When Wan mother took out the small box, eldest and second sisters-in-law stared at it in shock.
Not for any other reason, but because this box had been entrusted by the late Wan family patriarch before he passed away.
At first, they thought this might be a key item of the Wan family, perhaps something to be divided only after Wan mother and father were gone.
But they never expected that Wan mother would take it out at this moment.
“Mom, isn’t this what Grandpa left before he passed?”
Second sister-in-law Sun Li, unable to contain herself, asked directly.
Wan mother didn’t even glance at her, replying sharply, “Yes, but it has nothing to do with you!”
Sun Li felt even more frustrated, not expecting the Wan family to be so biased.
She exchanged a look with eldest sister-in-law Duan Hui. Duan Hui immediately understood: “Isn’t this the item Grandpa left? Are you saying you’re going to divide it among us?”
Wan Ming shook her head—these idiots! Truly hopeless.
She knew about this item; ever since the patriarch passed away, the sisters-in-law had never even seen it.
Wan mother snorted. These two daughters-in-law were hopeless.
“This was left by the late master of the Wan family. It has nothing to do with you!”
“Besides, don’t even think about it. Grandpa specifically said before he died that it was for Wan Ning!”
Eldest and second sisters-in-law exchanged a doubtful glance. Could this be just a trick from their mother-in-law?
Wan father chimed in: “Indeed, Grandpa left it solely for Wan Ning!”
The two daughters-in-law were skeptical. Wan Ning had been a little rascal growing up—could someone like him really earn the patriarch’s favor?
But it was true—Grandpa had always favored Wan Ning, the youngest grandson.
Could he have some extraordinary talent or skill?
The sisters-in-law still couldn’t figure it out, yet saw Wan mother holding Shen Qingran’s hand warmly.
“Xiao Ran, this is what Grandpa left for Ning’er!”
“Inside are things accumulated by the Wan family over many years!”
Shen Qingran looked at the antique-style small box:
A gray square box, shaped like a two-story ancient pavilion. Under the light, it looked old, without any particularly striking features.
“From now on, no more harsh words. The relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law can’t change in this lifetime!”
“I’m looking forward to the day you serve tea as a daughter-in-law!”
Shen Qingran smiled through her tears at Wan mother’s kind expression.
She whispered a few words into Wan mother’s ear, causing Wan mother’s eyes to first show surprise, then astonishment.
Sun Li felt a pang of jealousy—Wan mother had never smiled at her like this since marrying into the family.
Eldest sister-in-law Duan Hui was displeased. By right, her husband was the eldest son. Shouldn’t this heirloom go to the eldest grandson? How could it end up with the youngest daughter-in-law?
Wan Ming noticed clearly: her mother’s affection extended beyond Wan Ning—she genuinely liked Shen Qingran.
This future sister-in-law was interesting! She just didn’t know if she had any of the abilities of the fourth child (Wan Ning).
Thinking of Wan Ning’s past, Wan Ming smiled meaningfully.
Shen Qingran accepted the box from her mother-in-law, feeling its cool touch.
The box looked heavy, yet in hand it wasn’t as weighty as expected.
A faint fragrance seemed to emanate from it—subtle, almost imperceptible.
Shen Qingran, from her past life, understood Wan Ning’s deep affection for her.
She also knew that Wan mother had done this to prevent her son from drifting away.
Wan Ning had seemed distant from his parents since childhood, joining the military at a young age.
Seeing Shen Qingran accept the box, Wan mother’s face lit up with joy.
Wan father exhaled lightly, smiling—otherwise, tonight would have been a disaster, and he would have to cover the children’s mistakes!
Ah, if children disobey, he pays the price. If unhappy, he pays the price. At home, he was either paying or on the way to paying.
Wan mother said, “I heard you’re going to the countryside. You can meet Wan Ning there. That brat is looking forward to it as if waiting for the stars and moon!”
“Normally, you should be engaged first, but since the fourth son is away and you’re going to the countryside, you’re adults now. Decide when to marry yourselves!”
Wan mother knew Wan Ning had strong opinions.
Shen Qingran nodded: “Thank you, Auntie. I’ll take this first and meet Wan Ning when I go to the countryside.”
Her sincerity pleased Wan mother.
Sun Li and Duan Hui were resentful. Their planned show of force to sabotage the marriage had failed. Instead, Shen Qingran had gained the Wan family patriarch’s heirloom.
Wan mother said: “It’s getting late. Check what you need to take to the countryside; I’ll prepare it for you.”
Shen Qingran shook her head: “Auntie, I have everything I need.”
Wan mother nodded: “Okay, go ahead. If you need anything, just tell me!”
It was almost eight o’clock. Wan mother had the others escort Shen Qingran home.
She didn’t want to look inside the box—Grandpa had his reasons. As a long-time daughter-in-law of the Wan family, she understood this unspoken principle: sometimes, you don’t need to ask; the person will tell you when ready.
After sending Shen Qingran off, Wan Ming found an excuse to leave.
Wan parents sat together, looking at the two incompetent daughters-in-law.
“Speak! What were you thinking?”
“Don’t think I don’t know your little schemes!”
“You know how you came into the Wan family!”
“Don’t think I won’t have my son divorce you so you can live comfortably behind closed doors!”
“Don’t try to harm the fourth son, and don’t try to sow discord with his wife!”
“This is the only warning. Next time, you won’t be allowed in this house!”
Sun Li and Duan Hui dared not argue, nodding obediently.
Tonight had enraged them—the mother-in-law’s bias was simply infuriating!
Sun Li clenched her clothes in frustration. Her plan to gain the upper hand had completely backfired.
As they were about to leave, Wan mother called out:
“Wait!”
What she said next made them instantly regret ever trying to interfere.