Chapter 111: Adding Makeup to Slap in the Face

As the eldest daughter of the Gu family was about to marry, many relatives and friends came to offer their congratulations. The maternal families of the Wu and Zhao clans also sent representatives bearing generous dowry gifts. Naturally, this not only brought honor to their own daughter but also signified the close ties between the two families.

The Wu and Zhao clans each arrived with sizable dowry presents. Since most of the dowry arrangements were handled by women, Old Master Gu instructed Lady Li to lead the daughters-in-law in warmly receiving the guests. Meanwhile, the old man himself sat in the courtyard, chatting with some of the village elders.

With the arrival of her maternal relatives, Mrs. Wu was naturally delighted, her confidence swelling. Zhao’s circumstances had changed the most in recent days; compared to before, she was almost a different person. Zhao’s sister-in-law was overjoyed, constantly fussing over her little sister-in-law, inquiring about her health.

Zhao herself wore a radiant smile. Lady Li had not been targeting her recently, and she no longer had to shoulder so many chores. Life had become much more comfortable for her.

While they were talking, Lady Li, the eldest Lady Li, and two daughters-in-law entered, followed shortly by Aunt Gu and her daughters-in-law. The eldest Lady Li was Lady Li’s own sister, so she naturally did not miss her niece’s wedding. Although Aunt Gu had grown estranged from Lady Li, she never skipped such a significant occasion, nor would she leave her son in Lady Li’s hands alone.

With the elders present, Mrs. Wu, Mrs. Feng, and others hurried to welcome them, then invited the eldest Lady Li and Aunt Gu to sit on the kang (heated brick bed). Each presented their dowry gifts to Xiuli.

“My dear niece, your eldest aunt doesn’t have much to offer, just four simple items. Please don’t find them lacking,” said the eldest Lady Li as she unwrapped a small package. Inside were a pair of bright red silk pillowcases, a pair of handkerchiefs, a pair of red furoshiki cloths, and two pairs of silk stockings. The stitching was decent, with various embroidered patterns on each item.

This gift was respectable and unblemished, but considering the close relationship between the two sisters, it was somewhat modest. Over the years, Lady Li had sent many fine things to her sister’s family; to receive such a humble dowry now inevitably sparked some murmurs among those present.

Even Lady Li herself looked a bit displeased upon seeing the dowry. She recognized the materials as remnants of fabric she had sent to her sister’s home in recent years—likely scraps left over from making clothes.

Still, since it was her own sister, no matter how upset Lady Li felt, she wouldn’t show it now. “Big sister, it’s good enough that you came. No need to bring these things. Xiuli, quickly put away what your eldest aunt has given you—this is her heartfelt gift.”

Xiuli smiled at the eldest Lady Li and placed the items on the cabinet behind the kang, where all the other dowry gifts from various families were already displayed.

Meanwhile, Aunt Gu pushed forward the bundle she had brought. “My dear niece, you’re the youngest daughter in our old Gu family. Now that you’re getting married, Aunt Gu doesn’t have much to give, but please don’t mind this humble offering.”

This cloth bundle was much larger than the one from the eldest Lady Li. Inside were two large pieces of red satin sprinkled with gold, a pair of embroidered curtains symbolizing longevity and many descendants, a pair of red silk handkerchiefs adorned with delicate silver charms, and a pair of silver bracelets. Though the bracelets were not heavy, their craftsmanship was exquisite, clearly brand new.

Also four items, but their value was considerable. Mrs. Feng, standing nearby, estimated that these four gifts alone were worth four to five taels of silver.

Everyone in the room exchanged looks. The feud between the two sisters-in-law of the Gu family was well known throughout the village, yet Aunt Gu had presented such a lavish dowry for Xiuli’s wedding. In contrast, the eldest Lady Li, who had long benefited from the Gu family, had been stingy in her gift.

Each person silently weighed the situation, and some cast looks tinged with disdain toward the eldest Lady Li.

Seeing Aunt Gu’s generous dowry, Lady Li’s face flushed with a complex mix of emotions. She had never expected her estranged sister-in-law to bring such an abundant gift today. “Your aunt, Xiuli is just a girl about to marry; why bring out these old valuables? I don’t even know what to say,” Lady Li said awkwardly, her cheeks reddening.

“I’ve already said, Xiuli is the youngest daughter of this generation in our old Gu family, soon to be a bride of the family. This small gift is just a token of Aunt Gu’s goodwill. My niece, now that you’re leaving the old home, don’t forget to visit your father and mother often,” Aunt Gu said casually, addressing Xiuli directly.

Behind Aunt Gu, Mrs. Duan suppressed a smile. The gifts had been carefully planned by the daughters-in-law at home. Despite the usual strife within the family, they could not ignore such an important occasion.

Moreover, they had suspected that the Zhang family wouldn’t be able to present anything substantial today. Aunt Gu had purposely waited for the Zhang family to arrive before showing up herself. After the Zhang daughter-in-law had mocked Mrs. Feng by the river and been publicly rebuked by Mrs. Duan, Aunt Gu and the others had agreed to make a strong statement with the dowry gifts.

For the Gu family, such dowries were nothing special; they could afford them easily. If it also served as a lesson to Lady Li and the eldest Lady Li, Aunt Gu was more than willing. Hence, the unfolding scene.

Indeed, the effect was striking. Lady Li’s face flushed and paled repeatedly, a spectacle to behold. The eldest Lady Li looked equally displeased, and her two daughters-in-law standing behind her shrank their necks, afraid to raise their heads. Aunt Gu’s smile grew ever brighter—just as she had hoped, to shame the Zhang family from daring to impose on the Gu household in the future.

The atmosphere in the room turned awkwardly silent. No one spoke for a moment. Mrs. Feng, sensing the tension, quickly stood and called out to the outer room, “Wenfang, bring some more water. There are many guests, and the tea is running low.”

Wenfang replied from outside and came in carrying hot water, refilling the teapot.

“Mother, it’s nearly noon. Shouldn’t we start preparing some food?” Wenfang asked.

Neighbors in the village didn’t expect meals, but distant relatives required a proper meal, especially the maternal families of the Wu, Zhao, and Xu clans—these were in-laws. Their presence was a matter of face, and they had to be invited to share a meal.

Lady Li understood this perfectly and seized Wenfang’s question as an opening to find a way out. “Yes, yes, hurry and prepare a meal to keep everyone here for some stew. Third daughter-in-law, quickly take the two girls to think of some dishes.” Today was Zhao’s turn to cook, as the old lady had instructed.

Zhao hurriedly rose to start cooking but suddenly felt dizzy, her head swimming, and she swayed to one side.

Fortunately, Zhao’s sister-in-law from her maternal family was nearby and quickly reached out to steady her. “Child, what’s wrong with you?”

Mrs. Wu, Mrs. Feng, and Wenfang rushed over. Wenfang’s face turned pale, her hands trembling. “Mother, what’s wrong? Are you ill?”

Zhao’s sister-in-law felt her forehead. “Not hot. Maybe you’re just exhausted?”

Lady Li, sitting on the kang, was inwardly furious. Had the third daughter-in-law turned bad? On such a joyous day, how dare she faint in front of so many people? Was she trying to claim mistreatment by the Gu family?

Lady Li’s anger simmered, her face burning red, but she dared not scold Zhao in front of the crowd. She forced herself to hold back. “Wenfang, help your mother rest. Eldest and second daughters-in-law, you two start preparing the meal for the third daughter-in-law,” Lady Li said, trying to soften her tone.

Mrs. Feng, seeing Zhao’s pale face, worried something was seriously wrong. “Wenfang, help your mother rest, and send Wenxiu to fetch Aunt Miao. Let her come and see what’s going on.”

At that moment, Wenfei, hearing the commotion, entered the room. Seeing her mother’s condition, she hurriedly helped her along with her sister to rest. Just then Wenxiu arrived, and upon being informed, she quickly ran to find Miao Suwen.

Lady Li had initially wanted to prevent calling a doctor. Today was Xiuli’s joyous day, and they had already hired a doctor. What reason was there to call another? But with Zhao’s condition so obvious, refusing to summon help would only lead to gossip suggesting she was being mistreated. Lady Li had no choice but to remain silent, nursing her anger inwardly.

The other daughters-in-law who had come with dowry gifts, seeing this, took their leave. It was nearly noon, and they had to return home to prepare meals for their husbands and children.

Aunt Gu, worried about Zhao and fearing Lady Li might lash out later, stayed behind. With her presence, she could offer some protection to Zhao if needed.

Not long after Wenxiu left, Miao Suwen and Jiaoyan arrived. They did not enter the main room but went straight to Zhao’s chamber. After carefully checking Zhao’s pulse, Miao Suwen could not help but smile. “Third sister-in-law, congratulations—you’re pregnant.”