Chapter 207: A Profoundly Depraved Affection
, they always felt it was different. She, their junior, had now become their equal, even surpassing them in status.Zhang's eyes flickered, and she said in a gentle tone: "Third younger sister, how was...After dinner, Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi accompanied Madam Gu for a while before leaving.
Of course, it was mainly the two of them, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, talking. Gu Jingxi was mostly just there for background, occasionally chiming in with a word or two.
After they left, Old Madam Gu sighed to her confidante, Feng Mama, "Yao Ling actually bought snacks for Ah Yao. What a surprise! At first, I thought he was as stubborn as an old tree."
Grandmother Feng smiled and said, “Old Madam, the Marquis didn’t associate with young ladies before, so it’s normal that he wouldn’t understand these things. Now that he has a wife, he will naturally learn slowly.”
Lady Gu nodded her head: "That's true as well."
Elder Feng suddenly remembered something that happened before and said, "Old Madam, do you remember Earlier, the Marquis came to find you and asked for that set of headwear to be given to his wife. At that time, the Marquis had probably already realized something."
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Gu was taken aback for a moment before breaking into a relieved smile.
"Grandma Feng said in a gentle voice, comforting the old lady: 'Lady, the Marquis and his wife have only been married for a few months, and they are already so well-matched. In another year or two, their feelings will deepen, and they will definitely be even more loving. Please rest assured.'"
Old Madam Gu nodded lightly. Her two biggest regrets in life were first, that her exceptionally talented son had fallen ill, and second, that her son hadn't married yet. A woman from a suitable family would certainly not marry into the household to become a widow, and those from lower ranks were all motivated by the power of the Gu family. She could accept it, but her son didn't want to hold anyone back.
Back then, after her son was disengaged due to a hidden ailment, the two stepmothers in the family openly and secretly mocked her. They said that after ten years of marriage, she had finally given birth to a son who was outstanding but, by his teens, he had become useless and would lead to their lineage's extinction.
She was so angry that she couldn't sleep at first, but after the imperial physician treated Yao Ling for a long time, there was still no improvement. After despairing, her attitude calmed down. Since her son couldn't have his own descendants on his own, it would be fine to adopt another child. Yao Ling also agreed to this.
As for who she would be adopted by, she pondered it for a long time.
The two sons of the old family were more than happy to take in the children, but she knew their true intentions, so she didn't want any of them to be adopted.
Although Lao Er's sister-in-law is not capable, Lao Er's family is relatively obedient. The only problem is that Lao Er's family only has one son, so it's impossible for him to be adopted by her son.
Seeing that Xiu Ming resembled her son, she chose him from among the collateral relatives.
Xiu Ming's father and Yao Ling are cousins, Xiu Ming's paternal grandfather and their family's old marquis are also cousins, but Xiu Ming's grandfather and the old marquis's father were brothers.
Now that both of her two biggest regrets have come to fruition, Yao Ling is married, and his son has an heir. As for the two concubines, they have both passed away. Without them stirring up trouble, the family has become much more peaceful.
No, it's not really a happy ending either. Because Xiu Ming only took a concubine and didn't marry a wife, he would be ridiculed for the rest of his life. Which son of a prominent family would dare to do such a thing
Old Madam Gu sighed softly: "Although Xiu Ming seems much more obedient and steady now, it's still not a good thing that he doesn't marry a wife.
"
"Grandma Feng advised, 'Mother, grandchildren have their own blessings. You shouldn't worry too much, just let things take their course.'"
Grandmother Gu nodded. "Alright, since your father hasn't bothered with this matter, what use would it be for me, as grandmother, to intervene I am a generation removed after all."
When Gu Jingxi and his wife returned to Wei Ruixuan, they passed through the back garden.
Meng Jin yao suddenly stopped her steps, looking at the two figures walking side by side in front of her.
That was her rebellious son Gu Xiuming and Li Wan'er. The two held hands, and Li Wan'er seemed to be saying something. Gu Xiuming slightly lowered his head and leaned towards Li Wan'er, listening intently. Afterward, Gu Xiuming said something, causing Li Wan'er to laugh out loud.
Gu Jingxi followed her gaze, glanced at the backs of the two people, then looked back at the little girl beside him, and asked softly, "What's wrong"
Meng Jinyao smiled and said, "Our son, setting aside other matters, is indeed a devoted man."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi said faintly: "There is nothing to praise about immoral devotion."
Meng Jin Yao was slightly stunned, remembering Gu Xiu Ming's elopement. After that, she nodded in agreement, indeed, it was immoral to be so devoted. If he could break off the engagement and then pursue love, she would respect him as a man. To pursue love based on hurting others, that was scum.
Gu Jingxi said: "Let's go."
Meng Jinyao responded and continued walking forward.
And Gu Jingxi's steps were slow, keeping pace with hers as he walked beside her.
The two people in front stopped for some reason, but Meng Jin Yao didn't stop her steps. It was fine if they bumped into each other; she just needed to say hello. She didn't need to avoid the rebellious son anymore. But the next moment, she saw the rebellious son reach out and hug Li Wan'er, then lean down and kiss her on the lips.
Meng Jinyao's eyes widened suddenly. Was she supposed to see this kind of thing
Gu Jingxi noticed the little girl staring intently at the two people embracing each other. There was surprise and curiosity in her eyes, as if she were watching a good show. He frowned imperceptibly, reaching out to block the girl's view.
Meng Jinyao turned her head and blinked, looking at him with a confused expression.
Gu Jingxi said lightly, "This is not something a young girl should be looking at, don't pollute your eyes."
Meng Jiny Yao pouted and sighed regretfully, "Oh." She had never seen a real kiss with her own eyes. Before she got married, she had seen pictures in a book given to her by the Sun family. They told her to study them well so she could properly serve her husband on their wedding night. She mustn't be ignorant and displease her husband, or else her family would be blamed for not teaching her.
Not long after, the two parted ways. It was still Li Wan'er who first spotted their spouses. She whispered to Gu Xiuming: "Xiuming gege, the Marquis and his wife are here, right behind us."
Gu Xiuming, hearing this, thought of his earlier unrestrained behavior being witnessed by the elders. His heart tightened, and he hurriedly turned to look. Sure enough, he saw his father and Meng Jin Yao. He hurried forward: "Father, Mother"
Li Wan'er also followed his steps, reaching Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi. She bowed respectfully: "I pay my respects to the Marquis and Madam."
Gu Jingxi sternly admonished, "Xiu Ming, you're not a child anymore. You should understand the importance of being mindful of your words and actions outside. Otherwise, what will people think"
As soon as these words were spoken, Li Wan'er's face turned pale. She blushed and lowered her head in shame. Soon, her eyes became moist, biting her lower lip lightly, she was extremely embarrassed. Although this remark was a criticism of Gu Xiuming, it also implied that her behavior was frivolous and inappropriate for the occasion.
Gu Xiuming's face stiffened for a moment before he replied, "Father is right, son will definitely be more careful next time."
Gu Jingxi gave him a long, hard look for two breaths. There were words he wanted to say, but in the end, he kept them to himself and simply turned and walked away.
Upon seeing this, Meng Jin Yao also hurriedly stepped forward to follow.ly asked Madam Meng for her opinion: "Mother, today is Ayao's return visit. What preparations do you think we need to make"Upon hearing this, the three generations of the Meng family each had differen...