SGEIRS -Chapter 123 Authority over the Inner Household

Early that morning.

After breakfast, Meng Jinyao was preparing to accompany Gu Jingxi to Shou’an Hall to pay respects to Madam Gu.

Just as she was about to stand, Gu Jingxi handed her a cane.

Seeing it, she looked slightly disgusted. She had been using a cane for several days and had grown tired of it; her heart resisted, and her words reflected that: “Going to pay respects to the elders while leaning on a cane—what would that look like?”

Gu Jingxi noticed her reluctance and, recalling how she normally disliked using a cane but had no choice but to do so, let the corners of his mouth curve subtly and gently advised, “Madam’s foot injury isn’t fully healed yet; it would be better to use the cane.”

Meng Jinyao hesitated for a moment, then firmly refused: “It’s fine. My foot’s almost healed. I’ll just walk slowly; if I find it difficult, I’ll use the cane after a few steps.”

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi didn’t insist and said warmly, “Very well, then we’ll follow Madam’s lead.” Saying so, he handed the cane to the maid by his side.

Meng Jinyao stood up gracefully, took a few tentative steps, felt no major issue, and began walking slowly out of the room.

However, she immediately regretted it.

At first, walking those few steps felt fine, but after a few more, discomfort set in. She realized it would still be better to have the cane. Without it, walking was more strenuous; most of the weight fell on her right foot, causing a slight limp.

Gu Jingxi noticed her subtle change in expression and paused slightly, asking, “Madam, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, let’s go.”

Stubborn as ever, Meng Jinyao refused to admit that she couldn’t manage without the cane and continued walking slowly.

Gu Jingxi didn’t expose her pretense. He matched her snail-like pace with his long strides, walking beside her.

But the young lady truly moved slowly—two or three of her steps for every one of his.

He looked down and saw her small face slightly tense, her brows furrowed. Clearly, her leg wasn’t entirely comfortable, yet she continued walking as if nothing were wrong.

She was a headstrong girl, unwilling to admit defeat.

Suddenly, he caught her glancing at his legs several times with the corner of her eye—whether out of envy or jealousy that his legs were uninjured and agile, he couldn’t tell.

He smiled and offered his arm teasingly: “Madam, my human-shaped cane looks better than that wooden one. Since you don’t like that cane, why not try this one?”

Meng Jinyao paused mid-step, glancing at him sideways. Seeing him smiling at her as if saying, Come on, stop pretending. At this speed, you won’t reach Shou’an Hall by noon, she decided not to lose face.

Reluctantly, she muttered, “Although you aren’t exactly handsome, it’s… acceptable,” and hooked her arm around his.

Gu Jingxi chuckled lowly. “To barely meet Madam’s approval is my honor.”

Qingqiu and Ningdong followed behind, observing the couple. Though it was clear they got along well, it was hard to understand how the marquis could be so gentle and considerate toward her lady, even though he might have someone else in his heart.

Shou’an Hall.

Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi walked side by side, arms linked.

Old Madam Gu looked at them, then noticed their hands. Seeing the affectionate gesture, a gentle smile spread across her face. She felt immense satisfaction; her son and daughter-in-law had been married for some time, and now their affection was growing steadily. If nothing unexpected happened, they could live a happy life together.

Others’ gazes also fell on their hands, showing slight surprise. They knew Gu Jingxi’s usual temperament—seemingly gentle but actually distant and cold—so they had never seen him behave so intimately with a woman. Meng Jinyao must be exceptional to have tamed him.

Noticing the meaningful glances, Meng Jinyao froze for a moment. Realizing she was still leaning on the human-shaped cane, she quietly put it down and stepped forward to pay respects to Old Madam Gu as if nothing had happened: “Your daughter-in-law pays her respects, Mother.”

Gu Jingxi also bowed: “Your son pays his respects, Mother.”

Old Madam Gu replied kindly, “Good children, sit and talk.”

No sooner had she spoken than Gu Jingxi helped the young lady to a chair with practiced ease, as if he had done it countless times, leaving everyone present astonished.

Even Old Madam Gu, who was accustomed to formal events, was slightly taken aback. The last time her son and daughter-in-law came to pay respects, they hadn’t been this affectionate. What was going on today?

Madam Zhang couldn’t help teasing: “Some people used to say Third Brother isn’t fond of women, is distant and cold, and wouldn’t know how to care for a wife. Looks like they were mistaken.”

Madam Chen laughed: “Exactly. Look how attentive he is to Third Sister-in-law. Even we, back then, couldn’t compare.”

Meng Jinyao smiled awkwardly, then shot Gu Jingxi a mock-scolding glare. If he hadn’t scared her that night, causing her to twist her ankle, she wouldn’t be teased in front of everyone today.

Gu Jingxi looked confused, not understanding why she was upset. Glancing around, he explained calmly, “Jinyao sprained her foot; it hasn’t fully healed yet.”

Old Madam Gu was startled and asked with concern, “Jinyao sprained her foot? Is it serious?”

Meng Jinyao shook her head slightly. “It’s a minor injury, nothing serious. It’s almost healed, Mother, so don’t worry.”

“You child, you shouldn’t be walking too much with a sprained foot. It would have been fine even if you hadn’t come to pay respects,” Old Madam Gu said, glancing at her son reproachfully. “Third son, you shouldn’t have made her come.”

Gu Jingxi met his mother’s reproachful gaze and innocently touched his nose. “Your son didn’t think it through.”

Meng Jinyao came to his aid: “Mother, you can’t blame my husband. Your daughter-in-law missed you and wanted to come.”

Regardless of whether her words were true, Old Madam Gu felt comforted and her smile grew even more affectionate. “Good child, you have a kind heart.”

The family chatted casually, the atmosphere warm and lively.

Suddenly, Old Madam Gu said, “Since everyone is here today, there is something I’d like to say.”

Her words quieted the room. Everyone looked at her, but seeing her calm expression, they silently relaxed, thinking it probably wasn’t anything serious.

Madam Zhang spoke softly, “Mother, please tell us what you wish. We, as your juniors, will do our best.”

Madam Chen nodded in agreement. “Yes, Mother, just say what you need.”

Old Madam Gu gave a slight nod, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. After lingering on Madam Zhang and Madam Chen for a moment, her eyes finally rested on Meng Jinyao. She spoke slowly and deliberately: “Jinyao has been married into the family for some time now. Over this period, I’ve observed that she has a steady temperament. Since she married Third Son, she is the matriarch of the household. According to custom, the authority over the inner household should be entrusted to her.”