SGEIRS -Chapter 8 Harboring Hidden Thoughts

When these words were spoken, Old Madam Gu shot her a displeased glance, clearly unhappy that she had brought up the very topic that shouldn’t be mentioned.

Meng Jinyao also knew that she was deliberately stirring trouble and hinting that Gu Jingxi was “incapable.” She replied gently, “Thank you for your concern, Sister-in-law. Everything was fine for me last night.”

She paused, then put on the expression of a tender, motherly woman and continued: “Xiuming is indeed rather immature, but this isn’t entirely his fault. He lost his mother at a young age and had no one to properly teach him. My husband has been busy with official duties and lacked time to discipline him, and Mother is already advanced in age and doesn’t have the energy for it. Now that I’ve married into the family, he finally has a mother. In the future, I will strictly guide and educate him.”

When she finished speaking, Gu Jingxi raised his eyebrows. Her tone was clearly gentle, yet somehow he heard a hint of gritted teeth beneath it.

Madam Zhang felt a lump in her chest. Seeing Meng Jinyao’s mild expression and gentle smile, and how well she carried herself with the dignity of an elder, she immediately realized that Meng Jinyao was no simple character. She was someone who knew how to endure, adapt, and bide her time—definitely not easy to deal with.

The new “mother” of the heir had a grudge against him—this would be quite a spectacle. If Meng Jinyao were ruthless enough, even the position of heir might change hands.

After all, an adopted child from a collateral branch could never compare to one of the main family. After this incident, her mother-in-law and third brother-in-law should understand that. Perhaps her own son might have a chance—after all, Xiuyuan was the eldest grandson of the marquis’ household.

Thinking this, she followed along with Meng Jinyao’s words and said, “Third Sister-in-law is right. With a mother to teach him in the future, Xiuming’s temperament will surely improve.”

After speaking, she sneered inwardly. Meng Jinyao was actually two months younger than Gu Xiuming—how could he possibly obey her? She couldn’t wait to see the scene of “mother and son” clashing.

Meng Jinyao pursed her lips in a faint smile, lowered her head, and sipped her tea without responding.

Old Madam Gu had once placed great hopes on this grandson, but now she was deeply disappointed in him. Back then, she had thought Gu Xiuming was intelligent and sensible, and that he somewhat resembled her son. Because of that, she had abandoned the younger children and arranged for Gu Xiuming—who was only thirteen years younger than her son—to be adopted into the main line.

Now it seemed she had made a mistake. But regret was useless at this point. All she could do was educate him properly. If he still refused to reform, then she would simply change the heir of the Changxing Marquis’ household.

After a moment, Second Madam Chen changed the topic.

“Third Sister-in-law, I’ve heard that your tea-whisking skills are excellent.”

Meng Jinyao replied softly, “I only know a little. Second Sister-in-law’s tea-making skills are the ones everyone praises. I’ll definitely ask you for guidance another day.”

Madam Chen said, “I wouldn’t dare claim that. Third Sister-in-law is being too modest.”

The family sat chatting and laughing. After more than half an hour, Old Madam Gu began to show signs of fatigue, and only then did everyone take their leave.

However, she kept Gu Jingxi behind alone, saying she had something to instruct him about. Meng Jinyao then returned to Weirui Pavilion with her personal maid.

Gu Jingxi asked, “May I know what Mother wishes to tell me?”

Old Madam Gu carefully examined her twenty-nine-year-old son. Her eyes grew moist again, and she said with a choked voice,

“I thought I’d never live to see you get married in this lifetime. I never expected Heaven to show me mercy and let me witness it before I die.”

Gu Jingxi replied apologetically, “Your son is unfilial and has caused Mother to worry.”

Old Madam Gu shot him a glare and said earnestly, “Since you know you’re unfilial, you’d better treat my daughter-in-law well from now on. Your wife hasn’t had it easy. She married you under such circumstances. If you don’t protect her, the gossip alone will drown her.”

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi thought of Meng Jinyao’s calm and composed manner whenever something happened. He shook his head and smiled.

“I think Mother is worrying too much. With her personality, does she really need me to protect her?”