Capítulo 1143: Chapter 1141: Returning Home in Splendor

Old Lady Zhou looked at the wealthy young woman supported by a maid. It’s been more than half a year since they last met, and she seemed to look wealthier and more beautiful. The bitterness often seen in her eyes before had almost faded away, replaced by a kinder and more gentle appearance, suggesting she was living a carefree and content life.

Looking at her demeanor now, if someone didn’t know her background, who would believe this woman grew up in a small scholar family in the countryside? It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she belonged to some affluent family, would it?

Old Lady Zhou had a complicated look in her eyes, her feelings indescribable.

“Is this, Auntie Zhou, is this your Meiniang?” Aunt Gui widened her eyes, finally recognizing Madam Zhou.

Oh my, this Zhou Meiniang is remarkable. Just look at her clothing and accessories. Wow, has she hit the jackpot or what? That gold hairpin is truly beautiful; how much silver must it be worth? Just that one gold hairpin could allow their entire family to live comfortably for a lifetime, couldn’t it?

Old Lady Zhou, holding her little grandson, twitched her lips slightly, and called out for Lady Liang inside the house.

Madam Zhou had already seen Old Lady Zhou and quickly walked over, holding Qiu Xiang’s arm, her voice a bit choked up, yet she held back her emotions, smiled, and curtsied lightly: “Mother.”

Hearing the word “Mother,” Old Lady Zhou’s heart trembled slightly. Looking over, she saw a hint of excitement in her eyes and involuntarily lowered her eyelids, responding with a simple “Mm.”

Aunt Gui clicked her tongue and stepped forward, saying, “Meiniang, it’s you, isn’t it? I’m Aunt Gui. Do you still remember?”

Madam Zhou smiled at her and nodded, “I remember, how could I not remember.”

“Well, Meiniang, after you and your mother moved, we haven’t seen each other again. Where have you been? Just look at your wealth, tsk-tsk-tsk, have you struck it rich and returned in glory?” Aunt Gui exaggeratedly looked at Madam Zhou, particularly fixated on the ornament on her head, almost sticking to it, its glimmer nearly blinding her old eyes.

My goodness, is this Zhou Meiniang returning in glory or has she gotten into some business?

Madam Zhou felt a bit awkward and didn’t know how to respond, so she just smiled. Just then, Lady Liang heard her mother-in-law call out and came out. Seeing Madam Zhou, she was also surprised: “Second sister, you’ve returned.”

“Xueli’s wife.” Madam Zhou smiled lightly.

Old Lady Zhou went into the house with her grandson, not inviting Madam Zhou inside, seeming somewhat cold, which made Madam Zhou’s eyes show a bit of disappointment.

“Second sister, you’ve been on the carriage all the way; you must be tired. Come in, have a seat, and drink a cup of tea.” Lady Liang was quite enthusiastic, stepping forward to help Madam Zhou inside.

Madam Zhou gratefully smiled.

The two walked into the house together and saw a new wall dividing the once large room. Madam Zhou sighed inwardly; as a tree grows, branches spread, and so do brothers separate, which is just the natural course of things.

Aunt Gui looked at the servants carrying piles of goods inside, wide-eyed and speechless. Her eyes were filled with both envy and admiration. After some thought, she followed them inside as well.

Seeing this, Madam Zhou asked Qiu Xiang to share a box of pastries and candies for her to take home for her family to try, which made Aunt Gui delighted. She thanked them repeatedly and knew better than to intrude anymore, knowing they must have private family matters to discuss after just returning. Why be the unwelcome outsider?

Madam Zhou’s sudden arrival left Lady Liang and the others unprepared, and with no maid to help around the house, preparing tea and boiling water created quite the chaos. However, Purple Jade noticed and signaled a junior maid to assist, making Lady Liang express her gratitude.

Even a maid had such perceptiveness now, indeed, this auntie and her family had truly come upon good times.