Chapter 558 - 556: A Self-Respecting and Independent Woman
Zhou Biyao’s complexion was ashen, her body moved slightly as if wanting to step forward to support Lady Zhao, yet she seemed hesitant. With so many people in the room, it was clear to anyone what Lady Zhao’s intentions were by kneeling only to her. Even if she did step forward to help, Lady Zhao probably wouldn’t stand up, and it might even lead to more drama.
How could Third Brother Wong’s mother act like this? Zhou Biyao’s eyes reddened, and she clenched her lips tightly, fearing she wouldn’t be able to control her emotions and would burst into tears.
"Madam Zhao, why didn’t you kneel and bow to my mother and me as well? Do you look down on me because of my reputation as an Abandoned Wife and thus disdain my mother as well?" Ye Xinyan, sitting on a chair at the end of the guest hall, spoke up cheerfully.
She waved at Zhou Biyao, "Biyao, come sit here, it seems I need to bask in your glory."
Before the marriage discussion, Zhou Biyao was a guest of the Qi family, and moreover, the Legitimate Young Miss of the Prefectural Magistrate’s Family of Yuyuan Prefecture, so she had no reason to go out and welcome Lady Zhao. Standing behind Madam Yin without sitting face to face with Lady Zhao had already shown her respect.
However, it was quite clear that Lady Zhao didn’t want this respect.
If that was the case, so be it. According to Qi Younian and Cheung Wusi, Lady Zhao was a person with strong opinions. This decisive woman, upon entering, immediately made such a gesture towards the girl whom Wong Qiao favored in Qi Younian’s letter, obviously not wanting Zhou Biyao as a daughter-in-law. Changing Lady Zhao’s mind was probably not an overnight affair, and if Lady Zhao was determined enough, and Wong Qiao sufficiently filial, he might never marry Zhou Biyao in his lifetime.
Ye Xinyan glanced again at Xiuqin, who knelt close to Lady Zhao. Perhaps Lady Zhao would prefer a daughter-in-law who would lower herself to serve her and place her above all else?