bayedsolid Chapter 248 Exchanging Wedding Gifts!
Chapter 248 Exchanging Wedding Gifts!
Early that morning, the Mu family was filled with joy. Madam Jin, contrary to her usual behavior, became very affectionate with the eldest son's family, happily instructing the servants to clean the front hall and decorate it more elegantly.
"Sister-in-law, this is the first happy event in our Mu family! To be honest, Xinyao is very lucky to have such a kind and compassionate stepmother as you. It is truly a blessing she has accumulated over many lifetimes to be able to choose such a good family for her."
Madam Li nodded, "The Marquis of Dingyuan's residence is quite good. Madam Jin will also be here today, so we can be considered as relatives becoming even closer."
This was tantamount to mentioning again that Jin was also from the Dingyuan Marquis's family, which naturally pleased Jin. Her sister-in-law was coming today; although she, as a half-sister, had never been anything special in their eyes, at least they could maintain a respectable relationship on the surface, right?
Not long after, Madam Jin arrived in person. Of course, Marquis Dingyuan also came along. However, Marquis Dingyuan was directly invited to the study by Mu Chang'an. As an outsider, he naturally could not enter the inner courtyard.
Madam Jin naturally expected that today would be the day when the second wife of the Mu family, who was also her aunt, would be present!
In front of everyone, Mrs. Jin's words were still quite polite.
"Sister-in-law, I heard that your birthday is next month. I wonder what kind of gift I should prepare for you as your younger sister. It's been more than ten years since I left the capital, and I don't remember your preferences very well anymore."
Jin's face was beaming with joy; anyone who didn't know better would think that it was her daughter who was getting engaged today.
Madam Jin's expression stiffened slightly. How could she not understand the meaning behind her words? She wanted to invite her back for her birthday celebration.
"Look at what you're saying, little sister. Even if you don't bring anything, as your sister-in-law, do you think I'd refuse you entry into the mansion?"
"That's true, but we can't be careless about etiquette. Does your sister-in-law prefer jade or calligraphy and paintings?"
Hearing this, Madam Li realized that the conversation had gone a bit too far, so she quickly tried to smooth things over, "Madam Jin, speaking of which, our two families are now even closer than family. I just hope that when Xinyao marries into the family, Madam Jin will give her some guidance! This child is quite thoughtful. I'm sure Madam Jin has heard about what happened to her aunt back then, which has kept her somewhat at odds with me. However, fortunately, this girl is also sensible, and she never misses any of the proper etiquette and rules."
Li's words were tantamount to telling Madam Jin that Mu Xinyao was not close to her, but she wasn't exactly disliked either. This meant that as long as things were handled openly and didn't embarrass the Mu family too much, she wouldn't interfere too much in the future.
“Look at what Madam Mu is saying. Your daughter from the Marquis of Zhongyong’s mansion is known for being sensible and gentle. It is a blessing for our Ah Hui to be engaged to Miss Mu the Second.”
Jin was displeased upon hearing this. What did he mean by "daughter of the Marquis of Zhongyong's family"? Did that mean the people from their second branch of the family were inferior?
"Look at what Madam Jin is saying. Who doesn't know that the daughters of your Marquis of Dingyuan's family are truly ladies of noble birth?"
After some pleasantries, another banquet was inevitable.
On such an occasion, the old lady could have chosen to attend or not. However, thinking that she wanted the Jin family to know that Mu Xinyao had won their hearts, she decided to come out and join them for the banquet.
Of course, unmarried girls like Mu Xinyao and Mu Xinnuan would not be able to attend such a banquet.
"Miss, this is a letter from the master to you." Chunyu came in, bowing her head and holding a letter.
After a slight pause, Mu Xin Nuan glanced at her thoughtfully. So, he sent this girl to his side just to deliver love letters to her? Was he really that irresponsible?
After receiving and reading the letter, Mu Xin Nuan immediately overturned her previous idea.
"That Jin Er is really persistent! Wasn't he always so interested in Mu Xinyao? Didn't he like her a lot? How come he was able to marry her now, and openly at that? Why is he refusing now?"
"Miss, it seems that Young Master Jin has not given up on you yet."
Mu Xin Nuan's hand froze, and she looked at Chun Yu with a strange expression. "Where did you hear that from?"
“Miss, I used to serve the Prince, and I know his feelings for you very well. The Prince even had someone investigate that Young Master Jin thoroughly, and he gave a strict order not to let Young Master Jin have an easy time.”
"Not let him have an easy time? What did he have someone do?"
Chunyu's eyes flickered slightly, as if she realized that she had just let something slip, and her words began to waver, "Well, it's nothing really, it's just about finding a way to teach him a lesson."
Mu Xin Nuan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Tell me in detail. Of course, if you are unwilling to tell me, I can ask the Prince in person."
Upon hearing this, Chunyu's heart skipped a beat. "Miss, I'll tell you. But please, please don't tell the Prince. Otherwise, I might really lose my life."
Mu Xin Nuan raised her eyebrows slightly, and the corners of her lips curved into a very beautiful arc. "If I am happy to hear it, then naturally I will not ask him again."
Although Chunyu received her response, she was still a little uneasy. She hesitantly explained the whole story. Upon hearing this, Mu Xinnuan almost spat out the mouthful of tea she had just swallowed.
"Are you telling the truth? He, a prince, actually came up with such a method to deal with them?"
“Replying to Miss, this servant would not dare to lie to you.” Chunyu secretly sized up her new mistress and, seeing that she showed no anger but only a slightly amused expression, she mustered her courage and said, “Actually, the Prince originally did not intend to do anything to him. But later, when he heard that he actually dared to join forces with Miss Mu to plot against you, he became angry.”
Chunyu spoke more and more fluently, "The Prince said that Miss Mu the Second is from the Mu family, and is at least your half-sister. He can't do anything to her openly, but he can always make her suffer some hidden losses! And that Young Master Jin the Second, wouldn't it be much easier to deal with him? But the problem is, the Prince doesn't want to cripple him directly, but instead wants to torture him slowly, because he dared to make a move on Miss!"
"Did your master really drug Mu Xinyao?"
"Yes, Miss, it's true. The Prince said it's just to make her more energetic at night and less alert during the day. It won't kill her!"
"Pfft!" Rong Yue, who was standing to the side, couldn't stand it anymore and started laughing so hard that she didn't care about her image at all. She even started laughing so hard that she was doubled over.
"Miss, this is hilarious! Prince Chang Le? Haha! He actually came up with such a method?"
Mu Xin Nuan shook her head helplessly. "Alright, it's just some underhanded tricks. Today is the day they exchange birth certificates. Let's go and congratulate our second sister."