Rebirth: The Courtyard Bride Is Cool and Radiant

Chapter 213: Chapter 213: The Contest Between Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law

Jiang Jingya descended from upstairs. ”What? Aren’t the affairs of your own little household enough to keep you busy? You want to meddle with your parents-in-law and younger brother-in-law too?”

At this, Huo Jingrui’s expression also turned cold. ”Sister-in-law, my affairs don’t require your concern.”

Gui Hongmei was indeed wary of this younger brother-in-law, but she couldn’t stand seeing Jiang Jingya, her stepmother-in-law, looking so smug. ”Look at what Auntie Jiang is saying. I’m just thinking of what’s best for you and Dad. If Jingrui settles down sooner, you both could rest easy earlier, couldn’t you?”

Jiang Jingya descended the stairs unhurriedly. ”You phrase it beautifully, but don’t think I don’t know what schemes you’re hatching. Daring to use your younger brother-in-law’s major life events to pave your own way? You’ve got some nerve.”

Nearby, Huo Weidong couldn’t help but frown. ”Auntie Jiang, what do you mean by that?”

Jiang Jingya walked over to the sofa and sat down. ”Wouldn’t you have to ask your wife about that?”

Gui Hongmei felt a little guilty. She had known this stepmother-in-law even before marrying into the Huo Family. The two were only six years apart in age and had married into the Huo Family around the same time. But ever since her stepmother-in-law had joined the family, her father-in-law had always indulged her. In this household, Jiang Jingya’s word was law.

Most importantly, the stepchildren got along very well with Jiang Jingya, their stepmother. This was especially true for Gui Hongmei’s sister-in-law, Huo Weiyu. Huo Weiyu had not only changed her own name because of something Jiang Jingya said but had also convinced her biological elder brother to change his name too.

Previously, my husband was named Huo Weidong, and my sister-in-law Huo Weiyu, she recalled. But that woman, Jiang Jingya, declared that as they were the only two blood descendants of her own mother-in-law, Sun Xiujie, left in this world, the specific Chinese character for ’Wei’ in their names was not as good as a different character, also pronounced ’Wei,’ which Jiang Jingya preferred.

If she hadn’t been sorting through old belongings and come across a textbook her husband used to use, asking him about it, she would never have known about this.

My younger brother-in-law is only five years older than my own daughter, Gui Hongmei thought. The two women had been subtly competing ever since.

Now, my own daughter is married, and my eldest son will take a wife by the end of the year. As for my younger son, he’s still too young; that’s a concern for the future. But look at my stepmother-in-law’s two children! Both are well into their twenties, yet one hasn’t married and the other isn’t betrothed. Right now, I’ve definitely got the upper hand over her.

Some time ago, her direct supervisor had approached her. He mentioned he had a niece who was very pretty, had a good job, and, naturally, came from an excellent family background. Gui Hongmei understood the underlying meaning: he had taken a liking to her younger brother-in-law, Huo Jingrui, and wanted her to act as a go-between.

Although I don’t want my younger brother-in-law to outshine my son, my boss himself made the request. If this match truly succeeds, it will only benefit me; there’s no downside, she reasoned. Besides, even if I’m competing with my stepmother-in-law, I wouldn’t do anything to harm the Huo Family. I understand the principle that when one thrives, all thrive.

But looking at my stepmother-in-law’s attitude now... could something have happened that I don’t know about?

Seeing the atmosphere turn tense, Huo Xiaodong quickly stepped forward. ”Mom, Jingrui is a grown man; you don’t need to worry about his affairs. You should focus on my and Bian Fang’s wedding instead.”

Jiang Jingya shot her eldest daughter-in-law, Gui Hongmei, a disdainful look. ”Even a child like Xiaodong is more sensible than you. You’d better go and find out what’s going on. Don’t always be so self-righteous; you could harm the Huo Family without even realizing it.”

Gui Hongmei didn’t understand what her stepmother-in-law meant. ”I haven’t even said anything yet! Auntie Jiang, what do you mean by that? How could I possibly harm the Huo Family?”

What she didn’t know was that her conversation with her supervisor had been overheard clearly, and the information had been promptly relayed to Jiang Jingya. Knowing Jiang Jingya’s character, she immediately had someone investigate the young woman.

The young woman was indeed as the introducer described: good job, good looks, and good family background. However, she was not good at interacting with people. Marrying such a daughter-in-law into the family—wouldn’t that be harming my son? Harming the Huo Family? Jiang Jingya mused.

Jiang Jingya stared coldly at Gui Hongmei. ”Well then, why don’t you tell us which family’s daughter you’re introducing to Jingrui?”

Gui Hongmei glanced at her younger brother-in-law. ”Naturally, I’d choose someone good to introduce. I would never harm him.”

Seeing everyone staring at her, she cleared her throat and said, ”The young woman’s name is Gu Yulian. She’s from a collateral branch of Beijing’s Gu Family. Although it’s a collateral branch, they have close ties with the main Gu Family.

”Moreover, she works at a bank and is very attractive. She and Jingrui would truly be a well-matched couple, talented and good-looking.”

As she spoke, she took a photograph from her bag. ”If you don’t believe me, take a look for yourselves.”