Chapter 137 (Chapter 137) Wind and Cold
Meng Liniang found herself in the center of a group of young women's conversation, feeling a sense of unreality.
Especially the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of War, who was lively and cheerful, with a sweet and approachable smile, actually held her hand and talked to her, as if they were old friends who had met too late.
Wang Liuniang said, "I've never left the capital since I was a child. The farthest I've ever been is Yongzhou next door, to my aunt's house, and I only stayed for a few days before coming back. In the capital, I either go to Hongluo Temple, Baiyun Temple, or Xiangguo Temple, which is quite boring. I wonder what kind of entertainment Sister Liniang usually has in Biyang County?"
Meng Liniang said shyly, "How can Biyang County compare to the capital? We only have a Guanyin Temple built halfway up the mountain, and I only go out of the city with my mother to worship there on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month..."
Wang Liuniang asked, "Is there only one Guanyin Temple? Is there no Confucius Temple?"
Meng Liniang honestly shook her head: "No."
Wang Liuniang's eyes darted around: "That's such a pity. Your brother can't even go to the Confucius Temple to pray while he's studying... Does he usually attend the county school?"
Meng Liniang was oblivious: "My brother doesn't study at the county school; he attends the Luzhou Academy."
Meng Yueniang's cousin, Chen Sanniang, exclaimed in surprise: "Is it the most famous private school in the world, Wanshan Academy?"
Meng Liniang said shyly, "That's right."
Wang Liuniang's eyes lit up: "I've heard that Wanshan Academy is the best academy besides the Imperial Academy. How did Young Master Meng get in?"
Meng Liniang said, "My brother was already a Xiucai when he entered school, and after studying there for half a year, he passed the Juren exam..."
The young women present all gasped in astonishment. Wang Liuniang's eyes shone even brighter, her face flushed red: "He passed the imperial examination after only half a year of schooling? That's amazing! Then, is Brother Meng back this time to take the metropolitan examination?"
The way she addressed her changed from Young Master Meng to Brother Meng in an instant, and Meng Yueniang couldn't help but glance at her.
Meng Liniang was a little uneasy. Her brother had always been very low-key, and he would definitely be unhappy if he knew that they were talking about him behind his back.
She smiled and said, "Yes, my brother has been working very hard. I hope he can pass the exam next year..." After saying this, she changed the subject and only talked about her own affairs, without mentioning Meng Guanqi again.
Wang Liuniang tried several times to bring up Meng Guanqi, but Meng Liniang wouldn't respond. She would either talk about her own affairs or simply smile and remain silent.
Wang Liuniang was somewhat disappointed, but also very excited. Meng Guanqi was already a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examinations), and he was still so young! What if he passed the metropolitan examination next year? Wouldn't that be a genius?!
Her heart pounded wildly, her face flushed, and she almost blurted out that she had asked Meng Guanqi if he was already engaged. But she was, after all, a young lady from a respectable family, and no matter how excited she was, she knew she couldn't ask that question casually, otherwise her reputation would suffer.
At this moment, she no longer cared about the He family or the Xie family that her mother had mentioned to her; her mind was only on Meng Guanqi, whom she had just caught a glimpse of.
Seeing that Meng Liniang refused to speak, she not only did not blame her, but also felt that although Meng Liniang was born into a concubine's family, she was very well-behaved and would not fawn over her because of her noble status, nor would she reveal all about her family's situation when asked. If she did that, she would look down on her.
Now that she has already met Meng Liniang, there is no need to rush. She can create another opportunity to meet Young Master Meng.
Having made up her mind, she indeed stopped focusing the topic on Meng Liniang and instead chatted and laughed with Meng Yueniang and the Chen sisters, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
Li Xiaoxiao, who had overheard some gossip by the fishpond, finally understood and couldn't help but sigh slightly. Her little cabbage had blossomed and was starting to attract bees and butterflies.
She gave all the fish food in her hand to Rui Rui in one go, letting him scatter it all into the fish pond.
Meanwhile, in front of the study in the outer courtyard, Meng Guanqi had been waiting in the cold wind for an hour. Inside, Minister Meng was playing chess with an old servant, and since the game was not over, no one invited him in.
Meng Guanqi once couldn't understand his grandfather, who had once held a high position of power. In his limited memory, his grandfather's treatment of his father could be described as "strict." Just because his father's political views differed from his own, he spared no effort in suppressing him. Now it seemed that even his grandson had been implicated.
What psychological needs is he trying to satisfy through this behavior?
There were some things he couldn't see clearly when he was young, but after passing the imperial examination and studying for so many years, he gradually came to understand them and felt that he had vaguely guessed his grandfather's thoughts.
My grandfather did this perhaps out of a mix of resentment, bitterness, and jealousy, but ultimately he couldn't vent his anger because of his status. So he simply suppressed them to satisfy his subtle psychological needs and maintain his authority as the patriarch and head of the family.
After all, in the Meng family, no one dared to disobey him or question him.
But it seems everyone has forgotten that my grandfather retired at the age of fifty, and this year marks the ninth year since his retirement, making him only fifty-nine years old.
Grand Secretary Yang Shimin is a year older than him, and at sixty years old this year, he still wields considerable influence in the court, truly second only to the emperor.
My grandfather, as the former Minister of Rites, retired just as he reached the age to do so. The emperor twice tried to grant him retirement, but he refused both times. Before the third time, the emperor finally granted his request.
What caused him to propose retiring so early? Or perhaps his idea of retiring was a strategic retreat, but in reality, he overplayed his hand and was forced to leave the court by a series of unforeseen circumstances.
He probably regretted his decision to retire early. After leaving the court, he found that his eldest son, Meng Rong, was mediocre. He used all his connections but could only barely get him promoted to the position of Right Vice Minister. However, the position of Vice Minister was based on the left, so even if the next Minister was chosen, it wouldn't be his turn.
Meng Ying, whose talent was clearly superior to Meng Rong's, developed a moderate nature due to being born out of wedlock. He never competed or fought for anything in his life. When Minister Meng was in office, he naturally thought it best for his son to keep a low profile and give way to his elder brother. However, after he stepped down, he realized that the situation was not right and immediately asked Meng Ying to make great strides and contribute to the Meng family. But Meng Ying obviously could not meet his requirements, so he looked down on Meng Ying in every way. He took advantage of Meng Ying's conviction to cut ties with him and avoid seeing him altogether.
What angered him even more was that the Meng Ying family, who had been separated from him, seemed to be doing better and better. Not only did his political achievements receive high praise, but Meng Guanqi also passed the imperial examination and became a Juren despite his dire situation. In the end, he enrolled in a famous private school, while his two grandsons, on whom he had placed high hopes, failed the examination.
It's perfectly normal for a scholar to fail the provincial examination on his first attempt, especially since Meng Guanyun and Meng Guanfeng even appeared on the supplementary list. Although their rankings were lower, they might still have a chance if they studied hard for another three years. However, compared to Meng Guanqi, their failure seemed unacceptable. Minister Meng was unwilling to admit that his decision to drive Meng Ying's family out was wrong, so he could only persist.
Just like now, when he returned to the capital to take the imperial examination, he left him outside for an hour, as if mocking him. So what if you're a successful candidate in the imperial examination? I'm going to leave you out here, so you'd better just accept it.
After Meng Guanqi saw this clearly, he didn't know whether to sympathize with him or pity him. How could a high-ranking official be so narrow-minded? He couldn't think of any other way to revitalize his family, so he could only satisfy his pitiful vanity by suppressing the younger generation.
After being outside in the wind for almost an hour, Minister Meng finally called him in. Meng Guanqi was stiff all over and bowed to Minister Meng like a wooden man, but thankfully his expression remained relatively calm.
Minister Meng seemed to only then realize that he had been frozen for so long. His pair of cloudy yet sharp eyes quietly watched him from behind the backlight of the window: "You're back?"
His simple, unassuming words made it seem as if he were someone who had done something wrong and had finally returned home to admit it.
Meng Guanqi's face was pale, and his lips were purple from the cold, but he still answered humbly and respectfully, "Yes, Grandfather."
Minister Meng said, "A few months ago, Gu Henian led the candidates from Wanshan Academy to a decisive debate at the Imperial Academy, defeating the officials of the Ministry of Rites. Wanshan Academy is famous throughout the land. Why weren't you there? Didn't you go?"
Meng Guanqi said, "My grandson was supposed to go with us, but unfortunately his health is not good. He fell ill as soon as we arrived in the capital and was unable to go to the Imperial Academy with us."
Minister Meng sneered, "Such bad luck? You fell ill after arriving in the capital? You didn't seize your chance to become famous. Your classmates made a name for themselves at the Imperial Academy. What are you going to do in this year's imperial examination?"
Meng Guanqi smiled slightly: "Of course, we should do our best and leave the rest to fate. However, the imperial examination requires the right timing, location, and people. My grandson was unlucky last time, but one can't always be unlucky. After experiencing many bad things, things may turn around and things will turn around."
Minister Meng stared at him without blinking. Meng Guanqi's smile remained unchanged, and his attitude was always very respectful. Minister Meng was surprised. Under his gaze, even Meng Rong would break out in a cold sweat. How could Meng Guanqi be so calm at such a young age? He seemed to be better than Meng Ying.
However, he passed the county-level and provincial-level examinations on his first attempt, and he's only seventeen or eighteen this year. To be able to participate in the metropolitan examination at such a young age is nothing short of genius, and he's naturally much more confident than Meng Ying. But the metropolitan examination and the provincial examination are not the same thing. It's an extra blessing that he has the opportunity to experience it, but he doesn't think he'll pass.
After failing the exam, he should just stay in Beijing and wait for three years, waiting for his two cousins to take the exam together.
Minister Meng was furious because his two grandsons failed the imperial examinations. He has been personally supervising their studies for the past few years. If nothing unexpected happens, they will surely be able to secure a place in this year's autumn examinations. When they take the metropolitan examinations again with Meng Guanqi, they may not necessarily lose to him.
Meng Guanqi passed both the county-level and provincial-level examinations on his first attempt, so it's understandable that he'd become complacent and a bit arrogant. He'd only learn after a few setbacks that there are always people more capable than you.
He waved his hand, signaling him to step back.
Meng Guanqi bowed and withdrew, walking quite a distance before he gradually felt his limbs becoming less stiff.
Zhao Jian and Asheng were waiting for him at the gatehouse. When they saw him come out with a pale face, Asheng was startled. He went up and touched Meng Guanqi's hand, which was frozen like an icicle. He quickly poured him a cup of hot tea, which Meng Guanqi drank in one gulp. It took him a while to feel warm up.
Ah Sheng didn't even need to look to know that the young master must have been given a hard time by Minister Meng. He was inside for so long before coming out, frozen like a block of ice. In this cold weather, which room doesn't have underfloor heating? Yet he was frozen like this, so he must have been stopped outside and not allowed to go in.
Young master, you have more than two months until your exams. What if you catch a cold now? This is simply outrageous!
Ah Sheng dared not speak out in anger, and immediately went back to the carriage to light the charcoal stove inside, and helped Meng Guanqi up.
As soon as Meng Guanqi sat down, Liu came out with Meng Liniang and Li Xiaoxiao. Rui Rui was wrapped in a cloak by Li Xiaoxiao and was sleeping soundly in her arms with her little face flushed.
Seeing her son come out first, Liu said in surprise, "You came out early. I thought your grandfather was going to talk to you for a long time!"
Just as Meng Guanqi was about to speak, she heard a soft, sweet voice call out, "Sister Li Niang~"
Meng Liniang turned around in surprise and saw that it was Wang Liuniang who had chased after her with her maid.
Liu and the others looked at Wang Liuniang in surprise. She wore a pink satin cloak with a begonia-colored drape over her shoulders, a moon-white long skirt, and a smiling face. She held a box in her hand and walked gracefully to Liu.
She first bowed to Madam Liu: "Greetings, Madam Meng. My daughter is the sixth daughter of the Wang family. She and Sister Liniang hit it off immediately and would like to speak privately. I wonder if Madam would be so kind as to grant her this request?"
The young woman, in the prime of her youth, was very polite. It seemed she had something to say goodbye to Meng Liniang. How could Madam Liu make things difficult for her? She smiled and said, "Please, go ahead."
Wang Liuniang's gaze swept over Meng Guanqi, who was sitting in the carriage, without making a sound. A blush flashed across her face. She pulled Meng Liniang aside and handed her the box in her hand: "I hit it off with Sister Liniang today, but I came out in a hurry and didn't bring any gifts. This is a handkerchief that I embroidered myself. I hope you won't find it offensive."
She opened the box in front of Meng Liniang, revealing an embroidered handkerchief with delicate peony flowers inside. Meng Liniang's embroidery skills were already outstanding, and she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise upon seeing such an exquisite handkerchief: "Miss Wang's craftsmanship is truly excellent. This handkerchief is embroidered with exquisite beauty."
Wang Liuniang said reproachfully, "Why are you being so formal with me, sister? Since I call you sister, you should call me younger sister."
Meng Liniang blushed deeply: "This, how can this be done?"
Wang Liuniang said lively, "Why not? Sister, do you look down on me because you don't call me sister?"
Meng Liniang shook her head repeatedly: "No, no, no, how could I do such a thing?"
Wang Liuniang's eyes sparkled: "Then let me hear what Sister Wang has to say."
Meng Liniang had no choice but to say, "Sister Wang."
Wang Liuniang responded loudly, then took her hand and said, "Sister, we hit it off immediately. Don't forget me when you go back, sister. We sisters should meet up more often when we have time, and you can also invite me to your home..." The last sentence was her key point, but fearing that Meng Liniang would discover her true intentions, she quickly added, "Of course, with Yueniang and the other sisters~"
Meng Liniang had never seen such an enthusiastic young lady before, and was quite overwhelmed. However, fearing that Liu would have to wait too long, she had no choice but to agree: "If I have time, I will definitely invite my sister to come and visit."
Wang Liuniang's eyes lit up: "When? When are you free, sister?"
Meng Liniang was startled. Were we really going to set a time right away? Wasn't that a bit too hasty?
The maid behind Wang Liuniang coughed softly. A hint of disappointment flashed in Wang Liuniang's eyes, knowing that it wouldn't work out today. But she was not discouraged and immediately smiled and said, "I was just joking with you, sister. Please get in the carriage quickly, don't keep Madam and Young Master Meng waiting. I'll wait for you to send me the invitation."
Meng Liniang had no choice but to agree. Wang Liuniang gave a graceful bow in the direction of Liu Shi and Meng Guanqi before returning home with her maid.
Meng Liniang wiped non-existent sweat from her forehead. This was the first time she had encountered such a passionate young woman, and she was really struggling to cope.
Tao Xiang helped her into Liu's carriage, while she got into the one behind it. The two carriages drove out of the Meng residence one after the other, heading towards Chang Le Fang.
After the carriage drove onto the main road, Liu smiled and said to Meng Liniang, "I never expected that you would hit it off with the sixth daughter of the Wang family so quickly. This is truly rare."
Meng Liniang's cheeks flushed: "I... I don't know what happened, but Wang Liu Niangzi is very hospitable."
Because of her enthusiasm, even Meng Yueniang treated her differently, and her cousins called her "sister" one after another, making her feel awkward.
Liu said, "The Wang family is discussing marriage with your eldest uncle's wife, Yue Niang. They are talking about the second son of the Wang family, the Vice Minister. It should be almost done, and they are just waiting to place the betrothal gift."
Meng Guanqi smiled and said, "My eldest uncle's eldest daughter married the son of the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and his youngest daughter is engaged to the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. The eldest son has truly benefited from all the advantages of the Meng family."
Liu said, "It's not surprising that the Vice Minister of Works and the Vice Minister of War are related by marriage. What is surprising is that this sixth young lady of the Wang family is warm and sincere. She and Li Niang can get along very well. It is rare for a young lady from a prominent family to have such a good temperament."
Li Xiaoxiao glanced at Meng Guanqi and snorted coldly.
Meng Guanqi was taken aback: "What's wrong?"
Li Xiaoxiao leaned lazily against the carriage: "Nothing, I'm just hungry."
When will these people finally remember the saying, "If someone offers you kindness for no reason, they must have ulterior motives"?
"Really nothing?" Meng Guanqi looked at Li Xiaoxiao suspiciously, feeling that her attitude was strange.
Back home, Li Xiaoxiao handed Rui Rui over to Liu Shi to take to bed, while she pulled Meng Guanqi to the backyard, as he hadn't finished his task for the day.
Meng Guanqi wanted to slack off today. He grabbed Li Xiaoxiao's hand and said coquettishly, "How about we don't practice today and take a day off?"
Li Xiaoxiao disagreed: "No, you can't learn in a day. Your body is just getting used to this intensity of exercise. If you slack off for even one day, it will remember and will only want to slack off more and more."
Meng Guanqi took her hand and placed it on his forehead: "Grandfather made me stand outside in the wind for an hour today, and I feel a little unwell..."
Li Xiaoxiao was unaware of this. When she touched his forehead, it seemed he had a fever. She immediately jumped up like a cat whose tail had been set on fire: "That old man is tormenting you like this! If you can't see him, why don't you just leave? Why did you stand there like an idiot in the cold wind for an hour? Are you stupid?"
Meng Guanqi quickly covered her mouth. Minister Meng was an elder, and they were juniors. Such words were best kept at home and should not be spread.
Besides, he already knows about his arrogance, and they probably won't have many chances to meet again. It's just that he was punished by standing for an hour, which is nothing.
Li Xiaoxiao didn't care what he said and hurriedly pulled him into the house, instructing Asheng to quickly fetch a doctor.
Just as Liu lay down, she heard that Meng Guanqi had called a doctor. Startled, she quickly got dressed and ran to the third courtyard to see Meng Guanqi.
The doctor has already examined Meng Guanqi and said that he caught a cold and had a slight fever, but fortunately, he is in good health. He was prescribed a few doses of medicine to induce sweating, and once the fever subsides, he will recover after a few more days of rest.
With the imperial examinations approaching, falling ill at this time is no laughing matter; if he doesn't recover properly, it will directly affect his chances of passing. Madam Liu was extremely anxious. After seeing the doctor off, she instructed Granny Qi to personally prepare the medicine before asking him why he had caught a cold.
When Liu learned that Minister Meng had left him outside in the cold wind for an hour, she was heartbroken. She never expected her father-in-law to make things so difficult for his son.
The praise her mother-in-law gave her when they met, the enthusiasm of her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and the friendliness of the girls towards Meng Liniang seemed like a beautiful bubble woven with pretense, which burst in an instant.
She wanted to slap herself. Why was she so quick to forget the lessons learned? How could she forget that these people were used to living behind masks? You can't judge a book by its cover; you have to look at what they do, not what they say.
By extension, what was Wang Liu Niangzi's purpose in being so kind to Meng Liniang for no apparent reason? Was it out of sympathy, to tease, or to mock? In any case, no matter how gentle and kind a legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official of the fourth rank would be, she would not be able to put on a show of being kindred spirits and having a deep sisterly bond with the illegitimate daughter of a low-ranking official of the seventh rank. Wang Liu Niangzi's actions must have had ulterior motives.
Even if she didn't have ulterior motives, Liu couldn't afford to gamble.
These are people she can't afford to offend, but she can avoid them.
Her face turned cold. In the two months leading up to the imperial examinations, she wouldn't allow any unexpected events to happen, but she absolutely wouldn't allow them.
Madam Liu gently tucked Meng Guanqi's blanket in: "You should rest well in bed. Once Granny Qi has prepared the medicine, drink it obediently and you'll feel better after sweating it out."
Meng Guanqi was both amused and exasperated: "Mom, it's just a slight fever. I'm not Rui Rui." Should she treat him like a child?
Madam Liu said, "Major illnesses often start from minor ones, so we must not underestimate this cold. Xiaoxiao, let's put Qige'er's exercise plan on hold for the next few days until he recovers. Otherwise, he might catch a cold and make things worse."
Li smiled and said, "It's alright, as long as you don't go out in the wind, you can exercise indoors too."
The reason she didn't put the parallel bars and horizontal bars indoors was to simulate the outdoor weather during the imperial examinations, so that Meng Guanqi could get used to it. Now that he has a fever, he can pause for a while, but after the fever subsides, he can practice indoors first, doing exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups, which will also be effective.
She didn't want Meng Guanqi to interrupt his exercise plan because of a minor cold. After all, his body was gradually getting used to the intensity of exercise, and if he persisted, he would soon see results. She also didn't want Liu to make a decision that would be detrimental to her son because she felt sorry for him.
Liu simply didn't want him to go outside in the wind anymore, since the weather this year was unusually cold and the sky was gloomy, as if it was about to snow heavily at any moment.
As long as he doesn't go out in the wind and worsen his condition, she doesn't object to him exercising indoors.
She said softly to Li Xiaoxiao and Meng Guanqi, "Qi-ge'er is sick. Xiaoxiao, you can stay home and take care of him. Tomorrow, when you go to Lord Min's place, Liniang and I will go."
Meng Guanqi was quite disappointed. Lord Min had helped his family a lot, and Lord Min was a shrewd, capable, pragmatic and wise man. He had wanted to take this opportunity to pay him a visit, but unexpectedly, he fell ill.
Liu said, "There's no need to rush. We'll be in-laws in the future, so you can visit whenever you want. Just rest at home for the next few days and don't go anywhere."
After leaving Meng Guanqi's room, Liu Shi, unusually stern-faced, went to Meng Liniang's room with a cold expression.
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