Chapter 4: 004 Scheme

Chapter 4: 004. Scheming

Xu Yulan wore a look of gloating, her eyes filled with a touch of greed.

Although she was the second daughter-in-law, as long as the Old Madam was in the household, even the eldest daughter-in-law who managed the family affairs could not surpass her.

There was a benefit to be had this time. Although it was initiated by the first branch, she believed her aunt would not let her suffer a loss.

"Madam Bai, what do you think of Tong'er's attire today?" The Old Madam did not speak directly, but instead gripped Gu Antong's hand, saying with a face full of smiles.

Seeing this scene, Bai Suihe found the memory in her mind. If she remembered correctly, the plot was about to begin. This outfit of Gu Antong’s would allow her to shine brilliantly at the Princess's estate, marking the start of her lifelong entanglement with the Third Prince.

If she had felt this was trivial while reading the book—after all, they were just paper characters—now that she was in the middle of it, she felt that such a plot was simply world-view shattering.

Heroine, if you want to stand out, then dress yourself up properly and use your own things. But to covet your aunt's dowry? What kind of logic is that?

She now recalled a description in the story: Gu Antong’s flamboyant red outfit was paired with her own dowry—the Flame Glazed jewelry set. It made her look exceptionally radiant, allowing her to stand out among the many noble ladies and catch the eyes of several princes.

"Antong is the Old Madam's own granddaughter; she inherited the Old Madam's good looks, so naturally, she looks good in anything." As soon as Bai Suihe finished speaking, she clearly saw the expressions of the mother and daughter from the first branch stiffen.

Presumably, they were cursing Bai Suihe in their hearts at this moment. After all, aside from being round, the Old Madam had no other merits, and one couldn't even force a connection between that face and the word "kindly."

The Old Madam, however, was very happy, feeling that the third daughter-in-law’s words were pleasant to hear today. Her granddaughter looked just like she did when she was young. "Tong'er looks exactly like I did when I was young, just from the same mold. I just don't know which young man will benefit from this in the future."

Gu Antong lowered her eyes to hide the disgust in them. When she looked up again, she covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Grandmother is too kind. If I could even reach three-tenths of Grandmother's beauty in her youth, I would already be secretly happy. It is only because Grandmother is elevating me."

"Grandmother wouldn't lie; everyone says so."

*Those are just polite pleasantries, can't you have some self-awareness?* The Eldest Madam, Liu Yun, was practically grinding her teeth. *My daughter's good looks were obviously inherited from me; what does it have to do with an old woman as stupid as a pig like you?*

On the surface, however, she was full of flattery. "Why else would the eldest girl be the one most favored by you, Old Madam? Look at how that mouth is just like yours..."

Bai Suihe almost rolled her eyes at their mutual commercial flattery. Everyone’s skin was quite thick; no wonder they could lie through their teeth.

Just as she was thinking of treating these words as a joke, the fire suddenly burned toward her side.

"Third Aunt is also praising me until I'm embarrassed. Truth be told, the most beautiful person in our household is Third Aunt. After the younger sibling is born, I, the eldest sister, will probably be overshadowed."

After Gu Antong finished speaking, she looked pointedly at Bai Suihe's stomach.

It was a pity that Bai Suihe was not the original owner. Regardless of whether the treasure in her womb was a boy or a girl, it was her own child, and she did not favor boys over girls.

"Sister-in-law, look at this girl, she has no filter. You must be carrying a young master of our family. When the time comes, I, as the eldest aunt, will certainly prepare a generous gift."

Liu Yun glanced at Gu Antong, and the mother and daughter’s eyes met, both immediately understanding the other's meaning.

"Third Aunt, look at my mouth; please don't take it to heart. You are surely carrying my cousin. It’s just that I am the only girl in the household, so I inevitably feel a bit lonely, and I was just thinking if only there were a younger sister to keep me company..."

Bai Suihe stared at the teacup in front of her, not wanting to listen to their "tea-talk." She supported her stomach and stood up. "How could I hold a grudge against you, Antong? It’s just a pity that the age gap between the child in my womb and you is a bit large; I’m afraid you won't be able to spend much time together. On behalf of the child in my womb, I thank you, the elder sister, for your care."

"..." Gu Antong turned her head away. *Third Aunt, what does that mean? Is she saying that by the time the child is grown, I will be old?*

This was a slap to her own face, implying that the child in her womb would have no social interaction with her.

"Alright, we are all one family. Let them get along as sisters in the future." The Old Madam made the final decision. She had no expectations for the fetus in the third daughter-in-law's womb; to her, grandsons or granddaughters were all the same.

"Third daughter-in-law, you are also about to become a mother; you must have a compassionate heart and not bicker with a child."

If Bai Suihe didn't have to maintain her persona, she would have retorted on the spot. *Don't look at me, look at who started the trouble first.*

"I called you here today because there is something to discuss with you. Look at Tong'er's outfit; it needs suitable jewelry to match. If I remember correctly, you have a set of glazed jewelry that goes very well with this dress. Tong'er is about to attend the Grand Princess's banquet, which is a great opportunity. If she shines at the banquet, you, as her aunt, will also share in the glory."

Although it wasn't said explicitly, the words were so blatant that they were practically reaching out to demand the items.

Bai Suihe was not so easily brushed off. She asked quite bluntly, "Since the Old Madam mentions it, of course I remember. Among my dowry, there is indeed such a set of Flame Glazed jewelry. It was something my grandmother specifically searched for and left for me to be a family heirloom. Ever since it came into my hands, I have cherished and protected it. I didn't expect the Old Madam and Antong to still remember it."

The Old Madam's face turned ugly. This Madam Bai was simply ungrateful. She, the mother-in-law, had already spoken, yet she still brought up things like dowries. Was she implying that they were coveting her dowry?

Gu Antong only wanted to get her hands on the items as soon as possible and didn't notice the subtext in Bai Suihe's words. "Third Aunt is right, that's the one."

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 it turns out my niece has taken a fancy to my dowry." As soon as Bai Suihe said this, the expressions of the people present changed, and even Gu Antong came to her senses.

"Third Aunt, don't say it like that. I just wanted to borrow it," Gu Antong said, standing up in a panic. The household had hired palace matrons to teach her etiquette; if these words were to spread, her marriage prospects would be...

"Oh, so it's just to borrow it? I thought..." Bai Suihe covered her mouth in surprise, then said with feigned annoyance, "Look at my mouth. Antong is the eldest daughter of our Gu family's first branch; naturally, she wouldn't do such a shameless thing. Third Aunt apologizes to you here."

"Madam Bai, don't speak without thinking in the future." The Old Madam also coveted the third branch's dowry and had been thinking of getting her hands on it slowly. Today was supposed to be a good breakthrough, but she hadn't expected Tong'er to be so impatient.

Gu Antong looked at the Old Madam for help. "Grandmother, it's all my fault. But where else can I find suitable jewelry to match this dress?"