"On the occasion of Jin Sanwang's wedding, we extend our sincerest blessings and wish the Jin family prosperity under the leadership of Cha Ruren."
Everyone stood under the plaque, looking at the characters on it. Those who could read read them with great interest, while those who couldn't read just watched the spectacle.
Liang Shuyan said calmly, "I will accept the plaque, but I can't accept the rest of the gifts."
Shopkeeper Li said with a smile, "How can this be? Today is Sanwang's big day. Everyone has seen how well Madam Qing takes care of us. This little gift is nothing to us. Please accept it, Madam Qing."
The group of merchants standing behind him smiled and said, "That's right. Madam helped our village build roads and schools. We all help her with any difficulties we encounter. This is just a small token of our appreciation."
Everyone sighed with emotion, acknowledging Liang Shuyan's help and care for the people of Daling Village over the years. Liang Shuyan, dressed in a light yellow dress, walked over and said slowly, "Thank you all for your trust. I am where I am today entirely thanks to your help, so I can't say I've done anything meritorious. It's all just what I should do. Today is my third son's wedding, and I'm already very happy that everyone could come. As long as you eat and drink well, that's enough. Don't bother with gifts. Otherwise, people will say that I, the Tea Lady, am a materialistic person. Don't you think so?"
Since everyone saw that Liang Shuyan was so insistent, they didn't say anything more. They then helped hang the plaque up, and Liang Shuyan led the group of people slowly into the main house, which had a hall and a guest room.
Zhang brought over some tea and greeted everyone with a smile. After exchanging a few simple pleasantries, Liang Shuyan came out and called out her sons and daughters-in-law.
"Listen to me today. There are many guests and business partners here. Remember, no matter how insistent they are, you cannot easily accept anything from them, understand?"
Da Shan nodded: "Mother, can't we even accept gifts from relatives? What if it's the county magistrate or someone else? Can't we even accept gifts from people we're close to?"
Liang Shuyan firmly replied, "Yes, of course we can't accept it!"
Li Zheng stepped out from the crowd: "What kind of rule is this? Although I am not a member of your family, I, Li Zheng, have been in this village for many years. Some things are old rules passed down from our ancestors. How can we not accept gifts? In autumn and winter, come here and accept gifts for your aunt. Of course, we dare not and cannot accept gifts from high-ranking officials and nobles. Especially since your aunt is now the Tea Lady personally appointed by the Emperor, we must be careful about the impact."
Qiu Dong walked over and nodded obediently: "Yes, I know, Dad."
Liang Shuyan nodded helplessly: "Actually, even if I, the Tea Lady, don't accept anything now, it's still hard to silence the gossip. To be honest, I don't even know how I can openly and legitimately marry my second daughter-in-law into the family."
"It's nothing. We didn't accept any gifts, and we didn't do anything to wrong anyone. There's nothing that can't be done openly or honestly. Just relax, treat our guests well, and let Qiu Dong handle this."
Li Zheng had arranged everything and divided the guests in the courtyard into groups to begin serving them.
Ruyan's family was also mostly empty except for the old lady of the Liu family and the Jin family. The people in the restaurant and the teahouse had all closed and gathered together to prepare a wedding night for Sanwang.
Granny Liu seemed to be in a much better mood today. Leaning on a cane, she saw Ruyan and Sanwang standing together and said happily, "Oh my, Ruyan is so beautiful! Look at her, standing with Sanwang, they are like a perfect couple. They are so well-matched. Now, even if I die, I can rest in peace."
Liu was so angry that she stomped her feet and grabbed Liu Pozi's hands: "Mother, what are you saying? Saying such things makes people feel uncomfortable on such a good day. Isn't life good now? Is my mother-in-law treating you badly, or are we treating you badly?"
Grandma Liu was afraid that her daughter would get excited and reveal what had happened a few days ago, so she said, "Don't shout anymore. If your mother-in-law hears you, it will be a big deal. I know Erniu's temperament. He has a good heart. I know him very well."
Liu snorted coldly: "Hmph, it's good that you know."
Liang Shuyan happened to turn around from the side, frowned, and looked at Liu Shi: "Second son's wife, how can you talk to your mother like that? Look how old the children are now. If you treat your mother like this, how will the children follow your example?"
"Mom, I, I didn't. I was just being a little temperamental."
"Throw a tantrum? Go back and let Erniu do it then, this is really ridiculous!"
Liu was too frightened to speak. Since her mother-in-law's personality changed, she really didn't dare to offend her mother-in-law casually. Seeing that her mother-in-law's mood was not right, she quickly ran away.
Granny Liu sighed, "Actually, she didn't say anything. It's just that I, this old woman, talked nonsense, which is why the child got angry. Please don't take it to heart, in-laws."
Through a low wall, I heard a shouting: "I told you not to talk to my mother like that, but you wouldn't listen. What's wrong? Do you feel uncomfortable because my mother eats your food, and that's why you talked back to her?"
“I’ve already told my mother-in-law that I didn’t mean it. I was in a bad mood that day and I talked back to her rashly. I’ve admitted my mistake. Why are you still nagging? What else do you want from me?”
Liu was furious and shouted, "I came here to give you advance notice. It's best not to come back in the next couple of days. Mother may have heard what you just heard. This can't be kept secret anymore. Your mother found out that you talked back to her?"
Jin Erniu's voice exploded like a cannon: "What? There's such a thing? Did you tell me?"
"I...I didn't say that. Did Mother catch us talking?"
Upon hearing all this, Liang Shuyan instantly understood what had happened and then said, "That brat Erniu talked back to you. I had no idea such a thing could happen. Is your illness this time because of this?"
Granny Liu kept shaking her head: "Erniu is an honest child. He says what he thinks. How could he say that about me? My illness has nothing to do with the child. My dear in-law, please don't scold Erniu because of this. If you do, I really won't be able to stay in this house anymore."
"Don't worry, in-law, I won't discipline Erniu. Erniu isn't just a little kid; I, as his mother, can't discipline him anymore."
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