SGEIRS -Chapter 187 This Is Really Unbelievable

Meng Jinyao took two steps forward and bowed slightly, speaking gently, “Father, why did you come out to welcome us in person? You’re really flattering your daughter too much.”

Seeing that she was giving him face, Meng Dongyuan felt a little relieved. With a kindly smile, he said, “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. I’ve missed you greatly. When I heard that you and my son-in-law had arrived, I came out to take a look.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed the man beside his daughter opening his mouth to speak. His heart instantly leaped into his throat. He was afraid Gu Jingxi might say something inappropriate and embarrass him in front of the guests.

However, he was overthinking it.

Gu Jingxi was no fool. How could he, in front of so many guests and while Meng Dongyuan was greeting them warmly, embarrass his father-in-law without reason? If word got out, wouldn’t that give others a chance to impeach him for being unfilial? Not only that, it would ruin his own reputation.

Gu Jingxi spoke calmly, “Father-in-law.”

His voice was cool and distant, yet it struck Meng Dongyuan like thunder.

Meng Dongyuan’s ears buzzed, his heart shaken. Gu Jingxi had never called him “Father-in-law” before—only “Marquis Meng.” Now, hearing this title, instead of feeling happy, he felt as if he had seen a ghost.

He lifted his head slightly and met those overly calm eyes. An invisible pressure bore down on him, making his heart tremble. For a moment, he almost didn’t dare respond. After a long pause, he finally found his voice.

“Ah… son-in-law.”

At this time, Gu Xiuming stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting. “Xiuming greets Grandfather.”

Grandfather?

Meng Dongyuan froze. Waves of shock surged through his heart. He looked at the polite and gentle Gu Xiuming in astonishment and belatedly realized that, thanks to his daughter, he had gained a bargain great-grandson—one who was even older than his own daughter.

How troublesome!

The man who was supposed to become his in-law had become his son-in-law for real, while the original prospective son-in-law had turned into his grandson. Just thinking about it made him uncomfortable. Fortunately, having the Marquis as his son-in-law helped him save some face.

What confused him even more was that this “bargain great-grandson” had come to celebrate his birthday and behaved so respectfully. Logically, after Gu Jingxi married his daughter, Gu Xiuming—her former fiancé—should have felt awkward. Yet he willingly called him “Grandfather.”

It seemed his eldest legitimate daughter was truly skilled—she had even managed to win over her former fiancé.

Meng Dongyuan secretly took a deep breath and said gently, “No need for formalities, Xiuming.”

After that, he cautiously exchanged a few pleasantries with them, while his relatives and friends also greeted the three of them.

Suddenly, Meng Jinyao said, “Father, we’ll go pay our respects to Mother first. Please excuse us.”

Meng Dongyuan nodded with a smile. “Go ahead. Your mother misses you very much. She was talking about you just yesterday.”

Meng Jinyao curved her lips into a smile. “Really? I miss Mother very much too.”

Seeing her father’s expression tighten, her smile deepened and her tone softened.

“We’ll go greet her now.”

Meng Dongyuan watched them leave and finally relaxed a little. If there were no guests present, he could still try to get closer to Gu Jingxi. But with outsiders around, he had to maintain his elder’s dignity, while also worrying that the family of three might stir up trouble. Dealing with them was exhausting.

Even so, he still received many envious looks.

A guest said, “Brother Meng, your eldest daughter is filial. Even your son-in-law and grandson are so dutiful.”

Another added, “Yes, brother-in-law, your son-in-law is quite good, and your grandson isn’t bad either.”

This speaker was Sun Zhiyong, Madam Sun’s elder brother and Meng Dongyuan’s brother-in-law. His parents had named him “Zhiyong,” hoping he would be wise and brave, but he was mediocre in talent. He barely passed the imperial exam as a xiucai and went no further. He hadn’t even secured an idle post. Without some family assets, he would be living in poverty.

Meng Dongyuan replied calmly, “My son-in-law is indeed good. He’s just a bit cold in temperament, but that’s fine. As long as he treats A-Yao well, I’m at ease. You all know what happened on her wedding day.”

After speaking, he sighed softly.

The guests thought of the five- or six-year age gap between father-in-law and son-in-law. Acting like family felt awkward, and acting like brothers was inappropriate. How could the powerful Marquis of Changxing be as warm and respectful as ordinary sons-in-law? Mutual courtesy was already the best outcome.

Another guest said, “Some time ago, there were rumors about the Heir’s outrageous behavior. But today, he and your eldest daughter seem very harmonious.”

Meng Dongyuan smiled in relief and deftly changed the subject, inviting them into the hall to sit and continue their earlier conversation. Only then did his uneasy heart gradually calm down.

Meanwhile, Madam Sun was also anxious, afraid that Meng Jinyao would cause trouble. She felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles. While entertaining guests, she waited for their arrival and thought over countermeasures, determined not to let anything damage the family’s reputation.

A maid came in to report, “Madam, Eldest Miss and her family have arrived.”

Madam Sun hurriedly said, “Quick, invite them in.”

Before long, the family of three entered the Shou’an Hall. Everyone’s gaze fell on them, filled with scrutiny.

“A-Yao, you’re here. Mother thought you were busy and wouldn’t have time to come,” Madam Sun said first, smiling warmly, preemptively taking control of the conversation.

If they didn’t give her face, it would be their fault.

Naturally, Meng Jinyao wouldn’t quarrel with her in public. If she were to make things difficult, it could wait. She replied gently, “Today is Father’s birthday. How could we, as juniors, not come to celebrate? My husband even took leave specially, and Xiuming asked for leave from his academy to come celebrate his grandfather’s birthday.”

Madam Sun was slightly startled and then remembered that today wasn’t a rest day. Her gaze fell on Gu Xiuming. For a moment, she didn’t know how to address him. He was supposed to be her son-in-law, but because he had fled from marriage, he had become her grandson instead.

Gu Xiuming seemed to sense her awkwardness and cupped his hands. “Xiuming greets Grandmother.”

At these words, Madam Sun froze again. It felt like thunder crashing in her ears.

The Heir of Changxing was calling her “Grandmother”?

She quickly regained her composure and replied smoothly, “Ah, Xiuming, you’re very thoughtful. Your studies come first. Today is only your grandfather’s small birthday. There was no need to take leave.”

Gu Xiuming said indifferently, “Even a small birthday is still a birthday. As a junior, it’s only right to celebrate it.”

Madam Sun smiled. “You’re truly a filial child.”

Gu Xiuming looked at Meng Jinyao beside him and directly shifted the credit. “It’s all thanks to Mother’s good guidance.”

Madam Sun’s expression stiffened slightly. She was secretly surprised. Her gaze moved between Meng Jinyao and Gu Xiuming. Both wore faint smiles and seemed to be getting along quite well.

She frowned imperceptibly.

Recently, the “haunted house” incidents had exhausted her, leaving her no energy to pay attention to other matters. She had no idea what had happened in the meantime for Meng Jinyao and Gu Xiuming to end up like this—looking like a harmonious mother and son.

This was truly unbelievable.