SGEIRS -Chapter 158 Quite Shocked

Taking advantage of the mild sunlight, Gu Xiuming seemed to have truly become a different person. He had turned gentle and humble, diligent and eager to learn. Every day, he went to Weirui Pavilion to pay his respects to Meng Jinyao, and when Gu Jingxi returned from court, he would take the opportunity to consult him on his studies.

This sudden change shocked both the First and Second Branches of the family. Considering Gu Xiuming’s previous series of disgraceful actions, everyone had thought he was already ruined—like a pile of useless mud. Who would have thought that this “mud” could now climb the wall without anyone’s help?

The rebellious son suddenly becoming filial also struck Meng Jinyao as strange. These days, with longer daylight and shorter nights, she rose early. Every morning after washing up, she would see him come to pay his respects—each time respectful and sincere, without the slightest hint of perfunctoriness.

Whether Gu Xiuming was being genuine or merely pretending, she still had to play her role as a kind mother. Thus, whenever mother and son met, there was no longer sharp confrontation as before, only a harmonious scene of maternal kindness and filial devotion. This left all the maids in Weirui Pavilion utterly astonished.

This day happened to be a rest day.

After Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi had finished breakfast, Gu Xiuming arrived and respectfully greeted them, “Your son greets Father and Mother.”

Seeing how courteous he was—his tone and manner flawless—Meng Jinyao said gently, “My son has become more and more filial lately, coming every day to pay his respects.”

Gu Xiuming replied calmly, “In the past, your son was ignorant and caused Father and Mother worry.”

Meng Jinyao curved her lips into a gentle smile. “To know one’s mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. As long as you don’t repeat them in the future, that will do.”

“Rest assured, Mother.” Gu Xiuming then turned to Gu Jingxi. “Father, I have several questions about my studies. May I trouble you to give me some guidance?”

Gu Jingxi looked at him indifferently. Seeing his expectant expression, he nodded. “Come with me to the study.”

Gu Xiuming answered and followed him out.

After their figures disappeared from sight, Ningdong said in confusion, “Madam, has the Heir really changed for the better? He’s been coming every day without fail. Yesterday morning, it was even raining, and he still came on time.”

Meng Jinyao lowered her gaze slightly and said slowly, “Whether he’s truly changed, I don’t know. But one thing is certain—he’s become smarter. If he kept clashing with me like before, it would only do him harm and displease the elders. Now, by showing respect and filial piety, he avoids criticism and even earns praise as a good, dutiful son.”

Qingqiu frowned, worry surging in her heart. “Madam, if the Heir is only pretending, then he’s very scheming. That would make him hard to deal with.”

“Falsehood can’t become truth, and truth can’t be disguised forever. Let’s see how long he can keep it up,” Meng Jinyao said lightly with a smile. “I’ve arranged to go boating with A-Yan and A-Ning today. Let’s set off, or we’ll keep them waiting.”

Princess Jingning had rented a luxurious and exquisitely decorated pleasure boat and invited Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning to join her for a lake outing.

Originally, she had invited only Meng Jinyao, but knowing that Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning were close friends, she invited Song Xinning as well.

As soon as Song Xinning got down from her carriage and saw Meng Jinyao arriving at the same time, her face lit up with a smile. She waved and called out, “A-Yao, what a coincidence! We arrived at the same time.”

Meng Jinyao smiled back. “A-Ning.”

Song Xinning walked over and asked curiously, “A-Yao, when did you become close with Princess Jingning? I remember she used to help your younger sister bully you. How did you end up playing together now? You have no idea how surprised I was when I got her invitation and saw that you’d be coming too.”

Meng Jinyao froze for a moment. Realizing she hadn’t seen A-Ning in quite a while and hadn’t told her about this, she felt a little guilty. She hurriedly explained, “I forgot to tell you. We’re friends now. The Princess has also seen Meng Jinyu’s true colors and no longer associates with her.”

Hearing this, a trace of disappointment flashed in Song Xinning’s eyes. Feeling that A-Yao had made new friends and neglected her, she murmured, “A-Yao, have you grown tired of the old and fond of the new?”

Meng Jinyao shot her a reproachful look, then took her hand gently. “Of course not. Haven’t you been busy lately? That’s why I didn’t ask you out. If we had met, I would’ve told you. In my heart, A-Ning is one of a kind.”

Song Xinning’s eyes brightened at once. The gloom between her brows vanished, and she smiled again. “I knew A-Yao is loyal and affectionate. You’d never abandon the old for the new. Your favorite is still me.”

Meng Jinyao laughed. “You make me sound like some heartless scoundrel.”

Smiling happily, Song Xinning linked arms with her. “A-Yao, let’s board first. We shouldn’t keep the Princess waiting.”

The two, accompanied by their maids, boarded the boat.

Princess Jingning, as the host, was already waiting. When she saw them, she quickly invited them to sit and had her maids serve fresh fruit, pastries, and floral tea.

Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning were sixteen this year, while Princess Jingning was fifteen. Being close in age, the three got along very well. Though the Princess was a little proud, she had no airs, and their interaction was harmonious.

While chatting, Princess Jingning pushed a plate of peeled, pitted lychees toward Meng Jinyao. “A-Yao, eat more. These are your favorites. I specially went to ask my imperial uncle for them yesterday. This is the last pound.”

The translucent lychee flesh was skewered with tiny, smooth bamboo picks for easy eating.

Song Xinning was surprised. She hadn’t expected the Princess to go to the palace just to get lychees for A-Yao. She couldn’t help remarking, “Your Highness treats A-Yao so well.”

“I’m always good to my friends—and to you as well,” Princess Jingning said with a blink and a smile. “From now on, call me A-Yan together with A-Yao.”

Song Xinning was startled. She glanced at Meng Jinyao and, seeing her smile and nod, followed along. “A-Yan, I’m A-Ning.”

Princess Jingning called out “A-Ning” and chuckled. “We really have fate. My title has the character ‘Ning,’ and your name is A-Ning.”

Meng Jinyao sat by the window. When she casually glanced outside, she saw a familiar graceful figure—it was Gu Xuanyi from the First Branch. Beside her stood a handsome young man. The two were chatting and laughing, gazing at each other with tender affection.

Seeing this, Meng Jinyao was quite shocked and froze on the spot. Wasn’t Gu Xuanyi in the middle of marriage negotiations? How could she be openly associating with a man now?

Before long, Gu Xuanyi entered the cabin, leaving the young man alone on deck.

Noticing her staring absentmindedly in one direction, Princess Jingning asked, “A-Yao, what are you looking at so intently?”

Meng Jinyao pointed across the water. “A-Yan, do you recognize the man on that boat?”

Princess Jingning followed her gaze. Seeing a familiar-looking young man, she replied, “That’s the heir of the Wu’an Marquis’s household. What about him?”