CHAPTER 61: CHAPTER 61: SILENCE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS

Even though Meng Zhu made some good points.

But Meng Yao is not the original person, and never thought about finding someone to pair up with at this time.

To speak bluntly, the original person was just a rural woman, with such conditions, bringing along a bunch of kids, remarried, what kind of good conditions could she expect?

Mostly matched in conditions.

A bunch of kids, wife died, pairing up for a living.

Looking at the men in the village of her age, each one looked so aged...

The image was so lovely, Meng Yao quickly shook her head.

She doesn’t need a man to prop her up for a living now, why put herself in discomfort?

She rolled her eyes, a plan popping into her head, "Big sister, Dahe always thinks about his father, if I were to find someone else, he surely wouldn’t agree. He’s about to take the exam, and we can’t let anything affect his mood. Let’s put it off for now."

Meng Zhu sighed, indeed, the exam of her nephew is the most important thing.

Moreover, it’s true, a wife follows her son after her husband’s death. Though traditionally it means the eldest son, clearly Zhao Dahe is more promising at home, and his opinion can’t be ignored.

Her poor little sister.

"How about I talk to Dahe? He can surely understand." Meng Zhu thought for a moment and said.

Meng Zhu was determined not to give up easily.

Meng Yao pretended to be in a difficult position but finally nodded.

Meng Zhu immediately called Zhao Dahe over and explained how difficult things had been for Meng Yao, tactfully telling him that Meng Yao should find someone else.

Meng Yao secretly winked at Zhao Dahe, and Zhao Dahe immediately received her signal.

They had just talked about this subject earlier, and his mom wasn’t one to break her word.

So, this must be the aunt’s idea.

Zhao Dahe bowed his head and kept silent.

Silence is better than speech at this moment.

Meng Zhu understood instantly, he clearly wasn’t willing.

Meng Zhu sighed, "Don’t worry about it, Auntie was just speaking casually. You should concentrate on studying hard, strive to pass the exams and earn a title, then your mom will also lead a better life with you. Don’t forget your Auntie when you become successful, boy."

Zhao Dahe cupped his hands and said, "I remember all the good you’ve done for us in my heart, so don’t worry. If I become successful, I won’t forget Auntie."

Having said that, he withdrew.

Meng Zhu looked at Meng Yao sympathetically, "We can only take things slowly in the future."

Meng Yao responded with an "um."

Getting past it once means once less to deal with.

"Regarding relations over there, as I see it, you should still give them New Year’s gifts. After all, there are no parents without faults. In my heart, I detest them, but I have kids, and I need to think about the children’s reputation. There are many frustrations in life that we can’t completely control." Meng Zhu said, "If Dahe weren’t about to take the exam, I wouldn’t say more."

That’s right, although Zhou Country doesn’t fully govern by filial piety, filial piety is still very important.

Especially for those who are officials.

Although the grandparents are a bit distant, they still have an influence.

Meng Yao nodded, "Sister, I understand. I’ll tell Xiaohua and Xiaoshu to send some things over. Whether or not they accept them is their concern, I’ll just deliver what’s due."

"That’s right, do what’s supposed to be done on the surface, so when they act up again, they won’t have a leg to stand on." Meng Zhu said.

Meng Yao also told Meng Zhu about the Lin family’s scheming against Zhao Dahe.

Meng Zhu had a serious expression, "You mustn’t take it lightly. Although they have been quiet for now, the Lin family is known for being quite patient. If Dahe doesn’t do well on the exams, maybe they’ll give up on the idea. But if he does well, the Lin family won’t let go easily. And Ruyu, that kid, was fine when younger, but now she’s a spitting image of Lin, with plenty of tricks up her sleeve. This time, she was sweet-talking me into letting her come over my place for the New Year."

Meng Zhu sneered, a mocking smile at the corner of her mouth, "Aren’t they just envious of me treating Xiaohua well, buying this and that!"

"You can prevent a thousand days of thievery, but how can you prevent a thousand days against thieves." Meng Yao sighed.

"Remind Dahe more often, young and rash, easier to fall for traps." Meng Zhu said.

The Lin family is known for their despicable tricks.

While Meng Yao trusts Zhao Dahe, she mustn’t underestimate the situation and has to remind him thoroughly.

In the afternoon, Meng Zhu left with Li Chang’an and Li Changning.

Meng Yao gave Meng Zhu some purses and handkerchiefs she personally embroidered, also selecting some items given by the Qian family for Meng Zhu to take along.

Meng Zhu had always been quite attentive and generous to the original person.

It was unclear what the original person was thinking, who always received and never gave.

She couldn’t continue the way of the original person.

Meng Zhu was somewhat surprised, "Didn’t you say you wanted to exchange these for silver, weren’t willing to give them?"

"Back then, I was truly scared of poverty, now I’ve saved up some silver and naturally don’t need to be like I was. Previously, I was pretending to be unaware, in good conscience accepting big sister’s kindness towards me." Meng Yao said bashfully, "Couldn’t let big sister always give without return!"

Meng Zhu was somewhat moved.

Although she never begrudged Meng Yao, what she gave was given, and she never expected any payback. But now that Meng Yao was offering on her own, it was a matter of pride to take back.

Though Li Baixia never verbally criticized, he definitely held thoughts in his heart.

Now, she could stand tall with dignity.

"Don’t you be biting off more than you can chew." Meng Zhu said.

"Not at all," Meng Yao said, "I sold some of my designs a few days ago."

Although most of the money was swallowed by that so-called system thing under various pretexts, what was left was enough to maintain a decent standard of living.

Meng Zhu happily accepted, "Alright, then I’ll take them. With your embroidery skills, I’ll bring them when I go visiting during New Year, they’ll surely be envious to death."

"Don’t just keep them for yourself, some of the embroidery is of cute little animals, give some to Changning." Meng Yao said.

Meng Yao didn’t miss Li Changning’s eager gaze.

"If your mom doesn’t give you any, come visit during New Year’s, and Auntie will embroider even prettier ones for you." Meng Yao said.

Li Changning nodded excitedly.

The little girl had a quiet personality, spoke little, and rarely showed emotions, but now her radiant smile was impossible to hide, showing she was genuinely happy.

"Even prettier?" Meng Zhu raised her eyebrows.

"Stop it, big sister, aren’t you being too much! Competing with a kid now!" Meng Yao teased Meng Zhu with a glance, "Aren’t you afraid the kids will laugh?"

"Auntie, if there are prettier ones, and my mom likes them, she can have them." Li Changning said softly, "My dad said my mom has endured many hardships with him, and we must always cherish her."

Originally, whether it was the original person or Meng Yao, their thoughts on Brother-in-law Li Baixia were, well, they didn’t think much of him.

Now, with one sentence from Li Changning, Li Baixia’s image in Meng Yao’s heart instantly became towering and noble.

In ancient times, such kindness to one’s wife was probably rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns, right?

Seeing Meng Zhu well-preserved, showing no signs of aging, her life must have been truly pleasant.

On this point alone, Meng Yao had to speak well of Li Baixia.

"Your dad is right, and Changning is doing a great job. Auntie will prepare prettier ones for you and your mom." Meng Yao said with a smile.