Chapter 167: Inferior to Xiu Hong

at Meng Jinyao, who seemed completely unfazed, and said, "Madam is kind.Meng Jin Yao replied, "Li's mistress has never paid respects to heaven or her parents. She is not my legitimate daughter-in-law,...Peace & Tranquility Pavilion.

The juniors went to Shou'an Hall to pay respects to Madam Gu.

Seeing that Gu Xiuming, who had fallen out of favor with Madam Gu, was now back in her good graces and had been restored to his former position, people's thoughts were mixed.

Of all the people disappointed, Zhang was the most disheartened. She had originally thought that her nephew helping her youngest son get into Ling Shan Academy to study was a sign of his favoritism towards her son. However, due to disappointment in Gu Xiuming's willful behavior, she considered passing her youngest son to the third branch.

Unexpectedly, after just a short while, Gu Xiuming suddenly felt remorse and became studious and diligent. He regained his favor and treated his nephew like a son with paternal love. Now, it seems that her son has little chance of becoming the heir apparent to the third house.

As for Chen, this was a good thing. As long as Zhang's son didn't have a chance to show off in front of her, she was happy. After all, whoever became the Crown Prince had nothing to do with their second branch, and it would never be their family's Xiuhong's turn anyway.

Chen's calm gaze fell on Zhang, catching the unwillingness in her eyes. The corner of her mouth twitched upwards slightly, then she turned to look at Meng Jin Yao, seeing a polite smile on her face, not showing any abnormality. She was somewhat curious, could the smart Gu Xiuming stand up to Meng Jin Yao

Mrs. Gu suddenly asked her three grandsons, "This year's autumn examinations, have any of you three brothers thought about taking the exam"

All three brothers were qualified to participate in the autumn imperial examinations due to their scholarly achievements. However, several grandsons were too young. Xiu Yuan from the eldest house was 18, Xiu Hong from the second house was 17, and Xiu Ming from the third house was 16. Grand Madam Gu did not harbor high expectations. She saw their participation as an opportunity to gain experience. If they were successful in passing the exam, it would be a pleasant surprise and bring honor to the family.

Gu Xiuhong answered first, “Grandmother, I’m going to give it a try.

Seeing that his second younger brother had participated, Gu Xiuyuan, as the eldest brother, definitely couldn't be a turtle. Furthermore, he was 18 this year and was about to become a father. If he didn't participate this year, next time would be three years later. By then, he would be 21 years old. He quickly said, "Grandmother, your grandson also has this intention. Although I'm not very confident, I also want to gain some experience.

Gu Xiuyuan and Gu Xiuhong were brothers, and Gu Xiuming, as the younger brother, wouldn't be ashamed even if he didn't participate. But seeing that both his older brothers were participating, he was taken aback. When Gu Xiuyuan finished speaking, he couldn't fall behind either, and followed up, "Grandmother, your grandson is also planning to give it a try. It's just to gain some experience."

Seeing that all three brothers had come, Madam Gu was a little surprised. Her tone was kind as she said, "Since you all have this idea, then give it a try. But you are still young, and there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Don't put too much pressure on yourselves. Just treat it like a normal test at the academy."

The three brothers chorused in unison, "Yes, Grandmother."

All three of their brothers are going to take part in this year's autumn examination. The three mothers all have different thoughts on the matter.

Zhang's psychological pressure was enormous, even greater than Gu Xiuyuan's. She didn't get along with Chen Shi, and if Chen Shi's son was on the list while her son failed the exam, wouldn't she be ridiculed by Chen Shi

This time, Madam Chen wasn't thinking too much. She just hoped that if her son passed the imperial examination, he would be willing to get married. Then she could find a good girl for her son. They would get married next year, and have their first grandchild the year after. She could then enjoy her retirement years with her grandson.

Meng Jinyu was also a little curious about the results. Gu Jingxi had profound knowledge, and Gu Xiuming had always been praised before. Recently, he had been so eager to learn, often asking Gu Jingxi for advice. With Gu Jingxi's guidance, who knows if he could make the list

After leaving Shou'an Hall, Zhang shi, who had always been indulgent and permissive towards her son, adopted an unusually strict demeanor, urging her son to study diligently and aim for a high ranking on the imperial examinations.

However, without needing Zhang's urging, Gu Xiuyuan had already made up his mind to study hard before the exam. Otherwise, if his two younger brothers passed the exam as successful scholars while he failed, where would he put his face as an elder brother After casually responding to his mother for a few sentences, he returned to his study to devote himself to studying.

Gu Xiuming was not to be outdone. He quickly returned to Qingyuxuan to read, hoping that this year's Qiuwei Examination would grant him a place on the list of successful candidates. If he passed, his father and grandmother would regard him even more highly, ensuring his position as crown prince would be secure.

Gu Xiuhong watched the two of them hurry away, lost in thought, and then returned to his own courtyard.

San Fang each returned to their own courtyard. Meng Jin Yao watched them, each with different thoughts, and gave Gu Xiu Ming a faint glance as he left, thoughtful.

Gu Jingxi walked beside her, seeing her furrowed brow in thought, he softly asked, "What is Madam thinking about"

Meng Jinyao's eyes lit up, and she smiled in response: "I was thinking about which of the three brothers would be chosen, and who had a higher chance of being chosen."

Then Gu Jingxi asked, "Which one do you think has a higher chance of passing the imperial examination"

Meng Jin Yao stopped her steps, tilted her head to look at him, and smiled mischievously, "Husband, do you want to hear the truth or a lie"

Gu Jingxi raised an eyebrow: "Of course I want to hear the truth."

"I think Xiu Hong from Er Sao's family has the highest chance," Meng Jin Yao answered without hesitation, her tone was firm, she seemed very confident about Gu Xiu Hong."

Gu Jingxi looked at her in surprise and then asked, "How do you know"

Meng Jinyao slowly said, “I don't know much about Xiuhong. According to my second sister-in-law, Xiuhong often forgets to sleep and eat because of studying. So studious and hardworking, he must surely pass the imperial examination.”

As for Gu Xiumin, with Gu Jingxi's guidance, he is likely capable. However, she dislikes Gu Xiumin and holds a prejudice against him, tilting the scale in her heart towards Gu Xiuhong.

Of course, she didn't say that.

And Gu Jingxi, upon hearing her words, softly hummed in response.

Meng Jin Yao lifted her eyes and glanced at him, curiously asking, “Husband, what do you think Of their three brothers, which one has a higher chance of passing the imperial examination”

Gu Jingxi replied softly, "I also think Xiuhong has the highest chance. Xiuhong's studies are the best among their four brothers. He has always studied diligently and this time there is a hope of passing the imperial examination."

Meng Jiny Yao was surprised. She didn't expect him to give Gu Xiuhong such a high evaluation. Suddenly, she was curious about how Gu Xuming was in his eyes and asked curiously: "What about our eldest brother"

Gu Jingxi replied: "Not as good as Xiu Hong."

Meng Jin Yao was stunned, thinking he said that because Gu Xiuming had done so many unpleasant things, he was disappointed in Gu Xiuming. After all, he used to have expectations for Gu Xiuming. And she herself had heard more than once that Gu Xiuming was knowledgeable, so she asked again: "What about before" She finished speaking and added, "I mean, before he eloped."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi's face paled, understanding the little girl's meaning. He still said: "I am not as capable as Xiu Hong

"

Meng Jinyu was taken aback and asked in surprise, "I've always heard that Changxing Hou's son's scholarship is the best, but I haven't heard much about the other three. Could it be that Gu Xiuming isn't the most knowledgeable"

Gu Jingxi glanced at her meaningfully, and replied in a flat tone: "That's because his father is me."o felt that her elders were deliberately ignoring her. Her face paled, and a veil of mist clouded her eyes. She timidly followed Gu Xiuming behind, sitting in the seat below him.She wasn't doing well...