Even if something was said, one must take it with a grain of salt.
Gu Fangzi, having not lived a previous life, lacked the cautious steps and constant vigilance of Sang Wan, and without giving it further thought, she nodded her head and smiled in agreement before hastily leaving.
Upon hearing of Gu Fangzi’s departure, Mrs. Li emerged from the east room with a sigh and said, "Eldest sister-in-law, you truly have a kind heart! Our cousin here is quite formidable! And you—" She sighed and shook her head again.
Deep inside, Sang Wan was fully aware but some things, Mrs. Li could say, yet she could not. So she simply responded with a smile, "You’re overthinking, Mrs. Li. Since we are relatives, I just treat everyone courteously!"
Mrs. Li then said, "That’s good as well, but there are those who do not understand what ’courtesy’ means and only recognize ’unreasonableness!’ You are the young master’s legitimate wife and primary spouse, you have to make everyone remember that!"
But to truly make everyone remember, and to remember from their hearts, is that an easy task? Warmth filled Sang Wan’s heart upon hearing this, and she gently nodded with a soft smile.
In the blink of an eye, the day after next arrived. With the sun gradually rising, lighting up the sky brightly, and birds chirping melodiously, Sang Wan ordered the placement of long couches and chairs under a large locust tree in Muxiang Garden, surrounded by a small screen of Suzhou embroidery with branch folding flowers, a long red carpet laid on the ground, and various kinds of pastries, preserved fruits, and melons prepared. A small clay stove burned at the side, boiling water for tea, all set up neatly and completely.
Getting ready to enjoy the outing with her cousins and younger sisters-in-law, it seemed improper to exclude Second Grandma Shi. Thus, Sang Wan sent someone to inform Second Grandma Shi to see if she would join them.
Unexpectedly, Second Grandma Shi agreed without hesitation and promptly arrived, accompanied by her maids Su Qing and Su Bi.
By the time Second Grandma Shi arrived, Sang Wan, Gu Fangzi, Shi Lian, and Shi Rui were already there. Sang Wan and Gu Fangzi were sitting and talking over tea; Shi Lian was admiring a cluster of blooming peonies next to her, her rosy bright satin embroidered jacket making her even more charming than the flowers; Shi Rui, on the other hand, was running back and forth on the grass with the maids flying kites, her laughter mingling with theirs, creating a scene of merrymaking, with her silver bell-like laughter particularly delightful on the breeze.
"Here I come, what a lively scene!" Second Grandma Shi approached with a gentle smile, softly waving her round fan, nodding with a smile: "Eldest sister-in-law, cousin!"
"Second sister-in-law!"
"Second cousin sister-in-law!"
Sang Wan and Gu Fangzi got up with a smile to greet her. As the host, and since Gu Fangzi was the junior, both stood up.
After exchanging pleasantries, they sat back down, and maids promptly served tea.
"By rights, I should have gone to visit my eldest sister-in-law first, but I’ve taken the liberty to enjoy your hospitality instead!" Second Grandma Shi said, smiling, sipping her tea.
With her melon-seeded face and autumnal eyes, her brows delicate, her skin fair, she smiled before she spoke, showing the shallow dimples on her cheeks, her curved brows and eyes revealing a warmth and elegance; she appeared to be a virtuous and refined woman.
"You’re being too formal, sister-in-law. Within the family, there’s no need to be so distinct," Sang Wan said, tucking her lip with a smile.
Gu Fangzi glanced at the two and then said with a smile, "Both our cousin sisters-in-law are equally dignified and amiable, gentle and generous. I was thinking earlier, the two of you must have compatible personalities, and indeed, you hit it off immediately!"
Sang Wan and Second Grandma Shi exchanged smiles and both said, "Cousin, you really have a way with words!"
Gu Fangzi’s lips smiled, but her heart looked down on Second Grandma Shi, deeming her pitiable for marrying such an unreasonable husband, doomed to never hold her head high in this lifetime. It was her own lack of capability. Had it been her, Gu Fangzi, even if his heart belonged to someone else, what of it? She would have found a way to win him over! Yet she herself lacked such ability, and she deserves it, stuck in the mansion as a widow, enduring her mother-in-law’s frustration.
Getting along with her like sisters-in-law was just appropriate—a case of commiseration!
"I won’t disturb you two cousin sisters-in-law any longer. I am going to fly kites with the fifth cousin sister-in-law! Today’s weather is perfect for it! The eldest cousin sister-in-law indeed chose the right day," Gu Fangzi, looking down on Second Grandma Shi and even more so on Sang Wan, stood up, not wishing to stay with them any longer.
Sang Wan and Second Grandma Shi both smiled and assented, watching Gu Fangzi leave.
"The roses over there are blooming quite well, eldest sister-in-law. Shall we not just sit here? How about we walk over?" Second Grandma Shi invited with a smile shortly after.
"Very well!" Sang Wan gently smiled and got up, chatting with Second Grandma Shi as they walked over.
Second Grandma Shi dismissed the maids that wanted to follow with a glance.
Sang Wan’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, she thought Second Grandma Shi had something private to discuss with her. Although she continued to chat and laugh on the surface, she secretly braced herself mentally.