SGEIRS -Chapter 83 Jingxi’s Anger

Meng Jinyao couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Why would you think that way?”

Chunliu’s mood was low, her tone tinged with grievance. “You’ve assigned me to Concubine Li’s side…”

“Where are your thoughts wandering?”

Meng Jinyao shook her head gently and spoke in a warm tone: “You’re so clever and competent. How could I ever bear to move you away? I just think you’re better suited for this task than others. Once you’ve taught Concubine Li the proper rules, you’ll return to Weirui Pavilion to continue your duties.”

Chunliu’s eyes brightened. “You mean… after I finish teaching Concubine Li, I can come back to serve you?”

Meng Jinyao smiled and asked in return, “What else?”

Chunliu sought confirmation again. “So as long as Concubine Li learns the rules, I can return?”

Meng Jinyao nodded gently. “Naturally.”

Hearing this affirmation, Chunliu’s face lit up with joy. She was the head maid of Weirui Pavilion and had just managed to secure her lady’s favor. Yet before she could even fully settle into her position, she was assigned to a concubine’s side. Of course she felt wronged—but now, learning it was merely a task assigned by her mistress, she finally relaxed. Her lady trusted her abilities, which was why she was chosen for this task.

After a moment, Chunliu hesitated and asked, “Mistress… do I need to pack and go to Qingyu Pavilion?”

Meng Jinyao nodded. “Yes. You must stay with her at all times, guiding her in proper etiquette and manners, starting from her daily habits. Make sure she learns quickly—so she doesn’t embarrass herself in front of others next time.”

Meng Jinyao had thought this through. If Chunliu only visited Qingyu Pavilion occasionally, the effect wouldn’t be as good as staying by Li Wan’er’s side constantly. Being nearby allowed Chunliu to observe her habits and refine her guidance.

Otherwise, if Li Wan’er failed to learn the proper etiquette of a distinguished household and made a fool of herself, it would reflect on Meng Jinyao too—after all, she had chosen the person to teach her.

Chunliu had no objections. She wanted to complete the task quickly and return to serve her mistress. By guiding Concubine Li step by step and correcting her behaviors, the results would surely be swift—unless the concubine was truly dull.

Soon after, Ningdong, who usually observed proper decorum, rushed in clattering, forgetting even to bow. “Mistress, why are you sending Chunliu to Concubine Li? She may be a flatterer, but she is careful, diligent, and meticulous!”

Meng Jinyao paused slightly, still smiling. “Weren’t you always jealous of her, saying she stole your favor? How come you’re praising her now?”

Ningdong was startled and shook her head, thinking her mistress moved Chunliu away because of her jealousy. She felt guilty and pleaded: “Mistress, I only spoke out of envy. Chunliu is actually quite capable—even I have to admit it. Having her in Weirui Pavilion helps you greatly. Please keep her here; I won’t be jealous anymore.”

A warm feeling washed over Meng Jinyao. She knew she had few capable people in the Marquis Mansion. If Chunliu were sent elsewhere, only Ningdong and Qingqiu would remain. She said gently: “Don’t worry. She’s only going to teach Concubine Li the rules. Once Concubine Li learns them, Chunliu will return.”

Ningdong was stunned again. After a long pause, she found her voice and said indignantly, “She actually dared to deceive me! She said she was sent to Concubine Li, telling me not to think too much of her. If I really miss her, I must go to Qingyu Pavilion to find her.”

Meng Jinyao chuckled. She hadn’t expected this and laughed: “I never thought she’d be so playful, teasing you like this.”

Ningdong huffed: “Mistress, she’s too much. She deceived my feelings, and I even felt guilty for a while.”

Meng Jinyao smiled. “Who made you jealous all day long?”

Ningdong blinked mischievously and quickly changed the subject, not wanting to mention the trickster Chunliu.

Study Room

Gu Xiuming followed his father into the study with a heavy heart. Seeing his father sit down and look at him expressionlessly, he tensed, barely daring to breathe.

Gu Jingxi frowned slightly. He used to think his son was acceptable—though not exceptional, he was competent enough. Now, just looking at him gave him a headache.

Father and son exchanged a silent gaze. Though only a brief moment passed, it felt like a century.

Gu Xiuming felt an invisible pressure, making him increasingly anxious. Sweat dotted his forehead, yet he dared not wipe it away. If there was anyone in the Gu family he feared most, it was certainly his father.

Gu Jingxi spoke in a low voice: “Xiuming, do you know what you did wrong?”

“I know, Father.”

His admission came quickly.

Gu Jingxi asked again, “Then tell me—what exactly did you do wrong?”

Gu Xiuming hesitated, then replied carefully: “Today, I was not thorough in my thinking and didn’t explain the rules of the Marquis Mansion to Wan’er. Today’s embarrassment brought shame to you and Mother as well.” He deeply regretted the incident, seeing Wan’er treated coldly and unfairly.

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi’s expression darkened, his gaze heavy with disappointment and anger, even his voice carrying a sharp reprimand: “If you can say something like that, it proves you still don’t understand your mistake. Otherwise, you would know exactly what you did wrong.”

Gu Xiuming froze, his face blank.

Seeing his son unaware of his fault, Gu Jingxi pinched his brow, slightly irritated, yet still patient: “Your concubine caused a scene today, but the fault isn’t hers. She doesn’t understand the rules because you failed to make proper arrangements to teach her.”

His tone grew colder: “But that’s secondary. Your real mistake is your repeated reckless behavior, which tarnishes the family’s reputation.”

Gu Xiuming was stunned and tried to argue: “Father, you personally approved taking Wan’er as a concubine.”

Gu Jingxi asked sternly: “You insisted on taking a concubine instead of a lawful wife, and I allowed it. But did I allow a concubine, unfit for public appearances, to enjoy the treatment of a legitimate wife?”

Gu Xiuming was confused, not understanding.

Seeing this, Gu Jingxi’s anger surged. “Qingyu Pavilion is traditionally the residence of the heir. Only the heir and his legitimate wife can live there. Yet you placed a concubine there. This is ‘favoring concubines over wives.’ Even if you intend to marry a legitimate wife later, once news spreads, which young lady would dare to marry you?

And your brothers—have you considered them? You, as the heir, act this way, and their reputations will be affected too.”

Gu Xiuming was speechless. “Father, I…”

Gu Jingxi’s face was cold and his gaze sharp. “Do you think you are my only son, that the inheritance must go to you, and therefore you have the right to act recklessly?”