The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1002: Chapter 979: Prestige Amidst Turmoil 47

Xiao Yuan looked terribly upset, gritting his teeth: ”Just bow like this, face the chairs as if giving a kowtow to the Old Master and Old Madam.”

The master of ceremonies whispered: ”This won’t do, if the bride hasn’t paid respects to her parents, how can her name be added to the ancestral records?”

Xiao Yuandou laughed angrily: ”I am the head of my branch, and I make the decisions. If I say the name can go on the ancestral records, then it will.”

Since Xiao Yuandou said so, the master of ceremonies didn’t object, and therefore, Xiao Ling and Miss Yuan kowtowed to two chairs as their parents.

Miss Yuan entered the bridal chamber, and Anning quickly followed her in.

Xiao Yuan and Xiao Jin wore smiles as they entertained the guests.

At this moment, Mrs. Zhao brought Mrs. Wei over.

They brought gifts, though not much—each had a basket of eggs and a small piece of red cloth.

Madam Hui looked at the two of them, truly unable to muster a smile; instead of helping their brothers during the wedding, they had added insult when Xiao Yuan and Xiao Jin went to invite the Old Masters. Now, they just bring some eggs, an exemplary demonstration of the Zhao and Wei family upbringing.

Anning followed Miss Yuan into the bridal chamber.

Upon entering, she saw Miss Yuan sitting all alone on the marriage bed.

Both families were not as affluent as before, and so Miss Yuan married without a dowry maid or a companion room.

”Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?”

Anning softly asked.

Miss Yuan shook her head.

Anning said: ”I’ll have Lao Liu lift your veil, so you can be more comfortable.”

Just as she was about to leave, Miss Yuan grabbed her: ”Third Sister-in-law, do the Old Master and Old Madam not like me?”

It was no wonder Miss Yuan was overthinking; whoever marries without paying respects to their elders would feel a bit off.

Anning smiled and patted Miss Yuan’s hand: ”Don’t overthink it. The Old Master and Old Madam have been unwell for some time. When Lao Liu went to invite them, the Old Madam was too sick to get up, and the Old Master couldn’t leave her side. So it truly doesn’t matter whether you pay them formal respects or not; it’s just a formality. Plus, our three families are separate branches, with your Third Brother being the head. He says it’s fine, so it’s fine. Tomorrow, Lao Liu will take you to pay respects to the ancestral tablets, and your Third Brother will record your name in the family genealogy, and that’s all that matters.”

Hearing her name would be recorded, Miss Yuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Marrying into another family doesn’t make it official; if you haven’t paid respects to the ancestors or had your name recorded, and something happens, the family won’t acknowledge you, making all efforts in vain. Concerns over remarriage or favoritism are trivial; even loss of life might not draw sympathy.

”Thank you, Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law, for your concern.”

Miss Yuan stood up and bowed: ”Sister-in-law, if you have things to do, don’t worry about me. I can manage on my own.”

Anning smiled: ”Alright, I’ll go back to work and have Yin’er come to accompany you later.”

Anning went out to find Xiao Yin to accompany her Sixth Aunt, and then she busied herself with Madam Hui.

Anning and Madam Hui had just set the tables when they heard a commotion outside; several carriages had arrived at the Xiao Family’s door, and out came a parade of richly dressed gentlemen and ladies.

Xiao Yuan and Xiao Jin quickly went to greet them.

”Old Master Wu, been a long time, you’ve grown even younger.”

”County Magistrate Sun, you’re looking incredibly well, celebrating something perhaps?”

”Brother He, please come inside.”

Those who came were influential people in Lai County, including the County Governor and the captain from the county office, wealthy families from the county, and some local gentry.

All of them brought gifts, considerably generous ones.

Anning pulled along Madam Hui to entertain the female guests.

Early on, Anning had the side rooms and flower hall tidied up, setting up tables and chairs inside. She invited the female guests in and instructed Xiao Fu and others to attend to them.

Xiao Fu, coming from the Duke Mansion, was well-versed with social events far grander than this, making her more than capable of entertaining wealthy female guests from the county.

Although Xiao Hui and the other two girls had only been around for a little over six months, they learned to read expressions under Anning’s tutelage. Their temperament improved significantly, shedding their former insecurities. Now, they carried themselves with a majestic air, even more impressive than the pampered girls from the county.

Having learned to be clever observers with Anning, they spoke with precision and managed to win people over with just a few words.

Xiao Hui and Xiao Yi set up a table of refreshments, smiling as they curtseyed out.

They both exhaled deeply, sharing a smile.

Seeing there wasn’t much left to do, Xiao Hui pulled Xiao Yi to find a place to rest.

They sat on the veranda surrounded by several flower bushes, which conveniently concealed them.

Xiao Hui stared at the flowers, lost in thought.

A year ago, she was a beggar, not knowing if she’d survive another night. Now, she was a proper daughter of the Xiao Family, with enough food, clothing, and skills to no longer fear hunger.

Having learned culinary skills from Anning, she could always work as a cook for a wealthy family if need be.

She had also learned to read and had read many books; her outlook was vastly different now.

In just over six months, she had learned things that others might not in a lifetime.

She thought, it’s true that learning under wise people makes you wise. Her parents were exceptionally smart, and her siblings intuitive. Even without instruction, simply observing would make one savvy, much more when mother would break down and explain everything in detail.

Thinking of this, Xiao Hui couldn’t help but smile; she had so much hope for the future.

Xiao Yi sat beside Xiao Hui and took out a few snacks from her wallet.

The two girls sat quietly, but unexpectedly, voices emerged from behind the flower bushes.

Xiao Hui quickly gathered her thoughts and listened carefully.

The voice sounded particularly familiar to her.

It seemed to be that of Mrs. Zhao.

”Didn’t expect the Third to be so cunning.” The intermittent voice confirmed it was Mrs. Zhao speaking.

”Absolutely, where did he gather such acquaintances? I heard the county magistrate is quite fond of him too.”

That was Ms. Jin’s voice.

Mrs. Zhao sneered: ”The Third is a wolf, a biting wolf. When they were living in the Duke Mansion, the couple kept a low profile, so I thought they were honest. Turns out, they were probably plotting then, preparing all sorts of good items outside, just waiting to split from the family for a good life.”

”Elder Sister-in-law, I think the Third Brother and his wife are truly deceptive. They have such ability, yet they didn’t show it earlier, undoubtedly not wanting the Eldest Brother to benefit. Hmph, I said before, that pair is no good.”

Ms. Jin whispered: ”Recently, I saw the Third transporting loads of stuff to his house. I have no idea what it was. Do you think he might be up to something illegal?”

”Could be.” Mrs. Zhao’s voice lowered: ”We should visit the Third’s place and take a look; we might find something. If he is indeed up to no good, we can use it to blackmail him. Let me see how he struggles then.”

Ms. Jin suggested: ”Perhaps we should inform the Old Madam about these things and let her confront the Third.”