet, so there's no rush to get married. It's not too late to consider marriage when she's fifteen or sixteen."
Meng Jinyao laughed and said, "I was just saying, how could it be settled so easily? If the two children are interested in each other in the future, it would be a good thing for the two families to get married. With Aning as the mother-in-law, our daughter will definitely not suffer."
Gu Jingxi disagreed, saying, "No matter how good a mother-in-law is, sometimes she can't compare to a husband."
He glanced at Meng Jinyao and continued, "Sons and daughters-in-law are ultimately different. A mother-in-law may scold and discipline her son for the sake of her daughter-in-law, but in reality, the son is more important. Scolding and disciplining the son is for the sake of the daughter-in-law, but more importantly, it is for the sake of the harmony of the son's family, so as to avoid trouble at home."
Meng Jinyao was slightly taken aback and said, "But if the husband is good but the mother-in-law is not, one will also suffer. After all, the husband cannot always be at home watching over her."
Gu Jingxi replied, "If that's the case, then it's ultimately the husband's fault. If the husband were truly good enough, would the wife suffer? If a man can't even reconcile the conflict between his mother and wife, how can he be expected to succeed in other areas? If he's a blindly filial son who puts his mother first in everything without distinguishing right from wrong, then it's better not to marry such a man. Whoever marries him will be unlucky."
Meng Jinyao turned to look at him, then nodded in agreement: "My husband is right. With you by my side, my daughter will definitely be able to marry a good husband."
Gu Jingxi smiled and said, "It's no use having me here. People's hearts are fickle, and some people won't stay good forever. The most important thing is to educate your children well and make them capable of facing all kinds of problems. Only in this way can they remain invincible. Otherwise, when problems suddenly arise and others can't be relied on, they will be defeated."
Upon hearing this, Meng Jinyao suddenly thought of her deceased grandfather. Before his death, her grandfather repeatedly instructed her to plan carefully before acting, so she rarely acted impulsively. This is how she fought against Sun Shi for many years and finally won a slight victory. She would only act impulsively when she could no longer bear it, just like when Gu Xiuming ran away from the wedding.
Qingqiu and Ningdong followed behind them, listening to their conversation, and pondered their future more deeply. They would be eighteen after the New Year, and they were also confused about marriage. If they didn't get married, their master was kind, and they could follow him for the rest of their lives and live a good life. If they got married, they might not live well, or they might have a happy and fulfilling family life.
Meanwhile, Mei Qingyun saw that it had snowed last night and the plum blossoms in the plum grove were in bloom. It was the perfect time to appreciate the plum blossoms, so she went out to enjoy them and relax, so as not to be upset when her sister-in-law tried to persuade her to get married at home.
She loves plum blossoms, and seeing them in full bloom always puts her in a good mood.
The maidservant beside her breathed a sigh of relief when she saw a long-lost smile on her face. Her mistress was always lifeless and had a gloomy face. As servants, they had to be careful when serving their mistress, afraid of doing something wrong and displeasing her.
Suddenly, Mei Qingyun stopped and stared blankly at a spot not far to her right. There were four people there, a couple walking in front, followed by two maids.
The couple chatted and laughed. When the wife spoke, the husband tilted his head slightly toward her, listening attentively and patiently.
The scene was so beautiful that one couldn't bear to disturb it.
The maid also stopped and followed her mistress's gaze. When she saw the group of people, she was slightly surprised, not expecting to encounter the Marquis of Changxing and his wife. She subconsciously looked at her mistress's expression and saw that her mistress's face was indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. She seemed to be thinking and softly suggested, "Miss, why don't we go in the other direction?"
Mei Qingyun had originally planned to do the same, but upon hearing this, her face darkened, and she said unhappily, "This road doesn't belong to them, and I'm not ugly, so why should I avoid them and go the other way?"
The maidservant hurriedly said, "That's not what I meant. I was just afraid you would be unhappy if you saw them."
Upon hearing this, Mei Qingyun became even more displeased: "Why should I be unhappy?"
The maid remained silent, not daring to reply, but she knew in her heart that her mistress was definitely unhappy. Her mistress was still regretting the broken engagement back then. After all, Marquis Changxing had been thinking of her mistress for many years, and was only forced to marry his current wife later. If her mistress had been divorced two years earlier, she might still be able to be with Marquis Changxing, but in the end, she missed her chance.
Mei Qingyun ignored the maid and walked casually toward Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao.
Meng Jinyao was talking to Gu Jingxi when she suddenly saw a familiar figure. She swallowed back what she was about to say and prepared to greet the person.
Gu Jingxi also saw Mei Qingyun. He frowned, feeling disappointed.
Mei Qingyun stared at them for a moment, as if she had only just noticed the couple. She then smiled and walked towards them, greeting them, "Lord Gu, Madam Gu, I didn't expect to meet you here. What a coincidence."
Gu Jingxi nodded slightly without replying.
Meng Jinyao responded with a smile: "It is quite a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet Miss Mei."
When Mei Qingyun heard the words "Miss Mei," she felt extremely uncomfortable. She felt that the other person was deliberately mocking her in the manner of a victor. It was truly ironic that she, who was about to become a grandmother, was still being called "Miss Mei."
Meng Jinyao then said, "Miss Mei, have you made an appointment? Then we'll take our leave without disturbing you any longer."
As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Jingxi took her hand and prepared to leave.
Looking at the two clasped hands, Mei Qingyun pursed her lips and, as if possessed, blurted out, "Lord Gu, may I have a word with you in private?"
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