SGEIRS -Chapter 85 Determined to Succeed

Li Wan’er, however, felt as if struck by a bolt from the blue. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stammered, “Brother Xiuming, didn’t you say… even though I’m a concubine, I’m your only woman, the only wife in your heart? Are you going back on your word? Are you going to marry another girl?”

Gu Xiuming hurriedly shook his head and reassured her again, “Wan’er, I will not marry anyone else. It’s just that, since you are a concubine, you cannot live in the main quarters according to the rules.” Then he added for clarification, “The elders’ orders cannot be defied. Wan’er, you’ve always been understanding; you’ll understand, won’t you?”

Li Wan’er’s face turned pale. Her frail body swayed as if about to collapse, and she sank into Gu Xiuming’s arms. She realized that this was not his intention—it was the elders of the Gu family who looked down on her. She nodded lightly, and tears trickled down her cheeks.

For the first time, she truly understood that being a concubine in a wealthy family was no easy matter. When the neighbors learned she was about to become the concubine of the heir of Changxing Marquis, they said she was fortunate, finally emerging from hardship, destined for a life of silk and jade, enjoying endless wealth and honor, becoming a person above others.

Now that she had actually become a concubine, she realized that even if Brother Xiuming did not take a wife, her life would not be easy. In front of the Gu family, she was always inferior, and anyone could trample on her dignity.

Gu Xiuming held her tighter, his heart aching as he saw the injustice his beloved girl endured. At this moment, he also understood deeply that as long as he had not become the heir of Changxing Marquis, the title might not even fall to him, and the girl he loved would continue to suffer.

No matter what, he would secure the position of heir and inherit the title of Changxing Marquis in the future—he was determined to succeed.

His gaze was firm and deep as he gently patted Li Wan’er’s back and comforted her softly: “Wan’er, while I’m at the academy, stay here in Qingyuxuan. Don’t go out carelessly; that way, no one can trouble you.”

Li Wan’er nodded lightly. Even without Brother Xiuming saying it, she would not leave the courtyard carelessly; otherwise, encountering other members of the Gu family would certainly result in humiliation.

Before long, a maid came in to report: “Young Master, Madam has sent a maid over, saying she is to teach Concubine Li the rules.”

Gu Xiuming frowned. He felt that Meng Jinyao was humiliating Wan’er by casually sending a maid, without even sending a senior housekeeper. There were capable maids in Qingyuxuan, but he could not vent his anger at this moment. He could only restrain himself and say, “Go, bring her in.”

The maid retreated upon receiving the order.

Soon, Chunliu entered the room, neither servile nor arrogant, and respectfully bowed to Gu Xiuming: “Your servant greets the Young Master and Concubine Li.”

Gu Xiuming was momentarily surprised—he recognized Chunliu. She was the senior maid from his father’s residence, well-regarded in the Marquis household. Even he gave her some measure of respect. A faint smile appeared on his face as he said warmly, “Miss Chunliu, please take care of Wan’er. I hope you’ll look after her well.”

Chunliu smiled faintly in reply: “Young Master, it’s nothing. It’s my duty.”

Seeing that Chunliu had brought a bundle, he guessed she intended to stay in Qingyuxuan. He quickly instructed the maid to arrange her quarters, according to the rank of a first-class maid.

After Chunliu left, Li Wan’er was surprised at how well he treated her. She asked, “Brother Xiuming, Chunliu is just a maid, yet you treat her far better than the maids in this courtyard.”

Gu Xiuming reminded her, “She is the senior maid from my father’s residence. Even I must show her some respect when I meet her. You must learn from her and not be negligent in the slightest.”

Hearing this, Li Wan’er immediately became nervous. If she did not learn properly, the elders would be even more dissatisfied with her. This time, she resolved to behave impeccably.

Weirui Pavilion

Meng Jinyao heard footsteps and looked up to see a tall figure entering. The man, usually hard to read, now wore a cold, lingering expression—clearly still angry with Gu Xiuming.

It was understandable; any father would be upset with a son like Gu Xiuming.

Gu Jingxi entered the room, and the subtle fragrance of tea wafted through the air. Looking up, he saw the young girl sitting leisurely at the tea table, enjoying her tea in utter comfort.

Their eyes met. Meng Jinyao picked up a clean empty teacup, poured tea, and gently said, “Husband, why not have some tea to calm your anger?”

“I shall not refuse such courtesy,” he replied.

Gu Jingxi moved to sit across from her, lifted the cup, and inhaled the fragrance. The tea was fresh and mellow, aromatic, and upon tasting, it was sweet, refreshing, and smooth.

Meng Jinyao asked, “How is it?”

Gu Jingxi nodded approvingly: “Good tea. I did not know my wife is skilled in brewing tea.”

Meng Jinyao raised her brows and smiled lightly: “There are many things you don’t know.”

The young girl lifted her chin slightly, her little expression showing a hint of pride—vivid and lively, matching her actual age.

Gu Jingxi smiled: “It seems I don’t know my wife well enough.”

Meng Jinyao set down her cup, resting her chin on her hand, and asked with interest: “Husband, I see you’re in a bad mood. Did our eldest son upset you?”

Gu Jingxi asked in return: “Wife, are you asking knowingly?”

She was not surprised and replied warmly: “Don’t worry. Xiuming is still young. Educate him gradually; why be angry at a child?”

Gu Jingxi glanced at her: “Gu Xiuming is two months older than you.”

“So what if he’s two months older? He is still my son,” Meng Jinyao said with a smile, then asked, “How did you call him to the study and educate him?”

“Not much education. But for a long while, he dared not make a fool of himself,” Gu Jingxi said, gently swirling the tea, staring at the pale green liquid, his expression shadowed.

Meng Jinyao was slightly taken aback, thinking that Gu Jingxi must have said something to shock Gu Xiuming. Seeing Gu Jingxi so disappointed, if he had another child, the heir position might not be Gu Xiuming’s.

After a moment, Gu Jingxi asked: “Wife, Mother asked you to send someone to teach Concubine Li etiquette. Have you chosen someone?”

Meng Jinyao replied: “I have already sent Chunliu. She will return once Concubine Li has learned the rules.”

Gu Jingxi nodded slightly: “That’s good.”

At that moment, Xiazhu came in to report: “Marquis, Zhou Yun has arrived. He says he has something urgent to report.”

Zhou Yun was Gu Jingxi’s chief attendant. If he came to Weirui Pavilion, it must be urgent. Gu Jingxi stood and said to Meng Jinyao: “Wife, I won’t be back for lunch. You may take it easy at noon.”

Meng Jinyao was understanding: “Go on, Husband. Attend to your matters.”

Gu Jingxi left in a hurry. Before long, it was lunchtime. Meng Jinyao had her meal alone, rested for a while, and then went out to meet a friend’s invitation.