th and fourth ranks find it very difficult to reach the third rank. When they are at the fifth rank, they often rely on their wives' families' money to get things done. But once they become high-ranki...The carriage stopped, and it had returned to the doorstep of home.

Meng Jinyao stopped her wandering thoughts. When the coachman opened the carriage door, she walked to the door and instinctively reached out a hand, thinking that Qingqiu or Ningdong would help her up.

But when she reached out, seeing no sign of Qing Qiu and Ning Dong, she belatedly remembered that she hadn't brought her maidservant with her today. She was only with Gu Jing Xi, plus a driver who drove the carriage. She silently retracted her outstretched hand.

Gu Jingxi noticed her movement and dismounted before her. Then he extended his hand towards her and said softly, "Madam, come

Meng Jinyao's face changed, and then she handed him her hand, allowing him to help her out of the carriage.

On her way back to Hui Ruixuan, Meng Jin Yao's eyes couldn't help but keep glancing at Gu Jing Xi. The corners of her mouth unconsciously curled up, and her heartbeat started racing again. She felt that Gu Jing Xi was interested in her, but she was also afraid that she was overthinking things.

But whether he truly has feelings for her or not, she's benefiting from it now. After all, which woman wouldn't want her husband to be so good to her

Gu Jingxi saw the smile on her face and thought that the gloom in her heart had finally dissipated. She wasn't as gloomy anymore, which relieved him. It seemed like taking her out today was a good idea. Staying home all day would probably make her stir-crazy.

Meng Jinyao's good mood lasted until she went to bed at night. She fell asleep quickly and slept soundly all night until dawn.

When she woke up, Gu Jingxi had already gone to Dali Temple for duty. She couldn't help but feel a little annoyed that she hadn't woken up earlier and wondered if Gu Jingxi had secretly hugged her while she was asleep last night.

Afternoon.

The female shopkeeper of the Jinxiu Pavilion has arrived, saying she wants to see Madam Hou.

Meng Jinyao learned of this, her face full of confusion. She didn't remember asking anyone to find the proprietress of Jinshiu Fang, but she still had someone bring the proprietress to Weiruixuan. Even on a hot day, she didn't want to go to the front yard living room.

The female shopkeeper was a forthright and capable woman, around thirty years old. Because of the fame of Jinxiu Fang, she had met many official wives, so at this moment, she wasn't timid either. She smiled and bowed: "Jin Niang greets Madam Gu."

Meng Jin Yao spoke softly, "Shopkeeper, you don't need to be so polite. I didn't place an order at Jinshuifang, how come you suddenly came looking for me"

The female shopkeeper replied, "It's like this, Lord Gu ordered eight sets of autumn clothing here, saying they were for his wife. He asked me to come and have Madam choose the styles."

She spoke and handed the booklet in her hand to Meng Jin Yao, then continued, "This is a newly drawn sample, no other guests have seen it yet. Madam Gu rest assured, every style is unique, once I sell it to you, I won't sell it to anyone else, so you don't have to worry about running into someone wearing the same thing. However, the finished garment won't be delivered until autumn, now it's just a reservation."

Meng Jin Yao was surprised. A set of dresses from Jinxiu Fang wasn't cheap, and Gu Jing Xi had directly ordered eight sets for her. Luckily, after the incident with the twelve hairpins, she was relatively calm now. A smile played on her lips as she calmly took the booklet handed to her by the female shopkeeper and said softly, "Then I'll take a look first."

The female shopkeeper sized up Meng Jinyao without making a sound. She found that the wife of General Changxing was truly a beauty, her eyes were sparkling and bright, every smile and frown charming. Not to mention men, even she, as a woman, felt a fondness upon seeing her. It's no wonder Lord Gu doted on her so much.

Meng Jin Yao flipped through the books, comparing them carefully, and finally chose eight skirt styles.

After the female shopkeeper left, Meng Jinyáo fell silent. After a while, she dismissed the other maids and left only her two most trusted maidservants.

Qing Qiu and Ning Dong asked in unison, "Madam, is there anything you wish to instruct us"

Meng Jin Yao shook her head slightly, carefully choosing her words, and asked them softly, “You said, is the Marquis really interested in me”

Upon hearing this, Qing Qiu and Ning Dong exchanged glances before nodding in unison.

Qing Qiu said, "Madam, although I don't have a sweetheart and don't understand matters of the heart, I see that the Marquis has feelings for you."

Ning Dong said in a firm voice: "Madam, I sensed earlier that the Marquis might have feelings for you. Looking at his recent actions one after another, it seems like he's pursuing the woman of his heart.has been treating you well.”Hearing this, Meng Jin yao's face paled, and she instinctively reached out to touch her face: "Have I gained weight"Song Xin said softly, "I haven't gotten fat, I just gain...