On the first day of the new year, those who visited were relatives. Almost all of them gathered at the Cloudy Peak Villa.
The Mu family was a rather large family with many branches. It was only natural that some of them were envious when visiting a place where the wealthy and influential families stayed.
With so many people gathered, there would undoubtedly be conflicts. On such an occasion, the womenfolk would naturally have a lot of dramas.
First of all, they would compare their clothes. Next, they would compare the children and grandchildren, bragging about their results in school. After that, they would brag about their newly married children and make snide comments about those who were still single.
In previous years, Jiang Jin would sit at the main seat and watch the show. She did not particularly care about her clothes nor did she have children of the same age as those women to compare with. The only thing was she had two single grandsons. In any case, she enjoyed watching the show. The gossip was enough to last her and Sister Yu for half a year.
However, it was different for Jiang Jin this year. Her new year’s clothes were prepared by Zhuang Ji. Most importantly, her granddaughter-in-law had personally designed it; it was one of a kind. Even Sister Yu’s clothes were one-of-a-kind. How could those old, middle-aged, and young women compare to them? Moreover, she finally had a granddaughter-in-law this year. This was what she felt the proudest about. She did not even need to speak for others to know how outstanding her granddaughter-in-law was. Therefore, she was incredibly excited about this year’s new year.
Jiang Jin brought Song Ning to her side and smiled brightly. She thought that if she did not show off now, when would she show off?
Although many people came to see Mu Qing, their attention was all caught by Song Ning, the new Young Madam of the Mu family. After all, she had only gotten a marriage certificate and had not held a wedding banquet but was already highly favored by the Old Madam of the Mu family. There was no doubt her position as the future Madam of the Mu family was secure.
The second Old Madam, Ding Hong, arrived the latest. It was rather different from her usual style. Moreover, she came in holding a middle-aged woman’s hand.
When Jiang Jin saw the middle-aged woman, her expression changed drastically.
It was Liang Zhou.
Liang Zhou was dressed in a stone-green qipao. She looked graceful and dignified; her expression was gentle and respectful.
Before Jiang Jin could speak up, Ding Hong smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, your dress is really pretty. The craftsmanship is amazing as well. It’s from Zhuang Ji, right? The Young Madam is really filial and sensible. Mu Chen has done so much for her, it’s only natural for her to treat you well…”
Jiang Jin’s expression darkened.
Song Ning gently pulled Jiang Jin forward to greet Ding Hong.
Ding Hong held Liang Zhou’s hand and said, “Young Madam, this is your stepmother-in-law. You have to greet her. Good child, quickly bow!”
Song Ning saw the smugness flashing in Liang Zhou’s eyes.
Before Song Ning could speak, Jiang Jin said, “Not everyone’s worthy of Song Ning’s respect.” Then, she looked at Liang Zhou and said, “You’re quite capable. I just told you yesterday not to come over today, but you already managed to get the Second Madam to bring you here. I guess I’ve underestimated your shamelessness.”
Liang Zhou quickly lowered her gaze and said carefully, “Old Madam, I… I was invited by the Second Madam and I… I couldn’t refuse…”
Ding Hong said with a smile, “That’s right, sister-in-law. I invited her. She isn’t an outsider. Mu Qing and Liang Zhou have been together for more than ten years. Isn’t she already the daughter-in-law of the Mu family. Moreover, Liang Zhou is very sensible. I think she’s worthy of being the Madam of the Mu family; that’s why I brought her here today. I’m taking advantage of the festive season to plead with you. Let’s go to the ancestral her and acknowledge her status!”
Jiang Jin looked at Ding Hong and smiled. “I didn’t expect sister-in-law to be so kind. Why don’t you bring your grandson’s mistress over as well? Let’s acknowledge her status in the ancestral hall as well?”
Ding Hong’s expression froze instantly. After she recovered from the embarrassment, she said, “Sister-in-law, what are you talking about? Why are you bringing my family into this? Liang Zhou has been with Mu Qing for so many years, and she’s related to Liang Zhen as well. Why must you be so narrow-minded? You should give them your blessings.”
Although Jiang Jin missed her son very much, it was undeniable that his return was a disaster. She looked at Liang Zhou’s weak and timid appearance as she asked coldly, “Liang Zhou, your sister, Liang Zhen, is the legitimate Madam of the Mu family. She’s enshrined in the ancestral hall. Do you plan to kowtow and kneel to her every year from now on or do you want to enter the Mu family’s ancestral hall with her 100 years later?”
Liang Zhou’s face turned slightly pale.
Jiang Jin glanced at Ding Hong. “Don’t worry. As long as I’m still alive, you won’t be able to enter the ancestral hall. If I die, I’ll also make a will and instruct the next generation to do the same. Liang Zhou, I’m doing this for your own good! I don’t want you two sisters to fight even in death. You’ve made your choice. Don’t blame the heavens and the people, and you don’t have to come up with so many schemes to break your vows!”
