SGEIRS -Chapter 207 Immorally Devoted

After dinner, Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi stayed a while longer, chatting with the Old Madam Gu before finally leaving.

Of course, it was mostly mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talking. Gu Jingxi was basically just a supporting presence, occasionally chiming in with a word or two.

After they left, the Old Madam Gu sighed to her confidante, Nanny Feng: “Yaoling actually knew to buy some snacks for Jinyao. That’s rare. At first, I thought he was as dull as a block of wood.”

Nanny Feng smiled and said, “Old Madam, it’s normal that the Marquis didn’t understand these things before, since he hadn’t spent much time with young ladies. Now that he has a wife, he’ll naturally learn over time.”

The Old Madam Gu nodded. “That’s true.”

Nanny Feng suddenly remembered something from earlier and added, “Old Madam, do you recall? The Marquis came to you before, asking for that set of hair ornaments to give to the lady. At that moment, he had probably already started to get it.”

Hearing this, the Old Madam Gu was briefly taken aback, then her face brightened with a satisfied smile.

Nanny Feng gently reassured her: “Old Madam, the Marquis and the lady have only been married a few months, yet they’re already so well-adjusted to each other. In another year or so, when their feelings deepen, they’ll be even more loving. You can rest assured.”

The Old Madam Gu nodded lightly. She had two major regrets in life: the first was that her exceptionally talented son developed a hidden ailment, and the second was that he hadn’t married for a long time. A well-born girl of equal status would never marry in just to live as a lonely wife; those from lower-status families did it for the power of the Gu family. She could accept that, but her son didn’t want to hold a girl back.

When her son was once rejected for marriage because of his hidden illness, the family’s two concubines mocked her openly and covertly. They said, after ten years of marriage, she finally bore a son, an excellent child no doubt, but he became useless after just a dozen years, and the family line would end.

At the time, she was so angry she couldn’t sleep. Later, even after the imperial physician treated Yaoling for a long time, there was no improvement. After despairing, she calmed her mind. Since her son couldn’t have children of his own, adopting a child would suffice—and Yaoling agreed to it.

As for whose child to adopt, she pondered for a long time.

The eldest branch had two sons, who were happy to offer a child, but she knew their intentions well, so she didn’t take either.

The second son’s concubine was unsuitable, but the second branch was relatively decent. However, they only had one son, who couldn’t be adopted into her son’s line.

Thus, she chose from a collateral branch of the clan. When she saw Xiuming, who bore some resemblance to her son, she decided on him.

Xiuming’s father was Yaoling’s cousin; Xiuming’s paternal grandfather and their former Marquis were also cousins. Yet Xiuming’s great-grandfather and the former Marquis’s father were brothers.

Now, her two major regrets were resolved: Yaoling married, and her son’s line had an heir. The two concubines had passed away, so without their scheming, the household was much more peaceful.

Well, not completely peaceful. Xiuming only took concubines and never married, which would invite ridicule for life. Which noble would dare do such a thing?

The Old Madam Gu sighed lightly. “Xiuming seems obedient and steady now, but refusing to marry is still not ideal.”

Nanny Feng advised: “Old Madam, each generation has its own blessings. Don’t worry too much—let things take their course.”

The Old Madam Gu nodded. “Very well. The fathers didn’t handle this matter; as a grandmother, one generation removed, there’s little use in worrying either.”

When Gu Jingxi and his wife returned to Weirui Pavilion, they passed by the rear garden.

Meng Jinyao suddenly stopped, staring at two figures walking side by side not far ahead.

It was her wayward son Gu Xiuming and Li Wan’er, their fingers intertwined. Li Wan’er seemed to be saying something, and Gu Xiuming slightly lowered his head toward her, listening intently. Then he said something that made Li Wan’er giggle repeatedly.

Gu Jingxi followed her gaze, glanced at the two from behind, then turned his eyes to the young lady beside him, asking gently, “What is it?”

Meng Jinyao smiled. “Our son, setting everything else aside, is truly devoted in love.”

Gu Jingxi said calmly, “Immoral devotion is nothing to praise.”

Meng Jinyao paused, recalling Gu Xiuming’s runaway marriage, and nodded in agreement. Indeed, it was immoral devotion: pursuing love after breaking off an engagement, while hurting others in the process—if anything, that made him despicable.

Gu Jingxi said, “Let’s go.”

Meng Jinyao agreed and continued walking.

Gu Jingxi’s pace was slower, matching hers, walking shoulder to shoulder.

The two ahead somehow stopped, but Meng Jinyao didn’t; at most, she would simply greet them. She didn’t need to avoid her wayward son—but then she saw him reach out, pull Li Wan’er close, and lower his head to kiss her on the lips.

Meng Jinyao’s eyes went wide. Could she really watch this?

Seeing her shocked and curious gaze, Gu Jingxi’s eyebrows knit slightly, and he subtly placed his hand to block her view.

Meng Jinyao turned her head, blinking, looking at him in confusion.

Gu Jingxi said calmly, “This isn’t something a young lady should see. Don’t soil your eyes.”

Meng Jinyao pouted and made a regretful “Oh.” She had never actually seen lips meet before; before marriage, she had only seen illustrations in a booklet Madam Sun gave her, to prepare her for her wedding night and serve her husband properly—so she wouldn’t offend him by ignorance and bring blame to her family.

After a while, the two separated. Li Wan’er was the first to notice the couple approaching and whispered to Gu Xiuming, “Brother Xiuming, the Marquis and the lady are right behind us.”

Gu Xiuming’s heart tightened, realizing the elders had seen his reckless act. He quickly turned to see his father and Meng Jinyao, hurrying forward: “Father, Mother.”

Li Wan’er followed, bowing respectfully: “I, your humble servant, pay respects to the Marquis and the lady.”

Gu Jingxi’s voice was stern: “Xiuming, you’re no longer a child. You should understand that you must be mindful of your behavior in public. What would people think if they saw you?”

Li Wan’er’s face went pale, ashamed, eyes soon glistening. She bit her lower lip lightly, embarrassed. Though the words were directed at Gu Xiuming, they also reflected on her, implying her behavior had been frivolous and inappropriate.

Gu Xiuming’s face stiffened, then he replied, “Father is right. I’ll be careful next time.”

Gu Jingxi’s gaze lingered on him for a moment. He wanted to say more, but in the end, he didn’t, simply taking long strides to leave.

Seeing this, Meng Jinyao hurried to keep pace with him.