The two young women couldn't hide their looks of disdain. If they added fuel to the fire and accused her of some fabricated sin, her situation would become even more precarious. Lady Wu swallowed hard to moisten her parched throat, her gaze darting toward her family members nearby.
Her brothers-in-law and mother-in-law showed no intention of helping, and the younger children looked on in bewilderment. When her daughter, Jinyu, caught her eye, she immediately looked away. Lady Wu felt a sting of disappointment and shame.
Lady Wu forced a smile, stepped forward, and crouched to pick up the soiled hairpins and sachets. She tried to smooth things over: "My fault, it’s all my fault. My hands are calloused from farm work, and I accidentally ruined the hairpins. I have a foul temper and a sharp tongue; I just got carried away and didn't know what I was doing. Scold me if you must, but dear auntie, let's settle this. I... I will buy all the ruined hairpins."
Chapter 107