SGEIRS -Chapter 611 The Grand Finale (Part 3)

Meng Chengzhang followed Gu Xiuwen’s gaze and saw his eldest brother-in-law talking with several officials. Time seemed to have treated him exceptionally well—there were barely any traces of age on his face. He was still extraordinarily handsome, and the years had only made him more composed and restrained than younger men, adding to his charm. Even at this age, there were still young girls who admired him.

The only thing was, most men at this age would have grown beards, but his eldest brother-in-law hadn’t, which made him appear even younger.

Previously, Meng Chengzhang had found it strange and had privately asked his eldest sister about it. She explained that her husband was afraid of looking old standing next to her. Others might ridicule them as an “old husband with a young wife,” so he didn’t grow a beard. He also dressed elegantly every day, suffered from appearance anxiety, and worried that he might become unattractive with age, losing her affection. He was careful about health and maintained his looks.

Of course, Meng Chengzhang didn’t say any of this. He only remarked, “A young mindset naturally makes a person look young.”

Gu Xiuwen was momentarily stunned, then glanced at his third uncle’s attire and nodded in agreement: “True. Third aunt is so much younger than him, and being with her every day keeps him young. Look at those men around him—they’re about his age, but their dress makes them look much older. They don’t even seem like the same generation.”

Someone overheard them discussing Gu Jingxi and interjected: “Xiuwen, your third uncle really does look young. Just by looking at him, who would guess he’s nearing forty? Stand him next to my father, and at first glance, you’d think my father is over ten years older. In reality, my father is only a few years older than him. In a few years, people will probably assume I’m the same age as him.”

Gu Xiuwen suddenly felt frustrated and said, “Don’t even mention it. I’m afraid that when I go out with him, people will think I’m his brother. I’m not even married yet. You’re married with a wife and kids—you can look older, it’s fine. But if I look old, and a young girl sizes me up, she’ll despise me.”

The other person couldn’t help but laugh: “Who’s stopping you from getting married? We’re the same age. I’m already a father of three, and you don’t even have a wife. Who knows when you’ll finally have your wedding banquet?”

Gu Xiuwen smiled: “Soon, soon.”

Curious, the person asked: “Already settled? Whose daughter is it?”

Gu Xiuwen replied: “Not yet. In a couple of years. Time flies. By then, I’ll invite you to the wedding.”

Hearing this, the person fell silent. In their circles, Gu Xiuwen was undeniably an anomaly. A top scholar, third place in the second tier of the imperial exams—such an accomplished man—but he didn’t stay in the capital. He chose to serve in the provinces, and later, when a promotion was imminent, he voluntarily went to a barren post. Sons from prominent families were all striving to advance their families, climbing the ranks, creating opportunities. Gu Xiuwen, however, pushed opportunities outward, remained unmarried at his age, and it seemed like he might have been “overstudying.”

Soon, someone came to greet Gu Xiuwen, and they stopped their conversation, turning to others.

Meanwhile, Gu Xiuheng, the little boy, was in front of a group of children his age, “badmouthing” his own father.

Other children were bragging about how formidable their grandfathers and fathers were. Gu Xiuheng, however, immediately made his father’s “fear of his wife” and his mother’s formidable nature widely known.

“My father is the greatest! He can wield a big sword and will become an invincible general one day!”

“Big sword skills? That’s nothing! My father is the best. Whatever he says at home, everyone obeys—even my mother.”

“So what? He’s no match for my grandfather!”

…

Gu Xiuheng found their bickering uninteresting. “What’s the use of how great your fathers or grandfathers are? None of them are as amazing as my mother.”

Everyone froze and turned their gaze toward him.

One boy scoffed: “Your mother is just a woman. How could she be better than our fathers or grandfathers?”

Another chimed in: “Yeah, how could a woman surpass men? Women don’t hold office.”

Gu Xiuheng shot them a glance and dropped his trump card: “My father is better than your grandfathers and fathers. He has a higher official rank than them. Yet someone as capable as him must obey my mother. If my mother tells him to go east, he doesn’t dare go west. She can control someone more powerful than your elders. Doesn’t that prove she’s the strongest?”

Some were skeptical: “Really?”

Seeing they didn’t believe him, Gu Xiuheng added a recent example: “The night before last, my father angered my mother and was sent to sleep in the study. He didn’t dare sleep there. Late at night, he kept clinging to the door, apologizing: ‘A-Yao, I was wrong.’ He looked so pitiful, I almost forgave him myself.”

At that moment, several officials behind them glanced at Gu Jingxi. Their looks were telling. Originally, they came to listen to the children’s argument for fun, never expecting to hear something so explosive.

Who would’ve thought that the normally composed and high-ranking Gu Jingxi was actually so afraid of his wife? Could it be that the reason he never took a concubine all these years was because of his fear of his wife?

Madam Gu appeared delicate and gentle, beautiful and soft-spoken, yet she was a formidable woman who could completely control Gu Jingxi. Truly, appearances can be deceiving.

Gu Jingxi noticed the strange looks people were giving him. He frowned slightly, staring at his little rascal. If he went over to scold his son, would others think he was acting out of embarrassment?

Others noticed the subtle expression on Gu Jingxi’s face and hurried to cover: “Children speak without thinking, children speak without thinking.”

The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Gu Jingxi’s subordinate, added: “Yes, and children’s words are nonsense—who would believe them? How could the Minister be afraid of his wife?”

The Right Vice Minister agreed: “Exactly. The Minister isn’t the type to fear his wife.”

Yet, despite their efforts to protect Gu Jingxi’s reputation, he calmly said: “I am.”

“Ah?”

Everyone was stunned, unsure if he was admitting he feared his wife or ironically siding with them.

Gu Jingxi said in a low voice: “My son is right. I really am afraid of my wife.” He raised his voice: “Gu Wanwan, isn’t that right?”

Hearing his father, Gu Xiuheng froze. Then, suddenly, he spun around, angrily looking at his father and shouted: “Father!”

He had said it countless times—no shouting “Wanwan” in public! Others would think he said “Wanwan.” Was he not concerned about appearances?

A father knows his child best.

Gu Jingxi naturally understood his son’s meaning and suddenly laughed—a “kindly” laugh. That little rascal cares about his own reputation, yet does the father not care about his?