SGEIRS -Chapter 164 Coming to Demand an Explanation

Madam Chen pressed her lips together and smiled faintly. She glanced at her son beside her, but her smile soon froze. Even the illegitimate daughters had their marriages settled, yet her own legitimate son still had no prospects. Meanwhile, the main branch was about to have a legitimate eldest grandson or granddaughter. Every time Madam Zhang saw her, she would show off smugly. That self-satisfied look made her furious.

She sighed helplessly. “What a pity. Last time, I had my eye on a good girl, but it was all ruined by Xiuming. After he caused that mess, the girl’s mother was unwilling to marry her daughter into our family. She even hinted that our family traditions weren’t good, saying we favored concubines over wives. Now that girl is already engaged.”

When Gu Xiuhong heard the topic turn to himself, he quickly said, “Mother, you should focus on Second Sister’s wedding first. I’m not in a hurry. I’d like to wait until I pass the imperial examinations and earn a title.”

Madam Chen glared at him. “Your elder brother is only a year older than you and is about to become a father. And you’re still not anxious?”

Gu Xiuhong asked quietly, “Mother, Madam Liu next door is the same age as you. I heard she’s pregnant again. Why don’t you have another child too?”

Madam Chen: “?”

Gu Xuanling couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing.

Madam Chen immediately turned her head and shot her a sharp look. Seeing her quickly suppress her smile, she felt satisfied and continued scolding her son.

“What do you mean by that? I’m talking about you. Why are you dragging me into this?”

Gu Xiuhong looked innocent. “Didn’t you bring the topic to me first?”

“You—”

Madam Chen was so angry she was speechless. She glared at him fiercely for a long time before saying irritably, “Are you trying to anger me to death? You used to be so obedient when you were little. Now that you’ve grown up, your wings have hardened, and you talk back every time I say something. I bet in the future you’ll forget your mother once you have a wife. You might as well not marry at all—so I won’t feel like I raised you for nothing.”

Gu Xiuhong smiled and replied, “Yes, Mother. I’ll obey. If you say I shouldn’t marry, then I won’t. I’ll study hard, pass the exams, and bring honor to the family.”

Madam Chen: “……”

Gu Jingsong chuckled. “Madam, I also think there’s no need to rush Xiuhong’s marriage. Once he earns a title, he’ll have better choices.”

Hearing this, Madam Chen paused slightly. Their branch was a collateral one, not the main line. Xiuhong’s status was indeed inferior. But if he passed the exams, his standing would rise, and he could marry into a better family.

She snorted lightly. “If he’s not in a hurry, why should I be? I’m not the one getting married.”

Three Days Later

The Madam Wu’an sent a matchmaker to propose marriage, with all formalities properly observed.

Gu Jingsheng was very satisfied with the match. Unlike Madam Zhang, who worried her daughter might suffer after marriage, he only saw that his daughter had found a good family and would soon become the heir’s wife. He agreed to the marriage at once.

Madam Zhang forced a smile and tried to appear happy as she entertained the guests. After seeing them off, she became gloomy again and secretly wiped away her tears.

As a mother, she naturally hoped her daughter would marry well and gloriously, admired by all. Yet she also worried that her daughter might be wronged and unable to cope after marriage. Moreover, Madam Wu’an’s preferred daughter-in-law had never been her daughter. This made her even more anxious, afraid that her daughter would be picked on.

In contrast, Gu Xuanyi was carefree and radiant. Being engaged to the man of her dreams made her happier than anything.

When Meng Jinyao met Gu Xuanyi in the back garden, she saw how glowing she looked, forming a sharp contrast with Madam Zhang’s sorrow. Meng Jinyao frowned slightly. Once this girl was married and faced all kinds of troubles, she probably wouldn’t be able to smile like this anymore.

Seeing her, Gu Xuanyi hurried forward and bowed. “Xuanyi greets Third Aunt.”

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly. “Xuanyi.”

At this moment, Gu Xiuming and Li Wan’er walked over. Seeing them, they approached.

Gu Xiuming respectfully cupped his hands. “Your son greets Mother.”

Then he nodded slightly to Gu Xuanyi. “Elder Sister.”

Li Wan’er also hurriedly curtsied. “This concubine greets Madam and Eldest Young Lady.”

Meng Jinyao said calmly, “Concubine Li, no need for formalities. Rise.”

Li Wan’er stood up and remained meekly by Gu Xiuming’s side, wearing a gentle smile and keeping her eyes lowered.

Gu Xiuming’s gaze fell on Gu Xuanyi. He curved his lips slightly and said warmly, “Elder Sister, you’re engaged now. I haven’t congratulated you yet. Let me wish you happiness.”

Though his tone was gentle and he was smiling, the smile did not reach his eyes. It was clearly insincere. Meng Jinyao noticed this and frowned slightly, thinking: I knew he wouldn’t truly change. Even congratulating his sister is fake.

Gu Xuanyi beamed. “Thank you, Third Brother.”

Gu Xiuming continued smiling. “Elder Sister, since you’re engaged and will soon be married, you should correct your temper. You can’t go around slapping people whenever you want.”

Gu Xuanyi’s smile froze. “What do you mean by that, Third Brother?”

Gu Xiuming calmly explained, “Last time, Wan’er came back with handprint marks on her face. I heard it was you who hit her. If she did anything wrong, Mother and I would discipline her. There’s no need for Elder Sister to take matters into her own hands.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao glanced at Li Wan’er, then at Gu Xiuming. He maintained his smile, but there was a deep, hidden chill in his eyes. Even while demanding an explanation, he was no longer shouting like before. This period of confinement had truly matured him.

Gu Xuanyi looked awkward. Back then, she had been angry and reckless. Moreover, Gu Xiuming had fallen out of favor, so she dared to hit Li Wan’er. Who would have thought he would regain favor now, and even Grandmother would dote on him again?

She smiled awkwardly. “Third Brother, that was a misunderstanding. I thought Concubine Li deliberately bumped into me, and in my anger, I acted impulsively.”

Meng Jinyao knew the truth and had even witnessed the incident. But when she asked about it, both Gu Xuanyi and Li Wan’er insisted it was a misunderstanding. Since Xuanyi had hit first and Li Wan’er had gossiped afterward, both sides claimed it was a misunderstanding. Meng Jinyao couldn’t be bothered to meddle and pretended not to know the truth.

She didn’t particularly like Gu Xuanyi, and she disliked Gu Xiuming even more. So this time, she chose to support Xuanyi.

She said lightly, “My son, Xuanyi is rather hot-tempered. I believe she didn’t do it on purpose. Why not let this matter rest?”

Gu Xiuming paused, then replied gently, “Since Mother says so, if I keep pressing the issue, I’d seem too petty and might damage our sibling bond.”

Seeing that he could restrain himself, Meng Jinyao was slightly surprised. She said warmly,
“Alright. You siblings continue chatting. I have other matters to attend to.”

Gu Xiuming replied, “Alright. Mother, take care.”