Chapter 246: A Glance from the Shadows
The Gu family was Pei Yan’s maternal family. They were bound by blood, which made them different from other families.
Hearing that Mei Wanying still planned to return to Jiangnan, Mrs. Gu often came to see Ling.
Relatives, after all, needed to visit one another. If they didn’t, even the deepest family bonds would fade.
Afraid of disturbing Mei Wanying or causing any displeasure, Mrs. Gu didn’t bring along any of her daughters-in-law or the younger generation of the family.
She always came alone.
Ling had a Little Raccoon, a birthday gift from the Empress Dowager.
The little girl took it everywhere, always wanting to hold it. She couldn’t bear to let it go, even while eating or sleeping.
She treasured it immensely.
The Gu Mansion also had several Raccoons, raised by the younger members of the family, and they had recently given birth to kits.
Thinking that they had never been guests at the mansion, Mrs. Gu took the opportunity to invite Ling, suggesting she come over to see the little Raccoons.
Mrs. Gu had thought it through. ’Desperately trying to stop Xun from seeing Mei Wanying will only stoke his rebellious streak. It will only deepen his obsession.’
’Once he sees Mei Wanying and gets the cold shoulder a few times, he’ll give up on his own. A man needs his pride, just as a tree needs its bark.’
’Redirection is better than suppression. That’s the best way!’
Ling didn’t understand the complex dealings of adults. All she knew was that there were many little Raccoons waiting for her to see and pet.
She was very excited.
"Mother, can we go?"
Faced with those sparkling eyes, how could Mei Wanying possibly refuse?
So she took Ling to the Gu family’s home.
This was Mei Wanying’s first visit. She held Ling’s hand and walked side by side with Mrs. Gu.
Mrs. Gu was warm and enthusiastic, sharing many amusing stories about her household.
Then, her tone shifted. "We’ve found a prospective bride for Xun, and she should be arriving today. Miss Mei, after you and the Princess have seen the little Raccoons, please don’t be in a hurry to leave. Let’s all have a simple home-cooked meal together."
Mei Wanying already knew that the Gu family wanted Gu Xun to take a wife.
She and Gu Xun were not enemies, so there was no need to avoid each other for the rest of their lives. But getting involved in the matter of his marriage was truly inappropriate.
"After Ling is done seeing the Raccoons, I have to go inspect my shops and go over the accounts from the past two years. I’ll bring Ling to trouble you again when I have the chance."
This wasn’t just a polite excuse; Mei Wanying was genuinely busy.
The Mei family’s vast estate relied on her alone to manage it. On top of that, she had a child to raise. She was so busy her feet barely touched the ground.
That was why she had shooed Pei Yan back to the Imperial Palace, telling him not to get in her way.
Once Ling began her formal education and started learning from a tutor, she would no longer cling to her side every moment, and things might get a little easier.
Mrs. Gu gave Mei Wanying an appreciative look. "You manage the family business so well, no less capable than any man. General Mei and Mrs. Mei are truly fortunate to have a daughter like you."
Building a fortune is hard, but maintaining it is even harder.
Although it was the Emperor’s backing that allowed Mei Wanying to have such smooth sailing, for a young woman to have accomplished this much was already incredibly impressive.
She wasn’t like the daughters of some other families, raised to be unable to shoulder any responsibility.
If they were actually asked to inherit the family business, they would probably beat a hasty retreat.
Putting aside the entanglement between Mei Wanying and Xun, Mrs. Gu felt that she was a good young woman.
"You’re still young, so think of this as gaining experience. Don’t push yourself too hard. Some things should be left to the people under you, or else what’s the point of employing them?"
Mei Wanying nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, Madam."
Her attitude was humble, with no hint of the arrogance that might come from being favored.
Mrs. Gu thought to herself, ’No wonder Xun can’t forget Mei Wanying.’
’Talented, beautiful, and she treats others with gentle courtesy.’
’It’s no surprise young men can’t resist her charms; even an old woman like me can’t help but admire Mei Wanying.’
’As expected of a daughter from the Mei family, her upbringing is truly excellent.’
’It’s a pity she got involved with the Royal Family, which caused her to suffer so much.’
’Now, I suppose, her suffering has finally turned to joy.’
She patted Mei Wanying’s hand. "We’re all family here, no need for such formality."
After saying it, she felt it was inappropriate.
If word of this got out, those who didn’t know better might think the Gu family was trying to curry favor with Mei Wanying.
Mrs. Gu cleared her throat and changed the subject. "At this hour, the little Raccoons should be sunning themselves in the garden. Let’s hurry and take a look."
Ling had long been waiting impatiently.
But her grandmother and mother had taught her that children shouldn’t interrupt when adults are speaking.
Hearing her grandaunt say this, her eyes crinkled into a smile. "Let’s go, let’s go! Ling wants to see them right away."
As she spoke, she grabbed Mrs. Gu’s hand with her free one, wanting to run ahead.
Mrs. Gu froze for a moment as her fingers were clasped by the small, warm, soft hand.
She never said it out loud, but in her heart, she blamed Mei Wanying. She blamed her for not severing her past ties before getting involved with Xun.
She also blamed her for being heartless, for truly ignoring Xun completely.
Reason told Mrs. Gu that Mei Wanying’s actions were correct.
If she were to show any affection for Xun, wouldn’t the one in the palace come to see him as a thorn in his side?
Would Xun even have a chance of survival?
But emotionally, she couldn’t stop herself from complaining.
Resenting Mei Wanying for harming her Xun.
Being led by Ling, seeing the little girl smile at her without a shred of caution, a picture of pure innocence, Mrs. Gu suddenly felt how ugly her own heart was.
Mei Wanying had never spoken a single ill word of the Gu family. Her visit today was, in effect, a great show of respect to her.
One must know, all the noble houses in the Capital City had sent invitations to Mei Wanying, but she hadn’t visited a single one.
Even the Assistant Minister’s Wife who came from Jiangnan hadn’t been able to persuade her to visit.
Mei Wanying had shown face to her and her alone. Even the little Princess was affectionate towards her, yet here she was, secretly criticizing Mei Wanying in her heart.
If this wasn’t having an ugly heart, what was?
A sense of shame washed over Mrs. Gu.
The dignified and composed noblewoman was pulled into a light jog for a couple of steps by Ling.
Her expression was a little dazed.
Mei Wanying quickly took hold of Ling. "Don’t be reckless."
Ling let out an "oh."
’I thought Grandaunt was like Grandmother, someone I could pull along for a run...’
After being chided by Mei Wanying, Ling didn’t dare to make any more mischief and walked meekly by her mother’s side.
At the same time, she let go of Mrs. Gu’s hand.
Mrs. Gu finally came back to her senses and took Ling’s little hand again.
She said with a smile, "Little Princess, please treat this as your own home. There’s no need to be so reserved."
’She is a Princess personally titled by the Emperor! She is a member of the Royal Family!’
’The little Princess could do more than just run and jump in the mansion; even if she decided to tear the tiles off the roof, no one would dare say a word against her.’
Ling looked very serious. "I promised Grandmother I wouldn’t cause trouble outside and that I would be a good girl."
The grandmother she mentioned was Mrs. Mei, who was far away in Jiangnan.
Mrs. Gu thought to herself, ’The little Princess’s bond with the Mei family is too strong. No wonder the Empress Dowager is jealous.’
’If it weren’t for the Emperor’s firm stance, the Mei mother and daughter would surely not have fared so well...’
When Gu Xun learned that Mei Wanying had come to the mansion, he looked bewildered, thinking he must have misheard.
He asked the butler, "Who did you say the guest is?"
"It is Miss Mei and the Princess."
He hadn’t misheard. Mei Wanying and Ling had really come to the mansion.
He desperately wanted to see them, yet now, he felt a surge of cowardice.
’If we meet, what can I say?’
’Since I can’t say anything and can’t do anything, wouldn’t it be better... not to see her?’
After standing for a long time at the ornamental gate, Gu Xun finally started walking toward the garden.
Forgive his greed, but he still wanted to catch just one glimpse of Mei Wanying.
’I won’t reveal myself. I’ll just watch her secretly from the shadows for a moment.’
’Just one glance will be enough.’