Chapter 382 Showing Weakness
The old woman regretted her actions more and more. If she had known things would turn out this way, she really shouldn't have gone too far back then.
Looking back now, apart from their tarnished reputations, the three Meng daughters were in no way inferior to their grandson in terms of looks and family background. Now that Gu Yan's reputation was utterly ruined, his only advantage had become a disadvantage, and the three Meng daughters had become noble ladies whom their grandson could not reach.
Even if we assume that Meng Xiyao is truly in love with Gu Yan and doesn't mind his recent absurdity, and forgives her impulsive words at the time, how could Meng Xiyao's family agree?
Her father, Meng Xingyuan, was the head of the civil officials in the court, and he could easily make her feel ashamed with just a few words.
And then there's Empress Meng Lingge, who's even more of a woman who never suffers a loss.
Meng Lingge had heard rumors that Meng Xiyao had looked down on her before, and now that the Gu family was in decline and Meng Xiyao was back, Meng Lingge would definitely be the first to object.
When Granny Wu saw the old woman sighing repeatedly, she knew what was on her mind.
"Oh, my old lady, what face does our family have left now?"
Granny Wu shook her head exaggeratedly.
"If things continue like this, young master, forget about your reputation, you won't even be able to survive. You just said that you ended up like this because you cared too much about your reputation and face, so why are you now trapped by your pride?"
"Young Master has lost his official position, and the good reputation our family has built up over the years is ruined. Even ordinary poor women look down on our young master. Our family has nothing left to lose. What else do you have to fear or worry about?"
These words stirred something within the elderly woman.
Yes, what face does the Gu family have left?
Those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose. Gu Yan has already completely disgraced the Gu family. What does it matter if she is rejected when she asks for help?
What other serious consequences could this cause?
At most, she'll be ridiculed a few times; the Meng family and the Empress can't possibly beat up this old woman.
And what if it works out?
The old woman's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
"Then I'll go to the Meng residence. Whether it works or not, as long as it's a method, I have to give it a try."
"That's right."
Granny Wu slapped her thighs hard with both hands.
"Don't worry about face or reputation anymore. As long as we can persuade Miss Meng to let our young master turn back, our Gu family will definitely have a chance to regain its glory."
The old woman nodded, her gaze hardening.
"This matter should be handled as soon as possible. Go to the market to buy some gifts. I need to go to the Meng residence now."
The image of Gu Yan embracing a man sent a chill down the old lady's spine. Whether her grandson was seeking revenge or was suffering from a personality change due to the blow of not being able to be with the person he loved, this matter should end as soon as possible.
Whether Gu Yan and Gu Fu can be reborn depends on this one move.
The carriage turned towards the market. The old lady carefully selected a few pastries that young ladies would like, and then spent a lot of money at a jewelry shop to buy a pair of red coral earrings. With a desperate determination, she headed to the Meng residence.
After making up her mind, the old lady's panic subsided slightly, and she repeatedly encouraged herself.
She came to ask for help this time, so she could no longer care about saving face; she had to lower her stance and learn to show weakness.
Thinking of this, the old woman rubbed her reddened eyes and messed up her hair a little more to make herself look particularly helpless, dejected, and pitiful.
Having mentally prepared herself for the journey, she didn't dare to stop at all when she arrived at the entrance of the Meng residence and went straight inside.
I'm afraid that if I stop, this impulsive spirit will dissipate, and I'll give up.
The guards of the Meng family stopped the old lady. After hearing that the visitor was looking for Miss Meng the Third, they took the old lady to a side hall at the entrance of the Meng family mansion to wait and instructed someone to go and inform her.
The old lady and Granny Wu waited in the side hall for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea. Just as they were getting anxious, a round-faced maid finally came out, led them to the main hall, and served them tea.
Then a strong male voice came in from outside.
"I thought you were some distinguished guest who wanted to see my daughter, but it turns out you are the most disciplined and reputable old lady in the capital. You are quite a rare guest. May I ask what brings you to my humble abode today?"
Meng Xingyuan walked in slowly, a smile on his face, but his eyes were cold.
The strictest family rules, the best reputation.
These words, which used to be a compliment to the old lady, have now become a form of mockery.
It seems that Meng Xingyuan already knows about Gu Yan's dismissal.
The old woman's face twitched almost imperceptibly.
“Lord Meng, when I last met your third young lady, I was unaware of the situation and offended her with my words. I have been feeling guilty and uneasy these days. I wonder if you could ask the third young lady to come out and meet me, so that I can have a chance to apologize in person.”
What she thought was difficult to say turned out to be not so difficult to say.
Meng Xingyuan raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
"Meeting? I'm afraid that's not possible. My daughter went out before and was seen by a very strict elder in the capital. He publicly reprimanded her for not being chaste. I feel I have failed in my duty to raise her. Now she is in her room reflecting on her mistakes and cannot see any guests."
Meng Lingge had already informed Meng Xingyuan about the matter concerning the Gu family, so Meng Xingyuan was fully aware of the Gu family's intentions.
This old woman was so stubborn, insisting on breaking up the couple. Now that things are out of control, she knows to come and show weakness.
If she were to give in to her wish so easily, she would think that her daughter would never be able to marry anyone but Gu Yan, and would not remember Xi Yao's kindness, but would only think that Gu Yan was capable.
Upon hearing this, the old lady knew that Meng Xingyuan was deliberately retaliating for the insults she had inflicted on Meng Xiyao.
Her face was flushed, but she showed no sign of backing down.
The old woman stood up, walked to Meng Xingyuan, and bowed deeply.
"Please forgive me, Lord Meng. That confused elder was none other than myself. I misunderstood Miss Meng that day, and I have come here today to apologize. I hope that you will do me a favor and allow Miss Meng to meet with me."
Meng Xingyuan was always cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Seeing that the usually dignified and proud Old Madam Meng had lowered her posture so much today, not only admitting her mistake but also apologizing twice, his anger subsided considerably.
Looking at the old woman, who looked haggard with red and swollen eyes, one could tell that she had suffered a lot these past few days.
If she hadn't been driven to desperation, how could this old woman, who values her reputation so much, have shown such weakness?
Meng Xingyuan had originally intended to make things difficult for her again, but now he felt a little reluctant.
“Since you are so frank, I will inform my daughter. However, I respect her decision regarding whether or not she wishes to see you. Please wait a moment, Madam.”
The old lady was extremely grateful after hearing this and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Lord Meng."
Hearing the choked voice in her voice, Meng Xingyuan forced a weak smile.
I couldn't help but feel a little sad.
Regardless of right or wrong, the old lady's feelings for Gu Yan were indeed those of a loving grandmother.
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