Chapter 1594: Mei Xiang (6)
When they returned home, Yang Ruxin briefly explained Yang Baihe's situation to the family. Dong Wenxiu sighed heavily, while Sanni curled her lips: "Only eldest sister would be so kindhearted." In her opinion, why even bother? It would be better if Yang Baihe stayed missing.
Yang Ruxin reached out and knocked Sanni on the head: "What kind of talk is that?"
Sanni rubbed her head.
"Although we don't think much of them, there are things that must still be done, and some words cannot be spoken carelessly." Yang Ruxin pulled Sanni to sit down beside her. "After all, we are still part of the Yang Family. Even if I don't acknowledge them personally, we can't afford to tarnish our name because of it. Especially since Xiaofeng will be pursuing the imperial examinations and a career in government…"
"Eldest sister, I understand." Sanni pouted in apology.
"It's just a small effort on my part, but everyone around will say I'm virtuous."
Sanni quickly nodded: "I get it—I'm just upset about the whole thing. These kinds of words I only say at home; in front of outsiders, I wouldn't dare."
"You clever little thing," Yang Ruxin pinched Sanni's cheek.
"Miss, Wang Wen's wife is here to see you," Du Chengxiu reported as he entered.
"Wang Wen's wife?" Yang Ruxin frowned slightly.
"The one Wang Wen rescued from the river—her name is Mei Xiang," Zhou Xiao reminded her casually. "She got married a few days ago… I saw her in the village the day before yesterday. She tried to give Lanlan some candies, but Lanlan didn't accept them."
Yang Ruxin nodded: "Alright, let her in then."
Mei Xiang carried a basket on her arm and walked in, beaming: "You must be Xinxin, right? I'm Mei Xiang, newly married into the Wang Family…"
Yang Ruxin's first impression of the woman named Mei Xiang was one of allure. Despite her deliberate attempt to appear simple and unrefined, she couldn't completely hide the innate seductiveness in her demeanor.
This wasn't something cultivated by an ordinary family—unless… there had been special training involved.
"What business do you have with my eldest sister?" Sanni stepped forward to meet her.
"I'm newly married and unfamiliar with everyone in the village, but I've heard countless praises for Xinxin's capabilities. So, I thought I'd take the liberty to come make her acquaintance," Mei Xiang said cheerfully, sounding quite friendly. "I hope Xinxin won't mind—I brought a few handkerchiefs and sachets I made myself as little meeting gifts for the sisters…" As she spoke, she opened her basket to reveal neatly arranged, exquisitely embroidered handkerchiefs as well as a few fragrant sachets.
In this era, there were no tissues, so handkerchiefs were commonly used to wipe sweat or clean hands. Sachets, similar to small pouches, were often used to hold loose change or aromatic substances. Both items were in high demand.
However, village girls mostly used handkerchiefs made of cotton cloth, while silk ones were rare.
But Mei Xiang's handkerchiefs and sachets were made of Hangzhou silk, which was quite valuable.
"We don't lack handkerchiefs at home," Sanni quipped with a smile. "You'd better take them back." As she spoke, she pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and displayed it. It was crafted from high-grade tribute satin, a material gifted by the Prince back in the day. Yang Ruxin had cut a piece from it to make a handkerchief for each family member.
Mei Xiang's smile faltered slightly but managed to remain stiffly polite: "Ah, this must be Mengmeng—a straightforward girl, isn't she…"
"My sister is indeed straightforward," Yang Ruxin smiled. "But she's not wrong—we don't lack handkerchiefs at home. Besides, I hold a grudge against the Wang Family; didn't you know that?"