"Second Cousin, why be so reserved? My cousin Yujing and I have been together since childhood, growing up together. When he was studying hard behind closed doors, I would always personally brew tea and serve him water. These little things are second nature to me. We are family after all, so there is no need for you to be so polite with me. From now on, I will continue to be responsible for serving tea to my cousin Yujing."
Her words seemed casual, but they actually contained a hidden meaning.
However, Jiang Huaiyu was well aware of her intentions; she had already seen through everything and remained calm and composed amidst the changing circumstances.
In her past life, Jiang Shuqin's relationship with Bai Yujing was on the verge of collapse several times, partly due to Xie Wenyin's secret instigation.
Xie Wenyin harbors feelings for Bai Yujing, but Bai Yujing's feelings for her are far from falling into the realm of lovers.
After decades of companionship, he regarded Xie Wenyin more as his own younger sister.
However, Jiang Shuqin failed to see through this subtle relationship. She was deeply disgusted by Xie Wenyin's frequent appearances and believed that she was trying to seduce her husband.
In their daily lives, the two are at odds, and Jiang Shuqin, relying on Bai Yujing's protection, repeatedly puts pressure on Xie Wenyin behind her back.
Although Xie Wenying was resolute, she always silently endured Jiang Shuqin's various treatments. It wasn't until the situation escalated that she had no choice but to confront Bai Yujing about the conflict.
Although Bai Yujing had always doted on his wife, he could not stand idly by while she disrespected her mother-in-law, abused her younger sister, and oppressed the eldest son's family...
As time went on, Bai Yujing's attitude towards Jiang Shuqin became increasingly harsh. Jiang Shuqin naturally refused to submit to his will, and the arguments between the two became more and more frequent, and the relationship between the couple gradually soured.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently, his tone mild yet meaningful, "Cousin Wenyin, we both know that you and my husband share a deep sibling-like bond. I am deeply grateful for your past care and consideration for him. But now that he has a wife, if you were to continue taking care of his daily needs and serving him tea, people might mistakenly think I, as his wife, am neglecting my duties. Besides—"
She paused slightly, a sharp glint in her eyes. "Cousin Wenyin has already reached marriageable age, the perfect time for marriage proposals. If anyone were to find out that you and Yujing are getting along so well, it would likely cause all sorts of misunderstandings, which would not be good for your reputation, wouldn't you say?"
Jiang Huaiyu deliberately emphasized that she was Bai Yujing's legal wife, while Xie Wenyin was just a cousin.
This is undoubtedly a clear declaration of sovereignty, because it was she who walked hand in hand with Bai Yujing into the hall of marriage. Those who have designs on her husband should first recognize their own position.
Xie Wenyin wasn't stupid; upon hearing this, her face instantly turned gloomy.
She retorted defiantly, "My second cousin-in-law only entered the Bai family yesterday, and today she's already interfering in my affairs. She really thinks she's part of the Bai family!"
Jiang Huaiyu shook her head slightly, her expression revealing her disapproval.
“Cousin Wenyin, your words are rather impolite. Since my marriage to my husband, I have become a member of the Bai family, and my name is clearly recorded in the family genealogy. This is a testament to everyone’s knowledge. Wherever I go, people will regard me as a member of the Bai family. If we’re really talking about it, it seems that your surname, Xie, makes you more distant from the Bai family?”
Xie Wenying was furious, her face almost contorted with rage. She had spent countless days and nights in the Bai family, yet so far, no one had dared to speak disrespectfully to her.
"Hmph, how dare you talk back to your elders! How can a junior like me compete with you!"
Huaiyu would not easily accept the accusation of defying his elders.
"This is clearly arguing based on reason; how can it be called contradicting others?"
"You went against your elders' wishes and openly stirred up trouble. Isn't that an act of disobedience and filial impiety?"
"Cousin, may I ask you, does filial piety mean ignoring right and wrong and allowing your husband's family to trample on your own family? Is this the right thing to do?"
Faced with Jiang Huaiyu's rebuttal, Xie Wenyin was speechless. In her anger, she couldn't help but stomp her foot.
She sneered, deciding to stop arguing with Jiang Huaiyu, and turned to walk towards the study. "Cousin Yujing is diligently studying and is waiting for me to serve him some tea. I have no time to argue with you here!"
Jiang Huaiyu did not stop her. After her figure disappeared from the study, he strolled alone to the courtyard. At that time, the children of the eldest son's family were there sorting beans.
"What are you doing?" Jiang Huaiyu asked.
Feng Yun glanced at her briefly, then lowered his head again, remaining silent.
Huiyi replied softly, "Auntie, Mother told us to pick out beans. The big, round beans are for sale, and the rest are for our own consumption."
The little girl's voice was sweet and melodious, bringing joy to those who heard it. Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but say softly, "Why don't I help you choose?"
Huiyi glanced at her lightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, and asked in a slightly shy voice, "Auntie, my mother said you're just a pretty face, good-looking but useless, and you're not even good at basic housework. Do you know how to sort beans?"
"Silly Huiyi, stop talking nonsense!" Feng Yun hurriedly reached out, trying to cover her mouth.
Huiyi immediately realized her slip of the tongue, and cautiously glanced at Jiang Huaiyu, her fingers nervously twisting together as she stammered, "I'm sorry, Auntie, I misremembered. My mother never said anything like that."
Upon hearing this, not only did Feng Yun roll his eyes helplessly, but even Jiang Huaiyu was amused by her innocence and smiled.
Feng Yun quickly pulled Huiyi behind him, explaining with a hint of embarrassment, "Auntie, my mother was just joking, she didn't mean any harm..."
Jiang Huaiyu responded with a soft laugh, "I understand."
"Aren't you going to get angry?" Feng Yun asked, his eyes full of curiosity as he looked her up and down.
"Your mother didn't say anything wrong, so why should I be angry?"
Feng Yun was stunned, clearly unable to understand why someone could remain calm even after being criticized.
Seeing that the two remained silent, Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment and then said, "You don't need to worry. Just pretend I never heard of this, okay?"
Feng Yun did not answer immediately.
Huiyi, however, had developed a fondness for this beautiful aunt ever since Jiang Huaiyu handed her that sweet pastry that morning, so she looked up and asked, "So, Auntie, you won't dislike my mother because of what she said, will you?"
Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but chuckle and replied softly, "Of course not."
Upon hearing this, Huiyi finally felt relieved. She eagerly stepped forward, tightly grasped Jiang Huaiyu's hands, and guided her to sit down on a wooden stool. A sweet smile bloomed on her face, and she said softly, "Auntie, let me teach you how to choose beans."
“Okay, I’m willing to learn,” Jiang Huaiyu agreed with a look of anticipation.
The two stood close together, holding winnowing baskets, carefully selecting each bean.
Feng Yun quietly observed them for a while before joining in the bean selection.
While busy, Jiang Huaiyu chatted easily with the two little ones.
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