"I'm so happy that Lan is visiting, how could I let you spend any more money? Don't you agree, Third Sister-in-law?" As she spoke, she patted her hand, signaling her to take it back.
Such a fine piece of jade is more suitable for my youngest daughter. Adorning her waist would only make her more beautiful than flowers, like a flower on a high mountain. Giving it to this ignorant woman would be a waste. If she wants to use her connections to gain favor, she should ask if I agree to it.
When Xiong Yanyan came to her senses, she realized that although Peng's gaze was full of smiles, for some reason, it made her feel a chill run down her spine.
He instinctively wanted to refuse, but was interrupted by Mo Lan once again.
"It's nothing valuable, just a small token of my appreciation. I hope Third Madam won't find it offensive." With that, she subtly pushed away Madam Peng's hand and placed the jade directly into Xiong Yanyan's hand. "It's fate that we met. Keep it safe. Let's have tea together sometime."
Thank you.
Feeling the warmth of the jade in her hand, Xiong Yanyan looked down at the jade and uttered two dry words. But the doubt in her eyes didn't lessen much; she was very curious—how did this woman end up with her sister-in-law?
Thinking back to what she had said to him a few days ago, and looking at the person in front of him now, he suddenly understood that she had been waiting for him here all along.
Looking at her dazed and silly appearance, Madam Peng felt a surge of irritation, but she couldn't lash out because of Mo Lan's status.
"Third sister-in-law, your sister-in-law has guests now. If you don't have anything else to do, you can go back first."
“Sister-in-law is right. I was presumptuous. It would be impolite to refuse today. I’ll invite you for tea next time.” Xiong Yanyan glanced at Mo Lan, curtsied to Madam Peng, and turned to leave.
Watching her departing figure, Mo Lan shook her head inwardly. She still hadn't cultivated enough. When would she be able to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity?
After all, she was a noblewoman who came to the profession later in life, and deeply ingrained habits are hard to change, especially her mindset, which cannot be changed in a short time.
Peng noticed that Mo Lan was staring intently at the third son's family, her eyes flickered slightly, and she sighed seemingly unintentionally.
"Please excuse my rudeness, Sister Lan. My third sister-in-law is the Song family's niece. She was missing for many years before being found and raised in the Song family for two or three years. It's inevitable that she lacks proper manners. Speaking of my third sister-in-law, she has also had a hard life. It's all fate that we can all come together. Sister Lan probably doesn't know, but her mother and my mother-in-law are close friends with a deep bond. My mother-in-law took pity on them and brought her to be her daughter-in-law, treating her like her own daughter. It's quite a story."
When Madam Peng spoke of Xiong Yanyan, although her tone was filled with pity, she repeatedly criticized her for her poor manners and lack of upbringing. She said that it was Xiong Yanyan's good fortune to marry into the Yuan family, thanks to the Yuan family matriarch's pity for her background and out of consideration for her friend; otherwise, someone like Xiong Yanyan wouldn't have been qualified to marry into the family at all.
Mo Lan blinked, finally understanding. In the end, her family still looked down on Xiong Yanyan; everything was just out of politeness.
"After hearing what Sister Peng said, I think this Third Madam is quite interesting, and she can be considered a person of true character."
Hearing Mo Lan's tone, I couldn't help but shudder. She really was a pampered little girl, all chivalry and compassion. What genuine nature? Her whole being reeked of vulgarity and commonplace charm; where was there even a trace of nobility?
It seems best to keep them apart less next time, lest she take the jade disc for granted and give it away carelessly.
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