t her mother-in-law had never mentioned the matter of dowry. She thought her mother-in-law felt that Meng Jin Yao was too young and incapable, so she hadn't brought it up. Unexpectedly, she brought it...Since Song Xining still had other matters to attend to, Meng Jin Yao parted ways with her after lunch.

Hearing about Shen's misfortune, Meng Jinyao also felt heavyhearted and had no desire to wander outside. After parting ways with Song Xining, she directly boarded her carriage and returned home.

Ning Dong asked worriedly, "Madam, do you think Mrs. Shen will just die like this"

Meng Jin Yao's face was grave, she shook her head gently and replied, "I don't know either, but Mrs. Shen is not yet forty, she is still young, she should be able to make it through."

Ning Dong let out a soft sigh, her voice low and dejected: "Madam Shen was such a kind and gentle person. It's truly a pity if she were to die like this, and it would only benefit Master Shen."

Meng Jin Yao was silent. She also hoped that Mrs. Shen would live a long life. If Mrs. Shen could get through this, it would be a wonderful thing. Then Mr. Shen wouldn't take a second wife, and An Ning wouldn't have a stepmother. After all, with a stepmother, there would definitely be more troubles.

Besides, what Ning Dong said is right. If Madam Shen were to die of anger like this, it would truly be too easy on Master Shen. Madam Shen loved deeply and was betrayed. She passed away when she should have been enjoying her life, while Master Shen, with his high official position and wealth, will soon be able to marry a young and beautiful woman as his second wife. With a lovely wife and concubines by his side, it would truly be infuriating.

Qing Qiu muttered, "No wonder there's the saying 'to be laid to rest'."

Meng Jin Yao uttered an unclear "Huh" and looked at her in confusion.

Qing Qiu replied, "Once a man is dead and buried, he'll be at peace."

Meng Jin Yao listened, deeply in agreement.

Isn't that so Most men, as long as they have one breath, won't be at peace. They'll always be thinking about having both arms full, enjoying the blessings of being with multiple women.

Men who truly commit to a lifelong relationship with just one woman are more common among ordinary people, but this is only true for those who can't afford concubines. Most men with some wealth will still want to take concubines. Even if they don't, they'll likely frequent brothels and pleasure quarters.

...However, in official households, that was rare. Even without taking concubines, there would be several beautiful maidservants, but she felt that An Ning's fiancé, Master Shen, should be able to be a couple for life.

-

Changxing Houfu.

Zhang Shi saw Meng Jin Yao from afar. As they approached, she warmly greeted them with a bright smile and asked, "Third younger sister-in-law, have you just returned from outside"

Perhaps it was just an illusion, but Meng Jin Yao felt Zhang Shi was particularly enthusiastic today. Before, when she saw her, she would smile, but not as brightly as today. Even her eyes were filled with smiles. This must be a genuine smile.

Meng Jin Yao was a little surprised, she nodded and replied: "Hmm, I just came back from outside, is there something big sister-in-law needs"

Zhang shook her head: "It's nothing, I just saw the third sister-in-law and greeted her. I noticed that she seemed a bit tired. Zhang also knew how to behave and didn't talk too much with her. She said softly, “Look at the third sister-in-law, she seems a bit tired, I won't bother you any longer. Third sister-in-law, go back and have a good rest.”

Meng Jinyao nodded again: "Okay, sister-in-law, let's talk another time."

Zhang lightly nodded and said, "Ai," to her sister-in-law. "Take your time, Third Sister."

Saying goodbye to Zhang Shi, Meng Jingyao felt completely disoriented. She had been married into the family for some time now, and every time she met her sister-in-law, Zhang Shi was always polite, occasionally making veiled remarks that targeted her. Today, however, she acted as if they were complete strangers.

Ning Dong asked in a low voice, "Madam, do you think the Mistress has something to ask of us"

Meng Jinyao questioned, "How do you know"

Ning Dong replied, "As the saying goes, 'When someone offers unsolicited help, they are either a traitor or a thief.' Madam just seemed a little too enthusiastic towards you. Something feels off."

Hearing this, Meng Jin Yao shook her head dismissively: "I don't think so. Although I am the wife of a marquis, I don't have much real power. The middle court is managed by her and her second sister-in-law. What can I possibly help her with"

"Could it be that you're hoping to get the Marquis' help through me" Ning Dong said, glancing around at the surroundings. Seeing that there weren't many people around, she continued, "I heard that among the wives of officials, some flatter others and then have them whisper sweet nothings into their husbands' ears, and things just get done like that."

Meng Jinyao chuckled, "If that's really the case, then she truly has high regard for me. However, I don't think she's here for anything important. You should go find out later and see if there's anything going on at home."

Ning Dong replied, "This servant will go and find out. You and Qing Qiu should return to Weiruixuan first."

Meng Jinyao said, "There's no need to rush. I just came back from outside. Let me go back and rest first before inquiring about it."

Ning Dong didn't brush off the master's kindness, obediently responding with a sound and first going back to Wei Ruixuan with her.

As the master and his two servants returned to the Weiruixuan, Meng Jin Yao saw Gu Jingxi's figure as soon as they entered the room. She was surprised that he had returned earlier than her, asking, "Husband, weren't you going out to visit friends today Why are you back so early"

Gu Jingxi nodded and said, "We are all in the capital city, not far apart. After we finish our business, we'll head back."

Meng Jinyang nodded knowingly: "So that's how it is." Then she moved to sit beside him, poured herself a cup of tea, and sipped it.

At this time, Gu Jingxi took out a jade pendant from his bosom and handed it to Meng Jiny Yao, "My wife, take it."

Meng Jin Yao was stunned after seeing the jade pendant. It was a pair of mandarin ducks and wishful jade pendant, carved from high-grade mutton fat jade, worth a fortune.

It's just a jade pendant, but it's only half. There should be another half, and the two pieces combined form a complete picture. These jade pendants are always paired, usually with one half worn by each of a loving couple. Why would he suddenly give her half a pendant Could it mean something like that

Thinking of this, her heart skipped a beat. She felt that Gu Jingxi was too sudden, and she had no psychological preparation at all.

Gu Jingxi saw her staring at the jade pendant with a puzzled expression, so he explained: "This is a wedding gift my friend gave us today. The jade pendants are a pair, this one belongs to the wife."

Meng Jinyao, upon hearing this, was startled again. Thinking back on her previous misunderstanding, she felt a tinge of self-involvement. A blush crept onto her face as she quickly reached out to take the gift, gracefully replying: "Your husband's friend is truly too kind. Next time I see him, please tell him I am grateful."

Gu Jingxi said in a gentle voice, "Next time we see him, it should be his birthday banquet. At that time, I will bring my wife to the banquet together. My wife can tell him personally that he also wants to see her."

"Huh"

Meng Jinyao was astonished. To personally thank her wasn't a problem, but why would the other party want to meet her

Gu Jingxi continued, "The other party is an old friend of mine. Since we haven't met your wife yet, he would like to meet her."

Upon hearing this, Meng Jin Yao gave him a surprised look and sighed, "I didn't expect my husband to have such a wide circle of friends and be able to make friends with teenagers. I thought that people your age would find young people childish."

Gu Jingxi:ll.""The Marquis has treated me very well. Since I married into the Marquis's Mansion, he has never treated me poorly," Meng Jinyu said, her lips slightly curving upwards in a gentle and serene smile....