ent at all. She guessed that this was a secret everyone knew, and she admired his composure in bringing it up. If she were another man, she thought, he would probably feel ashamed, or even angry and...Sun Shi was attending to guests for a long time before finally being able to spare some time.

Then Yang took advantage of her free time and approached her, saying a few words directly to the point: "Sister, your eldest daughter has now married into a good family, becoming a Madam Hou. I hear she is quite favored by Lord Gu. Why don't you ask her to help her brother-in-law secure a position in the court"

Sun's brows furrowed slightly. She had also thought about this matter. Her husband now only had an idle post, and his official rank was low, with no real influence. If her husband could get a real position and gradually climb the ranks, he would be able to pave the way for their son.

Seeing her silence, Lady Yang said again, "Sister, do you have something on your mind that you're reluctant to share Just tell your elder sister-in-law, and I'll try my best to help you."

Sun Shi knew very well what her elder sister-in-law wanted to do. She simply wanted to find out more information and then try to get some benefits from Meng Jin Yao. So, she stopped pretending and said directly: “She now hates her family deeply. It is impossible for her to help her family.”

"Because of her biological mother's dowry" Yang Shi glanced at her younger sister-in-law, frowning and scolding her, "Sister, I said you really are something else. What on earth would you do with her biological mother's dowry You've already made a fool of yourself, and you've also driven a wedge between her and her family. This is simply not worth it."

When Mrs. Sun heard this, her mood soured immediately. If Zhou's dowry hadn't been approved by the in-laws, she couldn't possibly use it as she pleased and prevent herself from returning it to that little wretch Meng Jin Yao. Would she dare Now, the family had reaped all the benefits, but it was Mrs. Sun who was being condemned.

Yang saw that her face wasn't looking good, so she continued, "No matter what, you are still her elder. It's not right for her to hold a grudge against her elders. You and your brother-in-law are her parents, just say a few kind words to her, and her anger will subside. Then have a good talk with her about the pros and cons of this, don't let her act on impulse."

Sun's face darkened, she snorted softly: "It's easy for you to say that, elder sister-in-law. If you truly cared about your family, you wouldn't refuse to help Chengxing go to Ling Shan Academy."

Upon hearing this, Madam Yang was deeply shocked and incredulous. "Chengxing is her younger brother, and he's supposed to inherit the title in the future. If something happens to Chengxing, who will support her then Lord Gu has a hidden illness, and she can't have children of her own. When Lord Gu grows old, the heir apparent will inherit the title. Without her family's backing, how do you think she'll fare A woman who marries out, whether or not her husband's family respects her depends entirely on her family."

Sun Shi let out a light snort, gritting her teeth and hissing, "She's climbed the social ladder now, probably thinks she's too good for her impoverished relatives. She won't help them at all. A few days ago, Yu exchanged pleasantries with Princess Jingning, but instead of being friendly, she undermined Yu, turning Princess Jingning against her."

Yang was both surprised and shocked. She had met Meng Jin Yao at Yongchang Bo's mansion before, and although the girl occasionally spoke with a sharp tongue, she was relatively well-behaved and didn't cause any trouble. Now that she was married, she dared to treat her in-laws like this

Thinking about this, Yang began to carefully examine her younger sister-in-law. Her younger sister-in-law was truly much more haggard, and even the rouge couldn't conceal it. She had also lost weight, looking older than her. It was unknown if it was because of the dowry incident or the recent rumors that Yongchang Marquis's mansion was haunted; perhaps both were possible.

Yang pursed her lips: "I didn't expect her to do something like this. It seems she has climbed high and gotten bold."

Sun Shi said angrily, "That's right! They don't even look down on their own family."

Yang's eyes flashed, and he asked again, "Sister, is there really a ghost at your family estate Did you really see a ghost"

Sun's face stiffened, and a chilling scene flashed through her mind. Panic surged up within her, but she didn't want to elaborate, responding evasively: "We had a disagreement some time ago, but it's all settled now, sister-in-law, you don't need to worry."

Yang nodded in reassurance, "That's good. Don't overthink it, sister. Even if she is arrogant, she's just a married woman with no support system. She will always need to rely on her family someday."

Sun believed this deeply, that little slut wouldn't be arrogant for long. She was young and beautiful now, able to please Lord Changxing. But in ten or eight years, her beauty would fade, and without a child, she would have nothing. By then, Cheng Xing would also grow up and become successful. That little slut would beg them then. The humiliation she suffered now, she'd have to come back and repay it later.

As the aunt and sister-in-law talked and talked, they returned to the flower hall.

At this time, the sunlight grew increasingly strong, and the other women who had been admiring the flowers in the garden gradually returned to the flower hall.

Just then, a maidservant ran over to report, "Madam, the eldest daughter and her brother-in-law have arrived, along with Prince Gu."

As soon as the maidservant's voice fell, all the ladies present were taken aback.

Is this a family of three returning to their mother's home

Lord Gu married the fiancee of Young Master Gu. Now that the three of them are living together, they are still so harmonious Wouldn't Young Master Gu find it awkward

Sun also expressed great surprise, she did not expect Meng Jinyang to come back today. It was enough that Marquis Gu and his company returned together, but how could even Young Master Gu be here

Soon, Mrs. Sun collected her emotions and ordered in an orderly manner: "Quickly prepare tea."

On the front lawn, Meng Dongyuan was surprised to learn that his daughter and her family of three had arrived. He hadn't expected his rebellious daughter to come back today. To be honest, it didn't matter if she came back or not. Whatever he felt about it, he could just vent his anger at her. As for his son-in-law, he preferred not to see him. Meng Dongyuan felt pressured around his son-in-law.

At this moment, a guest flattered, "Your elder uncle and elder sister are truly filial. Even though it's not a holiday today, your elder uncle came to celebrate your birthday, he must have taken special leave."

"That's right! Even Young Master Gu has come."

"Brother Meng, you're so lucky!"

Flattered by the guest's praise, Meng Dongyuan, though unaware of what the rebellious woman meant, felt a flutter in his heart and smiled politely: "Excuse me for a moment, ladies and gentlemen. I need to go take a look."

Other guests today were mostly betting on whether Jing Xi and Meng Jin Yao would return. If they did, they might have a chance to build connections. Right now, everyone is following him outside to greet the newcomers.

They would follow to greet him without losing face, after all, Marquis Changxing enjoyed the emperor's favor and held a high position among the Nine Ministers. These people either had low official positions or couldn't even secure one, living off their families and going out to welcome him was only right. Being able to speak a few words with Marquis Changxing would be an honor for them; they rarely had the opportunity to see him in their daily lives.

Just as Meng Dongyuan had stepped out of the front hall, he hadn't gone far when he saw them. Their eyes met with his son-in-law's calm gaze, and a chill ran down his spine. A hint of anxiety crept in, abruptly extinguishing the joy of being praised moments before. If his son-in-law refused to give him face in front of the guests, he would be utterly humiliated today.

Meng Jin Yao saw her father and the guests behind him walking towards them. She glanced at the man beside her with a faint smile and said in a low voice, "My husband's face is truly big. Today, I am basking in my husband's light."

She was telling the truth. If she had come back alone, he wouldn't have personally come to greet her. Only by going herself to pay her respects would her father and stepmother likely make things difficult for her, both explicitly and implicitly.

Gu Jingxi raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying.

Meng Dongyuan mustered his courage and stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Aiyao, my dear son-in-law, you've arrived!"g this, Meng Jinyao glanced at him. This was probably related to the fact that they weren't biologically related. Since they weren't father and son by blood, there wasn't much familial connection bet...