Chapter 114: Reassuring Words of Wit

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Li’s words were harsh and cutting; Gu Chengyi frowned, visibly displeased. Yet, upon seeing Mrs. Zhao’s pale face and trembling body, a hint of pity softened Gu Chengyi’s expression. “Whether boy or girl, they are my flesh and blood all the same, and I cherish them equally.”

“A girl is just as precious—she’s close to the heart. In the future, she can stay at home to marry in and care for us in our old age,” Gu Chengyi said firmly, lifting his head to address everyone present.

Gu Chengyong and the others nearby couldn’t help but smile; the third son had finally come to terms with it. No matter what they thought inside, outwardly, this was the right attitude to show. Their own wives and daughters could not be casually belittled or taken advantage of.

Li never expected Gu Chengyi to speak this way. Hadn’t he always been bothered by the lack of a son? Why did he suddenly seem indifferent now? “What a joke. What does your family have that’s worth someone marrying in as a son-in-law? No matter how good a son-in-law is, he’s still not really your own son. Could he truly treat you sincerely? Sons are often distant from their parents, let alone sons-in-law.”

It must be said, Li’s words were like knives, piercing straight into the heart. Both Gu Chengyi and Mrs. Zhao’s faces darkened considerably.

“Third Aunt, didn’t you get a clay doll that was a boy? Then this time you surely will have a son. What more is there to say?” Jiao Yan stood before her mother, feigning innocent ignorance, tilting her head as she spoke. Her voice was just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

Mrs. Zhao suddenly turned around, tears glistening in her eyes as she looked at the seemingly naive Jiao Yan. “Jiao Niang, are you really telling the truth?” At this moment, Mrs. Zhao clearly pinned all her hopes on this.

Jiao Yan smiled sweetly, her delicate, lovely face made even more radiant by her innocent, bright smile. Such a pure and dazzling expression could calm anyone’s heart. “Isn’t the Lady Mother Temple known for granting blessings? Third Aunt only went once to pray, and now she’s expecting a younger brother. Third Aunt, when your health improves in a few days, don’t forget to return and give thanks. The Sending Child Lady will surely bless you and guarantee a boy in your womb.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhao was overjoyed. “Yes, yes! I went to pray at the temple, and soon after, I became pregnant. Child’s father, when you have time, accompany me to return thanks.” She was so happy she could barely speak coherently.

Gu Chengyi was also pleased. In these times, common folk were deeply superstitious. Their reverence for gods and Buddhas made them believe this was the Sending Child Lady’s mercy, sending them a son.

Though Jiao Yan’s words sounded innocent, they truly lifted a weight from the hearts of Gu Chengyi and his wife. Since they had the favor of the Sending Child Lady, what was there to worry about? Even if this child wasn’t a boy, perhaps the next would be. Now that Mrs. Zhao was pregnant, there could be more children to come. As long as she lived, why fear not having a son?

Li sat on the kang bed, her face darkening. She could not bear to see Gu Chengyi so happy. In her mind, whether it was Gu Chengzhong, Gu Chengyi, or even Gu Chengyong, they all should bow to her, obeying without question. For this reason, Li had constantly pressured and suppressed Gu Chengzhong and Gu Chengyi, wishing to trample them underfoot without mercy.

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However, ever since Gu Chengyong’s family returned, the household had changed. Sons and daughters-in-law alike began to defy her orders. Each had their own opinions and no longer obeyed as before. To Li, this was outright rebellion and unforgivable.

Li had been burning with anger since noon, her face flushed red, ready to explode. But just then, Gu Chengren tugged her sleeve gently. Li turned to her eldest son. “What is it?”

“Mother, have you forgotten why you called everyone here?” Gu Chengren quickly reminded her. He knew her best; seeing her expression, he guessed she was about to lose control and hurried to intervene.

Thanks to her son’s reminder, Li remembered. She suppressed the anger in her heart and looked around at everyone in the room. “Tomorrow, Xiuli is getting married. Have you all prepared your dowries yet?”

Li had previously told the daughters-in-law that when Gu Xiuli married, each family must contribute. That morning, relatives and friends had come to add to the dowry. Now that there were no outsiders in the house, it was time for the family to provide their share.

Wu and Feng exchanged glances, fully aware of the old lady’s intentions. She would never miss such an opportunity; this was the most legitimate way to squeeze money from the daughters-in-law.

“Mother, we already prepared the dowry gifts. We’ve just been busy and haven’t brought them out yet,” Wu said with a smile, pulling a cloth bundle from her bosom. “Third Sister, you’re getting married soon. I don’t have much to give you. These were gifts my grandmother gave me when I got married. Now I’m passing them to you as a keepsake.”

As she spoke, Wu opened the bundle and took out a jade hairpin. The jade was a pure, vibrant green, clearly a valuable item. “Third Sister, don’t look down on it.”

Xiuli had seen many fine things—over the years, Gu Chengyong had brought back numerous treasures. Seeing the exquisite quality and craftsmanship of the hairpin, Xiuli smiled warmly. “Sister-in-law, I can’t accept this. It belonged to your grandmother, it’s not appropriate for me to take it.” Though she liked it, she politely declined.

“What’s appropriate or not? It’s a token of your sister-in-law’s goodwill. You just keep it,” Li said briskly, without a hint of politeness, snatching the hairpin and handing it to Xiuli. To her, anything from a daughter-in-law belonged to her family. She hadn’t expected the eldest daughter-in-law to be hiding such a fine item.

Gu Chengzhong and Wu’s family exchanged secret sighs at Li’s behavior. The old lady had no intention of playing nice.

After Wu gave the dowry, it was Feng’s turn. Feng took a bundle from Wenxiu’s hands and presented it to Gu Xiuli. “Third Sister, your second sister-in-law doesn’t have much to offer now. I bought these silver accessories from the county some time ago. They’re quite nice; see if you like them.” Feng then showed the silver jewelry she had purchased in town.

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Gold and silver were always hard currency, a reliable store of value. Giving silver jewelry as dowry was common among ordinary families. Feng did not want to stand out too much but thought this sufficient. She also prepared an embroidered screen.

“This is something I recently finished embroidering. Keep it as a keepsake, Third Sister. You can have it mounted later. It will look nice displayed at home,” Feng said, unfolding the screen embroidered with a ‘Prosperity and Wealth’ pattern for all to see.

Feng’s embroidery was authentic Suzhou embroidery, and she had used the finest silk threads imported from the south. The entire piece was vivid in color; flowers and butterflies lifelike. Such embroidery, if sold, could fetch at least one hundred taels of silver.

Jiao Yan pouted, thinking her mother must have embroidered it to sell, only to find it was given as a gift to her aunt. Goodness, mother was truly generous—working day and night only to give it away. It was almost unbelievable.

The appearance of this exquisite embroidery stunned Gu Xiuli, Li, and even Gu Chengren. Although Gu Chengren did not know embroidery, he recognized the ‘Prosperity and Wealth’ pattern’s balanced composition and complex yet orderly colors. The lifelike design was something even famous painters might struggle to create. Gu Chengren was astonished that their second sister-in-law possessed such skill.

“Little sister, you must treasure this. Such fine embroidery is rare around here. Having this in your dowry will add far more value than gold or silver. Your brother-in-law is a scholar and loves refined things. Be sure to keep it safe,” Gu Chengren hastened to advise, fearing they might not realize its worth.

Li and Gu Xiuli understood the value and no longer took it lightly. Li quickly repackaged the embroidery and placed it in Gu Xiuli’s dowry. “Old girl, did you hear what your fifth brother said?”

Xiuli nodded quickly. “I heard. I will treasure it.” Then she turned to Feng. “Second sister-in-law, thank you. Your gift is too precious.”

Feng smiled gently. “It’s just a token of my goodwill, nothing too valuable. I only hope that after you marry, your life will be prosperous and happy.” Feng spoke sincerely; she was kind-hearted and did not hold grudges over past matters. She wished the youngest sister of the Gu family well.

Listening to Feng’s words, Li felt a pang of emotion. The second son had truly been lucky to find such a good wife—beautiful, thoughtful, and generous in speech and deeds. Whether cooking, housekeeping, or needlework, she excelled at everything. Why did such a woman end up with the second son, who was a mixed blood? If only her fourth or fifth sons could have such a good wife!

Li’s eyes involuntarily shifted toward Mrs. Xu. When she arranged the match for the fourth son, she had heard Xu’s family was well-off, the daughter pretty, and skilled both inside and outside the home. That was why the marriage was agreed upon. But after entering the household, she was nothing like that—lazy, good-for-nothing, and always eating without contributing. The more Li looked at Mrs. Xu, the angrier she became.