s, and having beautiful maidservants could perhaps pique his interest, aiding in the treatment of his ailment.Now these beautiful maids have become decorations, none of them are useful. It proves that...Gu Jingxi was speechless.

Actually, there's no need to be so blunt.

He asked softly, "Did Xiuming bother you again"

Meng Jin Yao honestly replied: "Not really, he's just a great actor. He's been acting for so long and doesn't seem tired. I have to act along with him."

Gu Jingxi thought she was annoyed and didn't want to see Xiu Ming. Understandingly, he said, "Then I'll tell him not to come and greet you anymore, so your ears can be a little quieter."

Unknown to him, Meng Jinyang refused, shaking her head and lowering her voice: "No, you know the saying 'know yourself and your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles'. You have to keep an eye on him to see if he has any tricks up his sleeve. He might take advantage of me if I'm not careful! Don't be fooled by his respect for me now, I don't believe he truly treats me as his elder."

As soon as the words left her lips, she quickly glanced at Gu Jingxi again. Meeting the man's overly calm gaze, she felt a twinge of unease. In the past, she wouldn't have dared to speak so directly to Gu Jingxi, fearing that he would misunderstand her intentions and think she was trying to create tension between him and his father.

Now that she had spoken up, it was because Gu Jingxi had seen through Gu Xiuming's intentions and then spoke to her with such earnest words.

If you say she's scared, she'd admit it.

Since her grandfather passed away, she knew she was different from other girls. She had no loving parents and no confidence to act recklessly.

Even if she married into a good family, once she caused any trouble, her family would immediately sever ties with her. Her second younger brother, Chengzhang, was very kind to her, but he was still young and couldn't support her.

Her peaceful life now was hard-won, she didn't want to stir up any trouble and end up living uncomfortably at her in-laws' place, so she spoke and acted more cautiously than others, taking careful steps.

Gu Jingxi had spent many years in the officialdom, and as the Minister of Dali Temple, he could often tell something was amiss just by looking at someone's eyes. How could he not know what the young girl was hesitating about

He let out a barely audible sigh. For a girl who was usually bold but occasionally timid, he understood now. It was because she didn't have much sense of security; it all came down to her upbringing. So when it came to certain things, she was extremely cautious.

Actually, the little girl was seen when she was very young. At that time, Old Yongchang was still alive and brought the little girl to Hou Mansion. She was a lively and adorable child, outgoing and bright, fearless of anything.

Such a good child, after the death of Old Yongchang, was raised by the Meng family like this.

Although Gu Jingxi saw the problem, he didn't point it out. After all, pointing it out wouldn't help. He could only gradually influence her over time, letting her truly feel at ease, and she would naturally get better. So, he gently said: "He doesn't dare to make any small moves for now, madam, please rest assured.

>>>"

Meng Jin Yao pursed her lips without answering, then leaned closer to him, carefully choosing her words and whispering, "If your husband could have his own children, would he let his child become the crown prince"

Gu Jingxi answered without thinking: "Not necessarily".

Meng Jiny Yao was astonished: "Why"

Gu Jingxi slowly said, “The capable should be in charge. Letting the incompetent ones inherit the title of prince, the century-old foundation will sooner or later decline. Even if he is my own son, an incompetent and immoral person would never be allowed to inherit the title.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyu was shocked. She looked at him in disbelief. Seeing that he didn't seem to be joking, she thought of Gu Xiuming. Her own son, even if he was incompetent and lacked virtue, couldn't inherit the title, let alone Gu Xiuming, who was not her biological son and also incompetent and lacking virtue It seemed that he had already made up his mind to depose Gu Xiuming as crown prince. He hadn't acted yet, and Meng Jinyu didn't know why. But she was sure there was a reason for it.

Moments later, she asked again: "If Gu Xiuming were both virtuous and talented, and you had a biological child who was also both virtuous and talented, would you let your own son inherit the title"

"Gu Jingxi looked calm and composed, speaking slowly: "If the adopted child has the same virtues and abilities as a biological child, then the adopted child should inherit the title. When I don't have my own children, adopting a child means he is the eldest son and should inherit the family business. A biological child would be an unexpected blessing. If they are talented, they can also have a bright future. The family will just need to help them along."

Meng Jin Yao, upon hearing this, felt a surge of excitement within her. At the same time, she thought Gu Xiu Ming was utterly foolish. If Gu Xiu Ming had just been honest and done his duty as the son, becoming the pride of the Hou Mansion, even if Gu Jing Xi's health issues were cured later and he had children of his own, Gu Xiu Ming's position would remain unshaken.

She looked at the upright man and sincerely sighed, "There are really few men like your husband. Many men, before having a biological son, would adopt someone else's son, their initial intention being to carry on the family line. But once they have a biological child, they will inevitably give way to their own offspring, letting them inherit the family property."

Gu Jingxi smiled faintly, "If a child is filial and well-behaved, they are better than their own blood relatives. Even biological children aren't always good. There are too many examples of unfilial descendants; sometimes, neighbors' children are better."

Meng Jinyao, hearing this, knew how much he had cared for Gu Xiuming in the past. It's a pity that Gu Xiuming turned out to be...

Gu Jingxi glanced at the little girl, her eyes rolling around with a mischievous glint. He helplessly rubbed his forehead. Just now he felt the little girl was timid, but now he felt she was starting to brew some bold plan again. Could it be that she learned about his thoughts on Xiu Ming and became bolder

Thinking this way, he couldn't help but laugh out loud: "A bully"

Meng Jinyao uttered a dazed "Ah"

Gu Jingxi said again: "Be obedient and don't argue with him. If anything happens, I'll take care of him myself.

Meng Jin Yao just felt inexplicably strange, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at him and said with a displeased tone: "I didn't say I was going to cause trouble for him. You worry about your son being bullied yourself, you shouldn't be so presumptuous about me."

Seeing the little girl daring to give him the cold shoulder again, Gu Jingxi wasn't annoyed. He couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth slightly, willing to indulge her.

Although he felt the little girl was young and still a child, she was also his legitimate wife, the one he would spend his life with.

He doesn't want his wife to be hesitant in her words and actions when he's around. The Meng family hasn't given her the confidence, but as her husband, he can.

Take it slow. Over time, the little girl's personality will gradually loosen up. She will become more carefree and trusting towards him.

Suddenly, he felt that his foster daughter-in-law was like his own daughter.

Meng Jin Yao saw that he wasn't speaking, and thought he didn't believe her. She felt a little downhearted and couldn't help but add: "I don't want to pick on him, I was just gloating."

Gu Jingxi was stunned: "Gloating"

Meng Jiny Yao blinked: "He's unlucky, I'm gloating, isn't that okay"e her in every way. Only then did Chunliu's heart relax.Still, the madam had a way with her and soon soothed the lord. He felt more than ever that clinging to his wife's leg was the right choice. To c...