Chapter 176 - 89: The Jade Hairpin that was Given Away
"Sister-in-law has so many nice things! It dazzles the eyes to look at them! Truly, each item is lovely!" Shi Yumei chuckled in admiration, then said, "Why not just pick a couple of items at random, sister-in-law? Anything goes!"
Sang Wan naturally refused to do so, knowing that no matter what she chose, it would not please Shi Yumei. So it was better to let her pick herself. After all, these things weren’t truly hers, and she wouldn’t feel heartache if others took them away.
Seeing her insistence on picking herself, Shi Yumei couldn’t help but smile and, without any formality, chose the mutton-fat white jade hairpin that Sang Wan had worn on her bun the day she arrived, two strings of eighteen jadeite bracelets—one inlaid with rubies and the other with pearls—a pair of jewel-embedded phoenix-and-paulownia hairpins with layered wires, and a pair of gold ear-hoop earrings inlaid with rubies.
While Shi Yumei was picking, she covertly observed Sang Wan’s expression, feeling somewhat bored as she did not see any signs of distress or reluctance. Upon closer examination, Sang Wan’s expression seemed genuinely unaffected, which made Shi Yumei feel somewhat remorseful, thinking that it was enough to teach her a lesson and decided to stop there.
"Being so generous as a younger sister-in-law really makes me, as your older sister-in-law, feel embarrassed! I didn’t bring any gifts for you, yet I picked out your items first! Others wouldn’t know what to say about me if they saw this!" Shi Yumei said with a mix of sincerity and jest.
"How could that be!" Sang Wan hurriedly laughed, "You are the eldest daughter of Shi Mansion, the young master’s own sister, and hence my own sister as well! Sister, you speak too modestly!" Sang Wan said, then called Hong Ye to find a rosewood jewelry box inlaid with crushed jade raden and designed with branching florals, placed the jewelry that Shi Yumei had chosen inside, and instructed Cui Zhu to hold it.
Shi Yumei found these words to her liking and saw that the jewelry box was not only made of fine material and looked beautiful on the outside but was also lined with bright red velvet padding, perfectly divided into small compartments, each designed to hold an item, showing thoughtful consideration. Clearly, it was also a piece of considerable value. Sang Wan offering it so openly and voluntarily made her feel a bit lost as to her intentions. Yet the resentment brewing inside her unexpectedly dissipated quite a bit.
"Right," Sang Wan smiled, "The young master already mentioned to me that in a few days, the banana garden will be cleaned up for elder sister and brother-in-law to live in. Once it’s cleaned, I hope elder sister can join me to look over it and see what needs to be added! After all, I don’t know your tastes as well as you do, so it’s better for you to see for yourself!"
Upon hearing "brother-in-law," Shi Yumei felt a bit uncomfortable and laughed, "Sure! However, I’m a bit picky, and I’m afraid that my sister-in-law might find me troublesome and complain when the time comes!"