"As long as Mother doesn't laugh, I don't dare to claim any credit!" Sang Wan laughed and softly recounted the story.
After listening, Mrs. Wang praised her nonstop, holding her hand and laughing, "You've really outdone yourself! Such delicate and clever ideas can only come from a well-educated lady like you! Your thoughtfulness truly sets you apart!"
Mrs. Wang was delighted to have such a talented daughter-in-law and planned to invite Mrs. Zhuang to admire the flowers at their home someday, so that she could see for herself Sang Wan's intelligence and ingenuity. She wondered if Mrs. Zhuang would still mock the Shi family and the Sang family's marriage alliance with sarcastic comments and ill intentions!
With these thoughts, Mrs. Wang looked even more satisfied with Sang Wan, and continued to praise her.
However, Gu Fangzi was furious. She just happened to hear about the method of making toon tofu recently, and was planning to make Sang Wan embarrass herself in front of her aunt today. She would then make the toon tofu herself in a few days, so it would be obvious who was better. She didn't expect Sang Wan to act first and steal her idea! Moreover, the wax gourd she had tampered with didn't even make it to the table!
Gu Fangzi had no choice but to hold her grievances in silence, feeling wronged. Seeing Mrs. Wang praising Sang Wan continuously, Gu Fangzi forced a smile and added, "My dear sister-in-law is really both virtuous and skillful! Aunt has said it all, who else could come up with such an idea? Only my dear sister-in-law, of course! Aunt must be delighted! I hope none of the wax gourd splashed onto you, sister-in-law?"
All those present subconsciously followed Gu Fangzi's gaze towards Sang Wan. Shi Fengju was no exception, and he instinctively asked, "Did you get hurt anywhere?"
Before anyone else could speak, Gu Fangzi jokingly laughed, "Yes, sister-in-law, did you get hurt anywhere? The young master will worry if he sees you injured!"
The smile on Mrs. Wang's face froze.
Sang Wan didn't initially think about the negative implications and was taken aback when she saw the change in Mrs. Wang's expression. After all, no mother would like to hear her son blatantly express concern and worry for her daughter-in-law in front of her. However, this "blatancy" was actually instigated by Gu Fangzi.
Shi Fengju mentally scolded himself for being nosy, and didn't dare to say anything more. He quickly shot Gu Fangzi a helpless glance, and forced a smile.
Mrs. Wang read this smile as an acknowledgment of Gu Fangzi's previous words, which increased her displeasure.
Although Sang Wan was his wife and Gu Fangzi was destined to become his concubine, Gu Fangzi was her niece, who had lived by her side for many years. Thus, Mrs. Wang's heart was biased towards Gu Fangzi. Seeing that her son's attention had shifted to Sang Wan soon after she entered the house, leaving Gu Fangzi aside, how could she be happy?
Sang Wan feigned ignorance with a smile, looked at Shi Fengju openly, and said, "Young Master, don't worry, I'm fine! I promise it won't affect preparing the wax gourd for Mother tomorrow! Young Master is truly filial, even worrying about the wax gourd for his mother in case I'm injured and can't make it tomorrow! Mother, rest assured, as your daughter-in-law, I will personally supervise it, and I won't let anyone else touch it. I promise to make an excellent dish for you!"
Mrs. Wang laughed heartily, and the previous resentment vanished from her heart.
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, my daughter-in-law! You still have to return to your family's home tomorrow, so don't bother yourself. We'll have plenty more opportunities in the future, and I'll remember this!" Although Sang Wan's words were somewhat far-fetched, Mrs. Wang found them pleasing to the ear. After all, wasn't Gu Fangzi's previous comment just a harmless joke?
Mrs. Wang laughed inwardly, wondering if old age made people more petty, and why she took some jokes so seriously.
Gu Fangzi also laughed along, but was increasingly frustrated. She wanted to counter Sang Wan further but remembered Shi Fengju's temperament and restrained herself. He had expressed helplessness and bitterness in that previous smile. If she didn't know when to stop, she might provoke his resentment and annoyance! She couldn't afford to do something that would cause more harm than good!
Meanwhile, Sang Wan sighed inwardly: This was Gu Fangzi! Hidden malicious intentions, always finding ways to strike—a danger that must be constantly guarded against! Her words were so pleasing to the ear that if she hadn't suffered a lot in her past life, she would never have thought deeper into Gu Fangzi's intentions!
Shi Fengju was also worried that Gu Fangzi might say something else, so he laughed and said to Mrs. Wang, "Mother, the dishes are getting cold, let's eat! Aren't you hungry?"