The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1625 - 1620: Serving Tea

The personal maids are named Ming Yue and Ming Xin; both were taken in by Song Hong, but were not given any official title.

Though they were not entirely clear on what had transpired between Lady Gao and Song Hong, they had a faint inkling of something.

Thus, they were very obedient during this period, and upon hearing Lady Gao’s words, they instantly showed a troubled expression.

It was Ming Yue who softly said, "Madam, the Heir’s Wife’s uncle got married yesterday, and today she likely needs to visit the Gu Family to acknowledge kinship!"

Lady Gao’s long-held anticipation mixed with a hint of fear suddenly collapsed.

After a brief moment of daze, she said listlessly, "I see. Well, if the Heir’s Wife returns, notify me."

Without even taking breakfast, she went back to her room to lie down.

Ming Yue and Ming Xin exchanged a glance but dared not speak more, and they departed.

It was said that Wang Yongzhu had arrived at the Gu Family.

Old Lady Gu, Gu Changque, and Zhuo Die hadn’t yet arrived; Old Lady Gu had just finished her breakfast.

Upon seeing Wang Yongzhu, she eagerly pulled her close to join the meal and spoke of Gu Changque, her eyes filled with smiles.

Since this son had been reconciled with the family, every day that he was in the manor, he rose early and was the first to pay respects.

Seeing breakfast was over and he still hadn’t shown up, she thought that last night’s wedding night must have been quite enjoyable.

This allowed her constantly tense heart to ease a bit.

Indeed, once everyone had mostly gathered, each holding their tea, casting glances at one another.

The servants announced that Third Master had come with Third Madam to pay respects.

The curtain lifted, revealing Gu Changque looking exceptionally spirited today, dressed in a dark jujube-red robe with floral patterns, with Zhuo Die following a step behind in red attire.

Although Zhuo Die’s eyes were slightly shadowed, her face was rosy with a healthy glow.

Only her walking posture appeared somewhat awkward.

Most present were experienced enough to know why.

Additionally, Gu Changque, whose face usually bore some solemnity, appeared much calmer today.

Normally, he walked with swift strides outpacing others, but his steps today were noticeably slower, mindful of his newlywed wife behind him.

The two entered the main hall and first paid respects to Old Lady Gu.

Zhuo Die was somewhat uneasy, partly because of the late hour and seeing the room full of waiting people increased her anxiety.

Apprehensively, she paid respects to Old Lady Gu, only to find her not the least bit displeased, but instead looking gratified.

Looking at the relatives in the room, each appeared very amiable.

Instantly, she exhaled in relief, recalling Third Master’s morning words that everyone here was harmonious.

Next came the tea ceremony, as expected.

The staff had already prepared a cushion, placing it before Old Lady Gu.

Maid brought over tea, and Zhuo Die respectfully kneeled before Old Lady Gu, raising the tea cup with both hands, addressing her, "Mother, please have tea!"

Old Lady Gu, smiling pleasantly, accepted the tea cup, sipped a bit, and then presented her prepared meeting gift, a pair of Mutton Fat White Jade Bracelets, to Zhuo Die.

Zhuo Die thanked Old Lady Gu, proceeding now to offer tea to Gu Changqing and the Eldest Lady.

Naturally, meeting gifts were presented too.

When she reached Lady Quan, given previous lessons from Gu Zihang and Lady Lou, she had prepared the gifts in advance, handing them to Lady Quan upon entering.

Thus, Lady Quan forced a stiff smile, sipping the tea and calling, "Third sister-in-law, please rise," before passing the meeting gift, letting the matter pass.

Old Granny Zhang was ready with her gift, scrutinizing Zhuo Die before graciously accepting the tea and offering the meeting gift, adding, "Live a good life ahead!"

Zhuo Die, having been told by Gu Changque that Old Granny Zhang was among those he valued most, realized that gaining the acceptance of Old Granny Zhang and the cousin was likely the most significant hurdle.

Therefore, her heart remained on edge, fearing Old Granny Zhang’s disapproval; receiving Granny Zhang’s gift allowed half a sigh of relief.

The rest were younger members; after greetings, it was Zhuo Die’s turn to offer gifts.

These numbers were carefully ascertained and prepared, with equal treatment for each household.

A box was given to each family, containing a Lake Brush and new ink, along with two distinct pieces of jewelry, catering to both genders. Though not luxurious, the thought was clever.

Even Gu Zimei had a share, though ill; Zhuo Die didn’t forget, handing her share to Lady Lou for passing on.

Lady Quan’s expression brightened slightly upon witnessing this.

At Wang Yongzhu’s turn.

Wang Yongzhu, keen-eyed, noticed Zhuo Die, composed before others, grew tense approaching herself.

She subtly inhaled deeply, casting a glance at Gu Changque.

Gu Changque patted her hand, signaling her not to worry, lifting his gaze meeting Wang Yongzhu’s cheerful eyes, his face flushed with embarrassment.

What’s this, having tasted the pleasures of the flesh for the first time in years led to bit of recklessness; he felt slightly guilty towards his new bride from the morning.

Given her age, this new bride could have been his daughter, thus he added a touch of tenderness.

Previously not bothered, but now under niece’s gaze, Gu Changque felt some unease.

An attempt at calming himself while facing Wang Yongzhu: "This is my niece, Yongzhu, elder sister’s daughter. My sister and Yongzhu have helped immensely; my life is owed to them, to me, she’s like my own daughter—"

Zhuo Die swiftly chimed in, "Rest assured, Third Master, I will hold niece as dear as my own daughter as well!"

Gu Changque approvingly nodded.

Yet Wang Yongzhu felt quite awkward; previously she hadn’t minded.

In person now, a beautiful woman, just five or six years her senior, stating she’d treat her as a daughter.

It was correct, yet seemed wrong!

Not only Wang Yongzhu but Old Granny Zhang felt uncomfortable hearing this.

When Laosan always said Yongzhu was like a daughter, it didn’t feel strange.

How did this new sister-in-law’s words make it seem off? This new sister-in-law resembled their daughter’s sister, calling Yongzhu daughter, despite generation difference, was discordant.

Seeing Wang Yongzhu’s slightly stiff smile, Old Granny Zhang intervened: "Some daughters one must have themselves, stop claiming mine! All grown and independent, less of this talk now. Initially, he said he wouldn’t marry, letting Yongzhu care for him. Now married, have a few kids with the sister-in-law."

"I’ve only got this precious daughter, mine alone! No one else’s!" She said, pulling Wang Yongzhu behind her, glaring at Gu Changque.

Lady of the Gu Family, wise-hearted, detected Yongzhu’s unease.

Indeed, this sister-in-law near Yongzhu’s age, calling her niece or auntie was fine.

Proclaiming she’d treat her as a kin daughter felt off to observers, inducing awkwardness wasn’t it?

Hence she laughed, "Indeed, sister-in-law, don’t heed Laosan! Younger sister cherishes her lone precious daughter dearly, turning a blind eye to Laosan’s past utterance due to his singleton state. Now you’re married, have boys ahead, stop longing for other’s daughters!"

Zhuo Die wasn’t foolish; anxious for acceptance made her impulsive.

Those words, Gu Changque could utter them, whereas a newlywed shouldn’t overstep.

A dignified Heir’s Wife of Duke of Weiguo, where’s this courage, boldly stating she’d treat others as own daughter?

Realizing her error, Zhuo Die blushed deeply, apologizing, "My blunder, niece forgive me!"