SGEIRS -Chapter 280 He Is Good in Every Way

After the banquet ended, the various madams took their leave and returned home.

Meng Jinyao was the last to go. Before leaving, she met her cousin Luo Yong’an.

Luo Yong’an had always been concerned about his unfortunate cousin. Although his wife had told him that she hadn’t fallen into despair, he wouldn’t feel at ease until he saw her with his own eyes. That was why Madam Xu kept Meng Jinyao a little longer.

Seeing that his cousin was indeed fine, Luo Yong’an finally relaxed. He had no biological sisters and treated Jinyao like his own. Although A-yu was also a cousin, her scheming nature made her far less likable in his eyes.

Madam Xu escorted Meng Jinyao to the main gate. Only after watching her board the carriage and leave did she return inside. Then she spoke to her husband about what she had heard at the banquet.

“Husband, Uncle is preparing to remarry. In a while, we’ll probably have a new aunt.”

Luo Yong’an was startled. “Where did you hear that?”

Madam Xu replied, “At the tea gathering just now, Madam Yin mentioned it. When she was looking for a good match for our cousin, she heard from the matchmaker by accident that the Yongchang Marquis’s residence had also hired one. I think it’s probably true. Otherwise, Madam Yin wouldn’t have brought it up. Our cousin was there at the time—she wouldn’t dare fabricate such rumors in front of her.”

Hearing this, Luo Yong’an was stunned again. The younger cousins were either still in mourning for Madam Sun or not yet of marriageable age. Hiring a matchmaker could only mean that Uncle intended to remarry.

He found it hard to believe. “It hasn’t even been that long. The storm hasn’t fully passed, and he’s already preparing to remarry?”

Madam Xu pondered for a moment and replied gently, “Husband, at Grandmother’s birthday banquet last time, although the Meng family embarrassed themselves, the fault lay with Madam Sun. The family cut ties with her immediately, and everyone sympathized with Uncle. If he looks for a new wife now, no one will say he’s heartless. Who would stay chaste for a vicious ex-wife? The household still needs a matron to manage things, and the children need guidance.”

Luo Yong’an was silent for a while, then asked, “How did Jinyao react?”

Madam Xu replied, “She was shocked at first, but she accepted it quite well. She probably didn’t take it too seriously. She’s already married and won’t be under a stepmother’s control. It doesn’t affect her much.”

Luo Yong’an nodded. “That’s good.”

Changxing Marquis Residence

After finishing his official duties, Gu Jingxi returned home late at night under the stars. He found the room brightly lit—his young wife was still waiting for him.

He asked softly, “A-Yao, why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “There’s something I want to talk to you about. Go wash up first.”

Gu Jingxi had the maid prepare water, went to clean himself, and then entered the inner room. Seeing her pat the space beside her, he took off his shoes, lay down, and pulled her into his arms.

Curious, he asked, “What’s so urgent? You waited so long for me. You could’ve told me tomorrow—talking now won’t solve anything either.”

“I couldn’t sleep with it on my mind,” she glanced at him, snuggled closer, and slipped her legs between his. “My father has hired a matchmaker. I think it won’t be long before I have a stepmother again.”

Gu Jingxi frowned. “So soon?”

She was surprised by his reaction, then smiled. “I was surprised too when I heard. But it’s normal. When Madam Sun died, she was no longer his wife. He didn’t need to mourn her. He could’ve remarried immediately. Besides, in others’ eyes, he’s the victim and deserves sympathy.”

Gu Jingxi felt disdain for his father-in-law. No matter how bad Madam Sun was, she bore everything alone in the end and never exposed him. After more than ten years of marriage and two children, he had shown not a trace of affection. His coldness was evident.

After a moment, he asked, “Has he chosen anyone yet?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “Not yet. He’s already in his thirties. What well-matched family would be willing to let their daughter marry him and become a stepmother to someone her own age? Even if the girl were foolish, her parents wouldn’t be. My father and grandmother are proud people—they won’t like low-status families, and commoners are out of the question. High-status families are beyond his reach, even widows.”

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi thought of himself. Though not in his thirties yet, he was close to it, and his son was the same age as his wife.

Noticing his strange gaze, Meng Jinyao asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He said, “You also became a mother to someone your own age.”

She answered honestly, “That’s different. You’re good-looking, upright, and have status and position. You can give me a stable life. Whether you were twenty-nine or thirty-nine, I’d still be willing. I never felt wronged, then or now.”

Gu Jingxi suddenly felt grateful for his status. Otherwise, no matter how handsome he was, she wouldn’t have chosen him. He might’ve remained single for life.

She glanced at him and smiled again. “You know, I had no way out back then. Since the Gu family let me choose an unmarried man, of course I picked the best. And I was right. Husband, don’t mind your age. Talent, character, and ability are far more important. My father has none of them. You have them all.”

Gu Jingxi smiled, gently scraped her nose, and said, “Only in your heart am I good in every way.”

She protested, “Don’t belittle yourself. In others’ eyes, you’re good in every way too. Go listen outside—everyone praises you. From His Majesty to common folk, it’s all compliments. No one says anything bad about you.”

Gu Jingxi froze. Indeed, no one had ever criticized him. Even censorial officials, who specialized in impeaching others, had never found fault with him.

While he was distracted, Meng Jinyao lifted her head and kissed his cheek, then his lips.

Her delicate face and lively eyes were dazzling. When she looked at him, her gaze was bright and enticing.

He stroked her back and asked softly, “A-Yao, aren’t you sleepy?”

“Not yet. If you’re tired, go to sleep. Don’t worry about me.”

He looked at her intensely and said meaningfully, “Since you’re not sleepy, let’s do something meaningful.”

Because he was usually so proper, she didn’t sense anything odd. Feeling energetic, she agreed without thinking. “Alright.”

As soon as she spoke, she felt a hand slip under her clothes. Only then did she realize what he meant.

After the “meaningful thing” was done, she became sleepy and soon fell soundly asleep in his arms.

Gu Jingxi looked at the lovely person in his embrace and silently cursed Physician Wen in his heart: That improper quack!

Physician Wen had said he needed some stimulation. He followed the advice and sought it out. That place wasn’t stimulated—but his heart was.

It felt like a eunuch visiting a brothel.

He could see it. He could touch it. But he couldn’t eat it.

His heart itched unbearably, yet he was powerless.