Chapter 136 Returning to the Meng Residence (2)
Madam Ye said with a hint of sourness, "Li Niang has found a good match. I don't know how Lord Min took a liking to her, that a concubine's daughter could actually marry the legitimate son of the Minister of Personnel..."
Her husband, Meng Zhuo, was a minor official in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, a position he obtained through donation thanks to the influence of the late Minister Meng. She thought that having such a powerful backer would be advantageous, as her father-in-law was the former Minister of Rites, her eldest brother-in-law was the Vice Minister of Works, and her several younger brothers-in-law also held official positions. With such a strong background, her daughter could surely be considered to be from a family of powerful officials in the capital.
When it came time to arrange a marriage, she realized that people are divided into insiders and outsiders. Her husband, a minor official who had obtained his position through donation, was not considered a suitable match by high-ranking officials with real power, nor by nobles, and certainly not by the legitimate sons of aristocratic families. Most families with nominal or hereditary positions raised spoiled brats, which she also disliked. So she could only think of choosing from those poor but aristocratic families who had just entered the capital.
But those people had weak backgrounds. When one of them passed the imperial examination, his entire family, including his aunts and uncles, would come to enjoy the good life. They couldn't even afford a courtyard house and could only rent one. Even if the young man was honest, hardworking, and had a good future, she couldn't let her daughter suffer in such a family. So her daughter's marriage was stuck in this awkward situation, which was very distressing.
The Meng family mansion, though outwardly adorned with flowers and brocade, was usually quite convenient for getting things done simply by giving a name. However, when it came to marriage proposals, they ran into a brick wall. The eldest sister-in-law's daughter was the daughter of the Vice Minister of Works, and could be considered for marriage with the sons of the Vice Minister of Justice or even the Minister of Revenue. Although her daughter could clearly accompany the ladies to the marriage, and they all praised her highly, they didn't even glance at her when it came to marriage.
Only then did she realize how useless her husband's nominal position was. He was even less capable than Meng Ying, who was a county magistrate thousands of miles away. Meng Ying could even claim that his illegitimate daughter was from the Min family, where he was a secretary in the Ministry of Personnel. Moreover, he was referring to the youngest legitimate son, not an illegitimate one.
Although the youngest son doesn't inherit the majority of the family fortune like the eldest son, Lord Min is a man of integrity with a small family. He is shrewd and capable, a powerful fifth-rank official, and still young, so he has plenty of opportunities to rise. If he's lucky, he could get a post outside the capital, and after a few years, he could become a high-ranking official or return to the Ministry of Personnel as a vice minister. Wouldn't he then have the same official position as his eldest uncle? As his youngest daughter-in-law, Meng Liniang could live a life of comfort and security simply by relying on her father-in-law. This is an excellent marriage.
Why would such good in-laws choose Meng Ying's illegitimate daughter? So what if he only has one daughter? An illegitimate daughter is still an illegitimate daughter, not presentable. Unlike his legitimate daughter, who has been carefully cultivated since childhood and is excellent in virtue, speech, appearance, and skills. Why can't they arrange such a good marriage for her?
When Meng Liniang's marriage was mentioned, the Nie family fell silent. Nie's eldest daughter had married the son of the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, which was considered a high-status marriage and the best marriage among all the young ladies of the Meng family. Her youngest daughter was also in the process of being engaged to the second son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, and the engagement was almost finalized. If nothing unexpected happened, the engagement would be completed after the new year. With both daughters engaged to two prominent families, she was naturally the most proud. However, even she could not lie and say that Meng Liniang's marriage was not good.
On the contrary, this marriage was definitely a step up for Meng Liniang. If they hadn't separated their families, she could have guessed that Lord Min wanted to establish a connection with the Meng family. But Meng Ying had already been separated and demoted, and Lord Min, as his former superior, knew this perfectly well. Yet he still married him. She really didn't know whether to admire Lord Min's naivety or his audacity.
Is he betting that Meng Guanqi will definitely pass the imperial examination in the future? Moreover, even if Meng Guanqi separates from the family, he is still a member of the Meng clan. As Meng Guanqi's only sister, how could Meng Liniang not help him when he needs something?
Madam Nie realized she had seen through Lord Min's plan. Now, seeing Madam Ye's sour expression, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, "Sister-in-law, you don't need to be too envious of her. After the news spreads tomorrow that Mother didn't even invite them to stay for a meal at the mansion, I wonder if Lord Min will regret marrying her?"
It wasn't hard to find out about Luo Jintian, the Ministry of War official, who was dismissed, exiled, and had his home raided for embezzlement. Asheng spent an afternoon out searching and quickly found out the details: "This Ministry of War official was in charge of military rations and pay. It's said that he added gravel and pebbles to the rations to pass them off as inferior goods, and used moldy, stale grain instead of new grain. After being reported, the Ministry of Justice quickly opened a case, investigated the cause and effect, and sentenced him. The whole process took only two or three months, which was very fast. Now, there's a lot of praise in Cai Kou Market. People are saying that the Ministry of Justice's handling of cases is finally doing something, unlike before, when a case would take half a year or a year to resolve..."
Meng Guanqi's eyes flickered: "It was completed in two or three months?"
Ah Sheng said, "Yes, you can find out easily by asking around."
Two or three months, isn't that about the same time they left the capital? Could it be that the Crown Prince has already found some dirt on the Sixth Prince and has begun to purge his influence?
That must be the reason, otherwise why would the Crown Prince specifically send Wan Quan to inform him of Luo Jintian's capture?
A mere Ministry of War official is too lowly; his abilities are limited. He is likely just a small fish. The one who can help the Sixth Prince succeed must be a big fish. I wonder if the Crown Prince can follow the clues and catch the big fish behind him.
Meng Guanqi naturally hoped that the Crown Prince could close the net quickly, otherwise the end of the year would be approaching...
You see, the New Year is the perfect excuse for the Sixth Prince to come out. Can the Crown Prince think of other ways to stop the Emperor and Empress from releasing him?
He was just about to go find Li Xiaoxiao and told her about it: "The Sixth Prince can't come out now. The imperial examination, which is in charge of the Crown Prince, hasn't started yet. If we let him out, and things fall apart between the two sides, he will definitely cause trouble. The imperial examination is held only once every three years, and we can't afford to let him cause trouble."
Any mistake at any stage would be fatal for this year's candidates. Given Emperor Jian'an and the Empress's protective nature, they would likely try their best to cover up his mistake, leaving the candidates to bear the consequences.
But on what basis?
Meng Guanqi was determined to find a way to stop him from coming out.
He thought for a moment and said, "Go and tell Pang Shi to make sure the Crown Prince does everything he can to prevent the Sixth Prince from coming out before the imperial examination."
Li Xiaoxiao responded and went out to find Qi Shi.
He returned half an hour later: "Madam Pang will relay the message to Pang Shi. Don't worry, I can tell from her tone that the Crown Prince won't easily agree to release the Sixth Prince."
Since the Crown Prince knows what's going on, things will be easier.
The following afternoon, Liu returned to the Meng residence with Meng Guanqi, Meng Liniang, Ruirui, and Li Xiaoxiao, accompanied by Zhao Jian, Asheng, Granny Qi, Liuzhi, and Taoxiang.
Apart from Li Xiaoxiao and Rui Rui, the others were all former members of the Meng family.
The group split into two cars and slowly drove out of Chang Le Fang, heading towards Tai Qing Fang, where the Meng family residence was located.
Both were in the west of the city, but the Meng residence and the Li residence were separated by three wards and a main street that led in all directions. The carriage got stuck on the street for a while, and it took half an hour to reach Taiqing Ward.
Having received instructions from Madam Meng, the gatekeeper immediately removed the threshold of the side gate to let the carriage in when they arrived. Meng Guanqi wanted to go into the inner courtyard with Madam Liu and the others to pay their respects to Madam Meng first. He instructed Zhao Jian and Asheng to wait in front of the hanging flower gate in front of the first courtyard. After bowing, he came out.
As a young man who was about to turn eighteen, after paying his respects to Madam Meng, a steward would naturally take him to the outer courtyard to meet Minister Meng or several uncles, and he would not stay for too long.
Old Madam Meng's personal maid, Granny Lü, greeted Madam Liu at the entrance of the second courtyard. Upon seeing Madam Liu, she bowed and seemed very happy: "Fourth Madam, it's been a long time!"
Liu helped her up, a kind smile spreading across her face: "Granny Lü, it's been so many years, how have you been?"
Granny Lü beamed from ear to ear: "Good, good, everything is good. Following the old lady, I'm truly enjoying a life of leisure!"
Her eyesight was failing, and upon closer inspection, she exclaimed in surprise, "This is... the Sixth Young Master?" After four years, he had grown to look like a celestial being descended to earth—he was absolutely stunning!
Meng Guanqi smiled, like a spring flower in bloom, and gave her a junior's bow: "It's me, Granny Lü, how are you?"
Meng Liniang, who was standing to the side, also gave Lü Mama a junior's greeting: "Lü Mama, I am Liniang."
Granny Lü didn't really remember Meng Liniang. With so many illegitimate sons and daughters in the mansion, how could she possibly remember them all? Seeing the beautiful woman before her with her picturesque features, though not as stunning as Meng Guanqi, she possessed a gentle and delicate charm, and her composed demeanor was no less than that of her own legitimate daughter. Granny Lü couldn't help but be secretly amazed. The Fourth Master's two children were so outstanding in appearance, showing no signs of having suffered in Biyang County.
But she was an old nanny who had been around for many years. No matter what she was thinking, she always had a smile on her face. She immediately pretended to know Meng Liniang and praised her highly. Finally, she glanced at the two or three-year-old child in Li Xiaoxiao's arms. The child's face was red from the cold and he was chubby. He looked just like a little Meng County Magistrate.
Granny Lü smiled and said, "This must be the twelfth young master who was born outside, right? Is he two years old yet?"
Liu said, "Rui Rui is two years and a few months old. This is Granny Lü, quickly greet her!"
Rui Rui glanced at Granny Lü, hummed in response, turned the back of her head towards her, buried her head in Li Xiaoxiao's neck, and remained silent.
It was too cold, and he wanted to play on the kang (heated brick bed), but Liu insisted on taking him outside, which made him unhappy.
Granny Lü smiled and said, "Young Master Twelfth is shy around strangers. Come visit often, and he'll get used to you."
She and Liu chatted as they walked, and soon they entered Madam Meng's courtyard.
The maid standing at the door saw Granny Lü leading Liu and the others in and hurriedly went in to report.
The main room of Madam Meng was bustling with activity. Today, she was entertaining the wife of Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of War and the wife of her nephew from her maternal family. Both ladies brought their daughters to pay their respects.
Upon hearing the maid's report that Liu had brought Meng Guanqi and Meng Liniang, Old Madam Meng said apologetically to Madam Wang and her niece-in-law Madam Chen, "My fourth daughter-in-law, who was sent to a post outside the capital, has returned to the capital and brought her son in to pay her respects. Ladies, you should go to the Bisha Pavilion to avoid her for a while."
Madam Nie smiled and said to her daughter, "Yue Niang, quickly take Miss Wang and your cousins inside to avoid them. Your sixth brother is back and wants to pay his respects to his grandmother."
Meng Yueniang obediently agreed and led Miss Wang and her cousins away.
Miss Wang, however, was a lively and active girl. Although she had retreated to the side room, she asked Meng Yueniang with great curiosity, "Your fourth uncle's son? The one who went to Biyang County?"
Meng Yueniang was discussing marriage with Miss Wang's brother and naturally wanted to please her future sister-in-law in every way. Upon hearing this, she hurriedly said, "Yes, they have been separated for four years. I don't even remember this brother anymore."
Miss Wang laughed and said, "Then you won't recognize each other when you walk down the street?"
She rolled her eyes and said, "I've heard that Biyang County is famous for its hair ornaments. Do you think your fourth uncle's son might come to visit your grandmother wearing a hair ornament like the young masters in the capital?"
She covered her mouth and laughed: "After all, this is the most famous thing in Biyang County."
Meng Yueniang's face froze, and she didn't know how to respond to Miss Wang.
My cousin, who was standing to the side, said, "We're quite curious too. Why don't we sneak a peek and see if he's wearing a hair ornament when he comes in?"
This was quite interesting. Even Meng Yueniang became a little curious, so the girls huddled together and secretly peeked out.
Their gazes first fell on the slightly plump woman at the front, who must be Madam Liu, the wife of the late Madam Meng. She was bowing to the old lady of the Meng family, and a man and a woman followed behind her.
The girl was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a delicate and graceful appearance, a serene expression, and a good-natured demeanor. The man standing next to her was wearing a light blue robe...
Miss Wang felt as if she had been struck by a thunderbolt after just one glance, and was completely unable to move.
She had never believed in descriptions of men like "a gentleman as beautiful as jade, unparalleled in the world," until she met Meng Guanqi.
His features were as white as snow on the mountain and as bright as the moon in the clouds... No amount of poetry could describe his cool and aloof features, or his detached attitude with a hint of a smile.
For a moment, she felt as if her heart had split in two.
Tears welled up in her eyes involuntarily. How could there be such a handsome man in this world? Why had she never seen one before?
Meng Yueniang's cousins were equally stunned, their faces flushed and their hearts pounding. Even Meng Yueniang herself was taken aback when she suddenly saw Meng Guanqi. How could her cousin be so handsome? Why had she never noticed him before?
At this moment, Madam Meng was smiling and talking to Liu: "Fourth son's wife, come here quickly and let me take a look."
Her intimate and familiar tone made it seem as if she wasn't the one who wouldn't even stay for a meal.
Having suffered greatly in Biyang County, Liu had now learned a set of superficial skills. She led Meng Guanqi and others to pay their respects to Old Madam Meng before stepping forward to take her mother-in-law's hand: "It's been many years since we last met, Mother, you look even younger."
She asked Granny Qi to present the gifts, and said modestly, "There's nothing of value in Biyang County, just some local specialties. I hope Mother won't find them offensive."
Madam Meng told Granny Lü to accept the gifts, and said with a smile, "It is more precious than any gift you give me that you still care about your mother-in-law. But I don't believe that there are no good things in Biyang County. You had no children for more than ten years after giving birth to Qi Ge'er. I didn't expect that you would give me another grandson after going to Biyang County. It must be a treasure land. Bring the child over here so I can see him."
Madam Liu quickly gestured for Li Xiaoxiao to put Rui Rui down, then made him kneel down to pay his respects to Old Madam Meng, coaxing him, "Call her Grandma."
"Grandma~" Rui Rui called out in her childish voice. Before Madam Meng could call her, she scrambled up and jumped into Li Xiaoxiao's arms.
Madam Meng exclaimed with delight, "Oh, this child is so well raised! Good child, come here to Grandma."
Li Xiaoxiao coaxed Rui Rui to let go of her and handed him to Old Madam Meng.
Grandma Meng held his little hand, feeling its plumpness, and couldn't help but sigh, "You really know how to raise children. Look at the children your nephews raise, they're all skinny like monkeys."
After teasing Rui Rui, she looked at Meng Guanqi with amazement in her eyes: "You, you're Brother Qi? You're so handsome!"
There were other ladies in the room, and ever since Meng Guanqi entered, they had been constantly scrutinizing him, their eyes filled with undisguised amazement. They couldn't find a man more handsome than him in the entire capital, and they'd even heard he was a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations...
Meng Guanqi kept his eyes straight ahead, a faint smile on his face, and answered Old Madam Meng's questions in a soft voice.
After he finished speaking, Madam Meng noticed that he was staring straight ahead at the small area where his toes were, and knew that he was uncomfortable. She quickly called a maid to take him to the front yard: "Go see your grandfather. You scholars should have more to talk about. You don't need to keep this old woman company with your nagging."
"Yes." Meng Guanqi bowed and withdrew. As he passed Li Xiaoxiao, he gave her a deep look, then glanced at Rui Rui, signaling her to find an opportunity to take her younger brother out.
Rui Rui hasn't experienced the rules here before, and it won't be long before she starts causing trouble.
He didn't want to stay here for an hour or two and let his younger brother suffer.
As soon as Meng Guanqi left, all the girls hiding behind the gauze curtain came out. However, their faces were flushed, and they kept glancing at Liu Shi. They even spoke in a softer voice.
Meng Liniang sat quietly next to Liu Shi, listening attentively to her greetings with Old Madam Meng, feeling quite uncomfortable.
Although she grew up in the Meng family mansion, the only area she ever spent her time was her own small courtyard. She rarely even went to the back garden, let alone sat in Old Madam Meng's room to listen to the adults talk. That was an opportunity she only had during ancestral worship or the New Year. As a result, she couldn't even recognize all her cousins' faces.
Now that I'm seated here, I feel like I'm sitting on pins and needles, and I wish I could go home immediately.
The people here are friendly on the outside and affectionate on the inside, but what they say and what they do are completely different, which she doesn't like.
She was looking down at the willow leaves embroidered on her handkerchief when she suddenly felt someone tug at her sleeve. Startled, she looked up and saw a girl with a full moon-like face smiling at her. "Are you Sister Li Niang?"
Meng Liniang looked at her blankly. The girl looked about thirteen or fourteen years old, and she had never seen her before.
The girl with a full moon-shaped face said reproachfully, "I am your ninth sister, my name is Yue Niang, and I am the youngest daughter of the eldest branch. It's normal that you don't remember me, since I don't really like going out to play anyway."
Meng Liniang greeted her shyly, "Hello, Ninth Sister."
Meng Yueniang whispered, "Grandmother and your mother are having a pleasant conversation, and we can't join in. Why don't you come with me to Zuiyue Pavilion, sister? I'll introduce you to some of my good sisters."
Meng Liniang's gaze involuntarily turned to Liu Shi.
Upon receiving Meng Yueniang's hint, Madam Nie smiled and said, "You don't need to look at your mother. You cousins haven't seen each other for many years, so this is a good opportunity for you to get together. Your mother wouldn't dare to object."
Liu was not an unreasonable person, but she was still a little surprised to see that Meng Yueniang was willing to talk to Meng Liniang. But then she thought that the two were cousins, and Meng Liniang had nothing to do sitting here. She was getting married next month, so it was not a bad thing for her to be on good terms with her cousins.
She hurriedly said, "Go ahead, Taoxiang will go with you and take good care of Miss."
Tao Xiang bowed and responded, and Meng Yue Niang grabbed Meng Liniang's hand and ran away.
When Rui Rui saw his sister walk away without taking him, he became anxious. He wasn't interested in what the adults were saying, and when he saw Meng Liniang leave, he jumped off the couch and chased after her.
Li Xiaoxiao didn't want to stay here and listen to the middle-aged women gossiping. Seeing Rui Rui run away, she quickly said to Liu Shi, "Don't worry, Madam, I'll take care of Rui Rui."
Without waiting for Liu's response, he slipped away.
The other ladies assumed she was a maidservant who took care of Rui Rui and didn't pay much attention. They immediately started chatting and laughing with Liu Shi again.
Little Rui Rui ran very fast and caught up with Meng Liniang in no time, even reaching out to grab her hand.
Meng Liniang was both surprised and delighted, and quickly grabbed his little hand: "Why did you run out?"
She looked up and saw Li Xiaoxiao following behind her. She was about to speak when Li Xiaoxiao gently shook her head, indicating that she didn't need to worry about her.
A hint of impatience flashed in Meng Yueniang's eyes. She had only asked Miss Wang to take Meng Liniang out to play, but not only was Meng Liniang dawdling, she had also brought along a little kid. How were they supposed to have a pleasant chat?
But since the child had already come along even though he wasn't supposed to, and there happened to be a fish pond outside Zuiyun Pavilion, we told the servants to take him there to feed the fish and play, and not to disturb their conversation.
Thinking of this, Meng Yueniang smiled warmly again: "We'll be there soon, Sister Liniang, this way please."
Upon arriving at the entrance of Zuiyun Pavilion, I indeed saw four or five young ladies sitting inside. Outside the pavilion, there was a pond of goldfish, and some young ladies wearing fur-lined cloaks were feeding the fish.
As soon as Meng Yueniang entered the room, she instructed the maidservant who was serving her, "Go and fetch some fish food to feed the twelfth young master's fish."
The maid responded and quickly brought over a portion of fish food, handing it to Li Xiaoxiao.
Meng Yueniang pointed at Li Xiaoxiao arrogantly: "You're the one who serves the Twelfth Young Master, right? Take the young master to feed the fish, and keep a close eye on him so he doesn't fall into the water."
Meng Liniang looked at Li Xiaoxiao anxiously. She hadn't expected Meng Yueniang to speak to her so rudely. This was her future sister-in-law!
Just as she was about to speak, a beautiful young woman of about fourteen or fifteen years old came out of the room, greeted her, and said with a smile, "You must be Miss Yue Niang's fourth uncle's daughter. I am Wang Liu Niang, and my father is the Vice Minister of War..."
Meng Liniang was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected that there would be the daughter of the Vice Minister of War in this room, and she was even more surprised that the woman was willing to talk to her.
Meng Liniang had no choice but to return the greeting: "Hello, Miss Wang. I am Meng Liniang, and I am Yue Niang's cousin."
Several more young ladies came over, and Meng Yueniang introduced them to her one by one: "This is my second cousin, this is my third cousin, and this is my fifth cousin..."
After the girls exchanged greetings, by the time Meng Liniang came to her senses, Li Xiaoxiao had already taken Rui Rui out to feed the fish.
She opened her mouth, but ultimately didn't bring up the topic of Li Xiaoxiao being her brother's fiancée again.
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