SGEIRS -Chapter 508 Wanwan’s Full Month Celebration

The day was clear and sunny.

The full-month banquet for the eldest son of the Marquis of Changxing, Gu Xiuheng, was in full swing. The marquisate was bustling with guests, and everyone in the household had risen early to prepare.

Meng Jinyao had finally completed her confinement. After bathing the night before, she felt refreshed and energetic today.

Meng Dongyuan brought his two sons to attend their grandson’s full-month celebration. They had arrived early—since the other guests had not yet come, there was still time to spend with their daughter and son-in-law.

Meng Chengzhang was seeing his little nephew for the first time. He had missed the previous bathing ceremony, but at this full-month banquet, he had finally made it back.

He examined the little one carefully before saying, “Big sister, I think Wanwan looks more like you, though these eyes resemble my brother-in-law’s—they’re phoenix eyes.”

At this, Meng Dongyuan, eager to flatter his son-in-law, immediately objected: “Chengzhang, take another look. Wanwan clearly looks more like your elder brother-in-law. Look at that nose, that mouth—they’re just like him.”

Gu Jingxi replied gently, “Father-in-law, Wanwan does resemble Jinyao more. I think that’s perfectly fine—Jinyao is beautiful, so Wanwan will surely be beautiful as well.”

Hearing this, Meng Dongyuan realized his attempt at flattery had backfired, feeling slightly embarrassed. He chuckled awkwardly: “Both you and Jinyao are good-looking; it doesn’t matter whom Wanwan takes after—he’ll be beautiful either way.”

Gu Jingxi glanced at Meng Chengzhang, noticing that his brother-in-law seemed like he wanted to speak with Jinyao, and said, “Father-in-law, it’s been some time since Jinyao and my second brother saw each other. Let’s step aside so they can catch up.”

Meng Dongyuan had been fretting over not having a chance to talk to his son-in-law alone. Now the suggestion came along just as he wanted, so he handed over a pillow with a smile and nodded: “Alright, let’s step aside.” Then he glanced at his younger son, Meng Chengxing. Seeing him showing no initiative and simply sitting there, he shot him a displeased look before leaving with his son-in-law.

Gu Jingxi handled Meng Dongyuan with ease, knowing exactly how to speak to him to prevent him from interfering.

Though Meng Dongyuan could be tricky, in reality, he was simple to please. No matter what, flattery that praised him to the skies would never go wrong. Once he was puffed up with pride, he’d easily forget the main topic and start showing off his mediocre talents. A little praise from friends would only encourage him further.

Meanwhile, Meng Chengxing sat timidly to the side. Things were different from before—he wasn’t afraid of his eldest sister, but in her presence, he felt uneasy. Still, it was much easier than facing his brother-in-law. That was why he had pretended not to notice his father’s glance, sitting completely still.

Meng Chengzhang and Meng Jinyao ignored him, catching up with each other directly.

Meng Chengzhang carefully picked up the child and whispered softly, almost inaudibly, “It’s a boy. Very good.”

Meng Jinyao didn’t hear clearly and asked, “Second brother, what did you just say?”

“Nothing.”

Meng Chengzhang shook his head lightly—not because he had any issue with a girl, but because if this child had been a girl, the pressure on his eldest sister to continue the family line would not yet have been lifted. Now that there was a legitimate eldest son, the next child—boy or girl—wouldn’t matter. Otherwise, even if his brother-in-law didn’t mind, there would still be social pressure from public opinion.

Meng Chengxing watched them, several times wanting to speak, but ultimately couldn’t hold back and finally called out, “Big sister.”

At that, Meng Jinyao remembered there was someone else in the room and looked at him, her eyes carrying a hint of curiosity: “Third brother, what is it?”

Meng Chengxing hesitated before asking, “Father is planning to take another wife. Have you heard about it?”

Meng Jinyao nodded lightly and asked calmly, “I’ve heard a little. But during my confinement, I haven’t paid much attention. Do you know whose daughter he has set his sights on?”

Meng Chengxing replied, “Father’s remarriage is basically settled. I asked Grandmother, and she said it’s the daughter of Mr. Zhao, a scholar from the Guozijian. She’s thirty-one, was married once before, and has a daughter. Next year, her daughter will come of age, and when the Zhao lady marries in, she’ll bring her daughter. Her daughter is just over a month younger than me—we’re getting a little sister.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao was momentarily stunned. Could her grandmother, so particular, really accept a daughter-in-law bringing a child from a previous marriage? She had assumed that even if her grandmother didn’t choose an unmarried young woman, she would at least pick someone young—not a woman in her early thirties who had been married and had a child.

After a moment, she regained her composure and said lightly, “That’s fine. Father should have someone attentive by his side. Both you and Third Brother are still unmarried, and Grandmother is getting on in years. The household’s internal affairs need a matriarch. Father taking another wife makes sense.”

Meng Chengxing frowned. “Big sister, you approve of this?”

Meng Jinyao smiled and asked, “Third brother, do you not approve?”

Meng Chengxing’s face fell. Of course he didn’t approve. Having just lost Madam Dong, now comes Madam Zhao—he would have to deal with a stepmother. The previous Madam Dong had no child, but the Zhao lady does. A mother with a child naturally acts in the best interest of her own. Yet he couldn’t oppose Grandmother’s will; she was determined to give him a good mother, and he didn’t dare offend her.

Meng Jinyao glanced at him knowingly and said calmly, “The Zhao lady is thirty-one, so she likely won’t have more children. Father won’t have reason to look elsewhere. As for her daughter, she will marry once she comes of age next year, so it’s no problem. Third brother, rest assured—your position remains unshakable.”

Meng Chengxing’s face immediately flushed, his heart racing, too embarrassed to meet his sister’s eyes. He recalled what had happened with Madam Dong’s child—because of him.

Meng Chengzhang shot Meng Chengxing a glance. He had previously thought this third brother was unpleasant, always bullying him and big sister with the backing of Grandmother, Madam Sun, and Father. But now he realized he was far more malicious—he had even plotted with a maid to harm his stepmother’s unborn child.

Meng Jinyao continued, “The assessment at Lingshan Academy is about to begin. Third brother, focus on your studies and try to pass this year’s assessment. Remember, Grandmother and Father have high expectations for you—don’t let them down.”

Meng Chengxing froze. He hadn’t expected to pass, but he had already planned how to handle the elders. He replied awkwardly, “Big sister, I’ll try my best.”

Meng Jinyao said no more. “The guests are about to arrive. I must go attend to them. You two can mingle with guests your age and make some friends.”

Meng Chengzhang and Meng Chengxing responded in agreement.