"Mother, I can truly understand your intentions, how could I possibly blame you!" Sang Wan sighed in relief inwardly.
Gu Fangzi secretly glared at Mrs. Li and quickly said with a smile: "It’s all my fault for initiating this mess! Now that I think about it, it was unnecessary. Uncle and auntie are not just dropping by unannounced; how could I act this way? I had good intentions but ended up making things worse! Elder cousin sister-in-law, Fangzi apologizes to you, please don’t blame auntie!"
Sang Wan tightly clenched her hands, took a couple of deep breaths to maintain a calm and composed smile as she chatted leisurely. Seeing that she truly wasn’t upset, Mrs. Wang relaxed and smiled.
"Indeed, after the Dragon Boat Festival, Fengju is going to take a ship to the capital to escort goods. During these days, you should properly prepare his travel belongings with him. It’s different from being at home when you’re outside; you need to be fully prepared for everything!" Mrs. Wang added.
Whether she genuinely enjoyed doing this or wanted to get back at Gu Fangzi for the earlier incident, Sang Wan felt an inexplicable satisfaction upon hearing Mrs. Wang’s instructions, and she stood up, smiling warmly, sweetly, and virtuously at Mrs. Wang, "Mother, rest assured, Miss Wan will personally ensure that the young master’s luggage is well-prepared! He will certainly have nothing to worry about."
"That’s right, Miss, please be at ease! The young master’s wife is extremely thoughtful and considerate! She takes excellent care of the young master’s food, clothing, housing, and transportation! With her help in packing, everything will be perfect!" Mrs. Li also added with a smile, feeling secretly pleased.
Seeing her maidservant and her harmoniously playing off each other, Gu Fangzi was indeed infuriated, nearly turning green as she bit her lip and silently thought, "Just you wait!" She watched coldly as Mrs. Wang kept nodding and smiling in agreement.
In Sihe Village of Yangliu Town at the Sang family house, Sang Hong and Mrs. Fang were busy preparing the gifts to bring to the Shi family.
Mrs. Fang even specially bought several bolts of new fabric from the town’s silk shop to make new clothes for the whole family. Although the fabric Sang Wan brought back during her last visit was of excellent quality, they were going to visit someone else’s house. Wearing clothes made from the fabric provided by the host family might lead to recognition by the discerning eyes of the Shi family, which would be embarrassing for Sang Wan.
She also purposely bought several silver hairpins and rings, designed to be simple and straightforward, reflecting the Fang family’s true character.
Sang Xiaoquan and Sang Xiaonuan, hearing that they were going to their aunt’s house in Qingzhou, were thrilled, as Qingzhou to them was a big city. The siblings were counting down the days eagerly.
On the fourth of May, Mrs. Li, who had been keeping an eye on Sang Hong’s household for some time and then quieted down, popped up again. Upon entering the house, her eyes darted around as she smilingly inquired, "Daughter-in-law, tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival, how are the festival gifts for our son and daughter-in-law coming along?"
Mrs. Li purposely chose this time to inquire, as Mrs. Fang fully understood her intentions. Hearing this, Mrs. Fang’s lips curled slightly, just as she was about to reply, Mrs. Li hastened to add with a laugh, "Oh, I’m just worried for nothing, daughter-in-law. You’re so capable; surely you have prepared everything already! Ah, we are old and lack the ability, otherwise, we could have helped you too!"
Mrs. Fang did not let her have her way and thus smiled and said: "Look at what you’re saying, aunt! It’s the thought that counts! Our grandma is a sensible person, she won’t fuss over this! If uncle and aunt really want to show some gesture, no matter what it is or how little it amounts to, grandma will surely be happy! It’s all about the thought behind it!"
Mrs. Li felt a pang in her heart and inwardly cursed Mrs. Fang for being shameless, even daring to blatantly ask her for things! She quickly smiled and said, "It’s too late to prepare anything now; next time, we’ll do it earlier, next time!"
Mrs. Fang clapped her hands and smiled, "There’s no need to prepare specially, anything ready will do! I noticed that the two large roosters at Aunt’s house look great; each must weigh at least five or six pounds!"
"But, one of those roosters crows while the other is kept as a breeding stock, how would that be appropriate!" Mrs. Li stammered awkwardly, then hastily asked, "Hey, what about the gifts you have prepared? Let me see if they are appropriate or not! You young people don’t understand, it would be embarrassing if you give something inappropriate!" As she spoke, Mrs. Li attempted to head towards the wing room.
Mrs. Fang stepped forward to block her, raising an eyebrow with a mocking smile, "No need for Aunt to worry! We have everything prepared! Though I am young, I still understand the principles of giving and receiving gifts! I wouldn’t behave like those conscienceless scoundrels who only know how to take from others and wouldn’t give a thing when it’s their turn!"
Mrs. Li, unable to maintain her composure, awkwardly stopped in her tracks and smiled sheepishly, then asked, "Well, when are you leaving tomorrow? I think it’s better to start early. The journey to Qingzhou Road isn’t far, and you’ll need to hire a carriage in town, right?"