CHAPTER 336: CHAPTER 171: HUMILIATED

Sang Wan paid her respects to Mrs. Wang and then hurriedly smiled and greeted Third Madam Shi before finally taking a seat at the lower end.

Upon seeing her seated, Third Madam Shi rose with a smile, and said to Mrs. Wang, "I suppose there must be matters you mother-in-law and daughter-in-law wish to discuss. Big sister, I’ll head back now and visit another day to chat with you!"

Mrs. Wang smiled and replied, "It’s nothing more than everyday household talk, nothing in particular to discuss really. But, third sister-in-law, if you have other matters, you go ahead! When you have some free time, do feel free to visit me!"

"Of course, big sister!" Third Madam Shi nodded with a smile. As she walked past Sang Wan, she stopped, looked up to fix her eyes on her, and smiled courteously yet distantly, "Miss Wan, these past few days have truly caused you too much trouble. You’re so busy every day, and these matters are not even your responsibility! Uncle and I feel truly apologetic in our hearts! Here’s some silver,"

as Third Madam Shi spoke, she drew out two silver banknotes from her sleeve and held them between her slender fingers, grabbing Sang Wan’s hand to gently place them there, "Take this! Consider it a token of our gratitude for your hard work these days!"

"Third aunt, what are you doing? This is really not necessary! These matters are Miss Wan’s duty, you are too polite!" In front of Mrs. Wang and all the maids and servants present, Sang Wan’s face immediately turned beet red, a feeling of humiliation welling up inside her, and her eyes began to moisten despite her efforts to hold it back.

Third aunt’s words and actions were clearly a slap in the face in front of her mother-in-law and the servants! Sang Wan couldn’t help but feel a chill in her heart and a sense of injustice. She did not understand what she had done wrong to warrant such public humiliation from her third aunt!

"Why would it be unacceptable?" Third Madam Shi said, feeling secretly pleased as she insisted on stuffing the silver into her hand. With a faint smile, she said, "The servants have worked hard as well, consider it a tip for them! We are not your actual in-laws, haha, these tasks were never yours to begin with, and we do appreciate it! Even siblings settle accounts to be clear, right? Oh yes, I was wondering about setting up a temporary kitchen in a wing room, do you know which part of the estate’s management I should talk to? I’d trouble you, my niece-in-law, to let me know!"

Sang Wan didn’t dare lift her head, her face pale as wax paper from the shame, wishing she could just find a crack to crawl into.

"Third aunt," Sang Wan strained to keep a smile in her voice as she moved her somewhat stiff lips, "You’re really too kind! I cannot accept this money... Regarding the kitchen, I will immediately have someone help you with the renovations, please rest assured. Third aunt, I am young and inexperienced, if there is anything I have done inadequately, I hope you will forgive me!"

"What kind of talk is that, my niece-in-law!" Third Madam Shi completely ignored Sang Wan’s plea filled with shame, her laugh growing even more bright and cheerful, "Ha ha, you see, I’ve always disliked taking advantage of others; clear accounts make for good friends, it’s more reassuring for everyone! Miss Wan, I really mean no offense! There’s no need for you to personally oversee the kitchen renovation, truly, I’ll have someone go to Ningyuan in a moment, you just tell me who to talk to! I wasn’t born yesterday and I’ve managed a house before, I can handle these small matters! Why should everything trouble you, don’t you think? Alright, enough said, you two talk, I’ll take my leave!"

Third Madam Shi smiled brightly, her gaze shifting slightly as she nodded politely towards Mrs. Wang before gracefully making her exit with Yingxia’s support.

Sang Wan’s body trembled slightly, and a surge of hot tears spilled onto her clothes. She quickly blinked away the tears from her eyes and, bowing to Mrs. Wang, said apologetically with a forced smile, "Mother, it’s all my fault, I didn’t handle things well..."

"Enough!" Mrs. Wang raised her hand to stop the conversation, her expression as cold as frost as she stood up and headed toward the warm pavilion: "Come with me, none of you follow, all of you leave!"

Sang Wan inwardly sighed, knowing that a reprimand was now inevitable!

Third aunt’s public remarks were clearly an accusation of Sang Wan’s mismanagement, causing both her and her mother-in-law to lose face. As someone who valued her reputation, Mrs. Wang would certainly not let her off lightly!

However, after all, she was her mother-in-law; the careful service Sang Wan had provided over the past days must have had some effect, and she knew to preserve a degree of decorum for her, not reprimanding her in front of everyone!

Sang Wan resignedly followed Mrs. Wang into the warm pavilion.

"This is simply outrageous!" Mrs. Wang snorted coldly, slamming her hand onto the bedstead table.

Sang Wan’s body stiffened, and with her head bowed she said, "Mother, I really don’t know why third aunt was so angry, I will definitely find out and give both you and third aunt an explanation! Please believe me, mother! I have never intentionally disrespected third aunt!"