Seeing that everyone had almost finished eating, Xu Ruyi returned to her room and brought out all the things she had brought back. Noticing her sister-in-law present, she specifically took out three feet of soft cotton fabric as a gift.
Xu Ruyi placed the bundle on the table and opened it. On top was a jewelry box. She took out three silver hairpins from inside, handing one to her grandmother. “Grandma, this is your granddaughter’s token of filial respect!”
Xu Grandma looked at the silver hairpin, grinning from ear to ear with delight. Though she felt distressed about her granddaughter spending money, she wouldn’t embarrass her in front of so many people. She happily accepted it, saying, “Good, Grandma will keep it. My granddaughter is so thoughtful.”
Xu Ruyi smiled without responding. The remaining two silver hairpins she gave to her aunt and her own mother. Of course, she didn’t take out the separate silver bracelet, as she planned to give that privately.
Bai Maimiao was overjoyed to see she had received one too, beaming widely. “Good, good, good! I’ve also received my niece’s filial devotion.”
Wang Cuihua didn’t say much. She believed her daughter could spend her money however she wished—if she ran out, she could always supplement it herself.
Then, Xu Ruyi handed the fabric she had just taken out to her elder sister-in-law. “Sister-in-law, this is for you. It’s not much fabric, but it should be just enough to make a set of clothes for Shitou.”
Liu Hong hadn’t expected to receive anything herself and accepted it with a radiant smile. “Good, then I’ll thank his aunt on Shitou’s behalf.”
For Xu Grandpa, she had prepared one set of summer clothes and one set of winter clothes. Xu Grandma also received one set of each. For Xu Uncle, she gave one set of winter clothes, but she didn’t take out the ones for her own father.
The rest were pastries, which Xu Ruyi handed to Wang Cuihua to distribute.
Originally, she hadn’t planned to buy clothes, but while wandering around the county town, she saw ready-made garments in a cloth store and remembered she should buy some.
She bought one set each for her own parents. For her younger brother and sister, she bought fabric instead. Since she couldn’t be sure about children’s sizes and was afraid of buying the wrong fit, she thought it better to have clothes made for them after returning home.
After everyone had dispersed, Xu Ruyi took the remaining items and went to her parents’ room.
She directly placed the bracelet she hadn’t brought out earlier on Wang Cuihua’s wrist. “Mother, I felt awkward taking it out in front of so many people earlier. This is something I bought especially for you. Here are also the clothes I bought for you and Father. For my younger brother and sister, I bought fabric—we can have clothes made for them later.”
Looking at the bracelet in her hand and the clothes and fabric on the bed, Wang Cuihua couldn’t hold back her tears. These were all things her daughter had painstakingly saved up for over the years. “You silly girl, why don’t you know to keep some money for yourself?”
Just as Xu Sigui entered, he happened to see his mother crying. His eyes instantly reddened when he saw the items on the bed.
Having matured early, he understood how much hardship his sister must have endured to save up for these things. “Sister…”
Seeing everyone’s somber mood, Xu Ruyi pulled her younger brother in front of her and took out a handkerchief to wipe his tears. “Alright, Father, Mother, Eldest Brother, don’t worry. Over the years, I’ve learned embroidery from the head Servant Girl attending the young lady. My skills are quite good—I can make a living from it. I’ve sold quite a few pieces and have kept some personal savings for myself. Please don’t feel burdened. It’s just because I haven’t been back for so long that I wanted to bring you gifts.”
Wang Cuihua wiped her tears and held Xu Ruyi’s hand, saying, “My good daughter, I know you’re filial, but don’t spend so lavishly in the future. It’s not easy for a young woman—holding onto more silver is what really matters.”
Xu Sigui also nodded emphatically, “Sis, you should keep more money for yourself and take good care of yourself. I can gather herbs now and sell them for a good amount of silver at Cao An Tang in the county. From now on, all the money I earn will be spent on you and Niannian.”
Xu Ruyi smiled and agreed, “Alright, then I’ll wait for my big brother to support me.”
Seeing the children getting along so well, Xu Dashu was overjoyed. “Alright, everyone off to bed! Goudan, fetch bathwater for your sister.”
Xu Sigui acknowledged and went to the kitchen to fetch water to the washroom, then called out for Xu Ruyi.
When Xu Ruyi arrived, he pointed to a new basin and said, “Sis, this is your basin. Dad specifically went to Uncle Dali’s place this afternoon to exchange for it. I’ve washed it clean and let it sunbathe all afternoon. You can use this one.” After saying this, he went straight back to his room.
Looking at the new bathtub, Xu Ruyi finally felt a sense of belonging to this family. Such wonderful family members! She’d hit the jackpot!!
Meanwhile, Zhao Lie lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
He thought about how Xu Ruyi was now free and wondered if he should find an opportunity to confess his feelings.