SGEIRS -Chapter 153 Xiuming Has Arrived

In the afternoon, during the Shen hour—the hottest time of the day—

Madam Zhang went to Shou’an Hall, intending to tell the matriarch the good news that Xiuyuan’s wife was pregnant. She had displeased the matriarch in the morning, but now with joyful news, perhaps her mother-in-law’s mood would lighten, and the earlier irritation would be forgotten.

The matriarch had just woken from her afternoon nap. Upon hearing of Madam Zhang’s arrival, she felt a bit annoyed, wondering what nonsense she had come up with this time. She didn’t particularly want to see her, but since she was already here, she had a maid invite her in.

Soon, Madam Zhang entered and saw her mother-in-law seated on the main chair, her expression calm, revealing nothing of whether she was pleased or not. Madam Zhang took a few steps forward and bowed: “Your daughter-in-law pays respects to Mother.”

The matriarch’s voice was cool: “Sit down and speak.”

“Ah!”

Madam Zhang responded and moved to sit at the position to the matriarch’s right. She then recounted the events of that morning and finally mentioned that Xiuyuan’s wife had been diagnosed as being over a month pregnant.

Upon hearing this, the matriarch’s brows lifted with joy, and a long-lost smile appeared on her face. She immediately ordered Nanny Feng to fetch some supplements suitable for pregnant women from her private storehouse and send them to Madam Jiang.

Seeing this, Madam Zhang’s heart swelled with happiness. This proved that her mother-in-law valued the eldest grandchild—the first child in the generation of great-grandchildren. Whether it was a girl or a boy, it was significant. Since even her younger brother’s child hadn’t yet been born, the matriarch couldn’t yet have her own great-grandchild, making the importance of this news even greater. Even if not her own child, she still valued it greatly.

Then, the matriarch spoke sternly: “Eldest daughter-in-law, you are soon to become a grandmother. From now on, you must act more prudently. Think carefully in everything, and don’t cause any more nonsense.”

Madam Zhang was unexpectedly scolded and dared not show any displeasure. She hurriedly smiled and said, “Mother, rest assured, there will absolutely be no next time. Next time, your daughter-in-law will act with full awareness and not make any mistakes. Regarding Xuanyi’s marriage, next time I will discuss it with you before making any decisions.”

The matriarch looked at Madam Zhang steadily for a long moment. Madam Zhang had said similar words countless times before, and she had grown weary of them. If there truly was no next time, then this time there would be no mistake. In a flat tone, she said, “It’s good that you understand. If there’s nothing else, you may leave. I’m going to the Buddhist hall.”

Madam Zhang dared not linger and risk displeasing her mother-in-law. She quickly replied, “Ah, your daughter-in-law will leave immediately, and not disturb you further.”

After Madam Zhang left, Nanny Feng said, “Madam, you are giving earnest advice for the sake of the eldest daughter-in-law, but she may not think that way and might even harbor resentment toward you.”

The matriarch was unconcerned: “Her resentment toward me has lasted more than a day or two. Let her think as she pleases. I’ve lived to this age and don’t care who dislikes me.”

Nanny Feng was momentarily taken aback, then silently sighed. At this age, other matriarchs might have already retired from managing family affairs, but theirs still had to worry about the younger generation’s matters.

That morning

Meng Jinyao was having breakfast with Gu Jingxi.

The man ate slowly and deliberately, chewing almost without sound, seemingly more refined and elegant than a lady.

Meng Jinyao watched him and found it utterly pleasing to the eye. No wonder people said that marrying a handsome husband was beneficial—it made meals more enjoyable, and simply watching his face improved her appetite.

His fair, long fingers held the chopsticks with precise movements. Each joint flexed gracefully, revealing flawless bone structure, like finely carved white jade—truly beautiful.

Seeing her staring at his hand, Gu Jingxi followed her gaze and noticed he had taken the last soup dumpling. Thinking she wanted it, he placed it on her plate and said gently, “Madam, have it.”

Meng Jinyao was taken aback, staring at the dumpling on the plate: “For me?”

Gu Jingxi smiled: “Madam, you were staring at my hand earlier. Didn’t you want this dumpling?”

Her face froze. In truth, she had just been admiring his hand and hadn’t intended to give any hint. Realizing the misunderstanding, she quickly covered it: “I was just craving it. Thank you, husband.”

Gu Jingxi didn’t think much of it. “If you like it, eat more. If you’re not full, the kitchen can make more tomorrow morning.”

Meng Jinyao replied, “That’s unnecessary. Let’s have something else tomorrow. Eating the same thing every day would get boring. Some variety is good.”

Gu Jingxi laughed: “You seem to really enjoy eating.”

She answered matter-of-factly, “It’s not that I particularly like it. I just want to eat well while I can. Who knows if there will be a day I won’t get to eat?”

Gu Jingxi looked at her, cheeks puffed with contentment, and found her a little cute. His lips curved, eyes warm: “Rest assured, Madam. That day won’t come. I have always carried out my duties, obeyed the law, avoided corruption, and not acted unjustly.”

Meng Jinyao believed him. Still, she muttered teasingly: “Sometimes even the innocent end up in prison. If you ever go, I might end up in there with you, eating prison food.”

She bit her lip, regretting her words immediately.

Gu Jingxi chuckled: “What you say is not impossible. But just because someone might choke on water doesn’t mean we should stop drinking. Right?”

“True,” she nodded lightly, understanding his point: just because officialdom has risks doesn’t mean one should hide from the world.

At that moment, Xiazhu entered to report: “Marquis, Madam, the heir has arrived.”

The heir?

Meng Jinyao was about to pick up a crystal dumpling when she paused. It took her a long moment to realize—it was her eldest son.

It wasn’t surprising she hesitated. She hadn’t seen her son in over a month. Previously, he had gotten into fights with Xiuwen and Cheng Zhang and insulted the elders, for which Gu Jingxi had punished him with a month’s house arrest and fifty repetitions of the Xiao Jing.

Since she married into the Gu family, Gu Xiuming had been punished several times, including two one-month house arrests.

Now, while she was still at breakfast, Meng Jinyao didn’t want Xiuming to make her uncomfortable, so she said: “Xiazhu, please take the heir to the side hall and wait. I and the Marquis will come shortly.”

Xiazhu bowed and left.

Meng Jinyao looked at the man across from her: “Husband, has our eldest son’s house arrest ended?”

Gu Jingxi replied: “I didn’t pay attention. It should be over, otherwise he wouldn’t dare step out of Qingyu Hall.”

Meng Jinyao nodded. Things were about to get lively—now that Gu Xiuming’s house arrest was lifted, he would probably be looking for trouble soon.