SGEIRS -Chapter 180 Keeping Up the Act

Meng Jinyao did not hide anything and told him about what had happened yesterday afternoon at Lingyun Temple, when she encountered that middle-aged woman.

By the end, she gave a light laugh. “Truly, Heaven has eyes. On a sudden whim, I went to the Hall of Rebirth at Lingyun Temple to burn incense for my mother, and I happened to meet one of her former maids. That auntie is already gravely ill, with little time left. If I hadn’t gone there yesterday and met her, I probably would never have learned that secret for the rest of my life.”

Gu Jingxi’s face darkened. He felt deep contempt for his father-in-law’s actions. Even if the marriage had been arranged by parental command and matchmakers, and he had no romantic feelings for his wife, it would have been one thing to hide the truth out of guilt. But to allow his mother and second wife to mistreat his innocent daughter—this was truly despicable.

Looking at the young woman whose face was filled with both anger and resentment, he gently patted the back of her hand and said meaningfully, “Madam, your mother’s spirit in heaven will not let them off.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao paused. Meeting his meaningful gaze, she understood his implication and curved her lips into a dangerous smile. “Yes. My mother’s spirit cannot rest in peace yet—she certainly won’t let them off.”

Seeing the slight upward curve of her lips, Gu Jingxi felt that she looked like a cat whose fur had been ruffled—lying in wait, ready to strike back, showing a rare fierceness.

Meng Jinyao glanced at the man beside her, withdrew that hostile smile, and said gently, “Husband, you didn’t rest well last night. Go lie down for a while. I’ll call you when it’s time for lunch.”

Gu Jingxi replied, “No rush. I’ll sleep after lunch. I’m going to the Court of Judicial Review this afternoon as well.”

After speaking, he instructed the maids to prepare hot water for bathing. He had only washed up briefly at the temple last night due to poor conditions and hadn’t been able to bathe properly, so he still felt uncomfortable.

Thinking of how she had developed a high fever last night and must have been drenched in sweat, and how he had held her in the carriage that morning so she could sleep better, Meng Jinyao subconsciously lowered her head and sniffed herself, then secretly sighed in relief.

Luckily, she didn’t smell bad.

Otherwise, it would have been terribly embarrassing.

The Next Morning, Gu Jingxi went to the Court of Judicial Review early in the morning.

When Qi Yunwen saw him, he hurried over and asked, “Yaoling, didn’t you say the night before last that you’d return yesterday morning? Why didn’t I see you at all yesterday?”

Gu Jingxi replied, “A-Yao was ill.”

“Your sister-in-law was sick?”

Qi Yunwen was startled, then asked in confusion, “She looked fine the night before last. How did she suddenly fall ill?”

Gu Jingxi said, “She was overly frightened and developed a high fever in the middle of the night.”

Qi Yunwen was stunned for a moment, then nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. She’s a sheltered young lady—how could she have experienced something like that before? Anyone would be badly scared. I heard the constables who witnessed everything say it was extremely dangerous. She almost lost her life.”

After a pause, he asked again, “How is she now?”

Gu Jingxi replied gently, “She’s fine now.”

“That’s good.”

Qi Yunwen nodded lightly. Looking at his normally indifferent friend, he sighed inwardly. Gu Jingxi had always put official duties first, even neglecting rest and meals. In the past, he hadn’t even stayed home when his own child was sick. Yet this time, he abandoned his work for his frightened wife.

It seemed he truly cared about that young lady.

In his lifetime, being able to see this old iron tree finally bloom wasn’t bad at all.

Gu Jingxi got back to business. “How did the interrogation of Hua Lingxiao go?”

Qi Yunwen replied, “He confessed. He admitted everything and signed his statement. The case can be closed.”

Gu Jingxi was somewhat surprised. “What method did you use to make him confess so quickly?”

Qi Yunwen shrugged and laughed. “That wasn’t my credit. A young woman came to see him yesterday. I don’t know what she said, but afterward he confessed.”

Gu Jingxi frowned slightly, sensing something unusual. “How did that woman know he had been arrested?”

Qi Yunwen gave him a strange look and countered, “A notorious and vicious rapist being caught is great news. It spread throughout the capital yesterday. Don’t tell me you didn’t know? Well, your wife was ill—you probably had no mind for anything else.”

Gu Jingxi showed a look of understanding.

Qi Yunwen added, “She was dressed like someone from the martial world. Probably a jianghu figure with some connection to him. But that’s not important. The case is closed, and that’s what matters.”

At the Changxing Marquis’s Residence, Gu Xiuming came to pay his respects to Meng Jinyao. He arrived a little late—Gu Jingxi had just left when he came.

Since his confinement had ended, as long as Meng Jinyao was at home, Gu Xiuming never missed a single day of paying respects. Even if he was just putting on an act, he did it thoroughly.

Old Madam Gu was now very satisfied with him, believing he was sincerely repentant.

The first and second branches of the family also felt that he had either truly reformed or grown wiser. Either way, it had little to do with them, so they simply watched from the sidelines.

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

So many things had happened over the past two days that Meng Jinyao felt as though it had been a long time since she had seen this unfilial son. Seeing him so respectful, she unconsciously looked at him twice and said calmly, “Sit, my son.”

Gu Xiuming sat down and asked with concern, “I heard Mother was ill. Are you feeling better? Should we invite the family physician to check your pulse again?”

“You’re thoughtful. I’m fine now,” Meng Jinyao said with a faint smile. Then she asked about his studies. “Son, you’ll be taking the autumn examinations this year. Are you confident?”

At the mention of this, Gu Xiuming recalled what his father had said to him in the study a few days ago. A trace of gloom flashed through his eyes, but he replied humbly, “I don’t have much confidence. I just want to gain experience, but I’ll do my best.”

Meng Jinyao’s sharp eyes caught how his fists clenched and loosened slightly, as if he couldn’t fully suppress his emotions. She curved her lips faintly and said softly, “It’s good that you think this way. You’re only sixteen—still young. There’s no need to put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you don’t pass, it’s fine.”

Gu Xiuming nodded. “Yes, Mother. Rest assured.”

Back and forth, they played their roles perfectly—kind mother, filial son—without the slightest flaw.

After Gu Xiuming left, Meng Jinyao let out a long breath and said helplessly, “Isn’t he tired? Acting like a devoted son in front of me for so long, forcing me to act like a loving mother too. I actually prefer him being rude and rebellious—at least that’s easier to deal with.”

Qingqiu comforted her, “Madam, an act is still an act. Sooner or later, it will slip. Now that Old Madam values him again, you must stay steady. If you fall out with him first, Old Madam will think you’re an unkind mother.”

Meng Jinyao sighed softly. “Ah… let’s just keep acting. I’d like to see how long he can keep this up.”