Shi Fengju thought to himself that he finally spoke up! He then smiled and said, "So, I have helped you a lot? How will you thank me?"
Cunning merchant! Sang Wan glanced at him disdainfully, thinking to herself that it served him right, as he had become increasingly presumptuous lately, and she dared not carelessly promise anything.
Shi Fengju was not in a hurry, looking at her with a half-smiling, half-serious look, he sipped his tea leisurely, waiting for her response. He found teasing her more and more amusing, watching her distressed and conflicted expression always brightened his mood significantly.
"Elder Sister!" Heaven knows, Xingzhi just happened to come in, smiling as she asked if it was convenient for Elder Sister to talk about something.
Sang Wan couldn’t have wished for more! She quickly nodded and smiled, "Why wouldn’t it be convenient, take your time, there’s no rush!" Naturally, she brushed aside the matter Shi Fengju was talking about. Shi Fengju felt depressed and resigned himself to focusing on enjoying his tea.
Xingzhi glanced at Sang Wan somewhat curiously, not knowing why Elder Sister seemed so pleased. Her lips curled into a smile, and her eyes sparkled as she respectfully answered with a "Yes," and reported several matters involving the daughters-in-law to Sang Wan.
Over at the peony garden, the news of the return of Third Master Shi and his wife quickly spread through Lan Xiang. Gu Fangzi, who was in the phase of actively soliciting allies, could not afford to let Sang Wan win them over, hence she promptly went to change her clothes to greet and meet them.
Upon second thought, she remembered she was still in mourning; since Third Master Shi was an official, he presumably held the virtue of filial piety in high regard more than others. Her going over might instead cause dislike. Thus, she dismissed the idea and wrote a letter on plain paper, instructing Lan Xiang to deliver it as a greeting.
Lan Xiang presented the plain paper to Third Master Shi and Third Madam Shi, conveying Gu Fangzi’s greetings and her apologies for not being able to meet them in person. Upon hearing of Gu Jin’s death, Third Master Shi and his wife were surprised and exchanged a few words of sympathy, increasingly finding Gu Fangzi pitiful. They asked Lan Xiang to relay several comforting words. Third Madam Shi further instructed her not to feel sorry and to focus on mourning peacefully, and that they would visit her with the two cousins in a few days.
Lan Xiang politely smiled and complied.
Gu Fangzi was secretly pleased upon receiving the response, knowing that her actions were appropriate and favored by Third Master Shi and his wife. After hearing from Lan Xiang that they were now staying in the guest room, Gu Fangzi was startled and hurriedly asked why?
Lan Xiang explained the coincidence of their arrival with the home letter and repeated the whole incident. Gu Fangzi could not help but laugh, feeling schadenfreude, "That is quite interesting! It’s fine for the third uncle, but it would be strange if the third aunt didn’t have thoughts about it!"
Lan Xiang laughed, "It can’t be helped, it’s too much of a coincidence, right? It’s not deliberate negligence. Who can Third Madam Shi blame?"
Gu Fangzi sneered, "Seeing the truth is one thing, accepting it in one’s heart is another! Regardless, this is their own home, how can it be that they have to stay in the guest room when returning to their home? Humph, it’s easy for the masters to say, but the servants who don’t know the situation may inadvertently gossip. Who knows what they might say? Should the third uncle and aunt explain to everyone they meet, ’It’s because the home letter was delayed on the road, arriving at the residence at the same time as us, and the room wasn’t prepared in time, hence we stayed in the guest room’?"
Lan Xiang couldn’t help but laugh out loud and nodded, "Miss, what you said is indeed true! Initially, I was also puzzled, wondering why Third Master and Third Madam would end up in the guest room? It was only later that I learned this was the reason!"
Gu Fangzi smugly hummed, saying, "All these matters must have been arranged by Sang Wan. Keep an eye on them for me, and immediately report back any developments! We can’t just sit idly by; we need to act when the time is right! Also, get to know the people around the third aunt and the two cousins better, and establish a good relationship with them."
Lan Xiang’s spirits perked up, "I understand! I will go out and mingle right away!"
Gu Fangzi was very satisfied with Lan Xiang’s diligent spirit, smiled, and nodded, "You just focus on that side these days, you don’t need to worry about anything else, nor serve me here!"
In the guest room, Third Master Shi and Third Madam Shi freshened up a bit and then leaned back on the Arhat couch to rest. There was no warm pavilion here, naturally no bed, making it impossible to fully recline, and even this Arhat couch had been moved here just now. It was nearly afternoon—who would think it normal for a couple to go to bed and sleep at this time? It would only invite more ridicule.
Although there was a charcoal fire lit in the room and their bodies were covered with thick cashmere blankets, Third Madam Shi still felt cold. Coupled with the frustrations bottled up inside, she felt even more uncomfortable. She glanced at her husband, seeing his eyes closed, breathing evenly, apparently enjoying a peaceful comfort, Third Madam Shi couldn’t help but snort heavily and said annoyed, "Only you could sleep!"
"What now!" Third Master Shi gently opened his eyes and chuckled, "Aren’t you tired from the journey? We’re finally home, shouldn’t you relax a bit! This home, after all, is better than being outside!"
"Home!" Third Madam Shi scoffed, "Take a good look, is this a home! Can we even stay here if it were a home?"
"Look at you, bringing this up again!" Third Master Shi couldn’t help but frown, "It’s a mere coincidence! How could elder sister predict that we would arrive today! You really shouldn’t fuss over this!"
"I—" Third Madam Shi found herself at a loss for words. Yes, she knew this wasn’t anyone’s fault, but it still felt suffocating inside. Coming home should be a joyous occasion, but instead, it had turned into a complete disappointment.
"It’s all your fault for resigning from your position!" Third Madam Shi glanced outside unconsciously, complaining, "They fight among themselves at the top, why should those below have to sacrifice! Humph, if people remember your sacrifice, it’s fine, but if they don’t—don’t say they genuinely forget, even if they pretend to forget, what can you do about it? Could it really be that we will have to live in the estate for the rest of our lives? Or should I start learning to do business with Fengju again from scratch?"