SGEIRS -Chapter 88 Calling Him “Uncle”

The next day.

Meng Jinyao was tending to her potted plants. Since marrying into the Changxing Marquisate, she didn’t have to manage the household affairs herself, so her days were quite leisurely. Aside from taking care of the estate and shops left by her mother, she also managed Gu Jingxi’s private properties.

When idle, she would read books or tend to flowers and plants to pass the time, or go out to browse the jewelry shop, cosmetics shop, or clothing shop. Sometimes she would select interesting banquets to attend from the invitations sent by others.

At that moment, Xiazhu came up to her, bowed respectfully, and said, “Madam, Second Young Master Meng is here.”

Second Young Master is here?

Meng Jinyao paused mid-motion, surprised. Since she married into the Changxing Marquisate, her second brother had never come to see her. If he came this time, it must be for something important. She quickly instructed, “Go bring him to Weirui Pavilion.” Then she told Qingqiu to prepare tea.

Before long, Meng Chengzhang arrived.

The thirteen-year-old boy had delicate features, fair skin, and red lips with white teeth. Gentle and refined, he carried an aura of scholarly elegance in every gesture. Having experienced setbacks from a young age, he was much more composed than other boys his age.

Compared to Meng Chengxing, the legitimate heir, this illegitimate brother was actually more like the heir apparent—more talented, steady, and courteous. That was why Madam Sun constantly disliked him and secretly suppressed him—afraid his brilliance would overshadow her own son, Meng Chengxing.

Seeing her, Meng Chengzhang smiled warmly. “Elder sister.”

Meng Jinyao returned his greeting gently, “Second brother, sit down first, let’s talk.” Once he was seated, she asked, “Second brother, did you come to see me today about something important?”

Meng Chengzhang nodded lightly. “Yes, I have something to tell you. Don’t worry, elder sister, this is good news. I passed the entrance evaluation for Lingshan Academy. In a few days, I will enroll there. I wanted to tell you personally.”

Meng Jinyao’s face lit up immediately, her smile radiant. “That’s wonderful! You must study hard and strive for achievements in the future.”

Meng Chengzhang nodded again. “I will, elder sister. Don’t worry.”

After a few moments of casual conversation, Meng Chengzhang suddenly asked, “Elder sister, how does elder brother-in-law treat you?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “He treats me very well. My mother-in-law is kind too. No one in the Marquisate bullies me—not even Gu Xiuming could.”

Meng Chengzhang regarded her quietly, slightly skeptical, observing her carefully. Seeing that she looked healthier and more spirited than before her marriage, he judged that she must be living comfortably. Perhaps the Gu family felt guilty about the incident caused by Gu Xiuming.

But, how long would that guilt last?

He needed to rise quickly in status so he could support his elder sister and prevent the Gu family from taking her lightly.

Seeing him silent, Meng Jinyao thought he didn’t believe her, so she added, “I really have nothing to worry about. Life in the Gu household is much better than in the Meng household. Even my husband respects me. Since marrying him, I haven’t suffered any grievance.”

Meng Chengzhang pressed his lips and smiled. “That’s good. If anything happens, elder sister, just send someone to Lingshan Academy to find me.”

“I will.”

Meng Jinyao smiled again and remembered the silver notes she had prepared earlier. She quickly took ten notes of one hundred taels each from her sleeve and handed them to him gently. “Second brother, take this money. If you need anything, buy it. Don’t ever shortchange yourself.”

Meng Chengzhang had never seen such a large sum of money before.

Seeing about ten one-hundred-tael notes, he was shocked. Regaining his composure, he hurriedly said, “Elder sister, I cannot accept this. I have enough food and clothing already.”

Meng Jinyao glanced at him and spoke earnestly: “Madam Sun keeps back the monthly allowance. At home, you may not worry about food or clothing, and stationery is provided, so you save some expenses. But at the academy, do you think she will prepare everything for you? You’ll have to manage everything yourself. Occasionally there will be social obligations with classmates. Madam Sun might give you money, but it will never be enough. Even if you get hungry and want extra meals, it will be tight. Do you want to copy books in the study to earn silver? I’m not trying to discourage you, but I want you to focus on your studies and not worry about other things—so you can make something of yourself in the future.”

Meng Chengzhang paused, but remained resolute. “Elder sister, I appreciate your kindness, but I really cannot accept it. I’m not a girl, but I understand the hardships of girls. Even though you married into the Gu family and are already their daughter-in-law, if the Gu family knew you used your husband’s money to support your natal family, they would certainly have something to say.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Jinyao felt her eyes grow moist. Without further explanation, she pressed the silver notes into his hands and said gently, “Second brother, don’t worry. This isn’t the Gu family’s money—it’s mine. Didn’t I recently reclaim my mother’s dowry? Now I have a comfortable amount on hand. Take it without hesitation.”

Seeing that he still hesitated, she continued, “Second brother, what I give you, don’t refuse me. I only want you to study hard and succeed. If you fail to achieve anything, unless everyone passes away, you will never escape their control. Even when you marry, Madam Sun will try to interfere, and you won’t be able to resist for her sake. But if you succeed, you can support me too, right?”

After her heartfelt words, Meng Chengzhang fell silent. He knew all too well what kind of person his stepmother was. His father and grandmother didn’t value him either, because he was illegitimate. Unless he succeeded and showed them tangible benefits, he could only be bullied without any way to resist.

Meng Chengzhang no longer refused. “Thank you, elder sister.”

Meng Jinyao smiled again. “That’s right. Don’t shortchange yourself. Eat well, wear well, use the best. I may not have much talent, but I can still support my little brother.”

Meng Chengzhang was deeply touched, his eyes reddening.

The siblings chatted a little more. Meng Jinyao asked him to stay for lunch, and he gladly agreed. Then he asked, “Elder sister, is Old Madam at home? I should first pay my respects.”

As a junior visiting, even though he came to see his elder sister, it was proper to greet Grandmother, or it would seem impolite and also embarrass his sister.

Meng Jinyao nodded. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

The siblings went to Shou’an Hall, greeted Old Madam Gu, and chatted with her for a while before leaving.

On their way back to Weirui Pavilion, they ran into Gu Xiuwen.

Gu Xiuwen bowed to Meng Jinyao, then looked at Meng Chengzhang. Though he wasn’t familiar with him, he recognized him, so out of respect for hierarchy he said, “Xiuwen greets Second Uncle.”

Although Meng Chengxing wasn’t his proper uncle, the third aunt married the third uncle—who was the mother of his third brother, Gu Xiuming—so his third brother had to call Meng Chengzhang “Second Uncle,” and he followed suit.

Unexpectedly, Meng Chengzhang froze at the address. The fourth young master of the Gu family was older than him, and yet he had called him “uncle”?