Su Xiaoqi looked at Mei Xin’s face, which was like she had swallowed a moth, and a cold smile flickered at the corner of her lips.
Who did Mei Xin think she was? She thought that by using underhanded tactics and moving into the backyard, she could stir up trouble.
She underestimated Madam Zhao too much.
After spending so much time with Madam Zhao, Su Xiaoqi knew that Madam Zhao was actually a very wise woman, contrary to her initial impression of her being someone who cried a lot.
Crying was merely a means to achieve her goals.
Of course, Su Xiaoqi’s assessment might be a bit too practical.
Because Madam Zhao was not like other people who were scheming.
Her goals were not about harming others.
They might simply be about securing a chance to live for herself and her family, and providing Shen Yun with an opportunity to study.
The fact that Madam Zhao could survive in a place like Zhaojia Village with minimal support from her own family, and successfully send Shen Yun to school, showed that she was no ordinary village woman.
She was also not shortsighted.
If Mei Xin thought she could control Madam Zhao by learning some messy skills outside, she was being too naive.
This was precisely why Su Xiaoqi had not made a move against Mei Xin, even knowing that Mei Xin had gone to great lengths to move into the backyard.
Madam Zhao was not someone Mei Xin could manipulate as she pleased.
Although she appeared gentle and easy to get along with on the surface, she was actually a woman with great depth of thought.
While she didn’t appear strong, she knew her ultimate goal from beginning to end.
And she would silently advance towards the goal she had set.
Until the objective was achieved.
The worst thing you could do to such a person is to underestimate her and try to use her.
Because before you even make a move, she has already seen through your intentions.
Just like now.
Mei Xin always believed that by accompanying Madam Zhao, and with Madam Zhao treating her so well, she was easily swayed. Seeing Su Xiaoqi, she thought of using the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship to corner her.
Unfortunately, she thought too much.
Madam Zhao's few gentle words diffused Mei Xin's intentions.
Unwilling to give up and not seeing the current situation clearly, she continued to provoke:
"Aunt, I know you are a kind and gentle person, but no matter what, as a daughter-in-law, your sister-in-law cannot be so presumptuous and climb over you. You must still discipline her…"
Mei Xin’s words became increasingly excessive.
Listening to her, it felt as if she was lecturing Madam Zhao, telling her how to be a mother-in-law.
Before Madam Zhao could speak, Su Xiaoqi could no longer stand it and sharply retorted:
"Miss Mei Xin, don't forget, this is the Shen family. You are a guest here. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't concern yourself with the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship between my mother-in-law and me."
"Aunt, look at my sister-in-law. I… I only said a few words, and she, she's already upset!"
Seeing Su Xiaoqi getting angry, Mei Xin thought she had finally found her weakness and wanted to continue speaking.
This time, she was determined not to let Su Xiaoqi off the hook.
She would expose Su Xiaoqi's true colors in front of Madam Zhao, make her lose Madam Zhao’s trust, and then, through Madam Zhao, influence Shen Yun to neglect her, ideally leading to her being divorced, after which she would step in…
Mei Xin’s thoughts were beautiful, bubbling with joy.
But soon, Madam Zhao’s words delivered another heavy blow.
"Mei Xin, your sister-in-law is right. When our Shen family was still in Zhaojia Village, your sister-in-law married into the family, and we have all supported and relied on each other.
I know her character best.
She has a kind disposition and is the easiest person to get along with. Why do you have such a prejudice against your sister-in-law? Perhaps someone with ill intentions has been slandering her.
Alas, I understand that you have suffered hardship over the years. But you must believe that your sister-in-law will not harm you, nor has she disrespected me as her mother-in-law."
Madam Zhao knew Su Xiaoqi’s character the best.
Marrying this daughter-in-law was the most important and brilliant decision she had made after giving birth to her son, Shen Yun.
Yes, in Madam Zhao’s heart, Su Xiaoqi's importance surpassed everyone else's.
She could not tolerate anyone speaking ill of her.
If it weren't for Mei Xin, she would have already started scolding.
"Aunt, I, I… I didn't mean that. I just feel that my sister-in-law, in some aspects…"
Mei Xin looked at Madam Zhao with surprise, then pursed her lips and began to explain.
Madam Zhao, however, no longer wished to listen. She turned her face away, her expression cold, and said, "If you still have any opinions about your sister-in-law, perhaps it would be best for you to move out.
Your sister-in-law has quite a few houses under her name. Xiaoqi, see if you can arrange something for her…"
Before Madam Zhao could finish speaking, Mei Xin became anxious. She quickly rushed over, crying and complaining, saying she didn't… she just…
Perhaps she had listened to a maid and misunderstood her sister-in-law.
"Which maid is so blind as to instigate Miss Mei Xin to disrupt the relationship between me, my mother, and you? Why not sell her off? Mother, what do you think?"
Su Xiaoqi sat beside Madam Zhao, leaning her head on her shoulder. The two of them looked even closer than mother and daughter.
Mei Xin was shocked. She truly couldn’t understand how Su Xiaoqi had managed this.
How was this possible?
She had lived for twenty years, fluctuating between highs and lows, and had only seen discord between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.
They would argue, bicker, and even constantly set rules and torment their daughters-in-law.
She really wanted to smash a teacup on Madam Zhao's forehead and ask if her eyesight was failing, if she couldn’t even distinguish her own daughter from her daughter-in-law.
Daughters-in-law were meant to be tormented, not pampered like this.
Su Xiaoqi and Madam Zhao chatted softly, occasionally glancing at the stunned Mei Xin. Her thoughts and feelings were written all over her face, allowing Su Xiaoqi to see them clearly.
She felt immense dislike for Mei Xin, but out of respect for Madam Zhao, she didn't mention anything further about her.
Instead, she brought up the matter of sending gifts earlier.
Upon hearing this, Mei Xin immediately perked up, stretching out her body and tilting her ear to listen.
She listened carefully as Su Xiaoqi listed the official titles.
They were either Vice Ministers or Court Officials, as well as the young ladies from wealthy families.
Truly remarkable.
It was at this moment that Mei Xin decided to re-evaluate Su Xiaoqi. She had underestimated her too much before.
After hearing what she wanted to know, Mei Xin returned to the east wing. Ziyu had already arrived with a message.
It said it was from a peddler from Yinxing Alley, the back gate.
Mei Xin heard this and quickly told Ziyu to hand it over.
However, Ziyu, who was accustomed to receiving rewards from her, didn't move upon hearing this. She only looked at Mei Xin's ears.
A pair of pearl earrings hung there, a gift from Madam Zhao when she first arrived at the Shen family.
Because of their high value, she had always favored them.
She never expected Ziyu, that vile creature, to covet them.
It seemed her appetite was growing larger.
Mei Xin gritted her teeth, pretending not to see Ziyu's gaze, and took off a silver-gilt bracelet from her hand, handing it to her.
"Bring it here."
Ziyu's hand paused. She looked greedily at the two large pearls on Mei Xin's ears. They would match the Eastern pearls and gold hairpins that Mei Xin had given her before, and she had thought of them as dowry for her future marriage.
She hadn't expected Mei Xin to refuse, how stingy!
Ziyu cursed inwardly, but dared not offend Mei Xin, and handed her the letter.
Mei Xin took it and began to read impatiently.
She scanned the letter rapidly, and after finishing, a cold smile widened at the corners of her mouth.
Excellent, she had finally found an opportunity!