t his response just now definitely didn't satisfy Gu Jing Xi.Although it was just a fleeting change, Meng Jin Yao still caught it. She clearly saw that after Gu Xiuming said those words, a flash of di...When Kong opened the door, she saw Gu Xiuming standing outside. Immediately, she looked warily behind him. Seeing that no one was there, she nodded slightly and said in a gentle tone, "Xiuming, you're here. Come in."

After Gu Xiu Ming came in, Kong immediately closed the door of the private room.

Gu Jingze also smiled and greeted: "Xiuming, come sit down and talk."

Gu Xiumin bowed to them as a junior: "Xiumin pays respects to Uncle and Aunt."

As soon as these words were spoken, the smiles of Kong and Gu Jingze froze, their faces slightly changing. This was clearly their own biological son, yet now that they met, he had become their nephew, not even allowed to call them father or mother.

Kong's heart felt a pang of disappointment, and she was not pleased with the address. She reproached him, saying, "Xiuming, this isn't Gu's house; why do you still call us that way"

When Gu Xiuming heard this, he immediately changed his tune: "Father, Mother"

Mr. Kong and Mr. Gu Jingze were satisfied, and they smiled in response.

Gu Xiuming sat down. Although they didn't see each other often, he still had feelings for his biological parents. He spoke softly, "Father and mother, why did you look for me"

"Master Kong, for now, let's set aside the important matters and first focus on how our son is doing. Xiu Ming, how have you been at the Marquis' Manor How are they treating you Mother heard that after you eloped, you were punished several times."

Gu Xiuming's face darkened, and his expression was dim. "Mother, I estimate that my position as the Crown Prince will be lost. Gu Jingxi wants to raise me as an invalid and cultivate the fourth brother. He probably wants to adopt the fourth brother."

Upon hearing this, the couple was astonished and looked at him in disbelief. They both exclaimed, "How is that possible"

Gu Xiuming gritted his teeth and said bitterly, "If I failed the autumn exam, it was all thanks to Gu Jingxi! He never truly put any effort into teaching me. Now that I've failed, he's become distant towards me."

Gu Jingze was stunned and asked in bewilderment, "Wasn't he quite good to you before You are his only son. Your success in the imperial examination also brings him honor. How could he treat you like this"

Gu Xiumin narrowed his eyes slightly, a sinister glint in them: "He used to be tolerable to me, but ever since Meng Jingyao married him, he changed. That wretch truly didn't waste her fox-like face; she seduced Gu Jingxi. With this pillow talk blowing, Gu Jingxi has grown increasingly dissatisfied with me."

Kong was astonished: "Didn't he say his body wasn't working"

"What do you, a woman, know"

Gu Jingze glanced at her, his brows furrowed. As a man, he understood best that men had countless tricks when they wanted to play. They didn't necessarily have to be capable themselves; otherwise, the eunuchs in the palace were obviously rootless individuals, yet they still ate with the palace maids Being influenced by whispers meant Meng Jin Yao could satisfy Gu Jingxi. She appeared gentle and harmless, but she was a formidable woman.

Kong Shi felt a sense of crisis. Their family depended on their son to inherit the title in the future, and then have their son help the eldest son. If their son couldn't inherit the title, wouldn't this son be sent for nothing He said in a low voice, "Xiuming, you should adopt him as your heir. He will become the crown prince, and he will inherit the title in the future. It has been so many years, and now we can't let the second son of the eldest house take it away. What are your plans now"

Gu Xiaming replied truthfully, "My grandmother is a sentimental person. My grandfather and I have been together for so many years, she still has some affection for me as her grandson. Moreover, at her age, she loves children the most. My son wants to give her a great-grandchild with Wan'er to please her. At that time, even if Gu Jingxi wanted to change the crown prince, he would have to get past my grandmother."

Gu Jingze was quite approving of his plan: "That's a good idea. "

"As for Kong Shi, she was a bit confused and immediately asked, "Wan'er Which Wan'er" Before Gu Xiuming could answer, Kong Shi remembered someone and then asked, "Is it that concubine of yours who can't hold her head up high"

Gu Xiuming said unhappily, "Mother, how can you speak to Wan'er like that"

Kong shi didn't want to be estranged from her son, and her son liked that Li yi niang. So she wouldn't mention Li yi niang, but she couldn't just watch her son make mistake after mistake.

Kong Shi spoke earnestly, "Xiuming, even if you and Li's wife have a child, it will only be a son of lesser status. The difference between an illegitimate son and a legitimate son is vast. You also said that your foster father has grown distant towards you because of Meng Jin Yao, and the position of heir apparent might even be in jeopardy. Now more than ever, you should marry a woman from a suitable family to support you, solidify your position as heir apparent. Furthermore, when you inherit the title, there will be interactions with various families and internal matters within the household that require a legitimate wife to manage."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiuming had a moment of hesitation. But when he thought of the innocent and gentle Wan'er, he shook his head again: "No, if I had a wife, wouldn't Wan'er be treated unfairly"

Gu Jingze didn't know that his son was actually a romantic. He said with disapproval, "A young man like you, experiencing first love, would think love is everything. When you reach my age, you'll realize nothing is more important than power and status. In your heart, is the position of the Crown Prince less important than a concubine"

As soon as the words left her lips, Gu Xiaming was stunned. He liked Wan'er; he would even elope with her. But to give up his position as crown prince for Wan'er, he couldn't do it.

Seeing that he seemed to be wavering, Kong continued, "Xiuming, if you like Lady Li, continue liking her. It won't stop you from marrying a wife. You are afraid that Lady Li will be wronged, so marry a gentle and kind woman who is tolerant. After you have children with your legal wife, you can also give Lady Li children to rely on. But before your legal wife enters the door, you cannot let your eldest son and daughter born out of wedlock. You taking a concubine before marrying has already affected your reputation. If you have an eldest son and daughter born out of wedlock, respectable women will be even less willing to marry you."

Gu Xiuming hesitated, "But..."

Gu Jingze didn't want to hear about so-called love affairs. In his opinion, they were insignificant. He directly interrupted Gu Xiuming's words and said with a stern face: "But what I and your mother gave you up for adoption, wasn't it to let you have a better future Now you are ruining your future for a woman. Even if you don't regret it now, you will regret it later."

Gu Xiuming fell silent.

Mrs. Kong softened her tone and said in a gentle voice, "Xiuming, we are your biological parents, could we possibly harm you The best course of action right now is for you to marry a woman from a suitable family. Your mother guarantees that as long as you bring home a well-bred wife, the old lady will be delighted. Then, study hard and strive to pass the imperial examinations in three years' time, bringing honor to our family. The old lady will love you even more, and even your adoptive father might start to value you again."

Gu Xiuming remained silent, his head bowed slightly as if considering the question.

Seeing that he was still hesitating, Gu Jingze felt exasperated. He wanted to continue talking, but Kong shi quickly pulled her husband's sleeve, signaling him not to say any more so as not to provoke the son's rebellious psychology by saying too much.

After a long silence, Gu Xiuming looked up at them, his eyes firm and resolute. He said solemnly, "My son knows what to do."

Kong breathed a sigh of relief and smiled contentedly, saying softly, "Xiuming, all parents hope their children will be well. Your father and I would never harm you."

Gu Xiuming nodded. "Son, I understand."t that it was also true, so she didn't continue the topic. She instructed: " Qiao mama, you can prepare some calming incense for me again. The previous incense wasn't very effective, and I still woke...