"Grandson-in-law greets Grandma and Grandpa," Sky knelt down directly in front of the elders and gave a proper kowtow.
Aries was stunned at first, then remembered—this new husband in a matriarchal society was just like a new wife in the world she used to know!
It's customary to kneel and show respect to elders. Sky must've kowtowed to the Widower Mawen before too, right?
Well, Aries guessed wrong this time. When Sky first arrived, the Widower Mawen gave him a harsh scolding and didn't give him any chance to kneel. Sky was too busy washing up, cooking, and cleaning—there was no time for such formalities.
And Mawen never mentioned it either. Probably because he didn't see Sky as worthy of such honor, thinking he was just a servant. So, he didn't even bring it up.
Sky had been busy these past two days and honestly forgot. It wasn't until Aries mentioned it that he remembered he needed to show respect to the elders.
Even without tea, a kowtow was enough.
The old lady ignored Aries but was actually quite kind to her grandson-in-law.
She gave the old man a look, and he understood. He pulled out a red envelope from his pocket and handed it to Sky.
They had prepared this a long time ago. If their granddaughter brought her husband to visit, they'd give it. If not, they'd just save it.
The old man placed the red envelope in Sky's hand and patted his hand, "Good child, you can stand up now."
Sky was a bit overwhelmed. He hadn't expected Grandpa to be so kind.
The more the old man looked at Sky, the more he liked him. Even if the boy wasn't very good-looking, he seemed sincere and dependable.
As long as he could take care of the family and focus on Aries, that was enough.
As for his appearance, it didn't need to be too outstanding—better not to attract unnecessary trouble.
Since Aries was willing to bring him here, it showed she still cared about them. That made the old man feel a lot more at ease.
He patted Sky's hand again and finally looked seriously at Aries.
"Now that you're married, it's time to settle down and live properly."
The old man saw Sky as a real husband, not some servant like Mawen claimed.
Sky was someone Aries chose personally, and the old man trusted her judgment. Sky was definitely a good one.
He emphasized the word "husband" on purpose, as a reminder to Aries not to mess things up like Mawen did.
In their rural place, it was just one husband—no taking in servants!
Of course, Aries understood the hidden meaning. She never thought of Sky as a servant either.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. I understand."
"Good. Since you know, I won't say more and annoy everyone."
This was the first time his granddaughter had listened to him so respectfully. She used to just greet him and leave quickly.
Now she was standing there properly—maybe having a husband really made a difference.
Still, he'd said what he needed to say. No point dragging it on and bothering people.
Sky felt like Grandpa didn't really like Aries much.
Even earlier, the cousin-in-law had been distant with her too. It seemed Aries didn't have a good relationship with her family.
He secretly glanced at Aries, then heard her speak.
"Advice from elders isn't annoying."
Huh? Isn't this the part where people usually try to please their elders?
Why was Aries speaking so bluntly?
Still, what she said made sense!
"Hmph. As long as you know."
The old man snorted, eyes getting slightly teary. Maybe his granddaughter wasn't hopeless after all.
The old lady, who had stayed silent, finally looked up at Aries. Aries didn't back down—she just stood there calmly.
She was Aries, not trying to live like the old Aries. She had never planned to pretend.
The old lady carefully looked Aries over, confirming again and again that this was her troublesome granddaughter.
If not for the unchanged face and that familiar tight-lipped look when she was expressionless, she might have thought Aries had been switched.
Maybe she had just been beaten hard enough to come to her senses.
Good. That beating was worth it!
"I heard you went gambling again?"
She shot Aries a cold glance, not even bothering to look at her properly.
Sky held his breath—was Grandma about to punish her?
Aries nodded honestly. "Yes, but I won't go again."
Seeing her attitude was okay, and with the new husband beside her, the old lady decided to give her a bit of face.
She switched topics. "Since you've got some money, you should fix your house."
Aries nodded again. "Planning to repair it first, then build a new one next spring."
The old lady glanced at her again—this really was a change. She was actually thinking about the family now.
"If you've already got plans, I won't say more. Tomorrow I'll have your aunts and cousins help fix the place."
Her expression was still stern, but it was clear she still cared.
Aries felt a bit warm inside and quickly nodded to thank her.
"Thanks to my aunts and cousins. I was worried I couldn't do it alone."
Since the old lady gave her a way forward, Aries didn't hesitate to take it.
It seemed Grandma still wanted the family to get along. After all, a united family brings good fortune!
If Aries hadn't changed, the old lady wouldn't have helped.
The two older aunts' families had serious complaints about Aries. She didn't want to end up with them blaming her either.
Besides, the reason they stopped helping Aries was because of Aries' own actions—couldn't blame them.
Now that Aries looked like she was ready to change, the old lady truly hoped the three families could get along and support each other.
Old people really didn't ask for much—just a big, happy, peaceful family.
After chatting a bit more, the old lady decided it was time to leave.
"Alright, we've seen each other and talked enough. Go on home."
Aries understood. "Then Sky and I won't disturb you two anymore. We'll come visit again."
Sky gave a respectful bow and followed Aries out.
"Take your things with you," the old man called to Aries, pointing at the table.
He didn't want to hear any gossip from Mawen later.
Aries turned back. "These are gifts from Sky and me for the two of you."
After the two of them left, the old man frowned at the things on the table.
The old lady glanced at him and snorted as she exhaled smoke, "Just take it. Can't we even accept our granddaughter's gifts?"
"You old woman, I'm just worried her uncle—"
"Hmph! A granddaughter showing respect to her grandparents is normal. What's he gonna do?"
In the end, the old man had no choice but to stay quiet.
It really seemed like his little granddaughter had changed. Maybe now his third daughter could rest in peace.
Isn't there a saying?
A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold.
On the way back, Sky kept stealing glances at Aries.
Caught in the act again, Aries teased, "If you want to look, just look properly."
Sky's face turned red. With admiration in his eyes, he said, "Wife, you're amazing!"
"Oh? What's amazing?"
Aries was in a good mood and leaned in to ask softly, her breath brushing his cheek.