Chapter 1117: I Don’t Buy Your Act
The day before Ruru’s wedding, the dowry was sent to the Xie Mansion.
Yun Jiao didn’t want to be too conspicuous, so everything was packed in boxes, and the dowry of one hundred and twenty carriers was discreetly sent to the Xie Mansion.
According to tradition, a copy of the dowry list should be given to the in-laws.
Mrs. Ruan soon received Ruru’s dowry list.
Mrs. Ruan wasn’t fond of Ruru as a daughter-in-law, but she couldn’t be more pleased with the dowry list.
Even marrying a princess, the dowry would probably be like this.
A princess’s dowry wouldn’t be sent to the in-laws; it would be delivered to the Princess Mansion.
The next afternoon, Ruru sat in a bridal sedan chair and entered the Xie family’s door.
She and Xie Heng grew up as childhood sweethearts, compatible in both temperament and disposition, often holding hands while walking at home.
Initially, Mrs. Ruan was reluctant for Ruru to become her daughter-in-law because Xie Heng liked Ruru.
Her husband spent years with concubines while serving as an official, and her mother-in-law was domineering. Her son was her only support at home.
Having a daughter-in-law whom her son liked, watching them go in and out together every day, she felt utterly alone and was not pleased.
That day, after Xie Heng went to the government office, Mrs. Ruan sent someone to call Ruru over.
Ruru obediently said, "Mother, what do you need me for?"
Mrs. Ruan said indifferently, "After marrying, you are supposed to serve your in-laws. Didn’t your family teach you?"
In the Duke Mansion, Yun Jiao was the only female head, and Jiang Youzhi had no concubines, so Ruru never knew how to serve her mother-in-law.
She glanced at Mrs. Ruan and replied calmly, "It’s my first time being a daughter-in-law. I don’t know many things. Please guide me on what to do, Mother-in-law."
Mrs. Ruan said, "Not to mention other things, a daughter-in-law should attend to her mother-in-law’s daily needs."
"In the morning, before the mother-in-law rises, you should come over and wait."
"When the mother-in-law eats, you should set the table and serve the dishes. When the mother-in-law stands, you should reach out to support her. When the mother-in-law rests, you should make the bed and fold the quilt."
Ruru’s round eyes looked at Mrs. Ruan, thinking these were the maid’s duties. If she did all this, what would the maids do?
Moreover, if it truly were this way, wouldn’t she be revolving around Mrs. Ruan all day, with no time of her own?
She asked perplexed, "Is this what all daughters-in-law must do?"
Mrs. Ruan looked at her with disdain, "Of course."
Ruru chuckled, "Then why are you still sitting here, Mother? Shouldn’t you hurry off to serve Grandmother?"
Mrs. Ruan was momentarily speechless, then angrily said, "I meant new daughters-in-law. When they first enter the home, they should serve the mother-in-law for three years!"
Ruru lifted her foot and started to walk out, "Then I’ll go ask Grandmother and see if there is such a rule."
Mrs. Ruan was infuriated, "You, you——"
She had never encountered such a daughter-in-law before. Now in her forties, she didn’t dare to object when her mother-in-law spoke. She couldn’t comprehend how such a woman could exist!
Ruru went to Old Madam Tian’s courtyard to earnestly ask whether there was such a rule.
Old Mrs. Tian snorted inwardly. When Mrs. Ruan entered the home, she didn’t impose any rules on her and didn’t know where Mrs. Ruan learned such inappropriate ways to torment her daughter-in-law.
However, in front of Ruru, Old Mrs. Tian still saved face for Mrs. Ruan, "These rules have existed before, but nowadays, families don’t follow those old traditions."
"Your mother-in-law only knows the old ways. I’ll talk to her later so there’s no need for all that."
"You just need to pay your respects every morning and evening. At other times, you can come chat with me if you want, or stay in your room reading books and practicing martial arts."