uisate, Meng Jinyáo, could marry into the Changxing Houfu, a powerful and prosperous family with imperial favor. Who wouldn't say Meng Jinyáo was blessed with good fortuneHowever, Meng Jin Yao didn't...The autumn wind blew gently, bringing a touch of coolness.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the autumn wind grew colder day by day. In another month, it would be early winter.
Meng Jinyu had eaten too much for dinner. Gu Jingxi accompanied her for a walk in the backyard of their home. The autumn wind blew, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air.
Gu Jingxi saw her walking and rubbing her belly, and smiled: "I told you not to eat so much, but you wouldn't listen. Now you know how uncomfortable it is"
Meng Jinyo replied, "But my mouth was satisfied."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi couldn't help but chuckle wryly. His little wife was truly a foodie, prioritizing her appetite above all else. She loved anything delicious and ate even more than him. Her little belly had become round and plump from all the food, so she would drag him out for walks.
Meng Jinyao glared at him: "What are you laughing at, husband"
Gu Jingxi said with a smile, "If others saw this, they would think I was mistreating you and wouldn't let you eat your fill."
Meng Jin Yao:
After a long silence, she muttered: "I wouldn't act like this in front of other people."
Gu Jingxi's face changed, a sense of satisfaction rising in her heart, the smile on her face becoming even more gentle.
His little girl, in front of others, is the dignified and elegant Mrs. Gu, but in front of him, she has a childish side, playful and adorable, visible only to him.
The next moment, Meng Jinyáo's hand was grasped by a dry and warm big hand.
Meng Jin Yao was slightly stunned. In the Wei Rui Xuan, he would be much more affectionate towards her, especially when there were no maids present. Once they left the Wei Rui Xuan, there would be no hand-holding.
Meng Jin Yao raised her head slightly, and what came into view was the man's gentle smile. His eyes, filled with tenderness, were gazing at her.
From some point on, she loved those eyes. Every time she was looked at by those eyes, she would feel like she was being held in the palm of someone's hand, and she grew increasingly attached to that feeling.
She scratched Gu Jingxi's palm with her finger, and her hand was held tightly by Gu Jingxi, unable to move.
Then, Gu Jingxi's voice rang out: "Stop teasing, it's itchy.
Meng Jinyao softly let out an "oh".
Over there, Gu Xiuming saw them as a couple from afar. His gaze was unreadable as he watched them laughing and talking their way over to him, even seeing his father take Meng Jin Yao's hand proactively.
Everyone has seen the change in how Father treats Meng Jin Yao recently. He's treating her like a precious jewel, he's definitely fallen for her.
Fortunately, his father had a hidden illness. Otherwise, if he were to have a son with Meng Jinyao, who was deeply in love with him, his position as Crown Prince would likely be lost.
Not until the couple had walked close did Gu Xiuming leisurely emerge from behind the rockery. He took a few steps forward and bowed: "Xiuming pays respects to father and mother."
Gu Jingxi replied faintly, "Um, are you also taking a walk"
Gu Xiuming replied, "My son is passing through here, so he won't disturb his father and mother's leisure. Having said that, he bowed again and then left.
Meng Jinyao didn't pay attention to Gu Xiuming's arrival. She remembered something important and said, "Husband, Princess Jingning got a villa with hot springs. There are also many seasonal fruits planted in the villa, which are just ripe now. She invited me and An Ning to play for two days, but I haven't replied yet."
Is this asking his meaning
Gu Jingxi readily agreed: "Go ahead, I'm just idle at home anyway. It's good to play with girls my age."
Meng Jinyao smiled: "Then I'll give her a reply tomorrow, and leave the day after tomorrow morning."
Gu Jingxi asked, "Does Madam like soaking in hot springs"
Meng Jin Yao shook her head gently and replied, "I don't know. It's mainly because I haven't tried it before and it feels novel, so I want to try it out. My dowry from my mother also includes farmland, but it doesn't have hot springs."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi recalled the Meng family, who had always treated him poorly. As an unfavored child, the Meng family wouldn't even take their little girl to such a manor if they went themselves. He said softly, "I also have a manor with hot springs outside the city. I'll take you there when I'm done with this busy period."
Meng Jinyáo smiled brightly and chirped, "Okay."
-
Today is a beautiful autumn day, with clear skies and refreshing air.
Meng Jin Yao set off after having breakfast, meeting with Princess Jingning and Song Xin Ning at the city gate before heading to the estate together.
Jingning County Princess's estate wasn't large, but it boasted a variety of fruits and vegetables. Its most distinctive feature was the hot spring. After the frost had just passed and autumn had arrived, with its significant daily temperature difference, soaking in the hot spring would be perfect.
Outside Zhuangzi's house there is a maple forest. After the cold dew, the maple leaves turned red. Now it is the best time to admire the maple leaves.
One person had settled their luggage at the manor and stepped out, accompanied by servants and maids. They were going to take a look at the maple forest over there. As for the manor, they could visit it again later when they returned.
Song Xining surveyed the surrounding scenery and nodded in approval. "A-Yan, your manor is quite good, the scenery around it is very nice."
Princess Jingning was in a very good mood: "The previous owner of this estate was a wealthy merchant. My father knew I liked hot springs, so he bought it and gave it to me, saying it was part of my dowry. This is the first time I've ever come here, and it looks quite nice.
At this time, the sound of a female opera singer's melodious singing drifted from the neighboring Zhuangzi. The voice was soft but discernible, suggesting that the owner of the adjacent Zhuangzi had erected a stage and invited an opera troupe to perform.
Meng Jinyao asked, "Ayan, who owns the estate next door And someone is singing opera."
Jingning County Princess replied, "According to my father, the neighboring estate belongs to the Marquis of Wuan's family. I estimate that the Marquis of Wuan's son is inside. It is said that he loves watching plays and singing himself. He is a theater enthusiast and a regular visitor to the theater. He even keeps several actors to perform for him."
Meng Jin Yao was astonished: "He still keeps a concubine"
Indeed.
Princess Jingning nodded and smiled: "It's nothing strange. In the capital, wealthy families who love to listen to opera will hire actors. They can listen whenever they want, and at banquets, they can have the actors perform to entertain their guests."
Meng Jin Yao nodded. "That's also true."
Princess Jingning asked, "This Marquis Wu'an's son is a man of impeccable character. He doesn't even have a concubine, although his family circumstances are a bit unfortunate. My imperial mother previously said it was a pity. After your eldest daughter marries into their family, will she live well"
When Gu Xuanyi returned home, she seemed to have something unpleasant, but she didn't say anything. Meng Jin Yao pretended not to notice and replied: "It should be fine. On the day she returned home, Xuanyi didn't say anything bad either. She was even very affectionate with Prince Wu'an."
Jingning County Lord didn't think much, and smiled: "That's great, let's go."
Walking, Song Xining suddenly let out a soft sigh: "This is probably the last time I can play for two days before my wedding and stay out all night. This is something I begged my mother for a long time to allow me."
Quiet Ning County Master was surprised: "Madam Song manages this so strictly"
Song Xining shook her head: "In the past, it wasn't very strict, but this year it is. After my future mother-in-law fell seriously ill this year, she's not in good health now and needs to rest. She can't work too hard, so when I get married at the end of the year, I have to take over the..."
She sighed again, her face full of distress: "My mother has been training me by having me act as her deputy housekeeper. Now I'm in charge of everything at home, and it's exhausting me. Whenever I look at the account books and my head starts to spin, I envy Ayao. She hasn't even wanted to take over yet, and she still has two elder sisters-in-law helping her manage things."
Quiet Ning County Princess looked at her with sympathy: “My mother said I’m not suitable to be a concubine. Now, they are trying to find me a better match, an excellent second or youngest son from another prestigious family. This way, I won't have to worry about the middleman.
Song Xining looked at her with resentment: "Don't provoke me."te. Everything is possible. Just treat everything with a normal heart and do your best. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."Not getting the desired answer, Gu Xiuming felt a bit frustrated, but h...