SGEIRS -Chapter 146 Wanting a Child

Her brows knit slightly, a trace of irritation in her tone. She was annoyed that Gu Jingxi had disturbed her sweet sleep—covering her with a quilt for no good reason, heating her up until she woke. Now she couldn’t fall back asleep even if she wanted to.

But what she’d just said wasn’t entirely a joke either. Leaving aside the fact that Gu Jingxi couldn’t do anything to her—even if he could, she wouldn’t refuse. They were already husband and wife.

They’d shared a bed for so long, and would spend the rest of their lives together. Was it really necessary to fuss over whether clothes were thick enough just to sleep? Summer wasn’t meant for heavy clothing anyway—it would only make one sick.

Because of her words, the atmosphere froze. Gu Jingxi stared at her, stunned, the fan in his hand pausing mid-motion. After a moment, he laughed and said, “What could my wife, a little girl, possibly do to me?”

Meng Jinyao fixed her gaze on his face—beautiful as an immortal’s. Even though she saw it often, it still felt breathtaking. Half serious, half teasing, she replied, “Who knows? You’re good-looking. Maybe one day I’ll be overcome by lust.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Jingxi froze again, staring at her in shock. Why did it feel like his young wife had just flirted with him?

Seeing him speechless, eyes wide with surprise, Meng Jinyao suddenly felt she might have gone a bit too far—but she refused to back down. Stiffly, she said, “You’re my husband. Even if I did something to you, that would be perfectly normal. Don’t act like some chaste, virtuous widow.”

Hearing her bold declaration, Gu Jingxi couldn’t help laughing, teasing her, “I’m just afraid my wife has the heart of a thief, but not the nerve.”

Meng Jinyao was instantly rendered speechless: “……”

What was that supposed to mean?

Why did it sound like he was actually looking forward to her having improper thoughts about him?

Staring at Gu Jingxi’s exquisitely handsome face, she suddenly felt a twinge of regret. Daughters usually took after their fathers—if Gu Jingxi were healthy, any daughter they had would surely be beautiful.

With that thought, she couldn’t help asking, “Husband, can your body really never recover?”

Gu Jingxi’s expression paused. He looked at her with an unreadable gaze and asked in return, “Does my wife regret marrying me?”

Without hesitation, Meng Jinyao replied, “No. Husband, don’t overthink it. I was just thinking—if you could have a daughter, she’d definitely be very pretty.”

Gu Jingxi was momentarily stunned, then asked, “My wife wants a child?”

“I do.”

Meng Jinyao nodded honestly, quietly observing the changes in his expression. Seeing that he remained calm and displeased by nothing, she continued, “Gu Xiuming has a grudge against me and treats me as an enemy. As a mother, I can be magnanimous and not hold it against him—but I still want a well-behaved, sensible child. Whether we adopt from a collateral branch or take one in from an orphanage, either would be fine.”

Gu Jingxi fell silent, staring at her for a long while before finally saying, “My wife is still young. There’s no rush about children. Let’s talk about it in a couple of years.”

Seeing that he had no objections, Meng Jinyao was filled with joy, her brows lighting up as she said cheerfully, “That’s exactly what I was thinking too. We’ll talk about it in a year or two. I don’t want to take care of a child right now anyway.”

Gu Jingxi smiled gently and said softly, “It’s getting late, my wife. Let’s sleep. Tonight was my fault for disturbing your rest.”

As he spoke, he continued fanning her. The breeze was cool and comfortable.

Feeling much less hot now, the anger in Meng Jinyao’s heart dissipated completely. She responded with a soft “Alright,” closed her eyes, and soon fell asleep again.

Gu Jingxi watched the peaceful, defenseless sleeping face of his young wife and suddenly realized he’d been overthinking things. They were husband and wife—being a little casual was fine. Being too restrained only made them seem less like a married couple. She truly intended to spend her life with him; that was why she was so at ease.

The Next Day

Not long after finishing breakfast, just as Meng Jinyao was about to read to pass the time, a maid came in to report that Princess Jingning had arrived.

She paused, slightly puzzled, not knowing why the princess would suddenly come looking for her. She quickly instructed, “Hurry and invite the princess in.”

Before long, the maid led Princess Jingning into Weirui Pavilion.

Meng Jinyao looked her over with a probing gaze. The princess seemed energetic and in good spirits—nothing appeared to be wrong.

Seeing this, Princess Jingning frowned slightly and said hesitantly, “What’s with that look? Am I not welcome?”

Afraid of being misunderstood, Meng Jinyao hurriedly shook her head. “Of course you’re welcome! How could you not be? I was just bored—I’d be delighted if you came to keep me company. I was only curious why A-Yan came to see me so early.”

Princess Jingning replied, “Why, can’t I come see you just because there’s nothing wrong? Didn’t you say you’re usually free, and that if I had time I could come to the Marquis of Changxing’s residence to play with you? I happened to be free today, so I came.”

Meng Jinyao was momentarily stunned. She realized the princess was rather straightforward—someone who took others at their word. Of course, she’d meant it sincerely when she said the princess could come visit; she just hadn’t expected her to really do so.

“What are you spacing out for?” Princess Jingning shot her a glare, then added, “You can come to the Prince of Liang’s residence to see me too. When I went back that day, I told the servants that if the Marchioness of Changxing came looking for me, she was to be treated well.”

The feeling of being treated with genuine sincerity moved Meng Jinyao deeply. “A-Yan, you’re really wonderful.”

Princess Jingning’s lips curved upward as she gave an arrogant little huff. “This princess has always treated her friends well.”

“I can tell,” Meng Jinyao said with a smile, then asked, “Were you the same with Meng Jinyu?”

Princess Jingning’s expression stiffened briefly, then she nodded.

Seeing her, Meng Jinyao couldn’t help letting out a soft laugh. In the princess’s eyes, she saw a kind of innocent foolishness—and the chagrin of having been deceived. It was oddly endearing.

Princess Jingning wasn’t stupid; she more or less knew what Meng Jinyao was laughing at. Annoyed, she glared at her. “But when I got back that day, I instructed the servants—if the second young lady of the Yongchang Marquis’s residence came looking for me, throw her out.”

Meng Jinyao said, “Then she must have already been turned away.”

Surprised by her certainty, Princess Jingning asked, “How do you know?”

“Given her personality,” Meng Jinyao replied, “she would definitely come afterward to argue her case and coax you into believing her.”

Princess Jingning snorted. “She did come yesterday, but I couldn’t be bothered to listen to her excuses. All lies. I didn’t even see her—just had someone send her away.” As she spoke, she noticed the lychees on the table and asked, “A-Yao, do you like lychees?”

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly. “I do. I had some yesterday. You eat.” As she spoke, she pushed the plate of lychees toward Princess Jingning.

Princess Jingning glanced at them but didn’t move. “You eat them. I’m a bit overheated from being angry at your sister—I won’t eat something so heat-inducing. Don’t want pimples breaking out on my face.”