Shi Lian's face had already turned red with embarrassment. She quickly smiled in gratitude, instructed Cai Yun and others to take the items and put them away properly, called for tea, and then signaled everyone to leave with a meaningful look.
Shi Lian said to Sang Wan, "Ever since sister-in-law arrived at our home, you have taken great care of Shi Lian. I am endlessly grateful! Marrying into the Sang family is my fortune." As she spoke, she attempted to rise and give Sang Wan a formal bow of thanks.
"That won't be necessary!" Sang Wan quickly helped her to sit back down, half-seriously and half-jokingly said, "Soon, I'll have to call you 'second sister-in-law', if you treat me with such a grand gesture, how could I be at ease!"
