Chapter 207 A Love That Was Shameless

After dinner, Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi chatted with Old Madam Gu for a while before leaving.

Of course, it was mostly the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talking; Gu Jingxi was basically just an extra, occasionally chiming in with a few words.

After they left, Madam Gu remarked to her trusted nanny, Granny Feng, "It's rare that Yao Ling even knows to buy snacks for A Yao. At first, I thought he was a blockhead."

Granny Feng smiled and said, "Madam, it's normal that the Marquis didn't understand these things before because he didn't interact with young ladies. Now that he has a wife, he will naturally learn them gradually."

Madam Gu nodded: "That's true."

Suddenly, Granny Feng remembered something from before and said, "Old Madam, do you remember? The Marquis came to you before, asking you for that set of jewelry to give to Madam. At that time, the Marquis probably already had a clue."

Upon hearing this, Madam Gu was taken aback, but then a relieved smile appeared on her face.

Granny Feng gently comforted her, "Madam, the Marquis and his wife have only been married for a few months, and they've already gotten along so well. In another year or two, their feelings will deepen, and they'll definitely be even more loving. Don't worry."

Madam Gu nodded gently. Her two greatest regrets were that her talented son had developed a hidden illness and that he had not yet married. She knew that girls of equal social standing would not marry into the family and live a life of widowhood, and those from lower social classes were only after the Gu family's power. She could accept that, but her son did not want to delay the marriage of any girl.

Back when her son was jilted because of a hidden illness, her two aunts openly and secretly mocked her, saying that she had been married for ten years and finally had a son who was excellent, but by his teens he had become a useless piece of trash and would die without descendants.

She was so angry that she couldn't sleep. Later, the imperial physician treated Yaoling for a long time, but there was still no improvement. After despairing, she calmed down. Since her son couldn't have an heir on his own, it would be fine to adopt a child. Yaoling agreed to this.

As for whose family she should be adopted into, she considered it for a long time.

The eldest son has two sons, and they would be happy to adopt the children, but she knows perfectly well what their intentions are, so she doesn't want to adopt either of them.

Although the second son's aunt was not good, the second son's family was relatively well-behaved. However, the second son's family only had one son, so it was impossible for him to be adopted by her son.

Therefore, she chose from the collateral branches of the clan, and seeing that Xiu Ming looked somewhat like her son, she chose Xiu Ming.

Xiu Ming's father and Yao Ling were cousins. Xiu Ming's grandfather and their old lord were also cousins, but Xiu Ming's great-grandfather and their old lord's father were brothers.

Now her two biggest regrets have been fulfilled: Yaoling has gotten married, and her son has an heir. As for her two concubines, they have both passed away. Without them stirring up trouble, the family is much more peaceful now.

No, actually it's not perfect. Xiu Ming only takes concubines and doesn't marry. He'll be ridiculed for this for the rest of his life. Which noble family scion would dare to do such a thing?

Madam Gu sighed softly, "Xiu Ming seems much more obedient and mature now, but it's not a good thing that he hasn't married yet."

Granny Feng advised, "Madam, your children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Don't worry too much. Just let nature take its course."

Madam Gu nodded: "Very well, since even my father didn't get involved in this matter, it wouldn't make any difference for me, as his grandmother, to interfere, as I'm a generation removed."

-

When Gu Jingxi and his wife returned to Weirui Pavilion, they passed through the back garden.

Meng Jinyao suddenly stopped and looked at the two figures walking side by side not far ahead.

Those were her rebellious son, Gu Xiuming, and Li Wan'er. Their fingers were intertwined, and Li Wan'er seemed to be saying something. Gu Xiuming lowered his head slightly and turned towards Li Wan'er, listening attentively. Then, Gu Xiuming said something that made Li Wan'er giggle.

Gu Jingxi followed her gaze, glanced at the backs of the two people, then turned to look at the little girl beside him and asked gently, "What's wrong?"

Meng Jinyao smiled and said, "Our son, putting everything else aside, is indeed a devoted man."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi said indifferently, "Immoral devotion is nothing to praise."

Meng Jinyao was slightly taken aback, recalling Gu Xiuming's elopement, and then nodded in agreement. It was indeed an immoral act of devotion. If he could break off the engagement and then pursue love, then she would respect Gu Xiuming as a man. But pursuing love while hurting others was scum.

Gu Jingxi said, "Let's go."

Meng Jinyao responded and continued walking forward.

Gu Jingxi walked slowly, matching her pace, side by side with her.

The two people in front of her stopped for some reason, but Meng Jinyao didn't stop either. If she ran into them, she could just say hello. She didn't need to hide from her rebellious son. But the next moment, she saw her rebellious son reach out and hug Li Wan'er, and then lower his head to kiss Li Wan'er's lips.

Meng Jinyao's eyes widened suddenly. How could she possibly be allowed to see something like this?

Gu Jingxi noticed the little girl staring intently at the couple embracing, her eyes filled with shock and curiosity, as if she were watching a good show. He frowned almost imperceptibly and reached out to block the little girl's view.

Meng Jinyao turned her head, blinked, and looked at him blankly.

Gu Jingxi said calmly, "This is not something a young girl should see. Don't let it offend her eyes."

Meng Jinyao pursed her lips and said "Oh" with great regret. She had never seen what it was like to kiss someone on the lips. Before she got married, she had seen a picture book. It was given to her by Madam Sun, who told her to study it carefully and serve her husband well on her wedding night. She shouldn't be ignorant and upset her husband, or her in-laws would blame her family for not teaching her anything.

A short while later, the two separated, and Li Wan'er was the first to spot the couple. She whispered to Gu Xiuming, "Brother Xiuming, the Marquis and his wife are here, right behind us."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiuming realized that his reckless behavior had been witnessed by his elders, and his heart tightened. He quickly turned around and saw his father and Meng Jinyao. He hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, saying, "Father, Mother."

Li Wan'er followed in his footsteps and, upon reaching Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi, curtsied and said, "This concubine greets the Marquis and the Madam."

Gu Jingxi said in a stern voice, "Xiuming, you're not a child anymore. You should understand that you need to be careful about your words and actions when you're out in public. Otherwise, what kind of impression will it make if others see you like this?"

Upon hearing this, Li Wan'er's face turned pale, and she lowered her head in shame. Soon, her eyes welled up with tears, and she bit her lower lip lightly, feeling extremely embarrassed. Although these words were criticizing Gu Xiuming, they also implied that she was behaving frivolously and that she did not know the appropriate occasion.

Gu Xiuming's expression stiffened for a moment, then he replied, "Father is right, I will definitely pay attention next time."

Gu Jingxi stared at him intently for a couple of breaths, wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't, and simply turned and left.

Seeing this, Meng Jinyao quickly followed.