Chapter 86 The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law seize every opportunity to praise Zhou Jingyao on b
Chapter 86 The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law seize every opportunity to praise Zhou Jingyao on b
Mrs. Zhou sat quietly to the side, listening to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law opposite her recount the events of that day.
Gradually, she understood. It turned out that all of this was caused by an unexpected situation that Shen Xiujin had encountered. Thinking about it carefully, she realized that she really couldn't blame him.
You must understand, the reason why that vicious villain was so determined to kill Jingyao was ultimately because of their General!
If they hadn't incurred the general's wrath, why would they be so relentlessly pursuing Jingyao? It can only be said that a series of coincidences came together to create this turmoil.
However, thankfully, Shen Xiujin stepped forward at the last moment and saved Jingyao's life. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable!
Thinking of this, Madam Zhou's smile became even more genuine, and she said, "Madam Hou, speaking of this matter, it's truly no wonder that you can't blame Young Master Shen. Who could have predicted that the villain would be the General's enemy?"
Ultimately, we should really thank Young Master Shen; after all, he saved Jingyao's life!
Hearing this, Jiang Mianmian understood that Madam Zhou had clearly let go of her resentment towards the second son. She smiled slightly and said:
"In that case, it can be said that the kid's usual practice of riding and archery has not been in vain. Now he finally has a chance to use his skills!"
As she spoke, Jiang Mianmian waved her hand gently, and the servant who had followed her quickly presented the items she was carrying.
It turns out that Jiang Mianmian brought not only many precious medicinal herbs, but also various nourishing products with her.
She looked at Madam Zhou with sincerity and said slowly, "Madam Zhou, these are all specially selected and sent to your daughter, hoping to help her recover her strength as soon as possible."
Furthermore, I would also like to take this opportunity to visit your daughter in person. Is this a convenient time for me?
Mrs. Zhou's gaze fell upon the dazzling array of gifts, and she secretly admired the sincerity with which the other party had come to express their gratitude. How could she possibly make things difficult for them?
Moreover, it's clear that this Marquis values Jia Jingyao highly. Although the matter of arranging a marriage between their children is still undecided and premature, it doesn't hinder their pleasant conversation.
Madam Zhou immediately smiled and said, "Oh dear, why are you being so polite? To be honest, we've been keeping her confined at home to recover from her injuries these past few days. She must be incredibly bored and probably causing quite a ruckus in the house!"
I'm really worried that when you go to visit her later, you'll be frightened by her distraught appearance!
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mianmian waved her hands repeatedly and said with a light laugh, "Madam Zhou, you flatter me. Girls should be lively to appear cute and charming."
My youngest daughter is just as mischievous and clever. If the two of them were to meet and get to know each other, I'm sure they would get along very well and be like sisters.
Upon hearing this, a fleeting, almost imperceptible light flashed in Madam Zhou's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, merely smiling slightly without uttering a word.
Immediately afterwards, she turned around and gestured for them to proceed, leading Jiang Mianmian and her daughter-in-law slowly towards the backyard.
When Zhou Jingyao heard Xiao Taohong say that Shen Xiujin's mother and sister-in-law had come to visit her at the Yaotai Pavilion, she was completely stunned and bewildered!
Wait... what's going on?
You should know that there's not even a hint of anything going on between her and Shen Xiujin yet!
Not to mention their future... it's not even certain whether they'll have a relationship!
But how come... once she got into trouble, things actually escalated to the point where she needed to meet with someone who could very well become her mother-in-law and future sister-in-law?
What on earth is Shen Xiujin up to?
At this moment, Zhou Jingyao heard a slight noise coming from outside the courtyard. Instantly, an extremely tense expression appeared on her face, looking just like an ugly daughter-in-law about to meet her in-laws.
Although she had seen the Lady of the Marquis once at a palace banquet, she had never had any feelings for Shen Xiujin at the time!
But now that she was suddenly about to meet his mother and sister-in-law, she... she suddenly felt completely uncertain.
So, Zhou Jingyao rushed to the bronze mirror in a panic and carefully examined herself. What she saw immediately filled her with anxiety:
Oh my god! How come my clothes look so awful today? And this hairstyle, it doesn't match the clothes at all!
"Oh dear!" Zhou Jingyao muttered to herself as she frantically tried to fix her hair. She couldn't help but blame herself; she should have remained calm at this moment, but instead, she was so flustered and at a loss.
At this moment, her mind was in complete chaos, and she had no idea how to face this unexpected meeting.
A moment later, Zhou Jingyao stood there, gently patting her forehead. Oh dear, what is she doing? What is she thinking?
She hadn't even had anything special happen with Shen Xiujin or met his family yet, so why was she so nervous?
Zhou Jingyao took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Why was her heart still beating so fast? She didn't have any heart palpitations!
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Zhou Jingyao composed herself and immediately turned around.
Her gaze fell on a group of people who were slowly walking towards her from not far away. The one walking in front was her mother, and the two women beside her mother were strangers.
One of them was a bit older, looking to be in her thirties. She wore a royal blue silk skirt paired with a snow-white begonia-patterned ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), which made her look even more dignified and elegant.
The other woman was younger, around twenty years old, wearing a wide orange gauze dress with a tassel belt, and had a gentle and virtuous appearance. These two were Shen Xiujin's mother and sister-in-law.
Madam Zhou's face was filled with a kind and gentle smile as she softly called to Zhou Jingyao, "Jingyao! Come quickly and greet our guests. This is the old lady of the Xuanhua Marquis's residence, and this lady beside her is Madam Shen, the young mistress of the Hanlin Academy!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Zhou winked at Zhou Jingyao, signaling her to behave well and be sensible, and not to act out in front of the guests.
Upon seeing this, Zhou Jingyao immediately suppressed her distracting thoughts and a dignified smile bloomed on her face. She moved with graceful steps, her figure elegant and charming, like a blooming lotus flower.
Upon arriving before the crowd, Zhou Jingyao performed a standard curtsy with practiced ease and graceful posture, her voice clear and melodious as she said, "Greetings, Madam Hou; greetings, Madam Shen."
Despite her seemingly carefree and uninhibited demeanor, Zhou Jingyao is actually quite well-mannered and refined.
After all, for young ladies from prominent families, these basic etiquette rules are essential courses. Otherwise, if they make any mistakes or omissions, they are very likely to become the laughing stock of other people's homes.
Generally speaking, wealthy and prominent families would often hire experienced and respected tutors to carefully teach their children various etiquette rules when they were still young.
These matrons were not only well-versed in all kinds of formalities, but also had unique insights and methods on how to cultivate aristocratic children who were elegant and graceful.
At this moment, Jiang Mianmian smiled and said, "Oh my! Miss Zhou is just as the second brother said, like a hibiscus flower blooming in the morning light, pure and elegant, a sight to behold!"
Her words were as gentle and pleasant as a spring breeze, instantly winning people's favor.
Upon hearing this, Li Tingxue quickly chimed in with praise: "That's right! Miss Zhou's beauty is not limited to her gorgeous and charming appearance."
What's even more commendable is the extraordinary and refined elegance that naturally emanates from within. No wonder my second uncle is so captivated by Miss Zhou!
Faced with such continuous praise from her mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Zhou Jingyao was momentarily overwhelmed. Two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks, and she lowered her head shyly.
However, although Madam Zhou was secretly delighted to hear others praising her child, she couldn't help but feel helpless and speechless when she noticed that the two women, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, were constantly talking about Shen Xiujin.
This mother-in-law and daughter-in-law really work together seamlessly. Isn't it a bit too deliberate to mention Young Master Shen so often?
Madam Zhou turned her head slightly, her gaze falling on Zhou Jingyao's shy yet slightly embarrassed face. A thought struck her, and she quickly interjected:
"Oh dear! Jingyao is not worthy of such high praise from Madam Hou and Madam Shen! She is just being a little more reserved because she knows that we have distinguished guests today."
"You always give me so much trouble! You're always so noisy!" After saying that, Madam Zhou gently shook her head, but her eyes were full of doting affection.
Jiang Mianmian smiled and chimed in, "It's fine for a girl to be a little lively. She'll naturally become more mature after she gets married. She's already very good as she is now!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou nodded in agreement and then warmly invited the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to sit down quickly, instructing the servants to serve fragrant tea and exquisite pastries.
Just as everyone had settled down, the butler rushed in, his face full of anxiety. Judging from his hurried manner, he clearly had something important to report.
Seeing this, Madam Zhou quickly stood up and smiled apologetically at Jiang Mianmian and her daughter-in-law, saying softly, "I'm so sorry, Madam Hou, please sit for a moment, I'll be right back."
Jiang Mianmian and Li Tingxue also saw the Zhou family's butler coming over at this time, and smiled and told Madam Zhou to go about her business.
After saying this, Madam Zhou said a few more polite words and then quickly left the living room with the butler.
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