Shen Xingmian watched from the side and thought that the people from the second branch of the family were really inexplicable.

Given how much Madam Jiang disliked them, neither this bracelet nor the subsequent "grand gifts" would be given to Rui Rui, and they certainly wouldn't be eligible.

Why are they jumping up and down like that?

Shen Xingmian wanted to attribute all the gifts to Rui Rui to make her look good, but she firmly refused.

She told herself privately that this behavior was tantamount to putting on a brave face, and it would also raise the Jiang family's expectations of her. In the long run, it would be a hidden danger.

Half of the gift was attributed to her, and she didn't know how to thank Shen Xingmian for her kindness.

Shen Xingmian remembers that this is how she answered at the time—

Whatever I give you, it's all my own choice. If I don't want it, no one can get even the slightest benefit from me. So, Rui Rui, you can rest assured. Just know that I like you a lot, and don't feel pressured.

Seeing Rui Rui's tearful expression, Shen Xingmian felt a strange sense of accomplishment, like she was supporting her best friend.

Anyway, she has plenty of money, and Uncle Jiang Yu helped their family when they were in their most difficult time, so it's only right that she reciprocates now.

Besides, she really helped Uncle Jiang Yu this time, he'll definitely remember it, and she'll get plenty of benefits in the future, hehehe.

A maidservant stepped forward and gently opened the box, revealing the velvet cloth wrapping the contents inside.

Not seeing any valuables, the second branch of the family got excited again. They had already thoroughly offended Old Madam Jiang and were bound to be punished, so what was there to be afraid of?

So Madam Jiang stepped forward, peered into the velvet cloth, and said in a sarcastic tone:

"Oh my, what kind of amazing treasure is it? It's wrapped up so tightly. Is it a real treasure or something you can't show to others, so you're covering it up?"

As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief and covered her mouth and nose with disgust, as if she was afraid of being tainted by the smell of poverty.

Seeing the maid's overly cautious movements, Shen Xingmian tried hard to suppress her anxiety. Looking at the other two who were very calm, she suddenly realized that she was still a bit impatient and needed to continue learning.

Why am I in such a hurry when victory is so assured?

The ones who should be in a hurry are the second wife and her family.

The velvet wrappings weren't complicated; no matter how carefully the maidservant moved, it would eventually come to an end.

When the ginseng was revealed, Madam Jiang glanced at it and immediately covered her mouth with a laugh:

"Wow, this is truly eye-opening! You guys don't actually think that just putting a radish in a box can make it into a substitute for ginseng, do you?"

"This is absolutely hilarious! Can't they at least go all the way with their act? If they're going to pretend to be a ginseng root, they should at least find something that looks real. This is huge! They're just trying to fool idiots!"

As she laughed, she noticed that no one around her was echoing her, and she suddenly became a little anxious. She knew her own daughter very well; she would never let go of the opportunity to kick the eldest son's wife while she was down. Why was she not responding at this moment?

She turned her head and saw that her daughter's face was a little pale, and her expression was full of disbelief as she stared intently at the "big radish".

Madam Jiang was startled, her smile gradually froze, and she thought to herself:

No, really? That radish was so big and juicy, how could it be ginseng? Aren't ginseng always shriveled?

She had seen it before; someone had given it to her husband, and it was still hidden in her private treasury. Nobody knew about it.

But why do people all have that kind of expression?

Madam Jiang was completely baffled. At that moment, the maid opened the velvet cloth in another box, inside which was a pair of... bronze mirrors?

No, that's not right. No bronze mirror is that clear. That mirror is so bright that she could see her reflection clearly even from so far away.

Good heavens! There are many shops in the capital, and they are full of rare and precious treasures, but she has never seen such a bronze mirror in all these years!

What exactly are these things?

The maid opened them first, and coincidentally, they were all things prepared by Shen Xingmian. Anyone who knew anything could tell at a glance that these two gifts were priceless.

Even the well-informed Old Madam Jiang and Madam Jiang were stunned.

They had thought that these gifts might have been prepared by Jiang Yu, but they never expected them to be such rare treasures.

The Jiang family was considered a very wealthy and powerful family, yet they had never seen such a treasure before. It was obviously not something that Yu'er had prepared.

Could it be that the Shen family encountered some extraordinary opportunity in the Northern Territory?

Otherwise, why would they have given such a rare treasure to their family like that?

It would be impossible for the Jiang family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to have no resentment towards the Shen family and Shen Yunting, but they also knew a little about the private relationship between the two generals over the years, so they would never do anything to kick someone when they are down.

Moreover, since one girl from the Shen family refused to marry, and now another girl has come along, so young and not minding Yu'er's age, it's already excellent.

They were already quite satisfied with the girl, and now, seeing such a generous gift, they had no more resentment towards the Shen family.

But a sudden sense of unease crept into my heart. If the Shen family really did rise to power in the Northern Border, what would happen in the future...?

Both ladies came from military families and were naturally more far-sighted than others.

Ever since the Shen family was exiled from the capital, something has been amiss. Although their family wasn't directly affected, their situation was still somewhat precarious.

Even other prominent families in the capital have been living cautiously for the past six months, fearing that they might inadvertently offend the emperor and be exiled on some pretext.

If they could secretly establish connections with the Shen family, it would be a way to have a backup plan.

The slight resentment I had at the beginning has now completely disappeared.

Hearing the gasps of surprise around her, Old Madam Jiang felt even more at ease. Her gaze towards Yu Xiurui and Shen Xingmian was so gentle it was almost melting.

Shen Xingmian couldn't stand that kind of loving gaze; it made people want to rush into the old lady's arms and call her "Grandma."

However, she would never actually do that; people would think she was crazy.

Judging from Rui Rui's expression, she was also deeply moved.

Since her father left, she has probably never been loved by her elders again, and her feelings at this moment must be very complicated.

A chorus of exclamations arose from the crowd, making Shen Xingmian feel a little smug. She knew that even without spending any money, she could still receive applause from everyone.

hey-hey.

Seeing the stunned look on Madam Jiang's second wife's face, Madam Jiang couldn't help but take out a mirror, adjust the angle, and examine herself.

The subtle expressions in his eyes and brows revealed an undeniable air of smugness.