Chapter 75: Crimson Peach Out of the Wall

d Sister-in-law are doing a good job managing things. Why don't you let them continue I can learn from them every day. When I have learned enough, it's not too late for me to take over the management....Ching Yu Xuan.

Having set the date to welcome his beloved into his household, Gu Xiuming was almost overwhelmed with joy. However, the thought that his beloved could only be a concubine filled him with self-reproach. If it weren't for him eloping with Wan’er and ruining his reputation, Wan’er could have been his legitimate wife.

To compensate his beloved, Gu Xiuming personally ordered the maid to carefully decorate the courtyard in a style that Li Wan'er would like, and also ordered the maid to buy some items for girls.

The maidservant in Qingyuxuan saw how much he valued this Li Yi, even though she was a concubine, he treated her as if she were his wife. In her heart, she weighed how to serve Li Yi after she entered the mansion.

The prince is truly attentive to Li shi.

"She is very much cared for, but the young master hasn't married a wife yet. We have to wait until he marries a legitimate wife, then even Li's mistress will be surpassed by the wife of the young master."

"I wouldn't say that for sure. Since the Young Master allowed his concubine to enter first, it proves that in his heart, even his wife doesn't compare to her. After all, this woman is someone who made the Young Master disregard his family's reputation and run away with her, a truly extraordinary person."

As soon as these words were spoken, several maids who had been whispering amongst themselves fell silent. Nobody knew which noble young lady was so unfortunate, that even after marrying the son of a Duke, she would still be overshadowed by concubines.

Some people are just born lucky. The soon-to-be Lady Li is just an orphan, yet she has received the fullhearted love of the young master. If she had given birth to a legitimate elder son before the presence of the Madam, her position in the young master's heart would be unassailable.

Gu Xiuming just came out of the house, striding toward the courtyard outside, and didn't hear the maidservant's whispers just now.

Crossing the artificial mountain, over the bridge.

Gu Xiuming immediately saw a familiar figure, it was the second son of the elder house, his cousin Gu Xiwen who was one year younger than him. At this moment, he was walking towards his right. He paused for a moment, seeming thoughtful.

To his right was the way to Weiruixuan. He felt puzzled and quickly stepped forward to stop Gu Xiwen, greeting his cousin: "Fourth Brother,"

Gu Xiuwen had been in a hurry just now and hadn't noticed him. Only now did he see his figure, so he stopped quickly and greeted him with a smile: "Third Brother, are you also going to Third Aunt's place"

Also

What does it mean to also

What was he going to do with that poisonous woman, Meng Jingyao, who had a tongue as sweet as honey but a sword hidden in her belly

Well, that venomous woman is now his nominal mother, so it's normal for him to go pay her respects. But why would his cousin be there

Gu Xiuming frowned slightly and asked the question that had been bothering him: "Third brother, what did you go to her for"

Gu Xiwen answered truthfully: "Yesterday, my third aunt was looking for a book and couldn't find it after searching for a long time. I happened to see it in the library today, so I sent it to her."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiuming glanced at his cousin with a strange expression. He had heard all about it. Back when he ran away from his arranged marriage, he was supposed to choose between his second and fourth older brothers to marry Meng Jinyao. But Meng Jinyao, shamelessly, chose his father instead and insisted on marrying him, no matter what.

Even that poisonous woman possesses some beauty, and now the fourth brother is showing her kindness. Could it be...

It's no wonder he thinks so much, his father has a hidden ailment. The poisonous woman married in just to live as a widow. His fourth younger brother is also naive and at the age where he's most easily swayed by beautiful girls.

One is an unfaithful heart seeking outside solace, the other a naive soul succumbing to temptation. It's not unusual for such encounters to lead to an illicit affair.

He said meaningfully, "The fourth brother really cares for her."

However, Gu Xiuwen didn't catch his cousin's implication. He scratched his head and smiled, "My father and mother told me to be filial to my uncle and aunt. Actually, I would do that even without them saying so. After all, my uncle helped me a big favor, and what I'm doing now is just a small thing."

Gu Xiuming, upon hearing this, remembered that his cousin was about to go to Ling Shan Academy to study. Of the four brothers, only his cousin had received such treatment. Even as the prince, he had never been personally visited by his father to request a spot from the headmaster of Ling Shan Academy.

He wasn't really his biological son, and his father didn't treat him well. Compared to him, his fourth younger brother, who was his father's nephew by blood and had a closer relationship with their father, was much more favored.

A pang of sadness struck him, but he still managed to smile and said to his cousin, "Fourth brother, congratulations on going to Ling Shan Academy. "

Gu Xiwen responded smoothly, "Congratulations to the third brother for finding a beautiful wife."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Gu Xiwen remembered what his father and mother had said. It was outrageous for his third brother to take a concubine before getting married. His congratulations seemed a bit off, so he quickly steered the conversation back: "Actually, I'm able to go to Ling Shan Academy, all thanks to my third uncle

"

He wouldn't have said it if he hadn't, but once he did, Gu Xiuming's face froze slightly, making him feel like he was showing off.

Before Gu Xiuming could reply, Gu Xiwen's gaze fell on a young woman not far away. His eyes lit up and he called out loudly, "Third Aunt!"

Meng Jin Yao had already seen the two brothers, and upon hearing the sound, she nodded slightly towards Gu Xiu Wen.

As Meng Jinyao approached, Gu Xiwen bowed to her and said, "Xiwen pays respects to Third Aunt.

Gu Xiuming also had no choice but to follow suit and bow, calling out: "Mother"

Meng Jin Yao hadn't missed the flash of disgust on her stepson's face. She loved that her eldest stepson hated her, yet had to endure the humiliation of bowing and greeting her. Her lips curled up, a gentle smile played upon them, and she asked softly, "What are you two brothers doing here"

“I didn’t do anything. I just met with my third brother a moment ago and we chatted for a bit. Gu Xiuwen said, then handed her the book with a blue cover in his hand, and continued, “Third Aunt, the book you wanted before, I saw it in the library, so I brought it to you.”

Meng Jinyao was slightly taken aback, then immediately took the book and said softly, "Xiuwen is really thoughtful. Elders just mentioned it and you remembered it. Your sister-in-law is truly blessed to have such a filial child."

Gu Xiwen was praised a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushed, and replied: "Third brother is also very filial, and the third aunt and uncle are also fortunate."

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao's gaze fell on Gu Xiuming, her smile deepening: "Yes, Xiuming is also a filial son. Your third uncle and I are both blessed."

She deliberately emphasized the pronunciation of the word "son," and sure enough, she saw Gu Xiuming's face stiffen visibly. He glared at her fiercely, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

She thought, this person is probably really a bit of a scoundrel. Seeing others unhappy just makes her happy.

After some pleasantries, Gu Xiuwen had other matters to attend to and left first. Meng Jinyao was left with her maid, Ningdong, and Gu Xiuming.

Seeing Gu Xiwen walk for a while, Gu Ximing's face darkened, his eyes filled with disgust as he glared at Meng Jin Yao, saying sarcastically, "Fourth brother is indeed very filial to mother. But please, mother, always remember your own status. The path you chose is your own, so be sure not to do anything that would shame father and the family."d obediently nodded. "Good, I'll listen to my husband,"Okay, time for bed.Gu Jingxi kissed Meng Jinyao's forehead, tucked the blanket in tight to prevent cold wind from seeping in. In truth, he wasn'...