CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 21: DEMONSTRATION AND TESTING

"Will my dear cousin’s wife hold it against me? Actually, Auntie and Cousin have no other intentions; it’s just that I’ve always helped Auntie with managing trivial matters, so I know her thoughts very well. Of course, from now on, whenever there’s something to report to Auntie, I will definitely inform my dear cousin’s wife as well and seek her advice! No matter what, I wouldn’t dare to cross my dear cousin’s wife nor disrespect her!" Gu Fangzi said with a smile on her face, with a faint sense of triumph in her laughter. The triumph made her eyes shimmer even brighter which made her look lively and enchanting.

"Cousin, you’re too polite! How could I blame you?" Sang Wan said with a friendly smile. "Mother-in-law and young master’s plans are thoughtful, and it is all for the best! As long as the family is harmonious, it is the greatest blessing for everyone! How could I not understand or appreciate Mother-in-law and young master’s efforts? Actually, young master has already discussed it with me. I’m just a figurehead; this matter still requires you, Cousin, to take control! Just handle it as you see fit, no worries on my part!"

As soon as Sang Wan opened her mouth, Gu Fangzi fixed her gaze on Sang Wan’s face without blinking. The intense gaze seemed to want to dig out her thoughts through Sang Wan’s facial features. Sang Wan remained calm, her eyes tranquil, her lips curved in a smile, and her tone gentle and relaxed. She did not show any signs of displeasure, let alone resentment or anger.

Gu Fangzi suddenly felt like she had thrown a punch at nothing, and her heart instantly filled with disappointment.

She was not willing to let it go just like that, so she smiled and cautiously said, "My dear cousin’s wife really doesn’t mind? After all, you are my cousin’s wife, and you’re the head lady who was married through proper means in this household! I, I am just an outsider, and it’s only right for you to manage the household affairs!"

Liu Ya, who was watching from the side, couldn’t help but scoff inwardly and thought, "You seem to be well aware of propriety! So why do you still insist on doing something so unreasonable? And you even pretend to be so aggrieved while doing it! If my mistress, Sang Wan, were here, she would definitely scold you for being ’affected! Profiting from someone, yet still putting on airs!’"

Sang Wan also felt annoyed. Why couldn’t this person take a hint? Hadn’t she made it clear enough? She just wanted peace and harmony in the family! What more did Gu Fangzi want?

"Of course!" Sang Wan quickly introspected and thought maybe she hadn’t been sincere enough to reassure Gu Fangzi. Instead of being provoked, she became even more sincere, "Cousin, I’m speaking from the bottom of my heart. Do whatever you think is necessary, go ahead and carry it out as you see fit! There’s nothing you need to worry about with me, really! If you’re still anxious, I won’t be able to forgive myself!"

Gu Fangzi sneered in her mind, ’Keep pretending, just keep pretending!’

If it weren’t for being good at pretending, she must be a true fool!

"I’m relieved now!" Gu Fangzi said cheerfully, "No wonder Auntie always praises my dear cousin’s wife for being virtuous and having a good temperament! It’s really true! From now on, my dear cousin’s wife, just relax and live your life comfortably! I’ll handle all the tedious and troublesome matters so you won’t have to worry! Only someone like you, cousin’s wife, can be called truly fortunate!" Gu Fangzi giggled, and her laughter carried an indescribable envy.

Sang Wan felt both amused and frustrated by Gu Fangzi. How could she change her tune so quickly and expect her to accept her favor? Now she became the fortunate one, owing Gu Fangzi for taking care of the tedious matters!

Sang Wan didn’t want to acknowledge Gu Fangzi’s inexplicable favor, not even verbally. Hearing this, she just smiled, lowered her head and drank her tea, not responding.

Gu Fangzi didn’t continue either and laughed, "In that case, I’ll go back now! Oh, by the way, since my dear cousin’s wife is personally managing Ningyuan, I’ll have someone send the servant roster to you later! If there are any shortages or adjustments needed, or if any servants are not good and need to be replaced, please don’t hesitate to tell me, cousin’s wife! If my cousin’s wife suffers any grievances, Auntie and my cousin won’t forgive me, haha!"

"Thank you, cousin!" Sang Wan half-heartedly thanked her and nodded her head with a smile.

After Gu Fangzi left, Liu Ya and Sang Wan exchanged glances. They raised their eyebrows in disdain, pursed their lips, and Liu Ya quietly said to Sang Wan, "That woman is shameless! Now I’ve seen it for myself – she’s even worse than our second mistress!"

"Don’t talk nonsense!" Sang Wan glanced at the door, signaling Liu Ya to keep her voice down. After all, there were others in the courtyard!

Liu Ya stuck out her tongue and pulled a face.