Chapter 2, a life of indulgence
However, the original owner's death is undoubtedly related to Shen Yunan. You Wu's lips curled into a cold smile, Shen Yunan, you are actually a murderer who kills with words! It is likely that the original owner would not have wished for me to marry you. When we meet in the future, I will certainly seek justice for the original owner.
Since Yang Shangbao has survived through three dynasties, he must possess political sensitivity and means, and he should have the confidence to seek refuge in the Yang residence to avoid disaster! You Wu searched through the fragmented memories of the original owner and found that the original owner knew nothing about politics, so she had to give up. She then stood up and said: "I will serve the master to rest now"
Lan Yue glanced at You Wu cautiously, wanting to speak but hesitating to say anything
A line of mermaids flowed into the hall, with Guo leading the way, holding a tea tray for Yang Shangbao. Next, she took the plate that held the teacups from the maid's hands, brought it in front of You Wu, slightly bowed, and awkwardly said: "Please enjoy the tea!" The words "mother-in-law" hovered on the tip of her tongue, yet she could not bring herself to utter them.
Yang Shangbao shook his head and said with a smile, "Children need not think too much; I will take care of this matter!"
For many years, the sisters-in-law of the Guo family were well aware of the sentiments of the other four branches. It was merely a matter of enduring the fact that You Wu married into the Yang family to escape disaster, unwilling to address You Wu as mother-in-law, and even less inclined to serve tea, as they hoped she would be the one to stand out. As long as the first branch did not serve tea, they would naturally follow suit. When Yang Shangbao later expressed his dissatisfaction, they would shift the blame onto the first branch.
As she was speaking, the voice of Madam Guo came from outside, saying: "The daughters-in-law have come to pay their respects to their father-in-law and mother-in-law"
Although Lan Yue felt that You Wu was somewhat different from before, she merely thought that it was due to the great changes she had undergone, resulting in a significant change in her character. With tears welling in the corners of her eyes, she quietly blinked. Once her eyes had dried, she said: "It is not the young lady's fault that she is beautiful. Now that she is married into the Yang family, Master Yang will surely protect her, and there is no need for the young lady to worry."
You Wu took the handkerchief to wipe her tears, but the more she wiped, the more tears flowed, smudging the joyful makeup on her face. When her grandmother passed away, she was far away and could not return in time to see her for the last time. This became her greatest regret. Unexpectedly, after a time travel, she encountered someone whose appearance and voice resembled her grandmother so closely.
When Yang Shangbao spoke, You Wu paid attention and noticed that he was indeed aging gracefully. At his age, he still had his front teeth, spoke clearly, and did not mumble like most elderly people.
The other four family members saw Guo being forced to call out the words "mother-in-law," and their expressions varied, making it difficult to articulate their feelings.
You Wu, upon hearing Yang Shangbao's voice, felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity and responded, "What the master says is indeed true"
You Wu glanced at Guo, noticing that she appeared to be around forty-seven or forty-eight years old, with a dignified appearance and a demeanor that exuded an air of nobility. It was indeed not easy for someone like her to kneel and address herself as mother-in-law. However, if Guo did not call her mother-in-law, her own status in the Yang residence would become quite delicate. Moreover, whether she would leave the Yang residence in three years remained uncertain, making the clarification of her identity and status at this moment very necessary
You Wu nodded slightly, supporting Lan Yue's hand to stand up, and sat down in front of the dressing table to remove her makeup. Only at this moment did she clearly see her own appearance, and she was momentarily astonished, her eyes wide open. Her black hair flowed like clouds, her emerald brows resembled willows, her eyes contained autumn waters, her nose was delicate, and her red lips were slightly pouted. Even without speaking, she was still captivatingly beautiful
You Wu understood and said, "Come in!" From today onwards, you must get used to the identity of a mother-in-law.
Yang Simu is also a mixture of flavors; the daughter of the You family lives up to her name, being a true beauty. Who wouldn't want to marry someone like her? As long as one marries her, after three years of nurturing, she will be well accustomed. Why would there be a need to write a divorce letter, allowing her to marry Shen Yunan instead? What does the grandfather gain by marrying her if he cannot enjoy her?
Madam Guo has two daughters and two sons. Both daughters are married, and her granddaughters are already seven or eight years old. Her eldest son is also married and has children, while her youngest son, Yang Siming, has yet to marry. It is quite disheartening for someone like her, who has become both a grandmother and a great-grandmother, to have to serve tea and address a sixteen-year-old girl as mother-in-law. However, the Eastern Song Dynasty places great importance on filial piety, and since You Wu and Yang Shangbao are formally married, You Wu is, on the surface, indeed their elder. Failing to serve tea and address her as mother-in-law would be a breach of filial duty. Madam Guo does not wish to be seen as committing such a transgression, thus she says: "How can I not go?"
On the morning of the second day after the wedding, You Wu did not need to serve tea to the elders, but instead waited for the younger generation to serve tea to her
Lan Yue helped You Wu remove her wedding crown. When she looked up at the mirror, she saw You Wu staring wide-eyed and quickly comforted her, saying: "Miss has been ill for a few days, so her complexion is naturally not as good as before. Just rest for a few days and it will be fine"
You Wu held Lan Yue's hand and let her sit beside her, then said: "Lan Yue, from now on, I am no longer the previous Wu Niang, but a completely new Wu Niang. My words, actions, and thoughts will be different from before, so do not be surprised."
Yang Shangbao's wedding naturally attracted a considerable number of guests. Some who were aware of the entanglements between the You family and the Yan family secretly shook their heads, while others, unaware of the underlying reasons, envied Yang Shangbao's fortunate romantic prospects
Upon seeing this, You Wu said: "Lan Yue, if you have something to say, just say it. I can handle it."
Yang Siyi pursed her lips and after a moment said: "Just wait and see! If you want to be our grandmother, you must have some skills."
Hearing You Wu's voice, the Guo family members secretly curled their lips, thinking, "Oh, does she really consider herself a matriarch? Just listen to that voice, so self-righteous!
Yang Shangbao saw You Wu silently shedding tears, and thinking she was worried about another matter, he comforted her, saying: "Do not worry, the Yan family will not be arrogant for much longer. It is also possible that your father may return to the capital earlier than expected"
Since the Guo family took the lead in serving tea, the remaining four households followed suit and refrained from any further antics
The three brothers each had their own concerns, and when they gathered together for a while, they ended up drinking a few more cups than usual, quickly becoming intoxicated
Look at this girl, she is completely devoted to that Shen Yunan. You Wu observed Lan Yue and saw that although Lan Yue's appearance was not as striking as her own, she was still delicate and charming. It became clear to her that Lan Yue had feelings for Shen Yunan. It seems this girl has a crush on Shen Yunan!
What exactly did Shen Yunan say to the original owner that led to the original owner's sense of despair? You Wu strained to recall, but there was not a single impression in her mind. She shook her head for a moment and said softly, "What did he say? I forgot!"
The red candle burns brightly, and in its flickering light, the beautiful figure sheds tears. Her delicate crimson lips part slightly, evoking an indescribable allure. However, Yang Shangbao, being of advanced age, has always regarded Youwu as a granddaughter, and thus remains unfazed. He simply takes out a handkerchief and hands it to Youwu, gently saying: "Wipe your tears, please"
Yang Shangbao let out a laugh and waved his hand, saying: "I will rest in the study; this will be your own bedroom from now on. Get some rest early and don't think too much."
After Yang Shangbao left, Lanyue pushed the door open and quickly supported You Wudao, saying: "Miss, are you alright?"
Yang Shangbao looked at You Wu, smiling without saying a word
In ancient times, political entanglements could vary greatly; minor cases might result in a demotion, while major ones could lead to the ruin of entire families. What You Wu is currently worried about is actually the safety of Yang Shangbao. Upon hearing him say this, she stopped her tears and quietly asked, "If I enter the Yang family, will I bring trouble to the Yang clan?"
Yang Shangbao got up early and accompanied You Wu to the main hall. Seeing You Wu's small hand tremble slightly, he understood that she was nervous, so he said: "You are the elder; if you like it, feel free to say a few more words, and if you don't, then remain silent. There is no need to fear them."
Hehe, grandmother, your grandson will bring you joy in the years to come
It is best for the young lady not to take it to heart. Lan Yue smiled brightly, helping You Wu take off her wedding attire, supporting her to the bedside, and assisting her to lie down except for her shoes. She then whispered, "Three years will pass quickly, young lady, do not worry."
Since the passing of Yang Shangbao's elderly wife, the management of the Yang household has fallen to the eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Guo. Now, with the sudden addition of a young mother-in-law in the household, she cannot help but feel a headache coming on. Early in the morning, just after she finished her grooming, Madam Song from the second branch, Madam Zhu from the third branch, Madam Ma from the fourth branch, and Madam Luo from the fifth branch successively entered her courtyard, seeking her advice, saying: "Eldest sister-in-law, are we really going to pay our respects and offer tea?"
After the wives of the five families finished serving tea, it was time for the younger generation. The eldest grandson of the first family, Yang Sichang, and his wife stepped forward to serve tea, and then it was Yang Siming's turn. As soon as Yang Siming entered the hall, he was captivated by You Wu's stunning beauty. He took a deep breath, approached with the tea tray, and without waiting for You Wu to take it, he placed the tea cup in her hand himself. His index finger gently brushed across the palm of You Wu's hand, his eyes fixed on her face as he lowered his voice and said, "Grandmother, please enjoy the tea!"
Lan Yue hesitated for a moment before softly saying: "Miss, what Young Master Shen said that day was merely in a fit of anger, and you truly need not take it to heart. Once Young Master Shen's period of filial piety is over, he will formally propose to the You family."
The eldest daughter of the Song family from the second branch, Yang Siyi, followed the adults into the hall. She cast a glance at You Wu and said to a nearby nurse, "Does she even deserve to be our grandmother? Just relying on a bit of beauty, she has taken a high position?"
You Wu, upon hearing Guo's mention of the words "mother-in-law," nodded slightly. Just as she was about to pick up the teacup from the saucer, her eyes swept over and noticed Guo with her head lowered, her eyes flickering. She then retracted her hand and returned to supporting the teacup on the saucer. She carefully lifted the teacup along with the saucer, gently lifted the lid with her left hand, and lightly brushed her pinky finger against the outside of the teacup. Feeling the surface of the cup was scalding hot, she realized her guess was correct. Without revealing this, she cautiously raised the teacup, took a small sip, and quickly set it down. Only then did she hand a pouch to Guo, saying gently, "You have worked hard"
After You Wu met Shen Yu Nan, she lost her appetite and appeared sickly, which caused Lan Yue great concern. This morning, when the bridal sedan chair arrived, Lan Yue noticed that You Wu's demeanor was off, and she has been worried ever since.
Well, I understand why Yan San Shi insists on obtaining the original owner! Indeed, beauty can be a source of trouble! You Wu, with such looks, if there is no backing, will definitely attract many undesirable suitors
Guo observed that Youwu did not accept her tea, while on the other side, Yang Shangbao frowned as he looked at her. He could only grit his teeth and, with a blank expression, called out: "Mother-in-law, please have some tea"
The old lady, seeing Yang Shangbao present, was afraid that others would hear Yang Siyi's words, so she whispered, "Miss, she has formally married the old master, so we must not neglect her."
Yang Siming and Yang Siyu secretly harbor resentment, clearly I and You Wu are equally matched in talent and appearance, yet my grandfather refuses to let me marry You Wu, insisting that he himself must marry her, I wonder what my grandfather is thinking