Chapter 187: It's really creepy

f superior to the other girls who couldn't read. If not for her father's early death, perhaps she could have passed the imperial examinations and become an official's daughter.Meng Jin Yao wasn't upse...Meng Dongyuan forced a smile and stepped forward, saying, "Ayao, my dear son-in-law, you're here!"

Meng Jin yao took two steps forward, bowed to him with respect, and said softly, "Father, why are you personally here to greet me You really have shamed your daughter."

Looking at her from afar in winter, he saw that she was willing to give him face. He felt a little relieved and smiled kindly: "We haven't seen each other for a long time, father misses you very much. When I heard that you and your husband were here, I came out to take a look."

He fell silent, but as he saw the man beside his daughter open his mouth to speak, his heart lurched. He was afraid that Gu Jingxi would say something inappropriate and put him in a difficult position.

However, he worried too much.

Gu Jingxi isn't a fool. He wouldn't, in front of all the other guests, embarrass Meng Dongyuan when he was smiling and greeting everyone. If that happened, wouldn't the other guests gossip about him Wouldn't they say he wasn't filial Not only that, but it would also ruin his reputation.

Gu Jingxi softly called out, "Father-in-law,"

His voice was flat, detached, yet it sent shivers down Meng Dongyuan's spine.

Meng Dongyuan was so startled that his ears were ringing, and he was deeply shaken. To be honest, Gu Jingxi had never called him "father-in-law" before; he always called him "Uncle Meng." Hearing this title now, instead of the joy he expected, he felt a sense of eerie unease.

He slightly raised his head, meeting those overly calm and serene eyes. An invisible pressure washed over him, making him feel uneasy. For a moment, he almost didn't dare to respond. After a long while, he finally found his voice: "Ahem, son-in-law..."

At this time, Gu Xiuming stepped forward and bowed: "Xiuming pays respects to his grandfather."

Grandfather

Meng Dongyu listened, her face slightly paling. A tumult stirred within her as she looked at the polite and courteous Gu Xiaming with surprise. She suddenly realized, thanks to her daughter, she had gained a stepson - one who was even older than her own daughter's child.

Oh no!

The man who was supposed to be his son-in-law is now his daughter's husband, and the intended son-in-law has become his grandson. Just thinking about it makes him feel uneasy. Luckily, being a father-in-law can save him some face.

"However, this cheap nephew came to celebrate his birthday with him, and he was respectful in every way. He was confused. Logically, Gu Jingxi married his daughter, so as the former fiancé of his daughter, Gu Xiuming should feel awkward, but now he willingly calls him grandfather. It seems that his eldest daughter's methods are truly extraordinary. She has even subdued her former fiancé."

Meng Dongyuan took a deep breath, his voice gentle and calm: "Xiuming, no need for formalities."

Then, Meng Dongyuan carefully greeted them with a few polite words. His relatives also exchanged greetings with Meng Jin Yao and the other three people.

Meng Jin Yao suddenly said, "Father, let's go and pay our respects to Mother first. We'll excuse ourselves."

Meng Dong yuan nodded with a smile: "Go ahead, your mother is also very worried about you. She mentioned you yesterday."

Meng Jin Yao curled the corners of her lips and smiled, "Is that so I miss mother dearly too." Seeing her father's face tighten, she deepened her smile and softened her tone, "Let's go pay our respects to mother right now."

Meng Dong watched them leave from afar, and only then did he slightly ease his breath. If there were no guests present, he could still find a way to get closer to Gu Jingxi. However, with guests around, he had to put on an airs of seniority, but he was also afraid that the three of them would cause some trouble. It was very tiring to deal with.

Despite this, Meng Dongyuan still received envious glances from everyone.

A guest said, "Brother Meng, your eldest daughter is filial, and even her son-in-law and grandson are filial."

"Yes, brother-in-law, your son-in-law is a good man, and the grandson is also good."

This time, speaking was Sun Zhiyong, the elder brother of Sun Shi and the brother-in-law of Meng Dongyuan. His parents named him hoping he would be both intelligent and courageous, but unfortunately, he was mediocre in talent. He didn't do well in his studies and only achieved the title of a "秀才" which is a low-level degree awarded for passing the imperial examinations, and has since made no further progress. Now, he hasn't even managed to secure a government position. If it weren't for some family wealth, he would be living a destitute life right now.

Meng Dongyuan calmly replied, "My son-in-law is a good man, just a little reserved in nature. But it doesn't matter, as long as he treats Aiyao well, I feel at ease. You all know what happened on Aiyao's wedding day

"

After he finished speaking, he let out a light sigh.

Upon hearing this, the guests thought of the age difference between the father-in-law and son-in-law, who were about five or six years apart. It was awkward when they interacted as father-in-law and son-in-law, but not quite like brothers either. How could Changxing Hou, a high-ranking official, be as kind and respectful as other sons-in-law Treating each other with courtesy would be the best approach.

Another guest said, “There have been rumors about the various outrageous acts of Master Gu recently. Today, seeing him with your eldest daughter, it seems like they truly embody filial piety.”

Meng Dong smiled contentedly, changing the subject with a few words so they would go into the hall and sit down to continue talking about their daughter's family, who hadn't come yet. Only then did her anxious heart gradually return to calm.

-

On the other side, Sun was also worried that Meng Jinyang would cause trouble, feeling extremely uneasy. While attending to guests, she waited for their arrival and pondered counter-strategies, hoping they wouldn't do anything to disgrace the family.

A maidservant came in to report, "Madam, the eldest daughter and her companions have arrived."

Sun quickly said, "Go quickly and invite

In a short while, Meng Jinyao and her family of three entered the flower hall. All eyes turned to them, their gazes filled with curiosity.

"Ai Yao, you're here! Mother thought you were too busy to come."

Just like Meng Dongyuan, Sun Shi was afraid they wouldn't say something pleasing to them. They took the initiative and spoke first, trying to get ahead of them. They even smiled politely and looked at them with a pleasant expression. If they didn't give them face, then it would be their fault.

Meng Jinyo naturally wouldn't make a scene with her, to embarrass her, that would have to wait until later. So she responded softly: "It's my father's birthday, as a junior, how could I not come to celebrate with him My husband even took special leave today, and even Xiu Ming asked for leave from the academy to celebrate his grandfather's birthday."

Sun shi was stunned, only then realizing that today wasn't a holiday. Her gaze fell on Gu Xiu Ming, and for a moment she didn't know how to address him. He should have been her son-in-law, but because he had run away from his wedding, he had become her grandson.

Gu Xiuming seemed to see her embarrassment, and bowed: "Xiuming greets his grandmother."

At this, Mrs. Sun was startled again, feeling as if thunder were rolling in the sky. The Young Master of Changxing Marquis actually called her 'grandmother'

Soon, Mrs. Sun recovered her composure and smoothly replied, "Aiya, Xiu Ming is so thoughtful! Study comes first. Today is just your great-grandfather's birthday. It's really not necessary to take a leave of absence."

However, Gu Xiuming didn't think much of it and said: "My birthday is also a birthday. As a junior, it is only right to celebrate the birthdays of elders."

Sun smiled and said, "You're such a filial child."

Gu Xiuming looked at Meng Jin yao beside him and directly attributed the credit to her: "It's all thanks to my mother's teachings."

Sun Shi, upon hearing this, her face paled slightly. She was astonished and her gaze flitted between Meng Jin Yao and Gu Xiu Ming. Seeing the smiles on their faces, it seemed as if their relationship was quite amicable.

She furrowed her brows imperceptibly. Lately, she had been thoroughly worn down by the ghost haunting their house and had no energy to pay attention to anything else. During this time, who would have thought that Meng Jin Yao and Gu Xiu Ming would actually get along well, having a day of filial piety and motherly love.

This is really freaky!oked at him with deep scrutiny.Three weeks ago, the incident at Changxing Hou's mansion became a hot topic in the capital city. The news spread like wildfire on the day after the imperial decree was i...