Chapter 113: Xiu Ming Awakens

urprised. She didn't expect that this lychee was still what the princess had gone to the palace to ask the emperor for because of Ayao. She couldn't help but sigh: "The princess is really good to Ayao...Gu Xiuming had only heard half of it, feeling a sense of unease, a scratching and itching in his heart. He frowned and asked, "Because what Wan'er just say it, is there anything between us that we can't talk about"

Li Wan'er hesitated for a moment, secretly glanced at his face, then closed the study door, walked to his side, and stammered: "Because you were punished by the Marquis several times, which made the Marquis unhappy, they, they all think that you are no longer favored by the Marquis, that's why..."

She fell silent, and the tears she had just stopped crying began to flow again. She sobbed softly, filled with remorse: "Brother Xiuming, it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be punished by the Marquis."

As soon as these words were spoken, Gu Xiaming was startled. He suddenly remembered what his father had told him before.

Don't you think that because you are the only son, and the heir to the title, you feel entitled to act with impunity

Even if you are the only son of your father, the heir to the Marquisate is not necessarily you. The Gu family has more than just you as a child. Since you are unable to shoulder the responsibility, then let someone capable take your place.

At that time, he pleaded bitterly with his father for another chance to reform. His father neither refused nor agreed. At that time, he probably intended to agree, so he didn't immediately refuse him.

Now, he has been punished by his father once again for fighting with Gu Xiwen and Meng Chengzhang. Does this mean that he has exhausted this opportunity

But this time, the father merely confined him to his quarters for a month and ordered him to copy the Analects of Filial Piety fifty times. He did not report to the emperor and have his title of crown prince revoked, replacing him with another. This proves that his father has not given up on him yet.

But, his sons couldn't get their father's help to enter Ling Shan Academy. His nephew, the fourth brother, got his father's help, and this was decided when he was confined to the ancestral hall. Doesn't that mean that the fourth brother will be a candidate for the position of Crown Prince

If he cannot satisfy his father, would his father then make the fourth brother the crown prince Or perhaps directly adopt the fourth brother as his own son, making him his youngest son. That way, establishing the fourth brother as the crown prince would be even more legitimate.

Thinking about this, Gu Xiuming's back was already covered in a thin layer of cold sweat. He felt a chill run down his spine, and a sense of unprecedented crisis swept over him.

When he arrived at the Changxing Houfu, his mother told him that he was adopted to be the heir apparent, so that he could inherit the title of marquis in the future. He had worked so hard for so many years; how could he let all his efforts go to waste

Li Wan'er saw that he remained silent, her face changing several times. She couldn't guess what he was thinking and felt very uneasy, fearing that he would blame everything on her and then ignore her. At that time, in this vast Changxing Hou Mansion, no one would protect her anymore.

Li Wan'er's tears fell even harder, choking out, " Xiu Ming gege, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. If I had known that being with me would cause so much trouble and get you punished, I definitely would have refused you

"

Gu Xiuming came back to his senses and looked at the girl who was crying with tears streaming down her face. He reached out and pulled her onto his lap, softly comforting her: "Wan'er, this is not your fault. Don't worry, this is my last time being punished."

Li Wan'er was taken aback and stared at him blankly.

Gu Xiuming raised his hand to wipe away her tears, his movements were gentle. When his fingers touched the slap mark on her face, he moved even lighter, afraid of hurting her. Then he said: "Wan'er, I will make those who have bullied you pay double in the future. You are the precious one in my heart, I can't bear to bully you even a little bit, let alone them."

His voice was soft, but his face was dark and sullen, which was unsettling. Li Wan'er felt a little scared and snuggled into his arms, softly saying, "Brother Xiuming, let bygones be bygones. The past is in the past. Let's just live well from now on."

Gu Xiuming gently stroked her back: "Wan'er, we will be alright."

Li Wan'er nodded lightly, then suddenly remembered something. She raised her head to look at Gu Shuming and said softly, "Shuming gege, I think I've almost learned the rules. Why don't we let Chunliu go back to Weiruixuan"

Gu Xiuming frowned: "Was she bullying you"

“That’s not the case,” Li Wan'er shook her head, murmuring, “But I also feel uncomfortable. She looks down on me as a concubine, and I know it. She was originally the head maid in Lord Hou’s courtyard and had quite a bit of face in the mansion. Now she stays by my side to teach me etiquette, which is truly a hardship for her.”

Gu Xiuming was slightly taken aback and felt a little displeased with Chunliu as well. But after all, Chunliu was a senior maidservant in his father's courtyard, someone he couldn't just dismiss. So he said, "Since Wan'er feels uncomfortable, then I'll tell her later that you've already learned the rules and she can return to Weiruixuan."

Li Wan'er heard this and her eyes lit up with a smile. She threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek, saying in a sweet voice, "Brother Xiuming, you're so good."

Gu Xiuming was very pleased. Looking at her blooming smile, the gloom in his heart dissipated. He held her head and leaned down to kiss her.

-

Grand Pavilion of the Luxuriant Ferns.

Meng Jin Yao, with nothing to do, suddenly became interested in the things in Gu Jing Xi's storeroom. She took the book and key that Gu Jing Xi had given her earlier, opened the storeroom to have a look at what was inside, and by the way, see if there was anything suitable for a birthday gift. In a few months, it would be Mrs. Song's birthday.

Mrs. Song, the elderly matriarch, was the mother of Master Song, the headmaster of the Imperial College. She was also the grandmother of Song Xining, her close friend's granddaughter, and she had always been kind to her.

The warehouse was filled with treasures, antiques, and calligraphy works, a dazzling array for the eyes.

Thinking of Mrs. Song's fondness for collecting delicate and interesting ornaments, and her love for jade, I finally chose a jade-carved child celebrating longevity ornament. It depicts a child holding a peach of longevity to present to an elderly person. The carving is exquisite, lifelike, with a cute and lively child and a kind and benevolent old man. I believe Mrs. Song will love it.

Suddenly, Meng Jinyang saw a dusty wooden box in an inconspicuous corner. It was covered with a thick layer of dust, seemingly forgotten there. She ordered, "Qingqiu, go and see what's inside the box. There's so much dust; first, take a damp cloth and wipe away the dust, otherwise, it will fly everywhere."

In the crisp autumn air, Qing Qiu responded promptly and emerged from the warehouse. After a short while, she brought back a basin of clear water and a cloth. She wiped away the dust on the surface with the damp cloth. Once it was clean, they discovered a rosewood box. Qing Qiu reached out, lifted the box, and walked towards Meng Jin Yao.

Meng Jinyao ordered: "Open the box, let me see what's inside."

In the autumnal air, Qing Qiu opened the box. A headdress crafted from mutton fat jade appeared before her eyes. The headdress, shaped like plum blossoms, exuded an elegant and graceful charm. Its jade was smooth, warm, and translucently white, meticulously crafted to the point of perfection, captivating Qing Qiu’s heart with its beauty.

Qing Qiu glanced at it and exclaimed, “Madam, this headdress is truly beautiful. It's a shame to have such a beautiful piece hidden away in the corner covered in dust.”

Meng Jin Yao nodded. "It's a pity, but I seem to remember that the book doesn't record a complete set of mutton fat jade headdresses. How did this thing come about"

Qingqiu replied, "Everything in the storehouse is recorded in a ledger. Perhaps you have the wrong memory. Please check the ledger again".""Is that so" Old Madam Gu seemed a little unconvinced, then smiled. "If you have something to say, just speak up. I was afraid this tight-lipped fellow didn't understand how to get along with young...