Chapter Forty-One: The Elder Brother-in-Law

At this moment, the Meng family was about to receive an unexpected guest. Watching the restless Father Meng, Madam Meng could only sigh helplessly.

“Meng Shengze, what’s wrong with you? Why are you shaking? It’s just my brother coming to visit—what are you so afraid of?”

Madam Meng’s brother was Bai Zhanshuang, the current Prime Minister. As a lifelong devotee of his sister, he had spoiled her endlessly, but unfortunately, she had set her heart on a mere farmer.

Alas, this had caused their mother to shed countless tears, and he himself was constantly vexed. How could his adorable, naive little sister fall for Meng Shengze of all people?

He reeked of money, was blunt, and dull. Truly, a beautiful flower planted in a pile of manure.

Father Meng felt aggrieved. His brother-in-law still harbored resentment toward him, and he, too, was at a loss for how to win him over.

“But my brother-in-law is coming. I’m nervous!” he stammered, unable to keep his legs from trembling.

Madam Meng rolled her eyes at her husband’s posture. “Look at you! Where’s your courage now? You had enough nerve to propose back then!” She took a sip of tea, moistening her throat.

Just then, the head steward entered. “Master, Madam, there is an esteemed guest at the gate.”

Hearing this, Madam Meng quickly stood up, urging her husband to greet their visitor. “He’s here, he’s here! Hurry up, Meng Shengze, go welcome him!”

Father Meng wondered if he dared to go at all. As he stepped outside, he was met with the overwhelming aura of his brother-in-law, Bai Zhanshuang, along with a heavy, nasal snort.

Father Meng felt even more wronged—his brother-in-law’s imposing presence had grown stronger than ever.

Bai Zhanshuang was visiting this humble place for the very first time. Though his sister had been married for years, he had helped her secretly time and again; without his support, Meng Shengze could never have become the richest man in town. Ha! The sarcasm in those two laughs was unmistakable.

Father Meng bristled—who said he was incapable?

Bai Zhanshuang stepped off the carriage, delivered a forceful snort, and walked straight into the mansion.

Left behind were Bai Yulan and her husband Han Hua, who called out, “Wait for us, Father!”

Father Meng, full of frustration, followed his brother-in-law like a loyal servant.

Inside the mansion, Bai Zhanshuang encountered his sister after so many years. His eyes reddened instantly, and Madam Meng was soon crying uncontrollably.

Then Bai Zhanshuang, drawing attention to Madam Meng’s weight loss and wan appearance, nearly gave Father Meng a heart attack.

Father Meng lamented his misery.

When Meng Yun arrived at the Meng residence, it was not yet late. Madam Meng was chatting with her niece Bai Yulan, whom she was quite fond of—beautiful, well-educated, and sensible.

She glanced at her own daughter: instead of enjoying a good life, she insisted on marrying that Lin Sanlang. Another flower planted in manure!

Meng Yun and Lin Sanlang exchanged silent looks—how could siblings speak so alike?

Once again, the head steward arrived to report, “Miss, the young miss has returned.” The family went out to greet her.

Meng Yun was meeting her beloved uncle for the first time. The Bai family members truly looked different from ordinary people—hold on!

No, it was that they looked extraordinary: the men were handsome, the women beautiful. No wonder she herself was a beauty.

Lin Sanlang prompted, “Wife, let’s return to the story.”

As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, Fubao was whisked away by Madam Meng.

After Meng Yun had a warm conversation with her uncle, Bai Zhanshuang glanced at his travel-worn niece and shot Father Meng a glare—useless, couldn’t even choose a proper son-in-law!

Father Meng felt utterly defeated—it was Meng Yun’s own choice!

Meanwhile, Meng Yun noticed her second cousin standing nearby—Bai Yulan was the second eldest.

Meng Yun was astonished. “Is it you, Lady Bai?”

She realized that her eldest cousin was the beautiful lady she had met on a river boat three years ago.

“Do you know each other?” Bai Zhanshuang asked, puzzled by his daughter and niece’s interaction.

“Father, three years ago when I visited, I met my cousin. We had tea together,” Bai Yulan said, taking Meng Yun’s hand.

“So that’s how it is. What a coincidence. But honestly, you should have brought her home,” Madam Meng scolded Meng Yun.

“I didn’t know she was my cousin! If I had, I’d certainly have brought her back,” Meng Yun protested, making a silly face.

Madam Meng sighed, helpless. After a lively gathering at the gate, the family entered the mansion together.