his house. When he saw the steward behind Gu Jingxi, he immediately understood. It was him who had said that his eldest daughter and son-in-law were returning and not to stop them at the door, but to...October 6th.
Today is the day that Changxing Houfu's second daughter, Gu Xuailing, gets married. The entire household is bustling with activity. Lanterns are hung and tables are full of guests, creating a joyous atmosphere. This scale is only second to when Gu Xuayi got married at the end of August.
Meng Jinyao's natal family, Yongchang Marquis Mansion, has been ill and refusing visitors since the incident with Sun Shi. Today, they didn't come to drink celebratory wine at the wedding, but only sent someone over with a gift.
Guests who haven't seen anyone from Yongchangbo's mansion don't need to guess what happened. The mansion lost all face a few days ago when the mistress murdered the original wife and mistreated her illegitimate son. The Meng family, however, remained clueless and oblivious. If it weren't for Sun's being possessed by a ghost, her mind clouded and confused, spilling the truth, the Meng family would probably never have known. After such a huge scandal, if they were to attend the banquet now, wouldn't it be like inviting people to laugh at them Staying out of sight and only sending gifts is the wisest choice.
Chen glanced at Zhang greeting a woman, she was slightly taken aback, then turned to look at Meng Jinyang beside her. Her expression instantly became subtle, feeling the need to remind Meng Jinyang, she whispered, "Third sister-in-law, did you see the lady talking to your elder sister-in-law"
Meng Jinyu, upon hearing this, looked in the direction of Zhang Shi. She saw a woman around thirty-something years old, dressed in a blue dress, with an elegant and refined demeanor. Her face seemed somewhat familiar, but Meng Jinyu was certain she had never met her before.
She asked curiously, "Second Sister-in-law, that lady looks a bit familiar. Which family is she from"
Chen replied: "It's normal for the third sister-in-law to find her familiar, that's Xiu Ming's biological mother, Kong. Today is Xuan Ling's wedding day, she came to drink wedding wine. Last time Xuan Yi got married, she had to go back to her natal family to attend to her sick mother, so she didn't come."
Who is Gu Xiuming's biological mother
Meng Jin Yao was immediately stunned, her gaze falling back on Kong Shi. She took a closer look and found that Gu Xiu Ming shared some similarities with her. No wonder she felt familiar just now. Combining the appearances of Gu Xiu Ming's biological parents, Gu Xiu Ming's appearance had both resemblance to his father and mother. As for why he looked a bit like Gu Jing Xi, it was because Gu Jing Ze and Gu Jing Xi were cousins.
At this moment, Zhang and Kong were walking towards them. The ladies present recognized Kong and instinctively looked at Meng Jin Yao. A hint of anticipation filled the air, as if they were about to watch a play unfold. This was the first meeting between a biological mother and a foster mother, and everyone wondered what sparks would fly. If it were a normal foster mother, there wouldn't be much fuss, but this one had been Gu Shizi's former fiancée.
However, they were disappointed. They didn't get to watch the play. But then again, they are all acquaintances. Who would want to cause trouble for each other at a time like this It wouldn't be good for anyone.
Kong smiled broadly, as if nothing had happened, greeting Meng Jin Yao. He even complimented her: "Last time at your wedding, I was far away and couldn't see clearly. Now that I finally get to see you properly, I can hardly take my eyes away. You look just like a fairy goddess, and it brings joy to my heart simply looking at you.
Meng Jiny Yao couldn't quite figure out what Kong Shi thought of her, but she put on a good show nonetheless. She responded with a smile: “Sister-in-law, you flatter me. Upon meeting you for the first time, I found you to be very kind and approachable, making one want to get closer.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Meng Jinyáo was about to greet other guests. Kong shi also went to speak with other guests. Don't look at her husband being only a county magistrate, but she is the daughter-in-law of the Gu family. Even if it is a branch family, she is still the biological mother of Gu世子, and there are still ladies who will give her some face and be willing to speak with her.
When Meng Jin Yao was with Mrs. Chen, she lowered her voice and inquired, "Second Sister-in-law, what kind of person is Kong"
Chen glanced at the Kong family not far away and replied, “She's a charming person who gets along well with everyone. Talking to her is like being bathed in spring sunshine.”
Meng Jinyao asked again, "How is her relationship with Xiu Ming and his mother"
"Third Sister-in-law, your words are mistaken" Chen Shi retracted her gaze and turned to look at Meng Jin Yao. Seeing her bewildered, she added, "Third Sister-in-law and Xiu Ming are mother and son."
Meng Jin Yao was slightly stunned, then quickly reacted and responded to her: "Second sister-in-law is right."
Then Chen continued, "Kong is just his aunt. Even if he sees her, he'd only pay respects by calling her 'aunt.'"
Meng Jiny Yao gained a preliminary understanding from this sentence. Gu Xiuming and the Kong family appeared to have a distant and not intimate relationship on the surface, but who knew if they were actually close
Chen said softly, "Third younger sister, the bridal procession will be here soon. I have to go and see how Xuanling is preparing."
Meng Jinyáo didn't want to engage in polite compliments with the guests; her face was already aching from smiling. "I think your sister-in-law can handle it," she said. "My second sister-in-law and I will go together as well. I also want to see the bride."
Chen nodded: "Then let's go."
-
Meanwhile, Gu Xuanling had already finished her makeup and was waiting in the room.
As the elder sister, Gu Xuanyi might not like her half-sister, Gu Xualing, but she still had to put on a show of affection. She joined her other cousins from the extended family for drinks at the wedding celebration and went to see her cousin getting married. She helped her cousin with her makeup and said a few words of blessing.
When Meng Jinyao and the Chen family arrived, they saw a group of sisters chatting and laughing happily, their faces beaming with smiles. Only the bride was teased until her face flushed red, she lowered her head slightly, smiling shyly.
Seeing them enter, the juniors all hurried up to greet them with a bow of respect.
"Mother"
Gu Xueling also stood up, ready to pay her respects.
Seeing her adorned in a phoenix crown and wedding robes, Chen promptly helped her up and said, "Alright, no need for formalities. Please, take a seat."
Then, Chen and Gu Xuanying sat down and chatted for a while. It was nothing but to remind Gu Xuanying that after she got married, she should be a dutiful wife and mother, filial to her in-laws. If she suffered any grievance, she should return to her parents' home and tell her parents and brothers.
Meng Jinyao looked at the mother and daughter, suddenly feeling a little envious. Although Chen shi was not Gu Xuailing's biological mother, it could be seen that they had a mother-daughter relationship. Looking at this phoenix crown and wedding dress, it could be seen that Chen shi treated Gu Xuailing, the concubine daughter, quite well. Also, when Chen shi looked at Gu Xuailing, there was a hint of reluctance in her eyes.
If the mother had not been harmed by Sun back then, she would have been raised with love from her own mother and received tender advice from her when she got married.
It's a pity that her bond with her mother was weak, she never met her mother, and her mother never met her.
When she got married, Gu Xiuming ran away from the wedding. The Gu family brought a rooster instead of Gu Xiuming to welcome her, claiming that Gu Xiuming was sick and couldn't come in person. But how would her father and Sun shi care about these details As long as the marriage wasn't annulled or delayed, they would be satisfied. They treated her as a commodity to be exchanged for benefits, and eagerly stuffed her into the bridal sedan chair.
Even before the bridal procession, she was instructed to never forget the upbringing of the Meng family and to properly manage her household in the Gu family, seeking benefits for the Meng family. From beginning to end, they didn't care about her feelings at all, only whether she could be capable of securing benefits for her natal family.e, okay”顧萱宜 is clearly the spoiled child, sometimes with quite a temper. Now that she's in a bad mood, she suddenly pushed him away and said coldly: "Yes, you haven't figured out the truth of the matt...