However, Sang Wan was well aware of Mrs. Wang’s easily placated yet capricious nature. Though she found it difficult, she dared not hesitate on her face and nodded in response, "Mother, rest assured, Miss Wan will not disgrace you!"
Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "That’s good, that’s good! Your family is a family of scholars, and I believe you definitely will not lose to others! Miss Wan, this is not just about my reputation, but yours as well. At that time, many high-class ladies and misses from Qingzhou City will be present, and after seeing your true talent and learning, see who dares to underestimate you!"
"Yes, Mother!" Sang Wan’s heart tightened, and she suddenly felt a bit nervous.
"Hmm," Mrs. Wang nodded with a smile, "Glad you understand! You can go back now! There’s no need to come over for greetings these next few days, just tell me whatever book you want to read, and if it’s not in the mansion, I’ll have the housekeeper buy it!"
At these words, Sang Wan couldn’t help but want to facepalm, thinking: How could one become a scholar overnight? But since her mother-in-law had spoken, she would have to put on an act for the next two or three days. She expressed her gratitude and then stood up to leave.
Normally, Gu Fangzi would definitely accompany them to such a banquet, but with the fuss Gu Jin had caused, Mrs. Wang couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty and also worried that Mrs. Zhuang would mock Sang Wan and Gu Fangzi intentionally. So, she decided to talk to Gu Fangzi and asked her to stay in the mansion.
Gu Fangzi naturally took this as a warning sign of losing favor in front of her aunt. Although she agreed understandingly and gracefully, she couldn’t help but feel indignant inside. She resented having an unreliable father who not only couldn’t decide anything for her but constantly caused trouble, and she was a bit resentful towards Mrs. Wang for being biased.
As she thought about it, Gu Fangzi suddenly felt that having a father was actually worse than being an orphan like Sang Wan! At least Sang Wan had a reliable brother, while she had nothing!
In that moment, she couldn’t help feeling even sadder and secretly shed many tears.
The night before going to the banquet, Mrs. Jiang personally delivered new clothes and matching jewelry to Sang Wan at Ningyuan.
An off-white stand collar inner wear with light gold and peach two-tone chicken heart collar embroidered with small clusters of hibiscus flowers on both sides, and at the collar, adorned with a plum blossom-shaped sheep-fat white jade, at its heart a lustrous and soft pigeon-blood ruby; an autumn fragrance-colored, multi-colored floral patterned smoke gauze pleated skirt, finely edged with thread-thin gold and silver threads, every accessory including the palace sash, ring belt, and sachet was exquisite.
Jade lily double hairpins and jade peach blossom hairpins with finely threaded tassels, ending in pomegranate red beads the size of thumbs, every required accessory for lifting the hair and covering the temples matched, a whole set of meticulously crafted jewelry mainly of high-quality jadeite, augmented with gold inlays, pearls, and gemstones, exuded luxury and elegance.
The chief tailor and the shopkeeper of the embroidery shop truly lived up to their reputation; this set of clothing and jewelry greatly enhanced Sang Wan’s appearance and temperament—elegant without being vulgar, opulent yet delicately graceful.
Liu Ya and others displayed the garments and jewelry, and everyone who saw them was amazed. Sang Wan also liked them very much and hurriedly thanked Mrs. Jiang over and over again.
Mrs. Jiang chuckled knowingly and half-jokingly said, "The lady mentioned that the elder madam should just wear it all! After all, the Shi family will eventually be led by the elder madam, and there are plenty more good items! She even picked up a pair of gold-inlaid jadeite pendants and said to Sang Wan with a smile, "Such round, transparent, and high-quality jadeite is rare, not to mention in Qingzhou, but you wouldn’t find a second pair even throughout Jiangnan; these pendants are treasures kept for the bottom of the lady’s chest! She loves the eldest miss so much, she didn’t even give these when the eldest miss got married!"
Looking at the pendants, which were as large as thumbs, round and lovely, and green as if they were a pool of spring water without any impurities, finer than her own high-quality jadeite bracelets, Sang Wan knew Mrs. Jiang was telling the truth.
Therefore, she casually said, "What merits or abilities does Miss Wan have to receive such generosity from mother? I can only try to be even more filial! Please convey to mother that such valuable gifts make Miss Wan feel unworthy. After the banquet, Miss Wan will return them to her!"
Mrs. Jiang internally praised: The elder madam really knows how to speak! Clearly unsure about accepting treasures from the lady, but she spoke so reasonably that even if the lady took them back, it wouldn’t be embarrassing or considered ’stingy’.
Mrs. Jiang quickly laughed and said, "Elder madam, don’t say that! The lady specifically instructed me that these jewelry pieces are for elder madam, and after the banquet, elder madam should properly keep them!"
Sang Wan was momentarily stunned, feeling even greater pressure. Her mother-in-law had even taken out the treasures from the bottom of her chest; it was clear that she could only win and not lose at this banquet, otherwise—