SGEIRS -Chapter 89 He Is the Only One

Meng Jinyao noticed her younger brother freeze for a moment. She glanced at him thoughtfully, thinking he probably hadn’t quite processed the sudden elevation in status, and spoke to ease the awkwardness: “Xiuwen, aren’t you going to Lingshan Academy in a few days?”

At the mention of this, Gu Xiuwen brightened with excitement and quickly nodded: “Yes, I’m leaving for the academy in three days.”

Meng Jinyao asked softly, “Your second uncle is going to study at Lingshan Academy too. Why don’t you go together, keep each other company?”

After speaking, she turned her gaze to her younger brother. He was very sensible, but at the academy there would be students from all over, some of high status. She worried he might be bullied. Since Xiuwen was the fourth young master of the Gu family, if the two of them could get acquainted, it would be helpful in the future to have someone to rely on.

Gu Xiuwen’s eyes lit up at this. Surprised, he looked at Meng Chengzhang: “Second uncle is going to Lingshan Academy too?” Seeing Meng Chengzhang nod, he hurriedly said, “Third Aunt, I happen to need a companion. Going with Second Uncle is perfect—someone to accompany me.”

Meng Jinyao smiled: “Alright, then you’ll go together.”

“Yes, yes. When it’s time to depart, I’ll go to Yongchang Marquis’s residence to find Second Uncle.”

Gu Xiuwen was enthusiastic by nature and also curious about this uncle who was younger than him but had been admitted to Lingshan Academy on merit. After exchanging a few polite words with Meng Jinyao, he immediately turned his attention to Meng Chengzhang.

Meng Chengzhang was reserved and not used to such immediate warmth, but being both just over ten years old and close in age, the boys soon found topics to talk about and gradually became acquainted.

By noon, Gu Xiuwen and Meng Chengzhang stayed at Weirui Pavilion with Meng Jinyao for lunch.

After lunch, Meng Chengzhang intended to return to Yongchang Marquis’s residence, but Gu Xiuwen kept him engaged in conversation, so he stayed a little longer, also to spend more time with his elder sister.

Around the fourth quarter of the Shen hour in the afternoon, Gu Jingxi returned from duty. Seeing his nephew and his young brother-in-law at Weirui Pavilion playing leaf cards with the young lady, he froze for a moment. They didn’t have enough players, so Ningdong joined in.

Ningdong was the first to notice him and immediately stood up respectfully: “My Lord.”

Gu Xiuwen and Meng Chengzhang also turned to see a man in a crimson official robe, exuding authority and dignity. Seeing Gu Jingxi, both were a little uneasy: Gu Xiuwen out of childhood reverence for his third uncle, and Meng Chengzhang because he had just arrived and had barely spoken to him, unsure how to act.

The next moment, it was Meng Chengzhang who first spoke: “Brother-in-law.”

Immediately after, Gu Xiuwen said, “Third Uncle, you’re back.”

Gu Jingxi nodded lightly: “Continue, you needn’t mind me.”

With him present, who could focus on playing cards?

Naturally, the game ended. Everyone stopped playing.

Ningdong went out to attend to chores.

Gu Xiuwen, likely a bit flustered, even spoke to Gu Jingxi about academic matters. In the end, he was seriously quizzed by his elder, often left speechless. Meng Chengzhang, however, could stammer out a few answers.

Although Meng Chengzhang was two years younger, he was more outstanding academically. Gu Xiuwen felt a bit frustrated but not jealous; instead, he was inspired to study harder, becoming even more eager in his interactions with Meng Chengzhang.

That evening, Meng Chengzhang and Gu Xiuwen stayed to have dinner together before returning.

After they left, Meng Jinyao suddenly said, “Xiuwen is quite a good kid. He’s nothing like his parents.”

“He is unlike them,” Gu Jingxi agreed, “but he resembles my father somewhat, his grandfather.” He thought of her connection to the Meng family. Yet, it was clear that she treated Meng Chengzhang differently, like a true full-blooded sibling. He asked, “You seem quite close to your younger brother?”

Meng Jinyao smiled: “Yes, he’s my only family.”

Only?

Those words made Gu Jingxi pause. With the Meng family and this young lady present, there were seven people in total, yet she called Meng Chengzhang her only family, implying that the rest of the Meng family were merely familiar strangers.

Not noticing his expression, Meng Jinyao continued: “He’s a good student, passed the Lingshan Academy assessment, and is about to enroll. Xiuwen is going to Lingshan Academy too, so they can accompany each other.”

Gu Jingxi responded with a soft “Mm.” Watching her mention her younger brother, her smile and curved eyes reflected pride and joy. It was clear she was very fond of her brother.

The next day was bright and sunny.

Yet, an unexpected visitor arrived at the Changxing Marquis Mansion.

Meng Jinyao, as usual, amused herself in her courtyard. She had little conversation with her two sisters-in-law, who were old enough to be her mother.

Gu Xuanyi and Gu Xuanling were closer in age to her.

But Gu Xuanyi, due to previous events, treated her like a mouse spotting a cat whenever she saw her.

Gu Xuanling was timid, gentle, and obedient. She answered questions carefully and was especially cautious around elders, fearing to upset them.

Because of this, Meng Jinyao had little to say to them, despite being of similar age.

Qingqiu approached her with a serious expression, bowed, and said, “Madam, the steward from Yongchang Marquis’s residence has come.”

Meng Jinyao frowned and asked, “They sent the steward to see me? What do they want?”

Qingqiu shook her head: “I don’t know, Madam. But the steward is anxious to see you, claiming it’s urgent.”

Meng Jinyao’s frown deepened. After the issue of her mother’s dowry, her relationship with Meng Dongyuan and his wife had completely broken down. Their current relationship was so tense it was like that with an enemy. Why would they come to her for anything?

Qingqiu asked, “Madam, do you want to see him? If not, I can send him away.”

“See him, of course,” Meng Jinyao said with a smile, a hint of curiosity in her voice. “I want to see what business they could possibly have.”

Qingqiu hesitated: “Madam, surely it’s nothing good. Perhaps they’ll even try to trouble you. Maybe it’s better not to see him?”

Meng Jinyao’s tone was firm: “It’s fine. They won’t dare.”

Still, Meng Jinyao didn’t go immediately. She leisurely finished a few pages of her book and sipped her flower tea. Only then did she stand gracefully and walk to the front hall to meet the steward.

The steward waited nervously. He wasn’t sure whether the eldest young lady would see him.

When he saw the familiar figure appear, it was like seeing a savior. His anxiety eased, and he forced a flattering smile as he stepped forward: “Eldest Young Lady.”

Meng Jinyao glanced at him and said calmly: “Speak. What happened at Yongchang Marquis’s residence? Tell me and make me happy.”