SGEIRS -Chapter 63 Disdain for Her

Madam Zhang’s mind went completely blank upon hearing such good news. She had been prepared to accept a scolding from her mother-in-law, but who could have expected such a pleasant turn of events?

She immediately pushed her daughter’s troublesome matters to the back of her mind and nodded repeatedly, like a machine: “Mother, your daughter-in-law… your daughter-in-law agrees.” Then, hesitating slightly, she added, “It’s just… Xiuwen… can he really be noticed by the headmaster of Lingshan Academy?”

Although she believed her child to be the best—smart and clever—Lingshan Academy had a prestigious reputation and high standards. Getting in wouldn’t be easy, and she felt unsure.

Old Madam Gu replied, “Third son is friends with the headmaster of Lingshan Academy. If you agree to send Xiuwen to study there, I’ll mention it to him and have him take Xiuwen to visit the headmaster.”

Madam Zhang’s emotions swung between shock and joy. That morning her daughter had caused trouble, and that afternoon her mother-in-law was already trying to help her youngest son get into Lingshan Academy. Could it be that her mother-in-law didn’t even know about the morning incident?

Fortunately, she had punished Xuanyi severely. Even if grandmother later found out, she could report back, then bring her daughter to apologize. As long as the apology was sincere, grandmother’s anger would be easier to temper.

Seeing her so clearly overjoyed, Old Madam Gu added, “Eldest daughter-in-law, don’t be too happy too soon. This isn’t guaranteed yet. Whether he can enter the academy will still depend on the headmaster’s decision.”

Madam Zhang took a deep breath, steadying her excitement, and smiled: “Mother, your help with my son is already a blessing for Xiuwen. As for whether it succeeds, it depends on Xiuwen’s own performance. If it fails, then it would only be because Xiuwen didn’t perform well enough to catch the headmaster’s eye.”

Despite her words, Madam Zhang felt there was a ninety percent chance of success. With Third Son involved, failure seemed nearly impossible.

Old Madam Gu nodded gently: “Since you agree, it’s settled. In the meantime, make sure Xiuwen reviews his lessons. Tonight, when Third Son returns, I’ll talk with him.”

Madam Zhang’s grin stretched nearly to her ears as she nodded repeatedly: “Yes, yes! Thank you, Mother.”

Old Madam Gu cast her a glance and said coldly, “You don’t need to be so polite with me. Xiuwen is my grandson. Since the academy is recruiting, I am simply helping my grandson.”

At these words, Madam Zhang instantly felt guilty. Not long ago, she had said that her mother-in-law had no real care for them, yet now she was wholeheartedly helping her son enter Lingshan Academy. It felt like an invisible slap across her face, and her cheeks burned.

She forced a smile: “Mother is right. Xiuwen has always been filial. When he becomes successful, he will not forget how good you have been to him.”

Old Madam Gu smiled and nodded: “That boy is indeed filial.”

With the main matter settled, she did not wish to waste more words on her eldest daughter-in-law and added, “Alright, I have nothing else. You can go back and talk with Xiuwen. When Eldest Son returns, you can also speak with him.”

Madam Zhang nodded in response: “Mother, my husband returned at noon. Your daughter-in-law will speak with him immediately. Such a good opportunity for Lingshan Academy—he will definitely agree.”

Having said this, Madam Zhang bowed respectfully to her mother-in-law before leaving.

Nanny Feng observed Zhang’s bow. Her movements were precise, but she rarely acted sincerely. This time, however, it seemed genuine—she truly acknowledged Old Madam Gu as her elder, almost like a mother.

After Madam Zhang left, Feng whispered, “Madam, I thought you… ah, never mind. I was mistaken.”

Old Madam Gu asked curiously, “What did you think?”

Nanny Feng replied, “I thought you were going to replace the heir, making Fourth Young Master the new heir.” She laughed at herself for even thinking such a ridiculous notion.

Old Madam Gu paused, then laughed and said with resignation, “You’re already so old, yet your thoughts are still so wild like when you were young.”

Nanny Feng quickly said, “I still need to cultivate more, continue refining myself.”

Old Madam Gu continued slowly, “Xiuming is fine. Why would I do that? Although he made a mistake, he can still be given a chance. If he truly insisted and refused to repent, causing trouble over Miss Li, then maybe replacing the heir could be considered. But a man who can only revolve around a woman cannot be expected to sustain the family.”

She paused, sighed lightly, then continued: “Right now, Xiuyuan and the others haven’t entered official service. Without Third Son’s efforts these past years, the family would have declined long ago. Whether the family prospers depends on the capabilities of the descendants, and children need proper cultivation. Internal family strife is the beginning of a family’s decline. Xiuwen is smart. Without his mother’s doting, he might truly achieve something. I had once considered separating the mother and son, and after today’s events, I’ve made up my mind.”

Listening to these noble words, Nanny Feng’s eyes reddened. Old Madam Gu had done so much for the Gu family over the years, something only the Marquis, as a true son, could understand.

For years, Old Madam Gu had balanced the first and second branches. But the first and second wives always quarreled over trivial matters. If there were no disputes, tensions between the branches would be much less. The eldest son is simple-minded and often follows his wife’s direction. If he marries a virtuous wife, things would improve considerably.

Nanny Feng felt it was unfair to the matriarch: “Madam, you’ve dedicated yourself to the Gu family for the younger generation. This helps Fourth Young Master. Madam may be happy in her own way, but she doesn’t understand your intentions.”

Old Madam Gu remained silent for a moment, clearly disdainful of Madam Zhang’s shallow scheming: “Madam Zhang is shallow and need not understand me. Xiuwen has a good temperament. Once he studies under a reputable teacher, cultivates independent thinking, and broadens his horizons, he will naturally see through his mother’s faults. He won’t be led astray by Madam Zhang to waste his time. As long as he works hard, he will surely succeed and bring honor to the family.”

Nanny Feng was deeply impressed: “Madam, your insight is profound.”

“The family legacy built by our ancestors will be lost if the younger generation is incapable.”

Old Madam Gu’s eyes were bright and wise. Looking at the curling incense smoke, her tone grew heavy: “Our ancestors fought alongside the Taizu Emperor and were ennobled over a hundred years ago. The family has risen and fallen several times. Twenty-some years ago, it rose again. If it falls now, no one knows when it could rise again, or perhaps it may never recover. The next generation of the Gu family depends on Xiuyuan, Xiuhong, Xiuming, and Xiuwen. Looking at them now, none stands out, and my heart feels heavy.”

Feng thought of the young masters. Compared to the Marquis back then, they were far behind. If no one establishes themselves within the next ten years, the Gu family might decline again.