Compared to that, she would rather not have her daughter-in-law around, which would make her feel uneasy. Instead, she preferred being cared for by the maids, who allowed her to lean as she liked and act as she wished, never having to worry about putting up a facade or maintaining her dignity as an elder!
Speaking of which, maintaining dignities and keeping up appearances is a very exhausting affair.
Sang Wan was a little surprised. It seemed that her mother-in-law really didn't like daughters-in-law who stick to the rules. Perhaps her indifferent treatment in the past life was not entirely due to hatred. Sang Wan's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
"Yes, then I shall leave first!" Sang Wan bowed and was about to leave when she suddenly looked up with a smile, "Mother, if you get bored, just send someone to call me, and I will keep you company!"
"Good, good!" Mrs. Wang felt delighted and nodded with a smile.
"Mrs. Jiang, what do you think of my daughter-in-law?" Watching Sang Wan leave, Mrs. Wang leaned comfortably on the soft couch and asked Mrs. Jiang.
"This servant thinks she's not bad! Master has excellent taste; you are truly fortunate, my lady!" Mrs. Jiang laughed and flattered.
"I think she's not bad either! I'm not saying this to boast, but I really have to admit that those raised in a scholar's family are different in their manners and actions! They are so pleasant to look at!" Mrs. Wang chuckled and sighed with pleasure, murmuring with a smile, "Both are good, both are not bad, hmm, not bad..."
"Go, see what Miss Gu is doing, and invite her here!" With a raised eyebrow, Mrs. Wang gestured toward the young maid with a satisfied smile.
Gu Fangzi had been waiting anxiously in the peony garden. When she heard her aunt summoning her, she hurried over. Upon arriving at the entrance of the main courtyard, she paused, adjusting her expression and attire before gracefully stepping inside.
"Auntie－"
"Come! Come! Come sit down quickly! There's no need for formalities among us!" Mrs. Wang waved at her with a smile before she could even greet her.
Gu Fangzi smiled and went to sit beside Mrs. Wang.
Smiling while holding Fangzi's hand, Mrs. Wang said: "I've already talked to Miss Wan. From now on, the household matters will still be under your control, and she has no objection. In the future, you'll have to take this responsibility more seriously! I trust you can handle it!"
"This...?" Gu Fangzi's lips curled unconsciously, and her eyes sparkled sweetly. She hesitated, "Isn't that inappropriate? After all, Sister-in-law Sang is the mistress of the household... Will she really not mind?"
"Don't worry!" Mrs. Wang laughed, "Although I'm old and useless, my words still carry weight around here! If she agreed, then she agreed! In the future, you'll be in charge of everything except Ningyuan. You mustn't disappoint me with any mistakes."
"Ningyuan?" The smile on Gu Fangzi's face stiffened slightly.
"Yes, Ningyuan is her residence, just let her manage it herself. This way, you won't be in an awkward position, and more importantly, you won't stir up any suspicions." Mrs. Wang couldn't help but get closer to Gu Fangzi, lowering her voice as she spoke the last sentence. It was clear that she truly regarded Gu Fangzi as her close confidant.
Gu Fangzi gently nodded, smiled and said: "Auntie, you always take care of me so considerately! You are even closer to me than my own mother!"
However, her heart couldn't help but feel stifled. Ningyuan may be Sang Wan's residence, but it's also where her elder male cousin lives. She was planning to focus her efforts on Ningyuan and keep a close eye on her cousin's every move, but now her aunt's words had thwarted her plan!
Wait! Gu Fangzi suddenly had a thought. Her aunt had grown accustomed to her leisurely life, and she probably wouldn't have thought of this. It must have been that treacherous Sang Wan who suggested it. She could easily find out by just asking the maids who were present at that time. If so, that woman is really cunning!
"Your mother is my sister, so aren't you like a daughter to me? Silly child, always saying silly things!" Mrs. Wang laughed and gently scolded Gu Fangzi with a loving glance.
Gu Fangzi forced a grateful smile, but she found the word "daughter" somewhat uncomfortable. She wanted to be the daughter-in-law of her aunt, not her daughter.
"Auntie, I have something on my mind, and I'm not sure if I should say it. If I say something wrong, please don't be angry with me!"
"Haha, your words have always been reasonable, where is the impropriety? Speak! I'm listening!"
Gu Fangzi laughed and said, "Even though you value me, and Sister-in-law Sang does not object, allowing me to continue managing the household, even though my cousin has an official wife, might not be well-received. I'm afraid the servants might not approve, and I... in the end, might still fail your expectations!" With that, Gu Fangzi's voice gradually lowered, her expression pitiful.