Chapter 471 - 306: Composure_2
Ran Yan knelt down to offer tea to Duke Song and Lady Dugu, and before this, Chan’er opened a box containing a brocade handkerchief in front of Lady Dugu. Although the Grand Lady was an elder, Lady Dugu was Ran Yan’s mother-in-law and should be the first to inspect it.
Lady Dugu looked down briefly, about to nod, but then she paused, looked again, and only then nodded her head.
Chan’er then presented the box to the Grand Lady. The Grand Lady was more composed, showing no change in expression. After inspecting it, she spoke indifferently, "Proceed with the tea ceremony, I have been feeling somewhat tired lately and cannot stay long."
Having the family elders and sisters-in-law witness the bride’s chastity was not a matter of shame in the Tang Dynasty. Originally, this handkerchief, stained with the blood of virginity, was meant to be shown to Princess Xiangcheng and Lady Jia Rong, but the grandmother interrupted. Normally, the recognition of the elders was enough, and the sisters-in-law were just there for excitement; naturally, it would not be appropriate to insist on seeing it.
The maid brought the tray to Ran Yan, who picked up the teacup, slightly turning towards Duke Song, holding the teacup high above her head with both hands, "Please enjoy the tea, Grandfather."
Although Duke Song kept his gaze straight, he had been observing every move Ran Yan had made since entering the room. She was calm and dignified, beautiful without a hint of flirtatiousness, and carried an air of nobility that transcended humble origins. Satisfied, he took the teacup, took a sip, then offered a few words of advice before setting down the teacup and placing a palm-sized zitan wood box on the tray.
Ran Yan then offered tea to Lady Dugu, "Please enjoy the tea, Mother."
Unexpectedly, Lady Dugu did not make things difficult for Ran Yan, nor did she show any dominance. She cheerfully took the teacup, sipped lightly, and then said, "Now that you have married into the Xiao Family, you have a responsibility to ensure that you do not dishonor the Xiao family name. Remember well the ancestral teachings of the Xiao family, abide by the family rules, and most importantly, take great care in serving your husband and bear offspring for the Xiao family."