Chapter 566 Apologies are Useless
After receiving the truth from Meng Wei, Old Madam Meng caused a scene at the Meng family home that very day, even alarming the old Earl who had been inactive for a long time.
Hearing that both Madam Meng and Mr. Meng were sticking to their own versions of events and neither was willing to back down, the old count had no choice but to call Meng Wei over.
"Granddaughter greets grandfather."
Meng Wei was actually a little afraid of the old count. From childhood to adulthood, she could only see her grandfather once a year during festivals.
Perhaps it was because the old count was not close to his wife and children, or perhaps it was because he always had a serious and stern face, but whatever the reason, Monsieur did not like this grandfather.
Do you know why I summoned you here?
As soon as the old count spoke, Meng Wei nodded her head, which was bowing slightly, "Granddaughter understands."
"Then tell me yourself, what's your opinion on this?"
How could she possibly see it? Meng Wei glanced at the old lady, then at Master Meng and his wife. She knew perfectly well why the old lady had made this fuss—wasn't it because she coveted the power and status of the Marquis's mansion and wanted to use her to bring benefits to the Earl's family?
Over the years, she has spent money to hire the best tutors to teach her, and that's what she's been doing all this time.
Her father and mother genuinely wanted what was best for her, but she couldn't ignore her own feelings and reluctantly married her cousin. Meng Wei was in a terrible dilemma.
"Wei'er!" Madam Meng felt a little uneasy when she saw her daughter remain silent.
Looking into her mother's pleading eyes, Meng Wei was momentarily unable to meet her gaze, afraid that the determination she had finally made would waver.
Seeing the conflict in Meng Wei's eyes, the old count had some guesses in his mind.
Without waiting for Meng Wei's reply, the old count made a definitive statement: "Daughter-in-law, go and tell your sister-in-law about the marriage proposal tomorrow. As for the Marquis's mansion, treat them with courtesy for now and find an opportunity to release the news that the marriage negotiations between the two families have broken down. If the Marquis's mansion is truly interested in marrying the eldest daughter, they will not miss this opportunity."
"Father!" Master Meng tried to stop him, but the old man waved his hand to stop him.
"That's settled then, just do as I say."
After saying this, the old count, as if he had never been there, led his entourage and carried his parrot back to his courtyard.
Having achieved her wish, Madam Meng did not linger any longer. In the end, only Mr. and Mrs. Meng and Mengwei remained in the study.
"Wei'er, do you know that if the Marquis's mansion has no intention of finding a good marriage for you, not only will we offend your aunt, but it will also be difficult to find you a good marriage in the future?"
Madam Meng looked pained. More than offending her sister-in-law, she was worried that this matter would ruin her daughter's life.
"Mother, Father, I have never truly made a decision for myself since I was a child. This time, I hope to choose a path that I want to take. If I cannot get what I want in the end, I will simply give up my three thousand strands of hair and become a nun. I beg you, Father and Mother, to grant my wish."
As Meng Wei spoke, she immediately knelt down and kowtowed to the two of them.
It is said that parents love their children and plan far ahead for them. Madam Meng hoped her daughter would be happy, so she chose her own nephew. However, no matter how stable the path she chose was, it was not what her daughter wanted.
Looking at her resolute daughter kneeling before her, Madam Meng, after her initial worry, reached out and helped Meng Wei up.
Then she laughed and said, "What are you talking about becoming a nun? Although our Meng family is not as prominent as others, we can still support your mother. Do whatever you want. Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, your father and mother will help you!"
Listening to Madam Meng's words, Meng Wei looked back and forth between Mr. and Mrs. Meng, and finally tears streamed down her face.
The next day, Madam Meng went to find Madam Fu early in the morning.
Two days ago, when she met Madam Ji, Madam Fu guessed that there might be a change in the marriage. Sure enough, two days later, Madam Meng came to her door to talk about it.
"Since my aunt has already taken a liking to the young master of the Marquis's mansion, why did she write to us before? Does my aunt think that just because she married well, she can treat our family like this?"
Madam Fu's tone was unfriendly, and she had long lost her former understanding and reasonable manner.
However, Madam Meng did not feel wronged. This matter was originally her family's fault, so it was only right that she vented her anger by being criticized.
“I know you’re upset, and it was my fault for not thinking things through, making you come all this way for nothing. So, how about this: put all your expenses in the capital these days, and anything you like to buy, on my tab?”
Mrs. Meng knew that apologizing at this time would be useless, so she could only try to make up for the other party's losses in this way.
Madam Fu was still angry, but the thought of getting something for free made her eyes dart around. Finally, she snorted coldly, "Don't think we're greedy. What you did this time was really unethical. But for the sake of our family ties, we'll let it go!"
Madam Meng had thought she would have to say something more, but Madam Fu answered so readily that she was momentarily taken aback.
"Sister-in-law is so generous. If there's nothing else, I'll head back now."
Madam Fu had nothing to say to Madam Meng. Seeing that she was about to leave, Madam Fu turned around without saying anything and had her maid close the door.
When Gu Shuyan told Ji Shi the news sent back by the Meng family, Ji Shi smiled with great joy.
"Shu'er, you still haven't told me how you guessed that the Meng family would ruin the marriage with the Fu family?"
While coaxing her son, Ouyang Jing asked Gu Shuyan about her plan with curiosity.
Gu Shuyan smiled, her gaze sweeping over her mother and sister-in-law. "It's actually quite simple. The matriarch of the Meng family has always wanted to marry into a higher social class. When she learned that we wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Meng family, she naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to compete for it. On the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Meng genuinely love Sister Meng and certainly wouldn't want their daughter to be unhappy. So, with these two factors in mind, it was only a matter of time before they made this choice."
Gu Shuyan had calculated the hearts of Old Madam Meng and Madam Meng, but she was unsure what choice Meng Wei would make. However, judging from the outcome, Meng Wei's choice was still very firm.
"So, I've been used by you again?"
Ji finally understood. No wonder Gu Shuyan had told her before she left yesterday to tell Old Madam Meng that she liked Meng Wei. It turned out that she had been sold out and was even helping the seller count the money.
“Mother is the most important link in this chain. How can you say that she was used? Mother should be a great contributor.”
Gu Shuyan smiled like a fox, which made everyone present laugh.
"Little sister, things are settled with the Meng family, but don't forget our eldest brother is still holding a grudge!"
Ouyang Jing wasn't trying to spoil the fun, but if Gu Renjie didn't agree, there was no point in doing anything.
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