Xu Yulan carried a hint of schadenfreude, and there was some greed in her eyes.
Although she was the second daughter-in-law, as long as her mother-in-law was around, even the head wife couldn't surpass her in this mansion.
This time, there were benefits to be gained. Although the first branch initiated it, she believed that her aunt would not let her suffer a loss.
"Ms. Bai, what do you think of Tong Er's attire today?" The old lady didn't speak directly, but instead grasped Gu Antong's hand and said with a smile.
Bai Suihe, witnessing this scene, had already found the memory in her mind. If she was not mistaken, this plot was about to start. Gu Antong's outfit today would soon make a splash at the princess's mansion, and begin her lifelong entanglement with the Third Prince.
If she were just reading, she might find it inconsequential, since they were just characters, but now that she was in it, she felt this plot was simply outrageous.
Protagonist, if you want to show off, at least dress yourself up with your own things, but why are you coveting your aunt's dowry?
She now recalled a description in the drama. Gu Antong's flamboyant red outfit was accessorized with her dowry's Flame Glazed Jewelry, which made her extra radiant, allowing her to stand out among many young ladies and catch several Princes' eyes.
"Antong is a direct descendant of the old lady. She inherited the old lady's good looks, naturally making anything she wears look good." Bai Suihe said this, clearly noticing the expressions of the first wife and her daughter freeze.
At this moment, they were surely cursing Bai Suihe in their hearts, after all, the old lady had no merits apart from being round. That face couldn't even be remotely associated with kindness.
The old lady was happy to hear it, feeling that the third daughter-in-law's words were delightful today, and her granddaughter was just like herself in her youth, "Tong Er is exactly like me when I was young. I just don't know which family's boy will benefit in the future."
Gu Antong lowered her eyes to hide the distaste there, then lifted them to cover her mouth with a gentle laugh, "Grandmother, you really flatter me. If I can achieve even a third of your youthful beauty, I'd be secretly pleased, thanks to your high regard for me."
"Grandmother doesn't say false things; everyone says so."
They are just being polite; isn't it clear in your heart? First wife Liu Yun was almost grinding her teeth. Her daughter's good looks surely were inherited from herself, what did it have to do with this stupid old lady?
Outwardly, she displayed flattery, "No wonder our eldest girl is your favorite, look at how her mouth resembles yours…"
With their mutual praises, Bai Suihe almost couldn't resist rolling her eyes; everyone's face is indeed thick, no wonder they can lie with their eyes open.
She was thinking of treating these exchanges as jokes to listen to, but who knew the fire would soon spread to her side.
"Third Aunt makes Antong embarrassed with such praises. Truthfully, the fairest in our mansion should be Third Aunt. Once my sister is born, I think as the eldest sister, I might be outshone."
Having said this, Gu Antong glanced pointedly at Bai Suihe's stomach.
It's just a pity, Bai Suihe is not the original character, whether it's a son or a daughter, it's still her child, and she harbors no preference for sons over daughters.
"Sister-in-law, look at this girl speaking without a filter. You are certainly carrying our family's little prince in your belly. By then, as the eldest aunt, I will certainly prepare a generous gift."
Liu Yun glanced at Gu Antong, the mother and daughter exchanged looks and immediately understood each other's intentions.
"Third Aunt, please don't mind my mouth.
The one in your belly will certainly be my cousin. It's just that I'm the only girl in the mansion, inevitably leading to some loneliness. I was just hoping for a sister to keep me company..."
Bai Suihe stared at the teacup in front of her, not wanting to listen to their pleasantries, and stood up holding her belly, "Why would I mind you, Antong? It's just a pity that the age gap between my child and you may be too big, they probably won't interact much.
For my child of this generation, I thank you for your sisterly love."
"..." Gu Antong turned her head away, Third Aunt, what does she mean by this? Was she saying that once the child grows up, she would be old?
This was slapping her own face, saying that her child in the belly would have nothing to do with her.
"Alright, we are all family, let their sisters interact on their own in the future," the old lady put an end to the discussion. She had no expectations for the third daughter-in-law's unborn child; grandsons and granddaughters were irrelevant to her.
"Third daughter-in-law, you are soon to be a mother, you should have a kind heart, don't quibble with kids."
If it weren't for maintaining her persona,
Bai Suihe would want to retort back right there, not considering who started the issue first.
"I called you over today to discuss something. Look at Tong Er's outfit, it still needs the right accessories. If I remember correctly, you have a set of Glazed Jewelry that matches her clothes.
Tong Er is going to attend the Grand Princess's banquet, which is a great opportunity. If she shines at the banquet, as her aunt, you could also gain some glory."
She didn't state it clearly, yet her words were obviously just short of reaching out to take it.
Bai Suihe was not so easy to evade and replied bluntly, "Speaking of that, of course, I remember. Among my dowries, there is indeed a set of Flame Glazed Jewelry, which my grandmother specifically found for me, reserved as an heirloom. From the moment it was passed to me, I cherished it dearly. I didn't expect the old lady and Antong to remember it too."
The old lady's expression turned a bit unsightly, this Ms. Bai is really tactless if she couldn't give up her dowry even at the request of her mother-in-law, implying they covet her dowry?
Gu Antong only wanted to get the item quickly and hadn't noticed Bai Suihe's hidden meaning, "Third Aunt, you are right, that's exactly it."
Liu Yun wanted to stop her but it was already too late, she could only cover her mouth with a handkerchief and cough dryly.
"So my niece has an eye on my dowry," upon hearing this, the complexion of several people present changed, and even Gu Antong realized it.
"Third Aunt, don't say that. I only wanted to borrow it," Gu Antong quickly stood up, frightened. The palace had hired mammas to teach her proper etiquette; if this rumor spread, her marriage prospects would...
"So you just wanted to borrow it, I thought..." Bai Suihe covered her mouth in surprise, then said with regret, "Look at my mouth, Antong, as the eldest legitimate daughter of Gu Mansion, you surely wouldn't resort to something so shameless. Third Aunt apologizes for my careless words here."
"Ms. Bai, don't speak so rashly in the future." The old lady was also eyeing the third house's dowry, intending to acquire it slowly, and today would have been a good breakthrough, if not for Antong's impatience.
Gu Antong looked to the old lady for help, "Grandmother, it's all my fault, but where can I find suitable jewelry for this outfit?"