SGEIRS -Chapter 476 Open Praise, Subtle Refusal

When facing Old Madam Meng again, Meng Jinyao showed no hint of displeasure. Noticing a trace of doubt on her grandmother’s face, she spoke gently, “Grandmother, I just asked Second Brother why he spoke against you, but he didn’t answer. He’s still young and sometimes impulsive. Please don’t be angry with him—you wouldn’t want to damage your health.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Meng was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected that, given such a good opportunity, Chengzhang wouldn’t tattle. It seemed that Chengzhang still valued her as his grandmother. At crucial moments, he would protect her. He still knew he was a Meng and hadn’t been completely spoiled by that troublesome girl.

Meng Jinyao carefully observed her grandmother’s changing expression and allowed a faint smile. For now, she would act as if she knew nothing—for Second Brother’s sake. If she had scolded her grandmother today, it would bring temporary satisfaction, but later her grandmother would find another way to make amends with Second Brother.

Old Madam Meng was in high spirits and smiled warmly, speaking kindly: “As a senior, how could I hold a grudge against juniors? It was only in the heat of the moment that I punished Chengzhang.”

Meng Jinyao smiled in return and then turned her attention to Madam Dong, steering the conversation: “I heard from Second Brother that Mother is expecting. Congratulations, Mother, and congratulations to myself as well—soon we’ll have another little brother or sister.”

Seeing the sincerity in her smile and hearing her heartfelt congratulations, Madam Dong also smiled: “Thank you, Jinyao.”

From then on, Meng Jinyao and Madam Dong chatted animatedly, discussing all things related to pregnancy, completely ignoring Old Madam Meng.

Originally, Old Madam Meng had intended to find a moment to bring up what had happened on New Year’s Eve with her eldest granddaughter. But now, there was simply no chance to speak.

Meng Dongyuan, however, found an opportunity. Since the women were chatting and lunch time hadn’t arrived yet, he took his youngest son and son-in-law to the study for a conversation.

This time, Gu Jingxi couldn’t avoid it. Previously, he could hide because there were other guests at the Meng household, and he would simply talk with peers, excluding his father-in-law.

Upon entering the study, Meng Dongyuan glanced at his youngest son. Seeing him tense and even slightly fearful in front of Gu Jingxi, his dislike for him deepened. His youngest son was already inferior to Chengzhang, and now he couldn’t even show confidence and composure—a petty, small-minded demeanor! How could Madam Sun once lie so blatantly, claiming that his youngest son was outstanding and that Chengzhang was worthless? Not only had she deceived him, but it had also caused him to be distant from Chengzhang.

He resented Madam Sun, and he was frustrated with his son for not being competent, but he still wanted to secure some advantage for his own son. After some casual talk to improve their father-in-law/son-in-law rapport, he cautiously said, “Yaoling, I heard that Lingshan Academy is preparing to enroll students again.”

Gu Jingxi immediately understood his father-in-law’s intention and calmly asked, “I’ve heard that. Is Third Brother planning to take Lingshan Academy’s entrance exam?”

Meng Dongyuan lightly nodded. “He does have the intention, but the academy’s assessments are quite challenging. I’m afraid he might not pass.”

Gu Jingxi then looked at Meng Chengxing and, unusually, praised his young brother-in-law without reservation: “Father-in-law, I think you’re mistaken. Jinyao said that Third Brother is intelligent, quick-witted, and diligent in his studies, earning the praise of our elders. He will certainly pass the assessment. You needn’t worry about this.”

Meng Dongyuan: “?”

Meng Chengxing: “?”

Such a lavish compliment left both father and son dumbfounded.

Meng Chengxing never expected his eldest sister to praise him. He suspected his brother-in-law was exaggerating—perhaps he said it to avoid letting his father ask for help?

Meng Dongyuan was frustrated. He had just wanted to ask his son-in-law to help make connections, but in the next moment, his son-in-law showered his son with praise. Now he felt embarrassed to ask, yet he also understood that his son-in-law’s praise wasn’t sincere. It was likely meant to anticipate his next move, subtly refusing him. If he had asked for help, he would have put himself in an awkward position.

After a moment, Meng Dongyuan sighed lightly. “Chengxing is only a little clever, but careless in his work. He didn’t pass the assessment two years ago, and he failed last year’s academy exam as well. I’ve repeatedly told him to take things seriously. He promises well but fails to deliver.”

Gu Jingxi replied, “Father-in-law, that was because Third Brother was still young. Now that he’s older, he’s surely more mature than before. You should have confidence in him.”

He said this and subtly shifted the topic: “By the way, Father-in-law, I heard from Jinyao that you write beautifully. Could you allow your son-in-law to admire your calligraphy?”

Meng Dongyuan was stunned, a little flattered. His wayward daughter actually still had moments of praising him?

He modestly replied, “Jinyao exaggerates. My writing is merely ordinary.”

As he spoke, he stood and went to fetch his calligraphy to show his son-in-law.

It must be said, although Meng Dongyuan’s virtue and character were lacking and he was mediocre in many respects, his calligraphy was truly good. Perhaps the heavens wouldn’t allow a person to have no talent at all.

However, his talent was limited to his penmanship. He never practiced diligently, so his writing never became exceptional—merely good, wasting the gift he had.

Gu Jingxi admired his calligraphy and praised it sincerely, making Meng Dongyuan beam with pride, completely forgetting that he had been worried not long ago about his youngest son attending Lingshan Academy.

Meng Chengxing stood aside, unable to speak. Facing his brother-in-law, even with a smiling expression, he felt pressure, while facing his second brother-in-law, he felt none.

Though he couldn’t speak, Meng Chengxing repeatedly signaled his father with his eyes, hinting to bring up Lingshan Academy with his brother-in-law. But his father ignored him, leaving him frustrated, feeling utterly abandoned.

Previously, his second brother’s success at Lingshan Academy, as last year’s top student, had made their father proud. Now, with the stepmother pregnant, his father had been saying that this child would be a boy.

If the stepmother bore a daughter, it would be tolerable. But if it were a son, would he still have his position in the family?

Then, not only would he lose his status, but even his position as heir apparent could be in jeopardy. Their father might petition the emperor to remove him and appoint the child from the stepmother as heir. As for his second brother, though excellent and legally the eldest son of the original wife, his father favored the stepmother. If she whispered a few words, the father would certainly favor her son.

He used to scoff at sayings like “having a stepmother means having a stepfather,” but after getting a stepmother, he fully agreed. Whatever she said, the father agreed—even reducing his monthly allowance and expenses.