fire and water. If things had gotten worse, her maternal grandmother would definitely have said something sarcastic about her mother's failure to educate her well, and in the end, her mother would hav...Meng Jinyáo noticed her younger brother’s stunned expression and tilted her head, thoughtfully. She figured he must have been suddenly promoted but hadn't reacted yet, so she broke the awkward silence: "Xiùwen, aren't you going to Lingshan Academy in a few days"

When it comes to this, Gu Xiuwen was a little excited and nodded hurriedly: "Yes, I'll go to the academy in three days."

Meng Jinyao softly asked, "Your second uncle is also going to Ling Shan Academy to study. Why don't you two go together as companions"

She finished speaking and turned her eyes to her younger brother beside her. Her brother was a very well-behaved child, but with students from all over the country in the academy, there were those of noble status as well. She was afraid that her brother would be bullied, for Xiuwen was the fourth young master of the Gu family. If the two of them could become acquainted, perhaps they would have someone to look out for each other in the future.

Gu Xiwen's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he looked at Meng Chengzhang in surprise: "Uncle Second is also going to Ling Shan Academy" Seeing Meng Chengzhang nod, he hurriedly said, "Third Aunt, I just need a companion. Going with Uncle Second is perfect."

Meng Jinyu smiled and said, "Okay, you guys go together then."

"Well, alright, when it's time to leave, I'll go to Erjiu's place at Yongchang Bo's mansion."

Gu Xiwen responded with a smile. He was an enthusiastic person and was interested in his second uncle, who was younger than him and had entered Ling Shan Academy with his own strength. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Meng Jin Yao, he started talking to Meng Chengzhang.

Meng Chengzhang was introverted and not used to strangers being so enthusiastic. But they were all teenagers, around the same age, and it wasn't difficult to find common ground. As they chatted, they quickly became acquainted.

At noon, Gu Xiuwen and Meng Chengzhang stayed at Weiruixuan with Meng Jinyao for lunch.

After lunch, Meng Chengzhang originally wanted to return to Yongchang Bo's Mansion, but Gu Xiuwen insisted on talking with him, so he stayed and had more time with his elder sister.

Around four o'clock in the afternoon, Gu Jingxi returned from his duties and saw his nephew and younger cousin at Weiruixuan, playing mahjong with a young girl. Since they were short on players, Ningdong joined them to make up the number. He was taken aback.

Nig Dong was the first to notice something amiss inside the house. He abruptly stood up and respectfully called out, "My Lord,"

Gu Xiwen and Meng Chengzhang also turned their heads, and a man in fiery red official robes appeared in their sight. He was imposing. When they saw Gu Jingxi, both of them felt a little awkward. The former was because he had always respected his third uncle since childhood, while the latter was because of his sudden visit. He hadn't even spoken to the other party more than a few words, so he didn't know what to do.

The next moment, it was Meng Chengzhang who spoke first, calling out, "Brother-in-law,"

Then, Gu Xiwen's voice also rang out: "Third Uncle, you're back."

Gu Jingxi nodded lightly: "You continue, don't mind me."

With him present, who could remain focused on the game

So the game ended, and everyone stopped playing.

Nig Dong went out to do something.

Gu Xiwen must have been momentarily confused, actually talking to Gu Jingxi about academics. In the end, he was seriously questioned by his elders and often found himself speechless. On the other hand, Meng Chengzhang managed to stammer out a few answers.

Although Meng Chengzhang was two years younger than Mingming, he was more outstanding. He was more learned, and Gu Xiuwen felt a little downcast, but not jealous. Instead, he was once again inspired to study hard. He became even more enthusiastic towards Meng Chengzhang.

In the evening, Meng Chengzhang and Gu Xiwen stayed behind to have dinner together before going back.

After they left, Meng Jin Yao casually said, "Xiu Wen is a good kid. He's nothing like his parents."

"It's not like that. There are a few points where she resembles my father. His grandfather, Gu Jingxi, nodded thoughtfully, considering her relationship with the Meng family. But she is clearly different from Meng Chengzhang, more like siblings who share the same mother. He then asked, "Your relationship with your second brother seems good"

Meng Jin Yao curved her lips and smiled: "Yes, he is my only relative."

Unique

These two words left Gu Jingxi stunned. Now, the Meng family, including this little girl, totaled seven people. But the little girl said that Meng Chengzhang was her only relative, which meant that the rest of the Meng family were nothing more than familiar strangers.

Meng Jin Yao didn't see his expression and said to herself, "He studies well, passed the assessment of Ling Shan Academy, and is about to enroll. It just so happens that Xiu Wen is also going to Ling Shan Academy, so they can keep each other company."

Gu Jingxi softly hummed in response. Seeing her mention her brother, a smile played on her lips, her eyes curved with joy. She seemed proud of him, radiating pride for her younger sibling. It was evident that she loved him very much.

-

The next day, the weather was fine.

However, an unexpected guest arrived at Changxing Hou's Mansion.

Meng Jingyao, as always, entertained herself in her own courtyard. She had no choice; her two sisters-in-law were old enough to be her mothers, so there was simply nothing to talk about.

As for Gu Xuanyi and Gu Xuiling, they were about the same age as her.

But Gu Xuyan, because of last time's incident, saw her and ran away like a mouse seeing a cat.

Gu Xuanying was a timid girl, gentle and obedient. She answered whatever questions she was asked. Moreover, since Meng Jiny Yao was an elder, Gu Xuanying was even more well-behaved in front of her, afraid of making the elder unhappy.

Therefore, despite being around the same age as them, Meng Jiny Yao had little to talk about with the two.

Qing Qiu walked towards her with a grave expression. She bowed respectfully and then said, "Madam, the steward from Yongchang Marquis's Mansion has arrived."

Meng Jinyáo, upon hearing this, furrowed her brows and questioned, "They sent their steward to find me What could they possibly want"

"Qīng qiū shook her head: "I don't know, but the steward is in a hurry to see you, saying there is an urgent matter."

Meng Jin Yao's brows furrowed even tighter. Regarding her mother's dowry, she and Meng Dongyuan and his wife had torn each other apart. Their relationship was now so stiff, it was no different from that of enemies. What could the Meng family possibly want from her

Qing Qiu asked, "Madam, do you want to see him If not, I'll send him away."

"Look, where did they go" Meng Jin Yao curled her lips into a smile, with a hint of amusement in her voice. "I want to see what they can possibly do."

Qing Qiu thought for a moment, hesitatingly said: "Madam, they definitely don't have any good intentions. They might even blame you later. Why don't we just not meet them"

Meng Jin Yao said in a firm tone: "It's nothing, they dare not

However, Meng Jinyao did not go to see him immediately. She leisurely finished reading these few pages of book and had a cup of flower tea before gracefully standing up and slowly walking to the living room in the front courtyard to see the butler.

The steward anxiously awaited the young lady's arrival, unsure if she would even see him. He couldn't guarantee anything.

When he saw the familiar figure appear, the butler felt as if he had seen a savior. His hanging heart finally settled down, and he raised a fawning smile and greeted her: "Miss."

Meng Jinyao glanced at him, her voice soft as she said, "Go on, what's happened at Yongchangbo's mansion Tell me something to cheer me up."more common among ordinary people, but this is only true for those who can't afford concubines. Most men with some wealth will still want to take concubines. Even if they don't, they'll likely freque...