SGEIRS -Chapter 227 Xuanyi’s Wedding

Hearing this, Gu Xuanyi felt her heart settle; a small smile lifted the corners of her mouth, and she let out a light hum. “Fourth Brother, since we’re all siblings, listen to Third Brother for a moment, and reflect on yourself. What are you doing? On the eve of your little sister’s wedding, causing trouble and being all sarcastic about it?”

Gu Xiuwen choked on his words, his gaze flicking toward Gu Xiuming with a complex expression. Earlier, he had fought with Third Brother alongside Second Uncle, and their relationship had been strained.

Later, he had read in a letter from their mother that Third Brother seemed to have reformed, showing respect to Third Aunt. He had taken it with a grain of salt, but now, hearing Third Brother say such things, he felt Third Brother hadn’t changed at all.

No matter how he heard it, it sounded like gloating. Third Brother wasn’t a fool—he knew well that the social situation at the Wu’an Bo Mansion was complicated and probably not suitable for Xuanyi.

Noticing the subtle change in Gu Xiuwen’s expression, Gu Xiuming asked gently, “Fourth Brother, why are you looking at me like that?”

Gu Xiuwen forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Haven’t seen you for a while, Third Brother. You’ve changed a lot—it feels almost unfamiliar.”

Gu Xiuming lowered his eyelids, his gaze growing slightly heavy, and responded gracefully: “I was childish before, causing the elders to worry on my account. Come to think of it, I still owe Fourth Brother an apology. That day, I fought with you and Second Uncle, and I’ve since realized my mistakes. So, Fourth Brother, I apologize.”

He then cupped his hands toward Gu Xiuwen in a formal gesture. “Fourth Brother, it was my fault. I hope you can forgive me.”

Seeing him act this way, Gu Xiuwen couldn’t argue and simply said, “What happened before is past, but the one who really should apologize is Third Brother to Third Aunt.”

Gu Xiuming’s expression stiffened slightly, then he replied, “I’ve already apologized to Mother. She is magnanimous and didn’t make a fuss over it.”

Gu Xiuwen looked him over. This elder brother had always seemed gentle and refined, but after witnessing his ugly side before, Gu Xiuwen was still cautious. Now, seeing him act reformed, he remained slightly skeptical—especially after what he had just said, his suspicion deepened a bit more.

At this point, Gu Xuanyi spoke up: “Third Brother, Fourth Brother, you two continue talking. I’ll take my leave first.” She stood up and had only walked a couple of steps when she turned her head and shot her brother a displeased glare.

Gu Xiuwen, unwilling to back down, returned the glare, on the verge of speaking but ultimately refrained from scolding his sister outright. At this point, scolding wouldn’t help—he just hoped she would be clever enough not to get bullied in the future.

Gu Xiuming asked gently, “Fourth Brother, how has life been at Lingshan Academy?”

Gu Xiuwen answered honestly: “Quite good. Though it seems the other students think twelve hours in a day isn’t enough—they wish there were twenty-four so they could study twenty hours each day. Seeing them work so hard, I dare not slack off either.”

Gu Xiuming was not surprised and smiled. “Looks like you’ve been studying diligently. You must have improved a lot. How about I test you a little?”

At this, Gu Xiuwen became interested. “Alright. Third Brother checking my work sounds fine.”

Testing wasn’t a problem, but once Gu Xiuming began, a sense of unease filled his heart again.

He knew exactly what level Fourth Brother had been at before, and yet, in just a few months at Lingshan Academy, he had made tremendous progress. Given time, it was very possible he could pass the imperial exams with high marks.

It seemed Father had sent Fourth Brother to Lingshan Academy specifically to cultivate him. If Fourth Brother met Father’s expectations, there was a chance he might be officially adopted, potentially replacing him as heir.

Luckily, he had participated in the autumn exams. He felt confident that if all went well, his name would appear on the results next month, and the elders would genuinely change their opinion of him.

Looking at Gu Xiuwen, he forced a smile and said, “Fourth Brother has made great progress recently. Keep it up.”

The next day, August 25th, was the day Gu Xuanyi would leave her family and marry.

The mansion of Marquis of Changxing was adorned with bright lanterns and decorations, exuding joy. The servants wore smiles as they busily ran about the courtyard, preparing for the wedding banquet.

Guests arrived in droves, and the front of the mansion was crowded with carriages from other families. Even the alley leading up to the mansion was blocked, forcing many guests to disembark and walk in.

The household members were busy as well: men entertained male guests in the front courtyard, while the women hosted female visitors in the rear.

Many of the women clustered around Meng Jinyu, chatting. Now that outsiders knew she was favored in the Marquis’s mansion, of course, they tried to curry favor with her.

As for Madam Sun, though she was the Marquis’s wife’s stepmother, everyone present knew that she and the true Marchioness did not get along. They kept their distance, considering her a fallen woman unworthy of conversation.

Madam Sun found herself isolated. She watched Meng Jinyu, the center of attention, with her gentle and amiable demeanor, and for a moment, felt as if the young woman before her overlapped with someone from her past.

Frowning, she looked away, a flicker of malice in her eyes. When she saw her daughter returning soon after, she whispered, “A-Yu, weren’t you supposed to make friends with girls your age? Why are you back so soon?”

Meng Jinyu pouted. “They barely spoke to me, so I didn’t see the point in forcing it.”

Madam Sun was taken aback but glanced toward Meng Jinyu. Realizing something, she said to her daughter, “It’s been a while since you saw your eldest sister. Go and have a proper chat with her.”

Meng Jinyu’s expression showed reluctance.

Madam Sun gave her a sharp look and whispered, “Your eldest sister’s circle of ladies are all from well-established families. Some of them may have sons, brothers, or nephews yet to be married. Go and make an impression on them.”

Instantly enlightened, Meng Jinyu smiled obediently. “Mother, I understand. I’ll go speak with my eldest sister.” With that, she walked toward Meng Jinyu.

“Eldest Sister.”

Over there, Meng Jinyu was discussing flowers with a lady when she suddenly heard her sister’s voice. Her smile froze slightly as she turned and saw Meng Jinyu approaching, wearing an eager smile.

The next moment, Meng Jinyu reached her side, looping her arm around hers affectionately, and said obediently, “Eldest Sister.”

Meng Jinyu cast a brief glance at Madam Sun not far off, guessing that her sister had been prompted by Madam Sun. She also understood Madam Sun’s intentions—but she had no intention of letting her plan succeed. Using her as a stepping stone? Not a chance.

However, as the saying goes, one shouldn’t frown at a smiling face. In front of the other guests, she did not deliberately show a cold expression. She lightly patted Meng Jinyu’s hand and said warmly, “Second Sister, go greet a few of the ladies.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyu immediately let go of Meng Jinyu and bowed politely to the ladies. “A-Yu greets the ladies.”