Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1268: Spilling Tea

Amidst the numerous ladies present, Mrs. Zeng found herself unable to confront Mrs. Chen directly. Resigned, she stated, "My dear sister-in-law, you are most considerate. Our Girl Ling is still quite young, and according to the customs of Great Chu, elders in the family must marry first before the younger ones are permitted to do so."

While these words seemed reasonable on the surface, a deeper examination revealed a subtle sting.

Mrs. Chen, initially pleased, quickly grasped the implication and was incensed. "My, Mrs. Xu Zeng, aren't you indirectly implying that Xu Zhong is too old to find a bride and must therefore settle for Brother Xing?"

Mrs. Chen had arrived with the intent to stir trouble and would not let such an insult pass without a retort. With a sneer, she replied, "In that case, dear sister-in-law, you ought to hasten in finding a match for young Zhao Ming. He's not getting any younger. If you delay further, Girl Ling might very well become an old maid."

Oh, so you believe only Brother Xing and Xu Zhong are aging? Is Xu Zhao Ming not also past his prime? What is there to mock?

Mrs. Zeng hadn't anticipated Mrs. Chen bringing up Xu Zhao Ming, her face contorting with anger before she swiftly regained composure. "My dear sister-in-law, you worry far too much. Zhao Ming is a man, and moreover, a scholar with an official position. Scholars often marry later due to their dedication to their studies; many do not wed until after the age of thirty."

"Marry after thirty? If his life is cut short, he might be dead by then!" Mrs. Chen exclaimed with mock shock. She continued, "Dear sister-in-law, you had best arrange a marriage for Zhao Ming posthaste. As he ages, if he lacks a wife to expend his vitality, he might seek companionship elsewhere. Should he contract some venereal ailment, the consequences would be dire. And what of the Immortal Lord? If Zhao Ming... wouldn't that mean no descendants?"

The declaration left everyone present stunned into silence. The other ladies lowered their gazes, muffling their suppressed laughter. This Mrs. Chen truly possessed a fearless tongue!

Utterly taken aback by Mrs. Chen's audacity, Mrs. Zeng was rendered speechless for a moment.

Third Grandma, incensed, struck Mrs. Chen's arm and chided, "Mrs. Chen, are you acting foolishly again? Zhao Ming is a grandson of the Xu Family, and his marriage is a matter for the Xu Family to decide. What business is it of yours, as a mere sister-in-law, to interfere?"

Can't you cease causing trouble for this old woman? If this continues, will this marriage even proceed? Are you not concerned that Elder Xu will annul the engagement in his wrath?

Turning to Mrs. Zeng, she added, "First Daughter-in-law of the Xu Family, please do not be angered. Mrs. Chen is a woman of the countryside, accustomed to being thoughtless; do not lower yourself to her level."

"You shrew! How dare you speak of my brother in such a manner? Get out of the Xu Family!" Xu Ling, also shocked by Mrs. Chen's words, recovered her senses and, in a fit of rage, snatched her teacup and flung its contents at Mrs. Chen.

Mrs. Chen, ever astute and anticipating Xu Ling's outburst, swiftly dodged the projectile the moment the teacup was lifted.

With a resounding splash, the tea drenched Mrs. Jiang instead... In truth, the person nearest to Mrs. Chen was the Wife of Magistrate Zheng. Had Mrs. Jiang not leaned forward, inadvertently shielding Mrs. Zheng, the tea would have certainly landed on her.

Mrs. Zheng was aghast, having never imagined witnessing such a vulgar display at a simple gathering.

And the participants in this quarrel were supposedly relatives by marriage! This... Her husband was indeed correct; this Mrs. Chen was a true troublemaker, no matter where she went.

"Do not be upset, Mrs. Jiang!" Mrs. Zeng rushed forward to offer her apologies to Mrs. Jiang and promptly summoned a maid. "Bring a dry cloth to help Mrs. Jiang dry off."

Mrs. Zeng's hands trembled. Mrs. Jiang was the birth mother of Jiang Qi, the County Captain Jiang, a woman of advanced age and high societal standing. If Girl Ling had splashed her, wouldn't Girl Ling face severe punishment from her father-in-law?

With so many ladies present, if even a few careless words were to escape, it could irrevocably damage Girl Ling's reputation.

"Girl Ling, hurry and apologize to Mrs. Jiang!" Mrs. Zeng commanded, inwardly wishing she could strike Xu Ling herself, but even more so, she longed to throttle Mrs. Chen.

This meddlesome Mrs. Chen had brought nothing but calamity upon her family.

Xu Ling stood dumbfounded, tears welling up. "I, I didn't intend to splash Mrs. Jiang! I meant to splash Mrs. Chen."

She pointed an accusing finger at Mrs. Chen, shouting, "You shrew! This is all your fault; now hurry and apologize to Mrs. Jiang!"

Mrs. Chen scoffed, "Ah, pooh! You were the one who splashed the tea; what does it have to do with me? You apologize yourself!"

"You, you, waaah waaah waaah~" Xu Ling, utterly wronged, burst into loud sobs.

Third Grandma, who initially intended to confront and scold Mrs. Chen, realized the situation was escalating unfavorably. She quickly stepped in to offer an apology to Mrs. Jiang: "Mrs. Jiang, please forgive Mrs. Chen. She is merely a simple woman from the countryside, and I apologize for any distress this has caused you."

A weary Mrs. Jiang waved her hand dismissively, stating, "Let us move past this unpleasantness. Today is a joyous occasion celebrating the betrothal of the Gu and Xu families; let us all embrace happiness."

Turning her attention to Mrs. Zheng, she continued, "Mrs. Zheng, the customs in rural areas may differ from the refined traditions of noble families. I apologize if you were startled by the scene."

Observing this, Mrs. Zeng and Ms. Lu swiftly approached Mrs. Zheng, offering their apologies: "Madam, we implore you to remain calm. We are truly sorry for subjecting you to such an unfortunate spectacle."

County Magistrate Zheng had previously cautioned Mrs. Zheng about the volatile tempers within the Gu family, specifically highlighting Mrs. Chen's combative nature. Despite being taken aback, Mrs. Zheng responded calmly, "I am quite alright, and there is no need for apologies from any of you."

She then added, "Mrs. Jiang is absolutely correct. Today is a day of great celebration, and we should not harbor any ill feelings towards one another."

With that, her gaze settled upon Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Zeng.

Mrs. Chen offered a conciliatory smile, remarking, "Since the County Magistrate's wife has spoken, I shall heed her words and let go of any grievances."

Her demure pretense of compliance, acting as an obedient wife, infuriated Mrs. Zeng. However, maintaining her composure, Mrs. Zeng could only respond with an apology: "Madam is right. Today is a significant day for the Gu and Xu families, and we must not allow anything to mar this joyous occasion."

She then called out to Xu Ling, "Come here at once and apologize to Mrs. Zheng!"

The thought crossed her mind: "This troublesome girl, unable to assist the family, does she wish to be banished to the Manor?"

Upon hearing the summons, Xu Ling approached with tears welling up, offered a curtsy, and mumbled, "I am sorry, Madam. It is all my fault."

Mrs. Zheng, eager to put the matter behind them, simply said, "It is quite alright, there is no need to dwell on it further."

Concluding her statement, she turned to Mrs. Jiang and said, "Madam, I apologize for this inconvenience. I have brought a change of clothes; allow me to accompany you so you may change. Wearing damp garments is most uncomfortable."

It was customary for ladies of noble standing to carry spare attire when attending formal gatherings, prepared for any unfortunate spills or unforeseen circumstances that might necessitate a change.

Mrs. Jiang responded with a smile, "Thank you, Madam."

Mrs. Zheng's offer presented a welcome opportunity to avert further awkwardness by temporarily excusing herself and her guest.

Ms. Lu promptly rose and offered, "Allow me to escort the two ladies."

"Certainly," Mrs. Zheng replied with a nod and a smile. Taking her daughter's hand, she accompanied Mrs. Jiang, following Ms. Lu out of the hall.

Once the two ladies had departed, Mrs. Chen turned to the remaining guests and apologized once more: "Esteemed ladies, I beg your forgiveness for the unpleasant scene you have witnessed. I am truly sorry."

A chorus of awkward laughter rippled through the assembly. "Miss Gu, you are too kind. We are perfectly fine."

Truly fine? Perhaps, but Mrs. Zeng was practically seething with suppressed rage. Why wouldn't Mrs. Chen offer her a direct apology?

An apology to Mrs. Zeng? Such a notion was utterly preposterous. Mrs. Chen secretly reveled in the hope that Mrs. Zeng would explode with anger. After all, hadn't Mrs. Zeng deliberately uttered provocative words to needle her?