SGEIRS -Chapter 168 Seeing Through Xiuming

After he finished speaking, Meng Jinyao suddenly felt as if she had been enlightened.

That was true. Gu Xiuming was the heir of the Marquis’ residence, his status higher than that of his three brothers. Moreover, the other three were born of concubines. With Marquis Changxing currently enjoying imperial favor, the heir was naturally sought after and praised by many. Even if he had only three parts merit, people would exaggerate it into ten.

However, as Gu Jingxi’s son, could Gu Xiuming’s academic ability really be that poor?

She asked hesitantly, “Our eldest son… isn’t very good at his studies?”

Gu Jingxi smiled faintly and shook his head.

“It’s not that he’s bad. He’s just not as good as Xiuhong. That’s an undeniable fact. Xiuhong is more talented and diligent, and he’s the best among the four brothers. Xiuming doesn’t have exceptional talent. If he wants to excel, he must steady his mindset and make up for shortcomings with hard work.”

Meng Jinyao nodded in understanding. Before Gu Xiuming became disheartened, Gu Jingxi had placed expectations on him. Since he once had hope for him, it meant Xiuming had indeed studied diligently. It was only after his elopement and the repeated punishments that his mindset collapsed, exposing his true nature and disappointing his father.

After a moment, she asked again, “Husband, do you think he can pass the provincial exam this autumn?”

Gu Jingxi fell silent for a while before replying calmly, “If his mindset isn’t right, if he’s restless and eager for quick success, then he’ll find it hard to succeed in anything.”

Meng Jinyao was stunned. Wasn’t he basically saying that he wasn’t optimistic about Gu Xiuming’s chances this year?

Behind them, Qingqiu and Ningdong had heard the entire conversation. Their hearts were in turmoil. The Marquis understood everything clearly and saw through it all. Only the young heir was fooling himself, thinking he was doing well, when in fact he had long been seen through by both his father and stepmother.

That afternoon, just after noon.

Gu Xiuming took a book and went to the front courtyard study to seek Gu Jingxi’s guidance.

Gu Jingxi was about to handle official matters when he saw him. Without needing to ask, he already knew why Xiuming had come. Before Xiuming could speak, he asked, “Xiuming, are you really determined to take the autumn examination this year?”

Gu Xiuming paused slightly. Seeing his father’s indifferent expression and unable to read his emotions, he gave up guessing.

“Yes, Father. I want to gain some experience.”

Gu Jingxi looked at him calmly. After these days, he had come to understand this son better—pampered and proud, unable to endure setbacks.

This time, Xiuming joined only because his brothers were participating, to save face. He was also confident he would surely pass. But if his brothers succeeded and he failed, the sharp contrast would only twist his mindset further.

Gu Jingxi had originally planned not to interfere, but after all, he was his son. He could not neglect his guidance.

He advised gently, “Xiuming, if you’re only joining because your brothers are, then there’s no need. You’re still young, and your foundation isn’t solid yet. Taking it now may help you gain experience, but repeated failures will affect your mindset. It’s better to accumulate strength and succeed later.”

Though well-intentioned, Xiuming heard it differently. To him, it sounded like his father looked down on him and had no confidence in him, believing he was bound to fail.

His fingers slowly tightened around the book. A trace of gloom flashed in his eyes.

Since everyone looked down on him, he would work even harder to pass. Then, next spring, he would take the metropolitan exam, earn the jinshi title, and slap his father in the face with his achievements.

So he replied, “Father, I don’t have high expectations for this year anyway. Even if I fail, I won’t be too disappointed. I just want to gain experience.”

Gu Jingxi looked at him steadily for a long moment, then stopped persuading him.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, then go ahead.”

Gu Xiuming acknowledged and continued asking about his studies.

However, Gu Jingxi did not explain in detail as before. Instead, he said earnestly, “Xiuming, learning cannot be rushed. If you don’t fully digest what you’ve learned and rush to study other things, you’ll end up mastering nothing. The questions you asked me before—I only gave you my views. Have you thought them through yourself? Go back and reflect on them first before asking new questions.”

Gu Xiuming froze. His face stiffened. A sense of crisis rose in his heart, mixed with resentment and unwillingness.

Before, his father had been willing to teach him. Now, just because he wanted to take the exam, his father was unwilling and was using excuses to brush him off. Could it be that he really wanted to ruin him and adopt Gu Xiuwen instead, replacing him as heir?

After a few breaths, he said ashamedly, “Father, I’m slow-witted and haven’t formed my own views yet.”

Gu Jingxi looked at him meaningfully, taking in all the resentment and dissatisfaction in his eyes. He frowned slightly.

He felt more and more that this son was truly beyond saving.

Without sparing his feelings, he spoke sternly, “Xiuming, I’m not senile yet. You study for yourself, not for others to see. When your mind is filled with distractions, you can’t think independently, and you won’t learn anything.”

Xiuming’s heart tightened. His pulse raced. His hidden thoughts had been mercilessly exposed, as if his last layer of cover had been torn away. He felt humiliated and furious.

Lowering his eyes in panic, he hurriedly defended himself, “Father, you’ve misunderstood. I only fell behind in my studies recently, so I came to you often for guidance. It wasn’t for show. Please see clearly.”

Gu Jingxi stared at him without blinking, until Xiuming was so nervous he could barely maintain his composure. Only then did he calmly explain the earlier question and clear his doubts.

At the end, he added, “Go back and think carefully about what I said. Form your own understanding—that’s when you’ve truly learned. When you’ve figured everything out, then come ask me again.”

Gu Xiuming forced himself to remain calm and replied respectfully, “Thank you, Father. I’ll reflect carefully.”

Gu Jingxi nodded. “Mm. You may go. I still have matters to attend to.”

“Yes, Father. I won’t disturb you.”

After leaving the study, Gu Xiuming’s face darkened completely. He glanced back at the tightly shut door. Gripping the book, his knuckles turned white and veins bulged on his hand.

Resentment and unwillingness filled his mind.

He took a deep breath to steady himself, then hurried back to Qingyu Pavilion.

Inside the study, Gu Jingxi’s expression was also far from pleasant.

He had never fully believed that his son’s sudden repentance was genuine. Over these days, he could see clearly that Xiuming was not truly devoted to learning. He was merely putting on a show—for him and for others.

Too eager to prove himself, his impatience inevitably leaked out.

What had once given Gu Jingxi a little comfort—that his son might truly have changed—now left him deeply disappointed.

People rarely change their nature.

Xiuming had only changed his way of acting. In the past, he was reckless and impulsive. Now, he was scheming and calculating.