After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

"There's no need for you to worry about that, Madam Zhao. We know what's going on. Whether we're happy or not is our own business!" Madam Zhang glanced at the other woman casually, but her words were utterly blunt.

"Besides, what does status and position matter? Only those with excellent character are good people. If someone is all show and no substance, they are nothing more than a clown."

These words silenced the surroundings even further. It was as if the speaker was pointing a finger at Madam Zhao, accusing her of lacking integrity; it was a complete breakdown in relations. Presumably, Madam Zhang had been repeatedly provoked by Madam Zhao, which was why she had been so ruthless.

"You, you, you..." Madam Zhao trembled with rage, her face alternating between pale and flushed, her lips quivering slightly. She pointed a finger directly at Madam Zhang, the finger seemingly carrying endless anger and resentment. Her chest heaved violently, making one worry that she might suddenly faint.

"Alright, this family reunion is a joyous occasion and a private matter, so let's not say any more. Everyone, please don't forget the original purpose of our visit today." Seeing that the scene was about to get out of control, the magistrate's wife spoke solemnly, her expression revealing her displeasure.

Upon hearing her speak, even if Zhang and Zhao were still dissatisfied, they couldn't continue to make a scene. Firstly, they didn't want to offend her, and secondly, it wasn't their day, so they had to give the hostess some face.

Of course, Madam Zhao had no intention of giving Lin Hao face; she simply didn't want to offend the Gu family.

"What you say is true, Madam. We should all enjoy ourselves today and not let anything else distract us. Otherwise, wouldn't all my efforts have been in vain?" Lin Hao said, feigning grievance.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Gu, we'll definitely enjoy it and make sure you didn't do all that for nothing!" Mrs. Qian said with a smile, her round and pleasing appearance making everyone feel relaxed.

"These artificial flowers have certainly opened our eyes today. I wonder if Madam Gu has any other surprises in store?"

"Oh dear, aren't all these flowers enough for you to see?" Lin Hao feigned surprise, and before the other person could say anything, she raised her chin and said in a proud tone, "Luckily, I expected this and prepared some other things, otherwise, wouldn't you have complained!"

Madam Qian also played along and joked with Lin Hao, feigning disappointment: "Oh dear, you predicted this. It seems I didn't stump you this time!"

"Since that's the case, then stop keeping us in suspense. What good stuff do you have? Hurry up and bring it out for everyone to see. If it's just average, hmph..." Madam Qian put on a difficult expression and said to Lin Hao.

"Mrs. Qian, don't be impatient. You can't rush things!" Despite saying this, Lin Hao still gave Fu Cui a look.

Immediately, maids brought over pastries and tea, and everyone took their seats.

The pavilion was built by the lake and was originally intended for summer cooling. Lin Hao had glazed screens placed around it on all three sides and ordered enough charcoal to be lit in the corners, so it didn't feel cold at the moment.

“These screens of yours are quite interesting! Glass is not easy to come by!” Madam Qian said as soon as she sat down.

Lin Hao knew that the other party had no ill intentions and was just curious, so she explained, "Large pieces of pure glass are naturally hard to come by, but as you can see, these screens are divided into small squares, which are made of glass of slightly lower quality."

Upon closer inspection, everyone confirmed it was true!