Yesterday’s grievances surged to her mind, and Gu Fangzi’s eyes brimmed with warmth, her rims turning red involuntarily. Clinging affectionately to Mrs. Wang’s arm and nestling against her, she whispered coquettishly, "With auntie’s love, I don’t feel the slightest bitterness! Truly! As long as I have auntie, Fang’er feels so at ease and happy!"
Moved by both pity and love, Mrs. Wang thought of how Fangzi, still so young, was raised by her side, indistinguishable from her own daughter, which deepened her compassion. Thus, she gently embraced Fangzi with a smile and said, "Silly girl, you always speak such nonsense! Rest assured, from now on we are truly a family! Auntie won’t let you be wronged!"
"Mhm!" With a stretch of her smile, Gu Fangzi said playfully, "I knew auntie you love me the most and treat me the best!"
Speaking thus, they exchanged smiles.
"Oh, sister, you’re here!" Gu Fangzi caught sight of Sang Wan standing at the doorway, hesitating to enter or retreat, and exclaimed in surprise. Hastily releasing Mrs. Wang’s arm, she collected herself, retreating two steps with a demure yet slightly timid stance.
Sang Wan, forced to smile, stepped in with a soft "Mhm" and approached to pay her respects to Mrs. Wang, reminding herself not to think about the scene she just witnessed. Don’t think about it!
"Mhm, sit down and we’ll talk," Mrs. Wang said with a smile and a nod.
"Fangzi, take a seat too," Mrs. Wang smiled and told Gu Fangzi who stood behind her.
Gu Fangzi didn’t move but looked at Sang Wan for approval with a glance that seemed instinctive. Sang Wan caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye and couldn’t help feeling inwardly enraged: What was she trying to imply by acting in front of her mother-in-law?
Feigning ignorance, Sang Wan sipped her tea quietly, admiring the blue-and-white tea cup in her hands.
"Fangzi, what’s wrong?" Mrs. Wang, sensing something was amiss, followed Gu Fangzi’s gaze toward Sang Wan and saw that Sang Wan seemed completely unaware of Fangzi’s expression. Mrs. Wang’s heart relaxed, and she chided with a laugh, "Quickly take a seat now!"
"Yes, auntie," Gu Fangzi smiled and finally sat down.
Sang Wan secretly scorned—if just now she had met Gu Fangzi’s gaze, or worse, casually remarked "If mother asks you to sit, you should just sit!"—it would’ve confirmed the "bullying" part, and how would her mother-in-law not be annoyed?
Moreover, she would think, if this is how they behave in her presence, what would they do behind her back? Sang Wan believed that even if her mother-in-law did not think this way, Gu Fangzi would find a way to lead her to such thoughts.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mrs. Wang smiled and told Sang Wan to leave. Sang Wan, unwilling to stay any longer to witness their "profound mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship," took the opportunity to stand up and bid farewell with a smile.
Gu Fangzi hurriedly stepped forward two paces, wanting to take Sang Wan by the arm, "Sister, let me see you out!"
Sang Wan thought coldly, you’re not the mistress here, how dare you use the word "see you out"?
"No need," Sang Wan said smoothly as she gestured for Liu Ya to assist her and told Gu Fangzi, "Mother hasn’t seen you for some days and must have plenty to discuss with you! You’d better stay and keep mother company!"
"Indeed, Fangzi, let Miss Wan go. Stay and chat with me," Mrs. Wang also said with a smile.
"Sure, auntie. As long as you like, Fang’er is willing to accompany you every day!" Gu Fangzi gave Sang Wan a subtle, cold smirk while her back was to Mrs. Wang.
Mrs. Wang couldn’t see Gu Fangzi’s expression but could see Sang Wan’s, and Sang Wan maintained a calm demeanor and gently said with a smile, "By the way, the incense money and various offerings are all ready. I’ll have someone send them to the peony garden later. If you need anything in the future, just speak directly to Mrs. Li. She’s very capable and won’t let you down!"
The underlying message was clear, you’re still in mourning, don’t just focus on flattering your auntie and forget your real father, huh!
Glancing quickly, Sang Wan saw Mrs. Wang’s eyes narrow slightly.
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, sister! I’ll personally go to Ningyuan later to thank you!" Gu Fangzi said stiffly, glaring fiercely at Sang Wan.
"You’re welcome, sister!" Sang Wan replied generously, bending her knees in a slight bow to Mrs. Wang, "Mother, I take my leave now."
"Alright, be on your way," Mrs. Wang nodded.
"Fangzi," as expected, Mrs. Wang said with a smile to Gu Fangzi, "Auntie doesn’t need you to wait on me, go back to the peony garden! After all, he is your biological father! The dead should be respected. What’s past is past, let’s not bring it up again, ah!"
Gu Fangzi inwardly seethed with hatred for Sang Wan, yet she obediently nodded to Mrs. Wang, "Mhm, Fang’er will head back now! Auntie, you’re always kind to think this way. Fangzi has learned her lesson! I’ll listen to you!"
"I knew Fangzi was the most understanding!" Mrs. Wang smiled in relief.
Gu Fangzi smiled as she said farewell, then added, "By the way, auntie, Fang’er wishes to stop by cousin’s place. I haven’t seen cousin for several days now and wonder how he’s doing..."
"Hm?" Mrs. Wang’s brows rose in surprise, questioning, "Didn’t you see him yesterday? Didn’t he go to the peony garden to see you?"
"No," Gu Fangzi shook her head, showing no dissatisfaction but a comprehending smile instead, "Cousin must be too busy and didn’t have time! After all, the big business of the Shi family relies on him. And besides, I was tired from traveling all day yesterday; cousin is just being considerate of Fang’er!"
Unacceptable! Mrs. Wang thought to herself. Even if intimate relations and major events are forbidden within the hundred days of mourning, as her husband, shouldn’t he have at least seen her once? What kind of indifference was this?
Of course, while Mrs. Wang was dissatisfied, she would never criticize Shi Fengju in front of Gu Fangzi, as her son was ultimately dearer to her than her niece.