Chapter 75: Needles Hidden in Cotton
Xie An’an’s innocent smile remained upon her face as she quietly waited for Wang Gege’s answer.
The room once again fell into silence.
Everyone’s attention gradually shifted toward Wang Gege, curious to see how she would respond.
Wang Gege merely smiled, "I don’t mind."
Her answer came so readily that even Xie An’an was momentarily caught off guard.
Wang Gege slowly turned toward the Old Madam, "If Young Lady Gu truly wishes to apologize, this granddaughter naturally has no reason to refuse."
She paused before continuing, "Whether to invite her into the residence, however, is Grandmother’s decision. This granddaughter would never presume to interfere."
The Old Madam looked at Wang Gege for a long while before giving a slow nod, "It seems your heart is rather broad."
Wang Gege lowered her head with a smile, "This granddaughter simply believes that if someone sincerely wishes to admit their mistakes, they deserve the opportunity to do so."
Xie An’an’s fingers unconsciously tightened around the handkerchief in her hands. She had expected Wang Gege to hesitate or at least a trace of displeasure.
Instead, the matter had been pushed back into the Old Madam’s hands with only a few simple sentences.
If the invitation was refused, it would be the Old Madam’s decision.
If it was accepted, Wang Gege had already shown herself to be magnanimous. Either way, she had gained nothing from asking that question.
Wang Gege then turned toward Xie An’an, the smile on her face remaining as gentle as before.
"And An’an... I don’t really know what happened between Husband and Young Lady Gu in the past." She briefly glanced at the Old Madam before continuing, "However, after hearing Grandmother’s words, I can tell it wasn’t a pleasant parting."
She paused for a moment. "So... If Young Lady Gu truly wishes to visit the Xie Residence, I believe Husband’s opinion should be considered as well."
After all, the one who had been wronged back then was Xie Rong not her.
Xie An’an’s smile froze for the briefest of moments before she quickly recovered herself.
"Sister-in-law is right." She lowered her head obediently, "This granddaughter was too hasty and failed to consider Brother’s feelings."
The Old Madam gave a satisfied nod. "Since you understand, let this matter rest for now."
"Yes, Grandmother." After exchanging a few more words, Xie An’an politely excused herself before leaving together with Madam Liu.
Only after stepping out of the courtyard did the smile on Xie An’an’s face gradually disappear. She bit her lower lip in frustration before lightly stomping her foot against the stone path.
"How troublesome..."
She had only brought up inviting Young Lady Gu because she wanted to see Shen Taotao’s reaction.
Whether Shen Taotao became jealous, displeased, or refused outright, she would have gained something from it.
She had never actually intended to invite Young Lady Gu into the Xie Residence.
Yet with just a few simple words, Shen Taotao had shifted the matter onto her brother.
Xie Rong.
The very person her father had forbidden the Gu family from approaching after what happened a year ago.
Xie An’an frowned.
’Now what am I supposed to do? If Grandmother truly agrees, how am I supposed to convince Brother to let Young Lady Gu enter the Xie Residence?’
She irritably flicked her handkerchief.
"Forget it." Her gaze slowly drifted back toward the room she had just left. A faint smile gradually returned to her lips, "There will always be another opportunity."
Meanwhile, in the room, the Old Madam lowered her gaze and slowly took another sip of tea before letting out a quiet sigh.
"That child..." Although she did not mention a name, everyone present knew she was referring to Xie An’an, "She has always been soft-hearted."
Madam Liu immediately nodded in agreement, "The Young Miss has always cared deeply for those around her."
The Old Madam did not respond. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Wang Gege, "Taotao."
"Yes, Grandmother." Wang Gege shifted her sit position and appeared more focused.
"This old woman hopes you won’t take An’an’s words to heart."
Wang Gege smiled gently, "This granddaughter understands."
The Old Madam studied her face for a long while before speaking again. "An’an grew up alongside Young Lady Gu. They have been close since childhood. It is only natural for her to feel reluctant to see an old friendship come to an end."
She paused before adding, "However... This old woman also understands your position."
Wang Gege blinked slightly.
The Old Madam continued in a calm voice. "No woman wishes to hear another woman’s name repeatedly mentioned before her husband. Especially... one who was once promised to him."
The room fell silent.
Madam Liu lowered her eyes, while Qing’er secretly glanced toward Wang Gege.
Unexpectedly, Wang Gege simply smiled.
"This granddaughter understands. The past has nothing to do with this granddaughter’s feelings or judgment. If Young Lady Gu truly regrets what happened, then that is a matter between her and Husband. As for this granddaughter..." She lowered her eyes slightly. "I only hope Husband himself is willing to forgive."
The Old Madam’s gaze gradually softened. She felt she had truly underestimated this granddaughter-in-law.
"What a precious child you are..." She reached out and gently patted the back of Wang Gege’s hand. "This old woman is relieved that the one accompanying Rong’er through the rest of his life is you."
A warm smile slowly spread across her face. However, it did not last long. As though something had suddenly crossed her mind, the Old Madam’s brows slowly furrowed.
"And..." She hesitated for a brief moment before continuing, "About what happened last night... This old woman hopes you won’t take it to heart."
She bobbed her head light and continued, "The Taoist Master’s visit has always been part of our family’s annual ritual. Every year, he would offer prayers for the Xie family’s peace and prosperity."
She let out a quiet sigh, "No one expected him to suddenly speak those words. This old woman understands that you must have felt wronged."
Wang Gege looked at the Old Madam before gently shaking her head.
"This granddaughter never blamed Grandmother." She smiled softly, "Besides... If even Grandmother did not know what the Taoist Master was going to say, how could this granddaughter blame anyone?"
The Old Madam remained silent, quietly listening.
Wang Gege lowered her gaze, "This granddaughter did feel surprised at first." She chuckled lightly. "After all, being pointed at by a Taoist in front of so many people isn’t exactly an experience one has every day."
A faint smile unconsciously appeared on the Old Madam’s face.
"But after giving it some thought..." Wang Gege slowly raised her head once more. "This granddaughter believes that if one’s conscience is clear, there is no need to fear a few words spoken by others. Rumors will eventually fade."
She pressed her lips straight, "But if this granddaughter begins doubting herself simply because of someone else’s words... then wouldn’t I be proving them right?"
The Old Madam looked at her for a long while. Finally, she nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Very good." She gently squeezed the back of Wang Gege’s hand. "This old woman is relieved."
Outside the room, the warm spring breeze quietly drifted into the courtyard, carrying with it the faint fragrance of blossoms.
Yet no one noticed that beyond the courtyard walls, another pair of eyes had already begun watching Wang Gege from the shadows.