"How considerate of you, big sister!" Gu Fangzi said with apparent gratitude but veiled sarcasm, "You’ve thought of everything!"
"It’s only right. Take good care of yourself, little sister! If there’s anything you need, just send someone to inform me," Sang Wan said with a slight smile.
Shi Yumei snorted coldly, "What’s the use of telling you? It’s better to tell my second brother! Remember, when he comes back, make sure to tell him that Fangzi is sick, and he should come and see her!"
A twinge of displeasure rose inexplicably in Sang Wan’s heart. "Don’t worry, big sister, the young master will know," she replied.
"I want you to tell him!" thought Shi Yumei. As expected, her true colors can’t be hidden, a whole jar of vinegar indeed!
"That’s your duty as a wife!"
"Alright then!" Sang Wan nodded.
"You should go back, big sister. I’m alright now! It’s too much trouble and takes up too much of your time!" Gu Fangzi saw Shi Yumei make a point and felt a surge of joy within, her eyes sparkling with additional spirit.
"Yes! Go on with your tasks, little sister! I’ll keep Fangzi company," Shi Yumei said nonchalantly, "By the way, I wonder how the banana garden is faring? That still needs your attention!"
Sang Wan was caught between laughter and tears, thinking to herself that it had only been a day and a half since the fifteenth of August, yet her big sister was so impatient!
"I’ve already given the orders, it will be cleaned up by tomorrow! The day after, I will invite you there to take a look," she said.
"Really? You are so capable, little sister! I thank you in advance!" Shi Yumei was momentarily stunned, not expecting that Sang Wan had indeed already given the orders.
"You’re too polite, big sister!" Sang Wan said with a smile as she got up to take her leave.
"Is big cousin moving out already? Congratulations, congratulations!" Gu Fangzi quickly responded with a smile, yet couldn’t help but sigh with regret, "It’s a pity, in the past I could’ve sent some things to big cousin as decorations, but now..."
"You don’t have to feel guilty about that," Shi Yumei said with a mocking laugh, "If you don’t have them, someone else will! It’s just a matter of whether she has me, her big sister, in her eyes, and whether she’s willing to part with them!"
Gu Fangzi eagerly wished for Shi Yumei to strip Ningyuan bare, and said with a smile, "Isn’t that obvious! Big cousin has always treasured you the most, so whatever you want, just take it! How could big cousin refuse you!"
"Oh, but that wouldn’t be good! Shi Fengju doesn’t interfere with household affairs!" Shi Yumei said with a laugh.
"What does that matter! Big cousin is the true head of the household!" Gu Fangzi replied, and they shared a knowing smile.
At dinner that day, Sang Wan mentioned Gu Fangzi to Shi Fengju in passing, "Little sister caught a cold yesterday. She saw the doctor this morning. Big sister stayed with her for a while and asked why you didn’t go to see her."
Shi Fengju’s eyebrows furrowed subconsciously, and without looking up, he asked, "What did the doctor say?"
"It’s nothing serious. The doctor prescribed some medicine and I’ve instructed Lan Xiang to take good care of her," she replied.
Shi Fengju responded with a simple "oh" and did not pursue further.
After a while, Sang Wan said with a smile, "By the way, I’ve ordered someone to clean up the banana garden. Since my big sister and her husband will be staying there long-term, it’s important they’re satisfied. I’ve already told her today to join me there the day after tomorrow so she can decide how she’d like to furnish and decorate the place, then we can just instruct the housekeeper to make it so. Then I thought, it might upset my brother-in-law if we only ask big sister. Why don’t you join us the day after, and let’s invite him too, so they can discuss it together!"
Shi Fengju looked up at Sang Wan and smiled, "That’s very thoughtful of you. Alright, I won’t go out on the day after tomorrow morning!"
Sang Wan breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself that it would be fine with him there, as he would handle any objections from that couple, and she just needed to take notes!
Thinking of Shi Yumei’s inexplicable hostility and intentional difficulties, Sang Wan’s head ached.
"Then it’s settled!" Sang Wan smiled and continued, "Big sister said she expects a meal from me after they move into the banana garden! I’m not sure what she likes. When I asked, she just smiled and said to prepare whatever I thought best, but as her junior, I should consider what pleases her! You should know, right?"
"Big sister really!" Shi Fengju said with a laugh, shaking his head before adding, "Crab is in season right now. Let’s do it this way: I’ll have someone bring back a couple of baskets of plump crabs from the manor, and you can play host, inviting our mother and your second aunt too! As for the wine, the restaurant has aged Chrysanthemum wine, rich and sweet without being too intoxicating. I’ll have someone bring that as well. For the other dishes and desserts, just prepare a few items to accompany the crab!"