"That’s good!" Sang Wan smiled, then added, "By the way, the things young master brought back have been sorted out. I’m not sure who to give some of these items to; maybe the young master himself can decide!"
As Sang Wan spoke, she brought over several sheets of paper and handed them to Shi Fengju with a smile. It didn’t matter much to anyone else, but Gu Fangzi would definitely have comments no matter how she distributed them; she might as well not bother herself.
Shi Fengju felt slightly displeased and helpless. He had entrusted everything to her, implying that she should dispose of them as she saw fit; he wouldn’t have objected to whatever arrangements she made. She was still not close to him!
But it doesn’t matter, there’s still a lot of time!
Shi Fengju cheered up and took the papers. He saw they were neatly written in small regular script, systematically listing the names and quantities of the items he had brought back; he could recall each item with just one glance.
She was still too cautious!
Thinking about her difficulties, Shi Fengju felt even more compassion.
Then, Shi Fengju laughed and said, "I already prepared separate portions for my mother and the second house and had them delivered earlier. My apologies for not mentioning this earlier; most of these items are for you. You can simply pick a few items to give to your sisters and the wet nurse!"
Sang Wan’s eyes widened in astonishment, hardly believing what Shi Fengju was saying.
Shi Fengju’s deep eyes almost seemed to gaze into her heart, "Of course, they’re for you, as you are the wife of the head of the Shi family. It’s inevitable you’ll need to reciprocate social courtesies, and the servants also deserve various rewards from time to time. These new and exquisite items will serve well for granting favors and gifts."
While speaking, he pulled out a paper, pointing and smiling, "These lynx and red fox furs, this cloud brocade, this box of gemstones, cosmetics, a set of finely-made Four Treasures of the Study, and several pieces of jade porcelain are for you. Feel free to give anything else to others as you see fit."
His sudden generosity surprised Sang Wan, and she was momentarily taken aback before she managed to smile, "Then I will have them stored away! We’ll distribute them tomorrow." After pausing for thought, she chuckled lightly: "For others, it’s fine, but I don’t know what Gu family’s sister likes! Perhaps you should have a look yourself!"
Since they were gifts for her, she graciously accepted them! It was only regrettable that they were items with a known value, not money. Sang Wan couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
As for anything related to Gu Fangzi, Sang Wan decided she would steer clear!
Listening to her refer to Gu Fangzi as "Gu family’s sister" made Shi Fengju uncomfortable, so he vaguely suggested, "Let Mrs. Li pick out a few pieces of jewelry or fabrics; that should suffice." After thinking it over, he added, "Now that she has entered the door, she is an aunt and it’s different from before. She should respect you! If she oversteps, feel free to instruct her and handle it according to the rules."
Sang Wan inwardly rolled her eyes, thinking I’ll instruct and handle her? Before you or mother-in-law have spoken, her mouth would’ve already caused who knows what trouble! Unless I were a fool, I wouldn’t provoke her! I’ll just ignore her! Even if she tears down the house, it won’t be my concern! Since you said this today, I guess if she causes too much trouble, you wouldn’t stay out of it, right?
"I understand," Sang Wan casually nodded and smiled, but in her heart, she resolved to do nothing at all.
Shi Fengju thought she understood his intention to protect her, and he couldn’t help but smile slightly.
After dinner, the two of them sat for a while, and Shi Fengju indeed got up to return to the study. "I still have some matters to take care of; I’ll come back later. The lighting is not good at night, so don’t do needlework or read too much. Just chat with Mrs. Li and Xingzhi, and if you’re tired, go to sleep early; there’s no need to wait for me!"
A warmth filled Sang Wan’s heart as she stood up to see him off, replying with a gentle smile, "Then if I’m tired, I’ll go to rest first! Should I have the small kitchen prepare a late-night snack for you?"
"Please prepare a little something," Shi Fengju smiled and walked out. His wife is indeed wonderful, so gentle...
Shi Fengju couldn’t help feeling annoyed with himself, thinking he had been blind in the past, overlooking the pearl by his side while foolishly treasuring a mere bead!
Regrettably, even if he now wanted to cherish her, she was no longer receptive.
"Oh dear, Lan Xiang girl, you’ve come again!" In the study, Shi Fengju heard Chang Huan speaking outside. His brows furrowed immediately: When will this end?
"Chang Huan, is the young master inside? I’m here to relay a message from our young mistress. Please inform the young master," Lan Xiang said with a smile.
"Oh, then wait a moment," Chang Huan glanced at Lan Xiang a few times, sharing the same thoughts as his master. The young mistress was even clingier than before; it had only been a day, and she had already sent her maid here several times, and she was still in mourning...
"Master, the young mistress’s maid Lan Xiang has come to relay a message from the young mistress. Should I let her in?" Chang Huan smoothly reported.
"Just say I’m busy. She can tell you whatever she needs, and if there’s nothing urgent, she should go back," Shi Fengju responded without lifting his head, engrossed in his documents.
Chang Huan was stunned and stood there.
The young master had never behaved before. What had happened to him? Had he not heard clearly?
Feeling it necessary to remind his master, Chang Huan coughed and raised his voice, "The young master, about the young mistress—"
"Aren’t you done yet?" Shi Fengju raised his head and glared at him coldly, barking, "Get out now!"
"Yes, yes!" Chang Huan shrank back in fright.
Lan Xiang was in a dilemma but had no choice but to return despondently, apologizing to Gu Fangzi with a smile, "The young master seems very busy right now! Miss, perhaps we could bring it up tomorrow..."
Just as Lan Xiang thought Gu Fangzi might give up, she instead commanded her to bring her cloak, "I’ll go over and see!"