SGEIRS -Chapter 509 The Investiture of the Heir

At this time, the guests gradually began to arrive.

Meng Jinyao, together with her two sisters-in-law, attended to the female relatives, while the men of the household received the male guests in the front courtyard. Old Madam Gu also chatted leisurely with her old friends who had come to attend the full-month banquet. Servants carried fruits, pastries, and tea back and forth, and the entire residence became lively and bustling.

Elder Sister One: “Elder sister, your youngest daughter-in-law is truly a lucky woman for her husband. She’s been married less than two years, and Yaoling’s illness has recovered. On top of that, she gave birth to a strong, healthy grandson.”

Elder Sister Two: “Exactly! Not only does she bring fortune to her husband, she’s also so filial. That outfit you wore last time—oh, the embroidery and the design were exquisite. I should get a seamstress to make a similar style. The design is good, but the craftsmanship can’t compare to your youngest daughter-in-law’s work.”

Elder Sister Three: “I just saw your little grandson. He’s carved and polished like a tiny jade figure, just as adorable as Yaoling was when he was young. Looking at him melts one’s heart.”

Who doesn’t enjoy hearing compliments?

Old Madam Gu listened to the flattery from the elder sisters, her smile never fading, and responded warmly, “Your Xiaoxiao is also very delightful, always so cheerful.”

Elder Sister Three: “Oh, he used to laugh a lot, but now, for some reason, he’s pretending to be serious and doesn’t laugh anymore.”

Old Madam Gu said, “Xiaoxiao is ten this year. It’s normal for him to be more composed now. Even as a young boy, he already carries the demeanor of his father. He will surely achieve great things in the future.”

Elder Sister Three shook her head repeatedly, “I think he should avoid taking after his father. You know how troublesome he was in his youth. Just like Yaoling, both were challenging children.”

Elder Sister One: “Come now, isn’t it normal for youngsters to be lively? Yaoling and Mobei are steady and talented now, excelling in both literature and martial skills, and greatly favored by the Emperor.”

Elder Sister Two: “Exactly! Both your sons are capable and composed. Our unruly son, on the other hand… he’s decades old but still acts like a teenager, utterly unreliable.”

Hearing this, everyone recalled her son’s usual careless behavior—truly something even a dog would shake its head at. Though not as steady as his father, he at least had a good character and wouldn’t bully the weak.

Elder Sister Two continued, “Luckily, my daughter-in-law is reliable, otherwise this family would have fallen apart. Let’s not talk about him—so frustrating. By the way, at this hour, why hasn’t Old Madam Meng shown up? Isn’t this the full-month banquet for the eldest grandson of the legitimate eldest granddaughter? Shouldn’t a grandmother come to see her granddaughter and great-grandson?”

Old Madam Gu deftly dodged the question, “She lives a very quiet life and dislikes gatherings. If she wants to see the child, there’s no rush. Later, when A-Yao brings the baby back to her natal home, she can see him then.”

The older ladies were skeptical. When it comes to seclusion, Old Madam Gu surpasses anyone—they know she truly dislikes crowds. As for Old Madam Meng, there must be another reason. Since the passing of Elder Uncle Meng, the Meng household has become increasingly troublesome. Although the eldest daughter married into the Gu family, Elder Meng was useless. Only the second young master had some promise—perhaps things might improve in ten years or so.

Being perceptive women, the elder ladies quickly changed the subject to the younger generation.

Meanwhile, Meng Jinyao attended to the female relatives of similar age. She noticed Song Xinning but did not see Princess Jingning, so she took the opportunity to ask, “A-Ning, I haven’t seen A-Yan today. Have you?”

Song Xinning smiled meaningfully and replied, “A-Yan probably can’t make it today. But the young master of the Shen family is here.”

Meng Jinyao was puzzled, “What could be keeping her?”

Song Xinning hinted, “I met her yesterday. She’s not feeling well, her appetite is poor, and the smell of fish makes her want to vomit. She probably needs a few days to rest.” Lowering her voice, she continued, “Also, her period has been delayed.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao immediately understood. At such an early stage of pregnancy, the fetus is still fragile. It would indeed be unsuitable for her to appear at a bustling event to avoid any risk.

Meng Jinyao said, “I’ve already completed my confinement period. In a couple of days, we’ll visit her at the Shen household.”

Song Xinning nodded, “I was thinking the same.”

Time passed without notice, and the banquet was about to begin, with guests invited to take their seats.

Suddenly, a voice rang out: “An imperial edict!”

Everyone froze in surprise. An imperial edict at this moment? They quickly knelt to listen. Even if the edict was not addressed to them, it was necessary to show respect; otherwise, it would be seen as defying the Emperor.

The eunuch bearing the edict saw that the Gu family and the guests had all knelt and then began to read the decree.

The eunuch’s high-pitched voice proclaimed the imperial edict slowly and deliberately. All present were astonished: it was an edict conferring the title of heir to Gu Xiuheng, the legitimate eldest son of the Marquis of Changxing, and the child had just reached his full month. Already named heir?

Not only were the guests surprised, but Gu Jingxi was also taken aback. He hadn’t petitioned the Emperor yet, but the edict had already been issued—a mark of the Emperor’s gracious favor.

Gu Jingxi reached out to receive the edict and respectfully bowed, thanking the Emperor: “I thank His Majesty for his great favor. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long long live the Emperor!”

After the eunuch left, the guests congratulated Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao in turn.

Meng Jinyao glanced at her husband from a short distance away, smiling gently, thinking to herself: He pretends to dislike Wanwan, but then turns around to petition the Emperor to confer the heir title on her. It’s clear he cherishes Wanwan deeply.

Gu Jingxi noticed her smile, softened his expression, nodded lightly, and returned a smile, then continued speaking with those around him as if nothing had happened.

Some guests noticed the subtle exchange between the couple and quietly remarked that their relationship was strong—married so long, yet still like newlyweds.

At that moment, a lady whispered to a familiar friend, “When it comes to foresight, one has to look at Madam Gu. We used to say she ignored propriety by marrying her future husband’s father. Now, she’s shown wisdom—being the heir’s wife is far better than being the heir’s mother.”

Her friend replied, “Exactly! If the heir had been unfit, you’d switch to another. No matter whether the Marquis’s hidden illness could heal, as long as this branch has children, she is the heir’s mother. Last year, the Marquis was honored for his achievements, and she received a decree as a reward. If she had continued with Gu Xiuming, she wouldn’t even be the heir’s wife now.”

The first lady continued, “This proves that marrying the right person is more important than anything. Reputation is empty—what does it matter if others ridicule her for marrying her future father-in-law? Now she is cherished by the Marquis, treated like a daughter by the matriarch, and lives comfortably in the household. Many women in the capital envy her.”

Her friend said, “It’s fate. Heaven has granted her a good marriage; others can’t envy it.”