What is the responsibility of being someone's wife?!!
The news that the Fang family refused the proposal of King Jing's family spread like wildfire throughout the capital city in less than a day. Many people praised the Fang family for having the pride of a scholar and looked up to them, but there were also different opinions. Some thought that the Fang family was too arrogant and had offended King Jing, who would not take it lightly, and wondered how they could be a match for him. Others thought that the Fang family's decision was unwise, as they had rejected an offer that came to their doorstep, showing that they were short-sighted and narrow-minded.
However, the Fang family's refusal of the Jing Wang Fu's proposal is a fact, and the Fang family's previous reputation for being arrogant has been completely reversed. What's even more unexpected is that the He family also had their eyes on Ruo Xue, but the Fang family refused to form an alliance with them through marriage, instead choosing to marry within their own family. After being favored by the imperial family, they also gained a new level of respect from the Fang family. On the day of the wedding ceremony, the He family sent over a pair of high-quality jade pillows.
The jade is very transparent, with a rich luster, its texture is fine and pure without any flaws, with a bright and even emerald green color, the crystal grains are very fine, under the illumination of light it presents a semi-transparent state, it's a top-grade piece among jades.
The old lady took it and examined it carefully, and couldn't help but praise Mrs. He: "Your third aunt is really sincere, sending such a valuable gift, how can this be good?"
Li, who was sitting at the lower end of the table, was also twisting her handkerchief, with an uncertain expression on her face. This pair of bracelets was indeed precious, and if she guessed correctly, they should have been excavated from the old mine of Daguang, which is now lost in the Qing dynasty. The ancestors of the He family had sent someone to Yunnan for official business, so they must have gotten it there. Such precious bracelets are already priceless, and the He family has given such a precious gift as a token of engagement, so the Fang family cannot be stingy with their daughter's dowry either.
He smiled and said, "What are you talking about, Ta Jun? My third aunt said that your fourth sister is such a good daughter-in-law, but she can't be found even with a lantern. Although this bangle is famous and expensive, my third aunt said that there were originally two pairs of bangles, and the one given to Zhi's family earlier also got a pair. The two daughters-in-law should be treated equally, it can't be that one gets more and the other less."
The old lady heard that the third daughter-in-law of the He family also got a pair, and she slightly let out a breath. She smiled again: "In any case, your three aunts are indeed polite enough, which is also the good fortune of Qing'er. She has encountered such a kind mother-in-law. I have nothing to say to your father." If you want to say that before, she was still heartbroken about the failed marriage with the Jingwangfu family, then at this time, the old lady can be considered open-minded. The door is too high for the Jingwangfu family, and they don't even have the qualifications to look up to them. It's better to just stick with the He family. The He family's status is indeed not low either, and Qing'er has finally found happiness after suffering.
He's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he smiled, saying with a smile: "Earlier, the King of Jing sent someone to propose marriage, and my three aunts were anxious like anything. I thought we would lose our fourth sister, who is a rare gem, but unexpectedly, Father refused the king's proposal, and my three aunts were overjoyed, praising Father for being kind and honest. The Fang family is known for keeping their promises, so they can't fall behind others. This bangle is just a token of engagement, and once the wedding date is set, the betrothal gifts will be sent to our house." He paused, then continued: "My three aunts also said that the betrothal gifts will follow the rules and won't be stingy with our fourth sister. Of course, my three aunts aren't just coming for our fourth sister's dowry; they think she's an excellent daughter-in-law who can't be treated unfairly. These betrothal gifts are completely worthy of our fourth sister."
The old lady was moved to tears, and again praised Mrs. He San for a while, sighing that this person is indeed a good person, and also lamented that the feelings are indeed deep and rich, and now it's finally a happy ending after all the hardships, finding such a good family that treats her wholeheartedly, it's really the ancestors' accumulated virtue and the Bodhisattva's blessing. It seems this stick wasn't meant for you to be hit by. What if one day he also learns his manners and is allowed to stay outside, wouldn't you also have to stay behind and serve your parents-in-law?
He said faintly: "That's different."
"Why is it different when we are both someone's wife?" Mrs. Li pressed on.
He didn't explain, but looked at Ru with a difficult expression.
"Look at her, frowning and looking at Mrs. Li with dissatisfaction, she said: "I'm telling you, auntie, it's common knowledge that this young lady is just an ordinary merchant's daughter, apart from having money in hand, what else can she have? If she follows him, how much help will she be to her husband? As for the dangers of officialdom, as a petty-minded person, what can she do? Moreover, as the mistress of the house, besides urging her husband to work hard and make progress, she should also help her husband build relationships. With her crying and making a fuss, it's already fortunate if she doesn't offend anyone. How could such a clever person like Mrs. Xiang not understand what kind of virtue her own niece has? Keeping her by your side and watching her all the time is still unlikely to cause trouble. If you really let her follow him, it would be strange if no disaster occurs."
It's really surprising to hear that, you're indeed a seasoned and accomplished mistress. The way you speak and do things is truly methodical and well-organized, too formidable!
Li's face turned gloomy, and he cast a slanted glance at He Shi, saying in an ambiguous tone: "Really, Young Master is indeed considerate. But if it were Big Brother who was sent on an external mission instead, what then?"
"Brother is now making a name for himself in the official circles, and he can't do without his virtuous wife's help. Whether it's social interactions or household chores, everything is arranged in an orderly manner. She serves her parents-in-law with all her might, treats her sister-in-law and younger brother-in-law with kindness, manages the concubines, keeping the inner quarters peaceful, and ensures that everyone in the family lives in harmony. With a wife like this who understands the importance of managing the household, brother can focus on his career without any worries. Over the years, sister-in-law has contributed to the Fang family not just as a daughter-in-law, but also as a great help to her husband's future prospects. If Brother Ru really gets appointed to an external position, sister-in-law will definitely follow him."
When these words are spoken, some people ponder, some echo in agreement, others remain silent, and still, others feel indignant. However, overall, although the intention is to flatter, what's said isn't entirely off the mark. Madame He indeed lives up to her role as the matriarch of the Fang family.
Rú Měi gazed at He Shi, lightly biting her lip, and a determined expression suddenly appeared on her face, as if the pent-up emotions in her heart were about to be unleashed...
As if nothing was wrong, she drank her tea calmly, but the hand hidden under the embroidered sleeve with golden thread clenched into a fist, as if she also had to learn from He Shi...
He looked at Ru Xian with a mixture of emotions and said, "Go ahead and boast, anyway, I have thick skin."
Everyone laughed at you pushing me and I pushing you, but only Li said to herself: "What a filial daughter-in-law, what serving her parents-in-law with strength, why have I never enjoyed the treatment of being a mother-in-law?"
Everyone cast sidelong glances, He lowered his head, as if he really wanted to retort a couple of sentences, but after thinking about it, he closed his mouth, while Yu Xiang directly looked at the old lady.
The old lady glared at her and said to Li indifferently, "If you were more capable, why would you worry about not having a daughter-in-law to serve you?"
Li stayed behind, although he was unhappy in his heart, but he didn't dare say another word.
Digression
Thank you for the flowers, diamonds and monthly tickets. Let me reveal a bit of the plot, or I'll be killed by impatient readers. The Fang family rejected King Jing's proposal, which made them angry. How can the dignity of a king be easily humiliated? So, to force Li Xiao to make his final move, there needs to be a catalyst and stimulation. This stimulation... should be in the next chapter, hehe~

