Mrs. Wang was momentarily stunned, clearly sensing something different in Sang Wan’s soft and gentle words, yet unable to discern any other implied meaning.
"What you said is—correct," Mrs. Wang spoke hesitantly: "There are so many people in the Shi family, no matter how urgent the time is, there’s nothing we can’t handle."
"Mother is right!" Sang Wan smiled:, "Our Shi family always abides by the rules. Even in urgent times, we must follow the rules thoroughly, so as not to become a laughing stock to outsiders!"
"Yes! Yes!" Mrs. Wang loved hearing such words, her smile widening as she nodded repeatedly.
With this, the tone was set! It was just a plain concubine entering the family! Gu Fangzi silently clenched her silver teeth almost to the point of shattering them, yet there was nothing she could do about it.
After all, she could not personally propose any conditions or demands. Gu Fangzi couldn’t help but think, if only the young master were here, it would be so easy to talk to him in private!
She couldn’t help but regret bringing this up so hastily. Then she thought again, the young master? He expects me to "trust him" until who knows when! Comparatively, it’s more worthwhile to settle for the immediate benefits!
Sang Wan then smiled again: "Although the house has always been managed by my younger sister, we certainly can’t let her handle her own marriage affairs! It wouldn’t sound right to others! If Mother trusts me, Miss Wan is willing to help Mother relieve her worries!"
"Good! Good!" Before Gu Fangzi could speak, Mrs. Wang was already relieved and nodded continuously, urging Sang Wan with a smile: "My child, at first, I was worried that you might have other thoughts! But you really understand the bigger picture and are so virtuous and generous! Then, this matter will be handled by you—"
"This doesn’t seem quite right!" Gu Fangzi, panic-stricken, could no longer contain herself and hurriedly said, "Sister has never managed household affairs before. Can she really handle it? If there’s even a slight mistake, wouldn’t it tarnish the Shi family’s reputation? Moreover, having my sister worry over my affairs troubles my heart too!"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang also hesitated and asked Sang Wan: "She has a point, Miss Wan—are you really up for this?"
Mrs. Li could not stand Gu Fangzi’s reckless manner, fully aware of what Gu Fangzi was aiming for. She chuckled inwardly and also said with a smile: "Miss, rest assured! If Madam doesn’t understand something, this old servant oversteps to say, I will do it! I missed the young master’s wedding, but I would be happy to contribute to the young master’s taking of a concubine! Miss doesn’t have to feel bad!"
Gu Fangzi was internally furious, yet could only respond with a forced smile: "Thank you, Mrs. Li, for your high regard!"
Mrs. Li waved her hands dismissively and unabashedly said, "Miss, you don’t need to thank this old woman! I am working for the young master! What I ought to do doesn’t warrant your thanks!"
The implication was that whatever I do has nothing to do with you, Gu Fangzi. Even if the young master was taking someone else as a concubine, I would still do the same!
Gu Fangzi forced a smile and glanced at Mrs. Wang with a look of grievance.
Mrs. Wang returned a comforting look, and of course, she wouldn’t scold Mrs. Li, instead she smiled and said: "Since that’s settled then, let’s decide on this! Let Miss Wan handle this matter, and definitely, she will need the elder sister’s help."
Sang Wan quickly smiled: "Mother, rest assured, with Mrs. Li’s experience and wisdom, I will humbly seek her advice and consult her in everything!"
"I will also fully support Madam!" Mrs. Li added.
Upon hearing this, Gu Fangzi felt a wave of dizziness.
Unexpectedly, what was more dizzying was yet to come. Mrs. Li continued: "Miss, there’s another thing this old servant would like to mention! The hierarchy in the household must not be upset. Once Miss enters as a concubine, there is no reason for a concubine to take charge with the presence of Madam. Miss, you see—"
Mrs. Wang glanced at Sang Wan, thinking of the compromise she had already made for Gu Fangzi and considering her daughter-in-law’s capable performance in managing the estate. With Mrs. Li, the stewards, and the housekeepers` support, it would indeed be better to leave the household affairs in her hands.
After all, it doesn’t look right for the affairs of the estate to be managed by a concubine!
Mrs. Wang then nodded and smiled, "You’re right, I almost forgot about that! Indeed, Miss Wan, you should continue managing the household from now on! If there’s anything you don’t understand, consult more with Mrs. Li and other steward mothers! Oh, and Fangzi too! She is very familiar with the affairs, you can discuss and handle them together! Fangzi, you must not keep secrets!"
Gu Fangzi was so distressed she nearly spat blood! Great, she hadn’t even entered the door yet and she had already lost everything!
"Auntie!" Gu Fangzi was furiously burning inside, yet her face beamed with a charming smile as she cooquettishly said: "How would Fangzi dare! From now on, we are truly family! Even if auntie hadn’t mentioned it, Fangzi would also help sister manage and take care of this household!"
Mrs. Wang seemed not to notice the subtext in Gu Fangzi’s words, smiling and nodding: "You say that, aunty feels reassured!"
This shameless woman, how could the young master fancy such a person! Mrs. Li scoffed quietly again, saying: "Miss, now that this has been settled, this old servant thinks we should soon pick a date to send Miss back home! The sedan chair needs to be carried out from the Gu family!"
Gu Fangzi was instantly speechless.
"You’re very right," Mrs. Wang said with a chuckle of self-derision, "Thanks to your reminder, otherwise I wouldn’t have remembered this! To avoid trouble with a single matter, Miss Wan—"
"Mother, rest assured, I will arrange these things in the next couple of days and send my sister back by carriage! We also need to hurry to tidy up the house here!" Sang Wan replied with a smile.
Mrs. Li added: "Before Miss leaves, please hand over the keys and clarify all the affairs, to avoid any trouble later."
"Of course!" Gu Fangzi squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, her smile revealing a trace of sinister intent.