Just as the gazes fell on the accessories, Gu Yanwan, the youngest one immediately screamed "Aaah, isn't this third sister's favorite jade hairpin with wild carving? But why did you give this hairpin to Yanyan sister? Didn't grandmother scolded you last time for wearing this saying it has no meanings and so this is not so auspicious. We are young ladies from noble families, we should do what is in the favour of people, eat what is above the people and wear what is rare in the people. We are nobles and our every move is being watched by thousands of commoners, we should do things which are appropriate and has some meaning otherwise people would say we are good-for-nothing." Gu Yanwan still would continued what their grandmother had said if not for Gu Yanshi's interruption.
"It's OK Wanwan, may be third sister had gotten it wrong, there are so many accessories third sister had brought for eldest sister, one of these had been put unknowingly, right.... third...sister?" Gu Yanshi tried to speak in the favour of Gu Yanran but as she turned to look at her, seeing her dark and gloomy expression she lost her confidence towards the end and ended up stammering in her last three words.
Until now everyone had guessed what was going on with the gifts Gu Yanran had given to Gu Yanyan.
They had known the stinginess of their second aunt and that's why they were a little surprised when they heard that their second aunt brought their ever so arrogant third sister to Water Pavilion to give gifts to their eldest sister.
When they heard that after the gifting session, their second aunt received an expensive and valuable reward from their grandmother, they thought they had found the reason behind the gifting but only now they found the real reason.... their second aunt was killing two birds with one stone; by giving gifts to Gu Yanyan, she received praise and favour from their grandmother while in the hindsight she had prepared a big show of humiliation for their eldest sister.
Really cruel second aunt...
While the young ladies from the first house were marveling on their second aunt's two in one scheme, Gu Yanwan suddenly felt like laughing, but she didn't know on whom she should laugh more; on Gu Yanyan? Poor girl, she herself was deceived and schemed against by their step mother. Or on herself who had believe that that scheming woman would favour their father's other children who hadn't been from her?
She shook her head and then lowered it to take another sip of tea from her cup. At least the tea was real even if their relationship was not.
On the other hand, after glaring at the two sisters from the first house, Gu Yanran finally put away her dark expression and turned towards Gu Yanyan, "Yanran is sorry towards eldest sister, it was really her negligence that Yanran brought such insignificant accessories for sister to try. Please, eldest sister, forgive me." As Gu Yanran said this, she immediately stood up from her seat and stepped forward, ready to kneel, hoping that one of them would surely stop her from kneeling.
But who had thought everyone was still lost in their own world, making thousands scenarios at Madam Yun's train of thought that they didn't even noticed Gu Yanran coming forward and pretending to kneel.
It was not until Gu Yanran's knees had already touched the ground that Gu Yanyan finally came forward, pretending to help Gu Yanran up but not helping at the same time.
"Ah third sister forgive your eldest sister for not being strong enough, can you please stand up on your own?"
What a humiliation she had to face.
She kneeled down on her own and now she had to stand up on her own.
But the floor tiles were so cold that Gu Yanran didn't refused the offer and immediately stood up even though her expression was one of reluctance and dejection.
"Eldest sister, you have to believe me. Yanran would never try to sabotage her dear eldest sister with such petty tricks." This time what Gu Yanran had said was hundred percent truth and face also showed pure determination and seriousness.
If Gu Yanyan didn't know the truth behind sich determined expression, she really would have been fooled.
Gu Yanran really wouldn't have used such petty tricks to frame Gu Yanyan because she would have planned more bigger and vicious than this.
Just like in her past life when Gu Yanyan and Gu Yanran were already sixteen years old and Old Marquise Wei had come to Gu Residence to select a bride fer her grandson Wei Jingfan.
Because Old Marquis Wei had a close relationship with Old Marquis Lin, both friends had made a deal with each other to become in-laws one day but fate had played role and for various reasons their children couldn't get married so they thought when their grandchildren would come of age, they would they fulfill this deal.
But fate had again played the role and only grandson of old Marquis Lin went missing after that incident and was never found.
But because old Marquis Wei had made that promise with his old friend, he was determine to fulfill it and send his wife to Gu Residence to ask for Gu Yanyan to make her the granddaughter-in-law of Wei's mansion.
After hearing the news Gu Yanyan was stunned and flustered not knowing what do and how do.
She didn't had any decent piece of clothes nor any fine piece of jewelry. She had worked in Gu Residence as servant for as long as she could remember and was treated more badly than a servant.
Servants at least had their monthly salary fixed but Gu Yanyan was at Madam Yun's mercy. If Madam Yun would be pleased with her work and diligence, she would throw a few copper coins towards her and if not.... then again... punishment.
And punishment usually would be; no allowance, no food, no clothes.