When they returned home, Yang Ruxin briefly explained Yang Baiheâs situation to the family. Dong Wenxiu sighed heavily, while Sanni curled her lips: "Only eldest sister would be so kindhearted." In her opinion, why even bother? It would be better if Yang Baihe stayed missing.
Yang Ruxin reached out and knocked Sanni on the head: "What kind of talk is that?"
Sanni rubbed her head.
"Although we donât think much of them, there are things that must still be done, and some words cannot be spoken carelessly." Yang Ruxin pulled Sanni to sit down beside her. "After all, we are still part of the Yang Family. Even if I donât acknowledge them personally, we canât afford to tarnish our name because of it. Especially since Xiaofeng will be pursuing the imperial examinations and a career in government..."
"Eldest sister, I understand." Sanni pouted in apology.
"Itâs just a small effort on my part, but everyone around will say Iâm virtuous."
Sanni quickly nodded: "I get itâIâm just upset about the whole thing. These kinds of words I only say at home; in front of outsiders, I wouldnât dare."
"You clever little thing," Yang Ruxin pinched Sanniâs cheek.
"Miss, Wang Wenâs wife is here to see you," Du Chengxiu reported as he entered.
"Wang Wenâs wife?" Yang Ruxin frowned slightly.
"The one Wang Wen rescued from the riverâher name is Mei Xiang," Zhou Xiao reminded her casually. "She got married a few days ago... I saw her in the village the day before yesterday. She tried to give Lanlan some candies, but Lanlan didnât accept them."
Yang Ruxin nodded: "Alright, let her in then."
Mei Xiang carried a basket on her arm and walked in, beaming: "You must be Xinxin, right? Iâm Mei Xiang, newly married into the Wang Family..."
Yang Ruxinâs first impression of the woman named Mei Xiang was one of allure. Despite her deliberate attempt to appear simple and unrefined, she couldnât completely hide the innate seductiveness in her demeanor.
This wasnât something cultivated by an ordinary familyâunless... there had been special training involved.
"What business do you have with my eldest sister?" Sanni stepped forward to meet her.
"Iâm newly married and unfamiliar with everyone in the village, but Iâve heard countless praises for Xinxinâs capabilities. So, I thought Iâd take the liberty to come make her acquaintance," Mei Xiang said cheerfully, sounding quite friendly. "I hope Xinxin wonât mindâI brought a few handkerchiefs and sachets I made myself as little meeting gifts for the sisters..." As she spoke, she opened her basket to reveal neatly arranged, exquisitely embroidered handkerchiefs as well as a few fragrant sachets.
In this era, there were no tissues, so handkerchiefs were commonly used to wipe sweat or clean hands. Sachets, similar to small pouches, were often used to hold loose change or aromatic substances. Both items were in high demand.
However, village girls mostly used handkerchiefs made of cotton cloth, while silk ones were rare.
But Mei Xiangâs handkerchiefs and sachets were made of Hangzhou silk, which was quite valuable.
"We donât lack handkerchiefs at home," Sanni quipped with a smile. "Youâd better take them back." As she spoke, she pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and displayed it. It was crafted from high-grade tribute satin, a material gifted by the Prince back in the day. Yang Ruxin had cut a piece from it to make a handkerchief for each family member.
Mei Xiangâs smile faltered slightly but managed to remain stiffly polite: "Ah, this must be Mengmengâa straightforward girl, isnât she..."
"My sister is indeed straightforward," Yang Ruxin smiled. "But sheâs not wrongâwe donât lack handkerchiefs at home. Besides, I hold a grudge against the Wang Family; didnât you know that?"