<h4>Chapter 263: Chapter 263: What Is This Miss of the Ji Family Doing?</h4>


    Old Madam Gu’s expression remained indifferent, as if she had no impression of Zhu Jianian. She was merely someone brought by her grandson’s wife, and thus she offered a modicum of courtesy.


    The gift box was left unopened and handed off to the servant standing nearby.


    Seeing this, Zhu Jianian’s face showed a hint of embarrassment.


    This Guanyin statue was something her father had repeatedly emphasized must be presented to Old Madam Gu. Indeed, it was a rare collectible that Zhu Ming’an had spent a fortune acquiring.


    She had hoped to use this opportunity to curry favor with Old Madam Gu, hoping the elderly woman might persuade her great-grandson to show mercy. Unexpectedly, Old Madam Gu’s reaction was so nonchnt.


    Seeing Zhu Jianian still standing awkwardly, a nearby servant gestured courteously and said, "Miss Zhu, please take a seat over there."


    Zhu Jianian reluctantly stepped back two paces.


    As Mo Qian approached with Ji Wei, the unwillingness and anger in Zhu Jianian’s eyes became increasingly overt.


    "Great-grandmother, this is my wife, Ji Wei," Mo Qian said as he walked up to Old Madam Gu to introduce Ji Wei.


    "Hello, Great-grandmother!" Ji Wei had a gentle smile on her face, her manners impably appropriate, and her voice clear and pleasant.


    "Mo Qian, is this your great-grandson’s wife?" The frail voice of the elderly woman sounded, and she quickly motioned for the servant nearby to assist her in stepping forward for a closer look at Ji Wei. "Little Wei is very beautiful. Her eyes are so clear and vibrant, they almost seem to speak; she even has a bit of resemnce to your grandmother!"


    Old Madam Gu held Ji Wei’s hand, her delight evident.


    "You tter me, Great-grandmother," Ji Wei replied, seeming a bit bashful.


    "Great-grandmother, Ji Wei has prepared a gift for you. Would you like to take a look?" Mo Qian asked.


    "Alright, let me see it," Old Madam Gu said.


    Ji Wei hurriedly lifted the basket in her other hand. "Great-grandmother, I picked these early this morning. Please try them and see if they suit your taste."


    Old Madam Gu, filled with curiosity, pulled back the flower cloth covering the basket.


    A basket full of freshly picked persimmons came into view—a golden-yellow hue that was strikingly beautiful.


    The seated guests were stunned.


    It was the first time they had seen someone bring persimmons as a gift for a celebratory asion. What was this Ji Familydy trying to do?


    Nan Huiru, sitting nearby, couldn’t resist mocking, "Shees from a distinguished family, but all she could offer was a basket of persimmons? Did she buy them at the local market? What a joke."


    "Perhaps Miss Ji thinks Great-grandmother’s teeth aren’t good anymore, so soft persimmons might be more suitable," Zhu Jianian chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.


    The other guests also began discussing amongst themselves, offering a mix of praise and criticism for Ji Wei’s actions.


    Old Madam Gu, however, seemed to ignore the murmuring doubts of the crowd. Her weathered eyes were fixed on the basket of persimmons, her voice carrying a faint tremor: "You said... you picked these yourself. Where did you pick them?"


    "There’s a tall persimmon tree in the back courtyard," Ji Wei replied. "I saw it full of ripe, vibrant persimmonsrge and red, lively and festive-looking—so I picked some for you."


    The back courtyard...


    Old Madam Gu’s thoughts were suddenly jolted, her eyes growing moist, and she almost couldn’t form words: "That tree... it was nted personally by Yan Cheng and Qingshuang."


    Yan Cheng and Qingshuang were the names of her grandfather and grandmother.


    All the guests’ expressions shifted drastically hearing these two names.


    Thete Yan Cheng and Qingshuang were Old Madam Gu’s deepest sorrow. Normally, everyone avoided mentioning these names for fear of evoking painful memories in her.


    And this Miss Ji actually had the audacity to pick persimmons from the tree personally nted by Yan Cheng and Qingshuang. Wasn’t this clearly stirring up trouble?


    "Mo Qian, hurry and escort this woman out!"


    Nan Huiru said angrily. What an ill-timed subject to bring up! On such a joyous asion, of all times, she just had to make Old Madam Gu recall her grief!