Chapter 52 V2 : Indirect Criticism and Counterattack (1/2)

Deep down, Sang Wan was clear of how easily Wang Shi could be coaxed, and at the same time of her unpredictable temperament. Although her heart was not at ease, she dared not show a single hesitation on the surface and nodded as she spoke, “Mother, don’t worry. Sang Wan will not put you to shame!”

Wang Shi smiled, “That’s good to hear, that’s good to hear! Your family is a family of scholars, Mother believes you will certainly not lose to others! Sang Wan, this isn’t only about Mother’s face, but also yours. When we’re there, many other women with status within Qingzhou will be present. When they witness your capability, who would dare to underestimate you!”

“Yes, Mother!” Sang Wan’s heart tightened and she became somewhat nervous for a moment.

“En,” Wang Shi smiled and grinned. “It’s good that you understand! Go back then! For the next few days, there won’t be any need for you to come and greet me. Whatever books you wish to read, just say. And whichever books the household does not have, just have a servant buy it!”

Sang Wan was not sure whether to laugh or to cry for the way money was used. Was studying a thing possibly done overnight? However, since her mother-in-law had spoken, these **** two or three days, it would be best to at least act it out. As such, she expressed her gratitude before getting up to leave.

Originally, for such a banquet, it would be Gu Fangzi who followed along. But after the trouble with Gu Jin, Wang Shi felt a little guilty, and together with her fear of Old Mistress Zhuang’s sharp mouth and nose which would provoke Sang Wan and Gu Fangzi deliberately, she simply had Gu Fangzi remain in the household.

And of course, Gu Fangzi took it as a sign that her aunt had favored her less. Even though she agreed, her heart had a strong sense of hatred for having such an insensible father who did not care for her, always creating trouble, and always acting complacent in front of Wang Shi.

As Gu Fangzi pondered deeply, she suddenly had this thought, that at least she had a father, unlike Sang Wan whose parents were both gone! But thinking again, Sang Wan had her siblings to rely on, whereas she had no one!

In that moment, she could not help but feel even more saddened, and she burst into tears secretly.

The night before the banquet, Nanny Jiang personally sent the new clothes and matching jewelry to Ning Garden and handed it over to Sang Wan.

A three-layered clothing, with the middle being high-collared and beige in color with stitchings of shallow pink and gold hibiscus flowers around the collar to match with the outer coat’s collar. Right beneath the high-collar was a plum blossom shaped using white jade, and the heart of the flower was completed using a shiny dove-blood red ruby. Autumn color scheme used on the skirt and its floral patterns weaved using extremely fine golden threads. Even the belt, the pendant, and the sachet all looked extremely well-done.

A pair long hairpin made from chestnut jasper stone, and a flower hairpin with a pearl-sized jasper embedded, connected together with a fine silk tassel. At its end, it was decorated with a pomegranate-colored glazed glass pearl which was as large as a thumb. Using them with a suiting hairstyle would make a complete set, accompanied by the other accessories of jade, gold, pearls, and precious stones, it was an awe.

The tailor and jewelry professional no doubt lived up to their reputation. This set of clothes and jewelry were a good fit with Sang Wan’s temperament. Not too luxurious yet not too vulgar at the same time, revealing her graceful elegance within the riches.

Liu Ya and the others laid the jewelry and clothes together and the crowd could not help but meet it with praise. Even Sang Wan liked it, and she gratefully thanked Nanny Jiang.

Partly intentional, Nanny Jiang laughed, “Old Mistress said to have Young Mistress wear this! The Shi household will sooner or later be your’s to care for, so there’ll be many more goods things to come!” Picking up a pendant inlaid with a lustrous gold-plated jadeite, she said to Sang Wan, “Such a smooth and transparent one, a good jadeite like this is very rare, not just in Qingzhou, but even in Jiangnan, there won’t be anything like this elsewhere. This pendant is Old Mistress’s most precious! Even her eldest daughter whom she most dote was not given this when she was married off!”

Sang Wan stared at the pendant that was as huge as a thumb and perfectly round and smooth, with its color like the river with no impurity. It was clearer than the jadeite bracelet which she owned. As such, she knew that Nanny Jiang was speaking the truth.

So Sang Wan laughed, “Sang Wan is undeserving to have Mother’s fondness. Sang Wan will double her filiality towards Mother! Nanny Jiang, please tell Mother that the gift is too valuable and Sang Wan cannot accept it. After the banquet, Sang Wan will return it to Mother!”

Nanny Jiang praised secretly: Young Mistress really knows how to say good words! To state Old Mistress’ precious to be a feared gift to accept yet said it in a reasonable manner. Even if Old Mistress were to accept it back, she wouldn’t lose her face and be deemed ‘petty’.

Nanny Jiang hurriedly spoke, “Young Mistress, please don’t say that! Old Mistress specifically told this old servant to give this to you. These jewelry are for Young Mistress to keep after the banquet!”

Sang Wan was taken aback, and suddenly felt even more pressure pressing onto her. For Mother-in-law to even take out a precious jewelry, it seems the gathering is an event which she had to win. Otherwise——

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“Then Sang Wan shall thank Mother! The day isn’t early anymore, Nanny, please go back! I’ll discuss about this again after the banquet!” Sang Wan smiled.

If she was unsuccessful at the banquet, then she definitely had no face to accept these jewelry.

Nanny Jiang understood the meaning and smiled as she left.

Early the next morning, Sang Wan dressed tidily and checked herself repeatedly before bringing Nanny Li and Liu Ya along, together with two other servant girls, to where Wang Shi was.

Wang Shi was already waiting and seeing Sang Wan, her eyes glistened as she nod her head and said, “My daughter-in-law truly is beautiful! All of you, just look at her, there’s no one in Qingzhou who can second such a magnificent aura, is it not?”