19 Flattery

Madam Meng worked swiftly and seemed to have a keen eye, for early the next morning, a handsome young gentleman as radiant as the bright moon arrived at the residence. It was said that Master Chen had passed the imperial scholarship at the tender age of eight, truly a man of both talent and charm. Upon seeing Meng Qingyue, he greeted her politely with a respectful nod, “Second Miss, I pay my respects.”

Madam Meng’s smile creased her face with delight as she gently pulled Meng Qingyue forward, urging her to step up. “You two chat. Have a good talk. Young people who get along well must have many heartfelt things to say.”

But this was their very first meeting—what heartfelt things could there be to say?

Meng Qingyue listened quietly, her expression calm and serene, choosing not to embarrass Madam Meng by refusing. Yet, it must be said, Madam Meng’s choice was indeed astute.

Meng Qingyue found herself unexpectedly in sync with this young man throughout the entire morning; whatever she said, he always had a fitting reply. Gradually, a genuine smile began to play at the corners of her lips.

By lunchtime, they had grown quite familiar with one another. As a matter of hospitality, she was about to invite him to sit, when Master Chen’s attention was caught by a white jade flower vase by the screen. He waved her off, “Qingyue, please sit first; I’ll be right back.”

Meng Qingyue smiled and took her seat.

Soon after, Meng Xingzhou entered. Having been ordered by their mother to dine with the “future brother-in-law,” he was already full of suppressed anger. Upon entering and witnessing the scene before him, his expression immediately darkened.

“Meng Qingyue, is this how you were taught in this household? The guest hasn’t even sat down yet, and you took a seat first? Do you understand manners? Have you no upbringing?” His barrage of accusations struck Meng Qingyue dumbfounded.

Realizing her fault, she quickly stood up, cheeks flushed, and instinctively tried to explain, “I didn’t mean to—”

Meng Xingzhou sneered, cutting her off, “Didn’t mean to what? This is your first meeting with Master Chen, and you already show such impoliteness. Are you deliberately trying to sully the reputation of the Marquis’s household? Or do you think that because you fancy your prospective husband, you’re entitled to act as you please?”

Meng Qingyue had never felt so embarrassed, especially with Master Chen present. Anyone would lose face under such public reproach.

She did not expect her brother to defend her as others might, but how could he be so utterly unconcerned with her dignity?

Lowering her head tightly, she felt waves of humiliation rise, her cheeks burning fiercely.

To be fair, Meng Xingzhou’s harsh words were tinged with a personal grievance. Before entering, he had overheard laughter inside—the kind of carefree joy Meng Qingyue had never shown before in his presence. Bearing a grudge, he vented his anger on her.

Though stern, his tone carried a subtle challenge, as if by rebuking Qingyue in front of the Chen family, he could assert some unfounded authority.

“Qingyue, you are my sister, so you should listen to me. Tell me—am I wrong about today’s matter?”

Meng Qingyue was about to respond when Master Chen, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward and stood before her. With a faint smile, he spoke calmly, “I think you’re wrong.”

He looked at the suddenly startled Meng Xingzhou without yielding an inch. “Master Meng, Qingyue was once your sister, but now she is my fiancée. How dare you interfere?”

Meng Xingzhou nearly lost his breath. Even Meng Qingyue frowned at the word “fiancée,” but after a moment’s thought, she remained silent. After all, Master Chen was standing up for her, and contradicting him now would seem ungrateful.

From Meng Xingzhou’s perspective, this only fueled his anger further.

He sneered, “Since when did my sister become your fiancée? Only a morning has passed, and you’re already meeting in secret? Are you so impatient?”

Meng Qingyue clenched her fists, telling herself to restrain her anger in front of others.

Still, her glare hardened as she shot back, “Master Chen was sent by Mother to court me. How could there be any secret meetings between us? Brother, watch your words!”

She called him “Brother” coldly, but her eyes were filled with chilling disappointment.

Noticing her mood, Master Chen gently brushed her sleeve and stood beside her, his tone icy. “Master Meng insists Qingyue lacks manners, yet you treat me coldly in front of her. Is this your way of receiving guests?”

Meng Xingzhou had never felt so humiliated. Yet, seeing the two standing side by side, so handsome and dignified as a perfect couple, he suddenly found it laughable.

They were harmonious and united, while he was left in such a sorry state—who was he really doing this for? Who was he trying to impress?

For the first time in his life, he felt a twinge of defeat—not because he lost the argument with Master Chen, but because no matter the outcome, he seemed to have lost something far more important.

He had lost Meng Qingyue’s heart.

Before leaving, he cast a long, emotion-laden glance at Meng Qingyue. But before she could decipher the tangled feelings within, Meng Xingzhou withdrew his gaze, turned, and left.

Madam Meng and Meng Changle, standing nearby in the corridor, had witnessed the entire scene.

Meng Changle linked arms with her mother, smiling. “I told you, Master Chen is an excellent man, and his feelings for Qingyue are sincere.”

Madam Meng had initially harbored doubts when Meng Changle volunteered to find a suitor for Qingyue. But seeing Master Chen defend Qingyue so earnestly, most of her worries faded.

She patted Changle’s hand with satisfaction. “You’ve done well to care so much for your sister.”

“Mother, we’re family; of course we must support each other,” Meng Changle replied softly. “Though Qingyue misunderstood me these past years and secretly obstructed me, I believe sincerity begets sincerity. As long as I treat her well, she will see it.”

Her words softened Madam Meng’s heart. She sighed deeply and wrapped her arms around her daughter, speaking gravely, “If only Qingyue were as sensible as you, I wouldn’t have to worry so much.”

By the time they returned to the main hall, Meng Xingzhou had already left in a huff.

The Marquis of Huainan was attending to official matters at the palace that day, so Madam Meng and Meng Changle took their seats, completing the gathering.

At the table, Master Chen attentively arranged the dishes for the Meng family, especially warm toward Meng Qingyue. “Qingyue, I heard from Auntie that you love fish. Here—”

“This sweet and sour fruit platter whets the appetite. Try some—”

Hearing Master Chen call Qingyue so affectionately, Madam Meng’s smile deepened, as if she truly regarded him as her future son-in-law.

“Little Chen, how many people are in your household? What is your family’s business?”

Master Chen’s smile faltered slightly as he glanced discreetly at Meng Changle before restoring his usual gentle demeanor. “We’re not a great family, far less distinguished than the Marquis’s household.”

He then shifted his tone to one of admiration as he looked at Meng Changle. “I’ve heard the eldest miss is to marry the Duke’s heir. The Qiao family is illustrious and flourishing. Please accept my congratulations in advance.”