he hasn't been kind to her before, and this time it's even worse, she even drew blood."Chen glanced at the young woman beside her, a concubine's daughter. This girl was usually timid and meek; it was...It is day.

Meng Jin Yao was tending to her potted plants. Since she had married into the Changxing Houfu, she hadn't held any power and spent her days in leisure. Besides managing the estate and shops left by her mother, she also took care of Gu Jingxi's private property.

When I have nothing to do, I read books, tend to my flowers and plants, or go window-shopping at jewelry, cosmetics, and clothing stores. Sometimes, I also attend interesting banquets selected from invitations received from others.

At this moment, Xia Zhu walked up to her and bowed respectfully, saying, "Madam, Master Meng Er has arrived."

Is your second brother here

Meng Jinyao's movements faltered, and she was taken aback. She had been married to Changxing Houfu for so long, and her second brother had never come to see her. This time he came, there must be something important, so she hurriedly ordered: "Go and bring him to Weiruixuan." Then she ordered Qingqiu to prepare tea.

Not long after, Meng Chengzhang came.

The thirteen-year-old boy was handsome with fair features, rosy lips and white teeth. He was gentle and polite, with an air of erudition in every gesture. Having experienced setbacks from a young age, he was much more mature than his peers.

Actually, compared to Meng Chengxing, the legitimate heir, this younger brother was more like the prince. He excelled in his studies, was steady and composed, a charming young gentleman. That's why Lady Sun disliked him, secretly suppressing him, afraid that his brilliance would overshadow her own son, Meng Chengxing.

Meng Chengzhang saw her, and a smile appeared on his face: "Big sister"

Meng Jinyao said softly, "Younger brother, please sit down and speak. After he sat down, she asked again, "Younger brother, did you come to see me today because something happened"

Meng Chengzhang nodded gently: "I have something to tell my elder sister, don't worry, this time it's good news. Ling Shan Academy has recruited students this time, and I passed the assessment and was admitted to Ling Shan Academy. I will be going to Ling Shan Academy in a few days to study, so I came to tell my elder sister."

Upon hearing this, Meng Jin Yao's face lit up with a smile. "That's wonderful! You must study diligently and aim to achieve success in your examinations."

Meng Chengzhang nodded again: "I will, elder sister, don't worry."

During a casual chat between siblings, Meng Chengzhang suddenly asked, "Older sister, how is your brother-in-law to you"

Meng Jinyao replied, "It's pretty good. My mother-in-law is kind, and no one in the Marquis' mansion bullies me. Even Gu Xiuming can't bully me."

Meng Chengzhang looked at his elder sister with a mixture of belief and doubt, his gaze fixed on her. Seeing that she was in high spirits, even better than before her marriage, it seemed she was living a relatively comfortable life. Perhaps the Gu family's current situation stemmed from Gu Xiuming causing that incident, and he felt guilty inside.

But, how long can this guilt last

He had to stand up as soon as possible, so he could support his elder sister and make the Gu family dare not disrespect her lightly.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Meng Jin Yao thought he didn't believe her, so she added, "I'm really fine. I'm doing well at the Gu family, much better than at the Meng family. My sister-in-law also respects me, and I haven't suffered any grievances since marrying him."

Meng Chengzhang pursed his lips and smiled: "That's good then. If elder sister needs anything, just send someone to find me at Ling Shan Academy."

Okay, I can do that.

Meng Jinyao smiled and agreed. Then she remembered the silver notes she had prepared earlier, so she hurriedly took out ten silver notes worth one hundred taels each from her sleeve and handed them to him, saying softly: "Second brother, take this silver first. Buy whatever you need, don't treat yourself poorly."

How could Meng Chengzhang have ever seen such a huge sum of money

When he saw about ten hundred- tael silver notes, he was immediately stunned. After quickly regaining his composure, he hurriedly said, “Elder sister, I can’t accept this silver. In fact, I have enough to eat and wear.”

Meng Jin Yao gave him a meaningful look and said, "The Sun family has been withholding your monthly allowance. At home, you don't have to worry about food or clothes, and you have all the stationery you need. You can save on expenses, but what about when you go to the academy Do you think she will prepare everything for you Then you will have to buy everything yourself. What about occasional gatherings with your classmates"

Mr. Sun would give money, but it certainly wouldn't be enough. Even if he wanted to have an extra meal when he was hungry, he would struggle. Do you want to help copy books in the study to earn money I don't mean to discourage your enthusiasm, but I want you to focus on studying and not worry about other things. You will make a name for yourself in the future.

Meng Chengzhang hesitated for a moment, but still resolutely refused. He replied, "Elder sister, I appreciate your kindness, but I really can't accept it. Although I'm not a woman, I also understand the hardships women face. Even though you have married into the Gu family and are now their daughter-in-law, if the Gu family knew that you were using your husband's money to support your natal family, they would definitely have some reservations about you."

Upon hearing this, Meng Jinyao's eyes welled up with tears. Without further ado, she stuffed the silver notes into his hand and said softly, "Second brother, rest assured, this is not Gu family's money, it's mine. I recently got back my mother's dowry Now that I have some leeway, just take it."

She stopped speaking, seeing that her younger brother still refused to accept the gift. She said again, "Second brother, what elder sister gives you, please don't refuse. I just want you to study with peace of mind and have a bright future. If you don't succeed, unless they all die, you won't be able to get rid of their control. You won't even be able to resist being bullied by the Sun family when you marry a wife. You won't be able to stand up for her until they need your help, and then they dare not act recklessly. Besides, if you succeed, you can also support me, right"

He was struck by a wave of heartfelt emotion, and Meng Chengzhang fell silent. He knew exactly what his stepmother was like. His father and grandmother never paid much attention to him because he was born out of wedlock. Unless he excelled and showed them profit, he could only be bullied and had no power to resist.

Meng Chengzhang didn't refuse again and said, "Thank you, elder sister."

Meng Jinyáo smiled again: "That's right, don't wrong yourself, eat good food, wear good clothes, use good things. I may not be very capable, but I can still afford to raise my younger brother."

Meng Chengzhang was deeply moved and his eyes welled up with tears.

The siblings chatted for a while longer. Meng Jin Yao invited him to stay for lunch, and Meng Cheng Zhang happily agreed. He then said, "Big sister, is grandma at home I need to go pay her respects first."

As a junior, visiting his elder sister, he should also pay respects to Madam Gu, the matriarch. Otherwise, it would be considered rude and disrespectful, and could also bring shame upon his sister.

Meng Jin Yao nodded. "Okay, I'll go with you."

The siblings went to Shou'an Hall, paid their respects to Old Madam Gu, and then chatted with her for a while before leaving.

On the way back to Huīruìxuān, I ran into Gù Xiùwén again.

Gu Xiwen bowed to Meng Jinyao, then turned to Meng Chengzhang. Although he wasn't familiar with Meng Chengzhang, he knew him. He addressed him respectfully according to their relationship: "Xiwen greets his second uncle."

Although Meng Chengxing is not his biological uncle, since his aunt married his uncle, he is the mother of his older brother Gu Xiuming. Since his older brother calls Meng Chengzhang "Second Uncle," he also follows suit and calls him "Second Uncle."

To his surprise, Meng Chengzhang was stunned by the address "second uncle." Gu Si Gongzi was older than him, calling him uncler fall."Meng Chengzhang nodded in understanding and then asked, "What about your elder brother-in-law"Meng Jin Yao replied, "Your brother-in-law knows his intentions. He's trying to make amends now,...