Chapter 17: Instead of presenting your gift, kneel down and apologize!

Previous life.

These old guys, under the pretext of being elders and contributing to the clan, tried every possible means to squeeze things out of her, including all kinds of gold, silver, jewelry, land deeds, and shops.

But what happens after you get it?

Not only did he turn his back on her and talk about her lowly status behind her back, he even plotted against her!

even.

There was also someone who coveted her beauty and sneaked into her yard late at night, pounced on her and tore her apart. He was discovered by Song Jinhuai, who shamelessly turned the blame and said that she was the one who seduced him.

Not only did Song Jinhuai use this incident to torture her, he also took the opportunity to steal her countless dowries.

…

On the way.

Although they held hands, neither of them felt the other's warmth.

After entering the main courtyard, Chu Jiuning let go of Princess Yun, letting her go first, and then followed her into the main hall.

The room was full of guests, and all of them looked unhappy.

Seeing her come in, someone slammed the cup in his hand heavily on the table.

This damn Chu family actually left them here for most of the day. They were so hungry that they were dizzy and now they didn't even have the energy to curse.

The originally fierce momentum was weakened by half in an instant!

"This is truly unruly. Princess Yun even had to personally invite us, and all the elders in the room were waiting here."

Chu Jiuning knew that the Duke's wife would definitely make trouble, so after standing still, she spoke lightly.

"The Duke's Mansion is different now than it used to be. They can't even provide a decent cake. I thought you all had a hard time on the journey, so I wanted to make some delicious food and drinks, so I'm late."

"What are you talking about!"

The Duke's wife felt a pang of fear in her heart and jumped up in anger. At this moment, a figure swayed at the door.

Everyone turned their heads.

Then they saw Madam Hong leading the servants and entering one after another, carrying exquisite food boxes.

Anyone with a sharp eye could see at a glance that the food box alone was worth a fortune, and they all cocked their heads in surprise.

When the food box is opened, the fragrance fills the air.

Every piece of food looks like it was carefully carved and lifelike. When placed in front of you, it really makes you salivate and unable to take your eyes off it.

"Take your time, everyone."

Even if I encounter stray dogs on the roadside, I want to give them some food.

These in front of me.

Just treat them as stray dogs and cats.

It smelled so good that the starving old people had already picked up their chopsticks and started eating. When they were old, they would feel dizzy, vomit, and break out in cold sweats when they were hungry. If they waited any longer, they would collapse.

This damn Song Mansion!

The Duke's wife was angry and anxious when she saw that no one was scolding Chu Jiuning, but was instead concentrating on eating. Just as she was about to speak, someone couldn't help but murmur softly.

“How can there be such delicious food in the world?”

“It’s truly a delicacy!”

“It’s really delicious.”

The old deputy patriarch had lived for nearly seventy years, but this was the first time he had eaten such delicious food. He couldn't help but show joy on his face.

Mrs. Yang also nodded.

"Well, it is indeed delicious and beautiful, and it leaves a lasting impression."

She and Princess Yun had been sitting there patiently for such a long time, and after hearing what the servants had told her, she had a rough idea in her mind. She felt a little pity for Chu Jiuning and agreed with him.

Chu Jiuning walked towards her, bowed politely to her, and spoke gently.

"It's really because there are so many people and so many things to make, plus I can't use the kitchen, so I can only cook in the yard, that's why it's been delayed until now."

Said.

Chu Jiuning presented a brocade box to Madam Yang.

"This is the only copy of Tianshanzi. There are only three copies left in the world. There is also a box of Dongzhu pearls for you to make some jewelry."

Mrs. Yang's expression was startled, thinking she had heard wrongly. When the servant came forward to take it, she couldn't help but open it on the spot, and then her eyes were filled with shock and emotion.

The biggest regret in her husband's life was that he had never seen the only copy of Tianshanzi. He once said in frustration after drinking that if he could just take a look at it or touch it, he would die with peace of mind.

Can.

Chu Jiuning actually gave her the only three copies left in the world.

And this box of Dongzhu.

Her daughter was about to get married, and what she needed was Dongzhu. She couldn't buy good Dongzhu even if she looked all over the world, but Chu Jiuning gave her a box of dozens of pearls, each of which was crystal clear and plump, and each one was a treasure.

This, this, this.

How could she be so generous as to give such a precious treasure to herself?

Madam Yang was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. This really helped her a lot. She didn't know what to say for a moment. She turned to look at Princess Yun, who smiled.

"She said your son is getting married soon. She has plenty of tea for her daughter-in-law, so why not something more substantial? I didn't know her substance was so precious."

Said.

Princess Yun pointed to a piece of kingfisher hairpin that was not even found in the palace.

"She gave this to me, and I'm very happy."

The clan members' eyes turned red with jealousy when they heard this. They actually gave Madam Yang and Princess Yun such expensive gifts, but... but they prepared gifts for An Yinyin, but not for Chu Jiuning.

but.

They are the elders and clan members. Whether or not one is included in the family tree depends on their approval. Chu Jiuning should know the importance of this.

At least we should give them gifts that are more precious than what Mrs. Yang and the others gave us to honor them.

Isn't this delicacy the first step towards her surrender?

Thinking so.

The clan members immediately straightened their backs, raised their faces slightly, and became arrogant. An Yinyin saw that a plate of food had calmed down most of the elders' anger, so she bit her lip and walked up to her proudly and asked her.

"My gifts have been delivered to the elders. Although they are not expensive, Yinyin's thoughts are very thoughtful. Jiu Ning, what did you prepare for the elders?"

"You gave me a gift?"

Chu Jiuning looked at her indifferently.

"You're staying at the Song Mansion. As far as I know, the An Mansion has never asked about you or seen you, let alone given you a penny. Where do you get anything to give?"

An Yinyin was so angry that her face turned red when she saw that she was bringing up things that were not related to the topic.

"My mother and husband love me, and I also embroider things to sell on a daily basis. Chu Jiuning, don't look down on me. One piece of my embroidery can be sold for seven hundred taels of silver."

"Yinyin is indeed the daughter of Minister An. She is very sensible. The Duke's wife has taught her well. She is indeed worthy of the Crown Prince."

"Yinyin is a great contributor to our Song family. Jinbao is smart and cute. We can consider asking a famous scholar to enlighten him."

"Unlike some ignorant people, they made us sit here for an hour or two. That's really rude!"

“Pah.”

Someone slapped the table and glared.

"My Lord, I cannot acknowledge the identity of such a person, let alone allow her to be included in the family tree. When she performs to our satisfaction, she will be included in the family tree."

That makes sense.

The Song family members nodded one after another, and when they looked at Chu Jiuning, the anger in their eyes surged again.

If she can't enter the family tree, she is not the daughter-in-law of the Duke's Mansion. If the clan does not recognize her, she will have no place to stand. I don't believe she is not afraid.

Unless she gives them half of her wealth and property as a gift, there is no deal.

"Then I'll listen to you uncles and enter Yinyin into the family tree first. As for Jiuning, I'll wait until she performs well before entering."

The Duke's wife quickly responded.

“As it should be!”

The clan members nodded one after another and looked at Chu Jiuning with contempt in their eyes. With the support of the clan members, the Duke's wife felt emboldened and rebuked him coldly.

"Look at you, you've already angered everyone just after entering the room. Why don't you quickly present the valuable gifts, kneel down to serve tea, and apologize!"