Jiang Ling looked up toward the voice. The girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old, was wearing a pale yellow silk dress, which made her already fair skin look even whiter. She had a pair of big, round eyes that were clear as water, and a small, delicate nose. Her voice was melodious and pleasant as she talked and laughed, and her laughter was crisp and charming. She would occasionally reveal two rows of neat, white teeth, and two shallow dimples would appear at the corners of her mouth, making her look even more charming, lively, and cute.
Just as Jiang Ling was sizing up Qin Lingrui, Qin Lingrui had already respectfully bowed to the Jiang family members and arrived right in front of Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling nodded and asked, "You must be Ling Rui?"
"Replying to you, my name is Qin Lingrui!" Qin Lingrui's polite manner impressed Jiang Ling. No wonder Zhishan took a liking to her; she seemed to be a good girl!
"Lingrui, there's no need for all this 'respecting family' talk. We'll be family from now on. Zhishan can call me 'Big Sister,' and if you don't mind, you can call me 'Big Sister' too!" Jiang Ling said with a faint smile.
Although Qin Lingrui and Jiang Zhishan were about to get married, they hadn't officially entered the marriage yet, and she blushed when Jiang Ling said that!
Qin Huang, being a sensible person, quickly teased, "Oh dear, Lingrui is a grown-up now, she knows how to be shy. Come on, let's go to the kitchen with your third uncle and see if the food is ready."
Qin Lingrui nodded and followed Qin Huang out, but before reaching the gate, she glanced shyly at Jiang Zhishan.
Although it was Jiang Zhishan who was getting married this time, the main character seemed to be Jiang Ling. The Qin couple were already full of curiosity about Jiang Ling, and now that they discovered that their third brother had business dealings with Jiang Ling, they couldn't help but become even more curious about her.
As they chatted, the two seemed to have forgotten about Grandma Jiang and Jiang Zhitang.
Jiang Ling didn't know what to say, so she could only smile and chat with the two of them.
After an unknown amount of time, Qin Huang's chubby figure reappeared and said to everyone, "The food is ready! Let's eat! I'm starving!"
Upon hearing this, the Qin couple realized they had overlooked Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Zhitang and his wife. Somewhat embarrassed, they walked up to Old Madam Jiang and said, "Let's go, mother-in-law. We've prepared a little wine, please forgive us and don't be picky!"
Grandma Jiang quickly waved her hand politely, "We country folk are used to simple food! It's alright, it's alright!"
As they spoke, the group politely made their way to the dining room.
Although the Qin family also has the custom of men and women sitting separately, this time, since it was a meeting between the two parties, they simply waived this rule.
Men and women sat at a large table, creating a lively scene.
Sixteen dishes, eight cold and eight hot, appeared on the table one by one, leaving Madam Ma completely speechless.
She reached for the chicken leg that was not far from her, but luckily, Grandma Jiang had sharp eyes and slapped Ma's hand hard with her chopsticks.
"No manners! The host hasn't even started eating yet! And you still have the nerve to grab the chicken leg?" Old Mrs. Jiang scolded in a low voice.
"Oh, it's alright, it's alright, we're practically family now! No need for so many formalities, come on! Let's eat!" Although Madam Qin was somewhat displeased, she still smiled and said to everyone out of politeness.
Upon hearing this, Madam Ma reached for the chicken leg again, then placed another chicken leg in Jiang Zhitang's bowl, saying, "Husband, hurry! Hurry! Eat!"
Jiang Zhitang felt a little embarrassed by her actions, glanced at the Qin couple, and then lowered his head to eat.
Looking at the two good-for-nothings in front of her, Grandma Jiang would have definitely scolded them if it weren't for the presence of others.
However, after Grandma Jiang took her first bite of the fish ball, she completely abandoned the idea.
"As expected of a wealthy family, this food is so delicious!" Grandma Jiang tried hard to suppress this absurd thought, but in the end, she was captivated by the delicious food.
Finally, Grandma Jiang rubbed her stomach and almost let out a burp at the dinner table.
After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, everyone chatted happily.
The family gathering thus came to an end. Fortunately, the Qin couple did not look down on Jiang Zhishan's family. Of course, most of this was thanks to Jiang Ling's title of "Anren" (a title of honor for a concubine).
As soon as she stepped out of the Qin residence, Madam Ma was still immersed in the scene of the maids and servants bowing to her, muttering, "Oh my, it's so nice living in a rich family! This big house, those maids!"
Grandma Jiang glared at Madam Ma but didn't retaliate.
Jiang Ling ignored them and turned to Grandma Jiang, saying, "Mother, you all go back first! I want to go out for a walk!"
Grandma Jiang naturally didn't dare to stop Jiang Ling, and Madam Ma nudged Jiang Zhitang and said, "Husband, let's go for a walk too..."
"What are you spinning around for! How much money do you have to spin around! Hurry up and come back with me! Stop making a fool of yourself here!" Old Mrs. Jiang glared at Madam Ma and got into the carriage on her own.
Seeing Old Madam Jiang's expression, Madam Ma was filled with anger and muttered as she walked towards the carriage.
"You can't be dissatisfied. You should be like your eldest sister and fight for a position yourself. I, this old woman, won't care about you then!" Old Mrs. Jiang said sarcastically from the car.
Madam Ma naturally lost her temper. Although she was shrewish, she didn't expect Old Madam Jiang to be even more unreasonable, and she would often bring up the topic of childbirth to hurt her. Perhaps this is what they call one thing subduing another.
Jiang Ling, preoccupied with thoughts of Jiang Wenxi, inquired her way to the Six Doors. After explaining her purpose, the servant at the gate scratched his head and said, "I'm sorry, ma'am, Wenxi is currently on a mission with Jinfeng! Our master isn't here either, so I can't very well let you in. I hope you'll understand!"
Jiang Ling nodded knowingly, then turned to leave, somewhat disappointed.
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