Chapter Six, Birthday Congratulations
What Liu Mei can see, could it be that Ge Shi cannot see? She pondered that perhaps someone had said something to He Shi. But who could that person be? It certainly could not be anyone from the main branch, and on this side of the second branch, there was no one either; the father-in-law was not present, the husband was also absent, leaving only the mother-in-law and the younger sister-in-law.
Gu's words are indeed condemnable, as they clearly seek to sow discord between Wei Heng and the Ge family. In truth, she harbors no malicious intent; it is simply that she cannot stand seeing the Ge family revel in their success. Celebrating a birthday, with the banquet held in Lvyang Village, and her sister-in-law inviting guests one by one—why should someone from a humble background like her be able to stand on equal footing with herself
"What made you think of writing a letter to your grandmother?" He asked Wei Heng, who was kneeling in front of the kang table.
Gu'shi also stepped forward to take a closer look, "It seems to be the craftsmanship of the Jiangnan Ruyi Workshop, indeed priceless. I heard that families who wish to have jewelry made by them have already filled their schedule for the entire year since the beginning of the year."
Ge glared at Liu Mei and said, "Even if it means nothing to Mother, it is still her intention towards me. In this entire capital city, have you ever seen a mother-in-law give a shop to her daughter-in-law?"
The autumn sun smiled and said, "You will know once the third young lady has gone."
"Mother, you are judging a gentleman's intentions with the mind of a petty person. Moreover, what have you done that makes it necessary for me to report you?" Wei Heng retorted
During He Shi's time, Wei Heng's maternal grandmother had once returned to the capital and stayed for a period. However, she had long been accustomed to life in the south and returned to Hangzhou after just half a year
Let me take a look at the letter you wrote to your uncle and the others said He
Oh, what kind of confidential letter is this, sealed with wax? The He family's acid is quite authentic, carrying a bittersweet feeling that a daughter has grown up and learned to hide her thoughts
The He family originally resided in the capital, but later, He’s father went to Hangzhou to serve as an official, where he passed away during his tenure. However, He’s mother and brothers remained in Hangzhou and did not return to the capital. Now, the He family in the capital is another branch, yet it is not particularly distinguished.
Ge was somewhat surprised, "What is going on?"
The previous dish was acceptable, but the next two dishes are said to have been learned by the owner of Lvyang Village from a blue-eyed merchant who came from the sea, and they cannot be found elsewhere
Gu'shi led Ge'shi into the inner room. Ge'shi looked up and saw that not only were Jiang'shi and Gu'shi present, but also three young ladies, the old lady, the madam, and her mother-in-law were all seated, which meant that everyone was indeed present.
He was held in check by Wei Heng's words, making it difficult to ask for a letter again, "At such a young age, you certainly have a lot of cunning thoughts"
After Wei Heng finished writing the letter, He said: "Let's go, today is the first day of the month, your grandmother's sutras should be finished by now, let's head to Ruiyun Courtyard"
"Third Grandma, please take good care of this, as it is a valuable item," Gu said with a smile
Wei Heng pouted and said, "I don't want to, this is my letter."
Ge was indeed well-mannered, merely smiling faintly as he expressed his gratitude to Madam Mu.
Ge made a sound of acknowledgment.
Wei Heng placed the letter into an envelope and even sealed it with wax.
"Please stop crying. You can take over the shop; I have already informed the shopkeeper. Starting from the beginning of next month, the monthly accounts will be sent to you, and I will have Dongxue teach you how to read them. " He sighed and continued, "As for the matter of the child, do not keep it on your mind all the time. Since Li Ge'er is preparing for the imperial examination, he will be away from home for most of the year, so it is not surprising that you are unable to conceive. Things will naturally improve in the future. " Things will naturally improve in the future.
"Don't be like this, it's a waste of your sister-in-law's heartfelt efforts. Early this morning, she went around inviting us to celebrate your birthday. Look at you, you didn't even mention your twentieth birthday to us in advance. If it weren't for Zhu Zhu coming to invite us, would you let your twentieth year pass by so quietly?" Jiang complained to Ge, appearing to be exceptionally close, but in reality, both Jiang and Gu were equally talkative.
Ge was so excited that he hardly knew how to let go, "This is, this is..."
He immediately perceived Ge's concerns and felt that she was also a pitiful person. Before He gave birth to Wei Li, she had prayed to countless Buddhas and worshipped many Bodhisattvas. While her sister-in-law, Mu, was already expecting her second child, there was still no sign of life in her own womb. Even the matriarch, who was so open-minded, could not help but arrange for Wei Jun to have a concubine. This was a source of distress for He. Now, seeing Ge in such a state, it inevitably reminded her of the pain she had endured at that time, and how could she bear to let Ge suffer again? Even the matriarch, who was so open-minded, could not help but arrange for Wei Jun to have a concubine. This was a source of distress for He. Now, seeing Ge in such a state, it inevitably reminded her of the pain she had endured at that time, and how could she bear to let Ge suffer again
Congratulations to Grandmother San on her birthday The maids serving in the room all congratulated Mrs. Ge in unison
"Indeed, a penalty of three cups of wine is to be imposed." Mr. Gu pressed Ms. Ge down to sit at the table and called out loudly, "Hong Xian, come quickly and fill your third grandmother's cup with wine."
Gu's keen eyes spotted Ge and she came over to pull her, "Oh, the birthday girl has finally arrived today."
"What did the lady send?" asked Liu Mei as she tidied up for you.
This time, let's not mention the He family; even Lady Mu has furrowed her brows
Wei Heng adjusted the fish carving resting on the bamboo joint slightly, continued to focus on writing, yet her mouth was not idle, "After all, I practice writing every day, so writing letters can be considered as practice, and it serves two purposes with one action, isn't that convenient"
He smiled and said, "I understand now, you are just thinking about the word 'play', aren't you?"
Wei Heng has not eaten it for a long time. The owner of Lvyang Village is quite a character; after turning forty, he stopped making money and closed Lvyang Village to travel the world. As a result, Wei Heng has not had his family's rice wine steamed duck, coriander braised dove, and auspicious abalone soup, among other dishes, for many years.
Wei Heng said: "Not only did I write a letter to my grandmother, but I also wrote letters to my uncle and cousin a few days ago. Once I finish writing to my grandmother, I will ask my mother to help me send them all. I just miss them; being separated by a thousand miles, if I don't write soon, I fear my grandmother might forget about me, Zhu Zhu'er."
At dinner time, Qiu Yang from the He family went to invite the Ge family to dine at Shuyu Pavilion
Ge's heart stirred, and she had probably guessed a little, yet she did not dare to believe it. By the time she arrived at Shuyu Pavilion, the hall was already brightly lit with candles, and a crowd of people was gathered.
The maid by Gu's side, known as Hong Xian, was the most favored one. She hurriedly responded and helped Gu pour three cups for Ge before she was satisfied
Ge did not know how he walked out of Lanyi Courtyard, his heart filled with emotion and gratitude, and he vowed to honor his parents-in-law, love his husband, and care for his sister-in-law
What a beautiful ruby! Jiang remarked
Liu Mei shook her head, realizing, "I was being petty. The madam treats the young mistress so well, Aunt Ge's illness will probably heal without needing any medicine." Aunt Ge refers to Ge's mother. Liu Mei was a maid bought by the Ge family when Ge married into the Wei family, and she still enjoys calling Ge's mother Aunt Ge.
He hesitated slightly upon hearing this, as the Jiang family and the Gu family both enjoyed ridiculing the Ge family. While they flattered the Mu family for their generosity, they simultaneously belittled the Ge family for their lack of exposure to valuable items. Particularly the Gu family, being young and hailing from the Xiping Bo family, was inevitably a bit impetuous.
Ge smiled; she was not a stubborn person. She could not refrain from spending this money, but she would certainly repay her mother-in-law's affection.
"How old are you? Why do you speak as if you are so old and wise?" He asked.
Wei Heng stuck out her tongue with a smile, "Not really. But in life, isn't it all about seeking a bit of pleasure?" Now, Wei Heng, though young in age, has come to understand through her experiences that one should not be too demanding in everything; otherwise, it only leads to unhappiness. It took her a lifetime to realize this, yet the knots in her heart remain difficult to untie. Seeing Wei Xuan, she still feels a bit of resentment.
Wei Hengchong smiled and changed the subject, saying: "Mother, have you found the female lead for tonight's performance?"
Mr. Ge greeted the elders, and the elderly lady spoke: "Please sit down quickly. Thanks to the fortune brought by the daughter-in-law of Brother Li, we not only have the feast from Lvyang Village to enjoy, but also a storyteller from the female side. It is indeed lively today"
Old Lady Zhang was in high spirits, and smiles adorned everyone's faces
He said: "Nonsense, every time your uncle writes back, he always says that your grandmother misses you dearly"
Wei Heng was taken aback; she had completely forgotten about this matter. It seems that she must continue to strive to be a little girl in the future
In fact, in the past, Ge did not lack affection for Wei Heng; she simply did not dare to approach her. However, now, in order to repay the He family, she has made up her mind that even if Wei Heng treats her coldly, she must endure it. Ultimately, she needs to assist Zhu Zhu in ensuring that she successfully enrolls in the girls' school.
Jiang said playfully: "Mother is truly generous; even the daughter-in-law has only a few pieces of jewelry from Ruyifang."
As Ge's eyes opened wide, she could hardly believe it was Wei Heng, but there was truly no one else she could find. However, regardless of whether this person was Wei Heng or not, Ge had firmly resolved to devote herself fully to Wei Heng in order to repay He.
Ge returned to the house, and the maid Liu Mei, who had come with her, saw the box in her hand and asked, "Young Mistress, why have you returned? Oh, did Madam send you a birthday gift?"
Gu said: "I remember that the third younger sister also has a set of ruby jewelry like this, but it seems that the gemstones are not as large as these."
He was utterly speechless; how could someone be so cunning? However, with Wei Heng acting this way, He had no way to blame her. "Then how did you think of writing a letter to your grandmother?"
Wei Heng held He's hand and smiled, saying: "It's not entirely for my sister-in-law; isn't it that my daughter also wants to join in the fun? Moreover, the family is usually very strict, and if it weren't for my sister-in-law's birthday, how would my daughter get to taste the dishes from Lvyang Village? Oh dear, just thinking about it makes my mouth water"
He Shi listened to Wei Heng's words and became increasingly suspicious, teasing her by saying: "What have you written that you won't let me see? Are you reporting me?"
But why did the lady suddenly think of giving you the shop? It could have been given earlier or later, but it has been three years. Liu Mei actually has one more thing to say, which is that the He family usually does not treat the third young mistress very well, so why has there been such a sudden change.
Jiang said: "Ah, this hairpin is exquisite, its wings thin and translucent like cicada wings; such craftsmanship is surely hard to come by, worth a fortune."
Ge handed the box to Liu Mei. Upon opening it, Liu Mei was as astonished as Ge had been at that time, and finally murmured, "Madam is so generous." However, she quickly added, "But I have heard that Madam's dowry is extraordinarily large, so two shops should not be a significant matter for her, right?"
"Who could blame the daughter-in-law of Brother Li for being so lovable?" Mu said with a smile
He Shi gifted Ge Shi a pair of ruby earrings. After all, she is her own daughter-in-law, so it is acceptable to give something more valuable. However, Ge Shi did not expect He Shi to also give her a gift, and such an expensive one at that. She glanced at He Shi and noticed her subtly shaking her head, which made her realize that He Shi did not wish for others to know about her gifting the shop. In fact, this was also for Ge Shi's benefit; it is not a matter of reputation for a daughter-in-law's family to be so poor that they need their mother-in-law to gift them a shop, especially for Ge Shi. As for He Shi, if this matter were to be publicized, it would only lead people to praise her as a good mother-in-law. Therefore, Ge Shi felt even more grateful to He Shi.
After the wine was finished, starting from the old lady, all sent gifts of longevity to the Ge family. When it came to the madam, she presented the Ge family with a gold-inlaid pearl butterfly hairpin. Although the pearls were only the size of yellow beans, they were remarkable for their uniform roundness and good luster
I found it. Speaking of this He family makes me angry, isn't it just a twenty-year-old birthday? Gifting her a shop is not enough, why go through the trouble of preparing a banquet? Not to mention that, you actually ordered me to find some female lead for you.
However, it is evident that at this moment, Zhu Zhu'er—Wei Heng's thoughts are not focused on the girls' school; she is writing a letter to her grandmother who is far away in Hangzhou