SGEIRS -Chapter 80 Making a Fool of Oneself

Shou’an Hall.

Today was a day off, and it also happened to be the day to pay respects to Old Madam Gu. The first, second, and third branches of the family all arrived at Shou’an Hall around the same time.

Old Madam Gu was having her morning meal at the moment. The younger generation, wanting to show filial piety, had planned to serve her breakfast themselves, but she didn’t want any of that fuss. She felt that having them around just made noise and disturbed her meal, so she sent them to wait in the hall.

Having such an easygoing mother-in-law was a blessing for a daughter-in-law. In some families, even with a room full of maids attending her, the old matriarch would still require the daughter-in-law to come every day to help her get up and eat, setting strict rules and making things very unpleasant.

But in their family, if one tried to show filial piety and perhaps curry favor, she would just say, “You married in as a wife, not as a maid. You don’t need to do this.”

You might think the old lady would be lonely, so visiting every day to pay respects and keep her company would be appreciated. But she disliked it, bluntly saying, “If you come every morning, I can’t even get a proper sleep. From now on, just visit on the first and fifteenth of the month.”

Even Madam Zhang and Madam Chen, who had always thought the old lady favored her own sons, recognized that in this aspect, she was exceptionally kind.

After a while, Old Madam Gu finished her meal and went to the hall, where the younger generation greeted her respectfully.

Once everyone had sat down, members of the first and second branches looked at Gu Jingxi and his wife. Today, it was only the two of them; Gu Xiuming had been released from house arrest, but there was no sign of him.

Old Madam Gu noticed that her most beloved grandson wasn’t present and felt a touch of disappointment. Yet, thinking of all the absurd things Xiuming had done recently, she was somewhat numb.

At that moment, a young maid entered and reported, “Grandmother, the heir has arrived.”

Though disappointed in her grandson, she had loved him for many years. Not seeing him for over a month, she still missed him. She spoke gently, “Quick, bring the heir in.”

Moments later, everyone saw Gu Xiuming approaching with a spring in his step, accompanied by a shy, timid young lady.

Everyone was momentarily stunned.

Li Wan’er had been carried into the residence in a small sedan chair just two days ago. Yesterday, she had spent the entire day outside the residence with Gu Xiuming but had yet to appear before the family. Seeing her in person today, everyone instinctively sized her up, curious to see what kind of girl could provoke Xiuming into such a scandal as attempting to elope.

She wore a light blue cloud-patterned gauze dress. Her features were delicate and elegant—a quiet, gentle beauty that was a completely different type from Meng Jinyao’s striking and dazzling appearance. Now, timidly walking beside Gu Xiuming with her head slightly bowed, unwilling to meet anyone’s gaze, her impact on everyone’s impression was diminished.

No one understood why Gu Xiuming, the heir of a marquis’ household, would choose such a petty, unremarkable girl. When Meng Jinyao had come to pay tea on the second day of her marriage, she had faced immense pressure but remained composed and poised, handling everyone with ease.

Gu Xiuming had clearly chosen a worthless imitation while discarding a pearl.

Then everyone realized another problem: Li Wan’er was a concubine. What was a concubine doing coming to join this gathering?

Old Madam Gu had once allowed concubines to pay respects, but after an incident where one of Gu Jingsheng’s concubines created a scene out of jealousy, causing embarrassment and displeasing Old Madam Gu, the family silently agreed that concubines should no longer come to Shou’an Hall. After all, concubines were not legitimate wives, and it wasn’t a problem if they weren’t favored by elders.

Since then, Gu Jingsheng and Gu Jingsong had never permitted concubines to visit Shou’an Hall, and even the eldest grandson, Gu Xiuyuan, had a concubine, who had been a maid promoted after the legitimate wife, Jiang, entered. She had never appeared before Old Madam Gu.

Now, Gu Xiuming had brought a concubine who couldn’t even stand on equal footing with others. Perhaps he was either overly bold or assumed that being the heir and his grandmother’s favorite grandson would make him an exception.

Gu Xiuming noticed the subtle tension but kept his eyes forward, respectfully greeting Old Madam Gu: “Your grandson greets you, Grandmother. I hope you are well.”

Li Wan’er, feeling the many eyes on her, was at a loss. Seeing Gu Xiuming bow, she quickly followed suit: “Your granddaughter-in-law greets you, Grandmother. I hope you are well.”

Her words made the atmosphere even more awkward. A concubine calling herself a granddaughter-in-law? Only a legitimate wife could hold that title properly. Thankfully, no guests were present; otherwise, it would have been humiliating and the cause for laughter.

Old Madam Gu frowned slightly but gave her grandson face, not scolding her in front of the family. She ignored Li Wan’er and softly said to Xiuming, “So you’ve come, Xiuming. Don’t just stand there—sit and talk.”

Gu Xiuming intended to introduce the girl he loved, but seeing his grandmother’s attitude, he dared not go against her. He moved to sit at the position to the right of Meng Jinyao.

Li Wan’er, sensing the elder’s intentional disregard, turned pale. Her eyes misted over as she timidly followed Xiuming and sat in the position to his right.

Had she not sat, it would have been better. But now, all eyes were on her again, the curious and scrutinizing gazes making her feel like she was on pins and needles.

Aside from looking for entertainment, the first and second branches were confused. Even as the daughter of a fallen noble family, Meng Jinyao had the poise of a proper lady. Why would Gu Xiuming choose this unrefined girl over her?

A concubine dared to sit on equal footing? When Old Madam Gu had previously allowed concubines to pay respects, they would stand beside the legitimate wife afterward. Sitting down was unthinkable. Being allowed to pay respects was already a favor.

Old Madam Gu, seeing this, didn’t look pleased, but still gave her grandson face. She didn’t want to make a scene and decided to speak with him later.

Seeing the matriarch’s displeasure, Madam Zhang, knowing that her mother-in-law disliked Li Yiniang, didn’t hold back. Her tone was gentle, but her words carried a subtle sarcasm: “So this is Concubine Li? She is really quite pretty, truly charming. No wonder Xiuming dotes on her so much. She’s just a bit unrestrained.”

Li Wan’er’s face turned pale. She knew this was no compliment—it was a mockery, implying she had beguiled Xiuming with her looks. As for being “unrestrained,” she didn’t understand—she had only just entered the hall and done nothing yet. How was she unrestrained?

Gu Xiuming’s expression changed. Seeing the girl he loved on the verge of tears, looking helplessly at him, he felt heartbroken. He was about to speak in her defense when a sudden “thump” made his heart skip a beat.

It was the sound of a teacup being slammed onto the tea table, with extra force—an unmistakable sign of displeasure from the person placing it.

Following the sound, he saw his father’s face stern as frost. His heart tightened, and the words he had been about to speak caught in his throat. He dared not make a sound, quietly holding Li Wan’er’s hand, silently comforting her.