anger at his adopted son's irresponsibility. "We met because he saved my life," he said. "Li girl lost her parents early and lived with her grandfather. Now her grandfather is gone, and she's all alon...It was very quiet during dinner.

Gu Jingxi always ate in silence, quietly having his meal without saying a word.

And Meng Jiny Yao and Gu Xiuming had nothing much to say, let alone speak. If Gu Xiuming wasn't there, she would still have a few words with Gu Jingxi when she was in the mood.

They had a quiet meal as a family of three. The scene was harmonious, and at first glance, it looked like they were having a good time.

Hold on.

Suddenly, Gu Jingxi, who had been silent the whole time, spoke up. Gu Xuming, who was about to pick up some vegetables, froze and looked at him in confusion. Meng Jin Yao also seemed puzzled and subconsciously stopped eating.

Gu Xiuming asked, "Father, what's wrong"

"This is your mother's favorite."

Gu Jingxi said softly, then took the chicken wing that Gu Xiuming had originally wanted to grab and put it into Meng Jinyao's bowl.

He remembered the whole chicken, and the little girl's favorite part was the wings. There was once when he ate one, the little girl gave him resentful looks repeatedly. Only then did he realize that he probably ate what the little girl loved, which made her unhappy. After that, whenever he saw chicken wings, he wisely didn't eat them anymore.

Gu Xiumin watched him move with ease and grace, his expression calm and composed, as if it were all perfectly natural. He was dumbfounded. His father had never treated anyone this well before. Not even his grandmother, he guessed, had ever been treated with such care.

Meng Jin Yao looked at the chicken wings in the bowl, slightly stunned. What was going on

Seeing her freeze and not move, Gu Jingxi asked softly, "What's wrong Don't you like it"

Meng Jinyao shook her head hurriedly: "No, I still like it, and I don't think it will change in the future.

Gu Jingxi: "Well, let's eat then."

Meng Jinyao responded with a sound and didn't say much to him. She picked up the piece of chicken wing and put it in her mouth. Of course, she didn't stuff her whole mouth, her eating manner was still very elegant and refined.

Seeing her eat with relish, Gu Jingxi chuckled and continued eating.

Gu Xiuming remained calm, taking everything in. A flicker of darkness crossed his eyes. He knew his father favored Meng Jin Yao; after all, they were an older man and a younger wife, and besides, Meng Jin Yao was beautiful. It was normal for his father to like her. But seeing them interact firsthand, he realized that his father favored her more than he'd imagined. They seemed like a loving and happy couple.

After dinner, Gu Xiuming left Wei Rui Xuan and returned to his own courtyard.

Meng Jin Yao watched his figure disappear from sight, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Her voice was calm but carried a hint of meaning: "Husband, our son has made great strides recently. If he continues to be so diligent and studious, he is sure to pass the imperial examinations with flying colors."

Gu Jingxi's expression faltered, his eyes narrowed slightly as he said in a soft voice: "If your mind wasn't so cluttered and you only focused on studying, perhaps passing the imperial examinations would be possible."

Upon hearing this, Meng Jinyao turned her head to look at the man beside her, hinting subtly without saying a word.

Her words just now held a probing meaning. These days, Gu Xiuming had come to ask her for advice, and as long as Gu Jingxi was free, she would patiently teach him. She thought Gu Jingxi completely trusted Gu Xiuming, but her reply just now clearly showed that she didn't trust much in Gu Xiuming's change.

However, it's normal to not have much trust. After all, who is Gu Jingxi He's the Minister of Dali Temple. What kind of cunning criminals hasn't he encountered Gu Xiuming's schemes certainly won't escape Gu Jingxi's notice, so there's no need for her to gossip about him excessively in front of him.

"Thinking of this, Meng Jinyao's smile deepened. She said softly, "My husband has a vast knowledge and with your personal guidance, it won't be long before you top the imperial examinations." She sighed lightly, "There is indeed a difference between fathers and fathers. My husband is a responsible father, unlike my own. He hasn't really taught my two younger brothers much about their studies.

Gu Jingxi looked at her, his gaze profound and meaningful. With a smile that wasn't quite a smile, he asked, "Little fox, you talk in circles. What are you trying to get out of me"

"What do you mean, my husband I don't understand."

Meng Jiny Yao feigned ignorance, looking at him with innocent eyes. She wouldn't admit that she had just been subtly probing him. Since she knew Gu Xiuming wasn't sincere in his remorse, why did she still teach him

Gu Jingxi chuckled softly, "Still pretending to be innocent in front of your husband"

Meng Jin Yao looked even more innocent, just quietly watching him without saying a word.

Gu Jingxi looked at her, his almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, just staring at himself silently like this, this look was very innocent.

While Gu Jingxi felt that she hadn't said anything, yet it seemed like she had said everything. He looked at her for a long time and softly said, "I am his father, and it is my duty to guide my son. There are other ways to deal with other matters."

Meng Jin Yao listened, suddenly understanding.

Her husband is truly responsible. He is not only responsible to his wife, but also to their son. Although Gu Xiuming is not his biological son, he adopted him and raised him with care. Gu Jingxi is also being educated diligently, and he is not just treated as a tool for inheriting the family line.

Although Gu Jingxi sensed that his son wasn't truly remorseful, whenever his son asked him for guidance, he would still teach him seriously, fulfilling his duty as a father. As for the other unpleasant things his son had done, there would be another way to deal with them. Teaching and disciplining were separate matters, and they did not conflict with each other.

Gu Jingxi looked at her, smiled helplessly: "Madam, next time you can just ask directly, no need to beat around the bush."

Meng Jin Yao resolutely refused to admit it, pretending to be clueless with him: "What are you talking about I was just casually saying that. What do you mean by beating around the bush"

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi's gaze shifted downwards to see the girl's clasped hands. He subtly curled his lip corner. The little girl would do this when she was nervous or feeling guilty. But since the little girl wouldn't admit it, he didn't need to dwell on it. He only softly said, "My lady, let me help you. You can try to trust your husband a little more."

Meng Jinyao's pupils dilated visibly upon hearing this. She lowered her eyelids to conceal the surprise in her eyes. Did she believe Gu Jingxi more now She actually did believe him, but there were some things she wasn't willing to gamble on, which is why she cautiously tested him.

Gu Jingxi stared at her intently. Seeing the young girl lowering her eyes and remaining silent, he let out a barely audible sigh, feeling once again that raising a daughter was not easy. Daughters were sensitive and their thoughts were hard to guess, especially this one before him. Sometimes he felt she was bold, other times timid, her personality contradictory.

For a moment, Gu Jingxi changed the subject: "I'm going for a walk in the garden to digest my meal. Would you like to come"

Meng Jin Yao pursed her lips and smiled faintly: "I'm not going, husband, you go."

Gu Jingxi nodded, stood up, and stepped out of the room.

After he left, Ning Dong whispered, "Madam, it seems the Marquis is very clear-headed."

Meng Jinyao's expression was slightly startled, and then she nodded: "Yes, so don't gossip about Gu Xiuming having problems in front of him. I can see the problems, he will naturally notice them too."s, they wouldn't even bother. Not to mention whether the Yongchang Marquis’s Mansion will recover, even if it does, it won't be able to catch up with those families in a short time.”Upon hearing this,...