SGEIRS -Chapter 183 She, the Little Liar

It was early morning.

After Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi finished breakfast, they instructed the servants to prepare the carriage, getting ready to head to the Yongchang Marquis’s residence.

Unexpectedly, before they could even leave Weirui Pavilion, an uninvited guest arrived—their “good eldest son.”

When Gu Xiuming saw them, his face lit up. He first performed the proper salute as a junior, then said, “Father, Mother, I’m late. Fortunately, you haven’t set off yet.”

Gu Jingxi asked calmly, “What is it?”

This son gave him endless headaches. In the past, he had acted recklessly and lacked restraint, and Gu Jingxi could still lecture him. Now, he had learned to hold back and showed proper respect to young ladies, but Gu Jingxi could tell he hadn’t truly reformed. He was only rebuilding his image to regain his parents’ favor and secure his position as heir.

A few days ago, Gu Jingxi had warned him that learning could not be rushed. Since then, his son had stopped pretending to be diligent by coming every day to seek advice.

Who became heir made little difference to Gu Jingxi. What mattered was character and ability—whether one could shoulder the responsibility of the entire Marquis’ household.

The greater his expectations in the past, the greater his disappointment now. He had even begun considering appointing another heir.

Gu Xiuming said gently, “I heard today is Grandfather’s birthday. As his grandson, I should go wish him well.”

Meng Jinyao was momentarily speechless.

“…”

Great.

She had almost forgotten about this “bargain son.” Because of her, her father had gained an extra grandson.

Well, let him come along. Since he was playing the role of a filial son now, he would surely act well today too. When they returned to the Meng family and showed everyone how harmonious they were, it would irritate those who wanted to see them fight. That was not a bad thing.

She nodded with satisfaction and said warmly, “Son, you’re thoughtful. In that case, let’s go together.”

Gu Xiuming replied obediently, “All right.”

Gu Jingxi glanced at her.

That youthful face hadn’t even fully lost its childishness. She was two months younger than his son, yet she could calmly call him “son” without batting an eye, acting like his real mother. He truly admired her nerve.

The three of them walked together toward the main gate.

On the way, Gu Jingxi asked, “Xiuming, did you have a carriage prepared?”

“Yes, Father,” Gu Xiuming replied. “When I went to Weirui Pavilion, I already told them to get one ready.”

Gu Jingxi nodded and asked no more.

Three carriages were waiting at the gate.

Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi shared one.

Gu Xiuming rode alone in another.

Behind them was a smaller, plainer carriage for Qingqiu and Ningdong. With the Marquis present, they could not ride with Madam and had to sit in the servants’ carriage. Fortunately, they were her personal maids—otherwise, they wouldn’t even be qualified to ride.

Inside the carriage.

Meng Jinyao said meaningfully, “Husband, our son seems more and more steady these days.”

Gu Jingxi looked at her and laughed softly, mercilessly exposing her intentions. “With tricks like that, you might fool others. But trying to probe me? You still need a few more years.”

Meng Jinyao: “…”

How awkward.

Her little schemes were nothing in front of him—seen through at a glance.

Gu Jingxi smiled. “At such a young age, how do you have so many tricks up your sleeve?”

Meng Jinyao pouted and muttered, “Old thing.”

Her voice was very low. Normally, no one would hear it.

Unfortunately, Gu Jingxi knew martial arts. His hearing was far sharper than ordinary people. He heard those three words clearly.

“Old thing?”

Was she talking about him?

Thinking of his age, his mood instantly darkened. This little girl was getting bolder and bolder—now she even dared to curse him.

He looked at her and asked quietly, “Madam, what did you say?”

Sensing danger, Meng Jinyao immediately backed down and smiled sweetly. “I said, Husband, you really live up to being the Minister of Justice—so sharp-eyed. I barely said anything, and you already knew what I was thinking.”

Gu Jingxi asked again, “Did you really say that many words just now?”

Meng Jinyao choked inwardly and laughed awkwardly. Raising four fingers, she said, “I didn’t say that many. I only said four words.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Which four?”

“Sharp-eyed and perceptive.”

She answered without hesitation. Her almond-shaped eyes were bright and clear, without the slightest hint of guilt. She stared at him earnestly, trying to prove she was telling the truth.

Gu Jingxi continued, “Is that so?”

She said boldly, despite her weak conscience, “Of course. Would I lie to you about something like that?”

He chuckled softly. “Little liar. That’s only three words.”

Meng Jinyao was completely stunned.

Under his seemingly all-seeing gaze, she felt terribly guilty. Her face burned. She simply played dead and pretended not to hear him.

Gu Jingxi sighed lightly, with a trace of helplessness. “Have I ever told you to trust me more?”

Meng Jinyao nodded faintly. He had said that before. Not knowing where he was going with this, she waited silently.

Gu Jingxi said seriously, “Madam, even if our marriage was forced by circumstances, since I married you, I will treat you as my true wife. You don’t need to beat around the bush. You can be direct with me. We have decades ahead of us. We can’t always keep circling and probing each other like this.”

After a pause, he added, “Or do you think that, because he’s my son, I’ll favor him? You can speak openly. I stand by reason, not by any person.”

Meng Jinyao was stunned.

Looking at his serious yet gentle expression, her heart skipped a beat.

She didn’t know many men. Gu Jingxi was the most special among them.

He was open-minded, upright, responsible, handsome, and talented. No wonder so many girls had tried to “bump into” him when he was young. Even after he was engaged, some still refused to give up.

Seeing her silent, Gu Jingxi softened his expression and smiled. “Why are you mute again? Did I say something wrong?”

Meng Jinyao shook her head quickly. “No. What you said was right. I’ll work on improving.”

He nodded with satisfaction. “Good. Then talk to me properly.”

Meng Jinyao was confused. “?”

Talk to him… properly?

After a while, she finally understood. Her eyes lit up with realization. She looked at him seriously and asked very straightforwardly,

“Husband, our son’s acting skills are getting better and better. How long do you think he can keep pretending?”