Chapter 27: Dowry (III)
Chapter 27: Dowry (III)
This is the first part of today’s sponsored chapters.
Without changing her tone, Cheng Yujin calmly continued: “Mother, I only have Bao’er, this one younger brother. Even if I married, my natal family would always be my lifelong backing and support. In the future, I will have to rely on Enbao. If I don’t support him, who else should I support? It’s a pity that my engagement has been broken, and my reputation is now blemished. Although I got the Emperor’s praise, in any case, it cannot be compared with tangible benefits. I’m afraid it no longer possible for me to marry into a prestigious family. But the second sister is different. She has a good marriage contract, and in the future, she can help pave the way for two younger brothers. The first and second brothers will have a much smoother career with her husband’s help. Just counting of this, grandmother will certainly be willing to prepare more dowry for the second sister. After all, the second branch has great future potential. Of course grandmother will favor them more.”
Qingfu Junzhu’s expression changed, and Cheng Yuanxian looked unhappy: “The second branch? How can it is possible!”
Cheng Yuanxian didn’t care being an idler in his whole life, doing nothing and strife for nothing. But he absolutely couldn’t accept if the second branch became better than himself. This was also true for Qingfu. Thinking that Ruan-shi might gain power made her uncomfortable.
“Of course.” Cheng Yujin smiled and said slowly, “Who let the second sister already engaged? Not counting anything, it is possible that grandfather will give more share for second uncle and second aunt for second sister’s marriage. Before, I heard from a servant girl in the grandmother’s courtyard that grandmother plans to allocate all my dowry to the second sister. When the time came, there would be the money grandmother take out from the public fund, the dowry that mother originally prepared for me, and also the sum that grandfather secretly provided. Isn’t this the second sister helping her parents and brothers to earn a lot of money back?”
Qingfu Junzhu stood up abruptly. Cheng Yuanxian also secretly cursed; why didn’t he think of this before! Seeing that Old Master Cheng was going to die soon, if the second branch secretly went to him with pitiful face to ask for subsidy for their daughter’s marriage, who knew how much money they would squeeze from the Old Master’s hand!
Once this thought reached Cheng Yuanxian, he could no longer sit still. Qingfu was also very angry, and walked around in circles while scolding: “Hateful! Obviously this is the eldest girl’s marriage, but now they want to take away all benefits. Even eldest girl’s next marriage talk will be delayed. How can this be allowed!”
“Muddle-headed!” Cheng Yuanxian scolded. “There is an order in seniority. When the older sister still not married yet, when is the younger sister’s turn? As long as eldest girl isn’t engaged, the second branch has to wait! Besides, even if eldest girl still doesn’t have a good fiance, her dowry can still be prepared in advance. While father is still alive, we can ask him to add dowry for his granddaughter. Maybe he will be happy, and his illness can be cured.”
The more Cheng Yuanxian talked, the more he felt that his idea was reasonable. Even Qingfu was immediately convinced. She praised again and again: “Eldest Master is right. Mother is indeed muddle-headed. Each has its own belonging. Just because eldest girl’s engagement was canceled, why does her dowry should be given to others? It must be that couple from the second branch who deliberately spouted nonsense to mother, coaxing her to give them what they want. As children, we shouldn’t criticize our parents. However, in this family, the one who has the final say is ultimately father. Why not go and talk to him about this?”
Cheng Yuanxian nodded in agreement and contemplated for a moment. The more he thought about it, the more impatient he was, and he immediately strode out. Qingfu didn’t think that he would walk away so fast. She hurriedly chased behind while shouting twice. QIngfu stopped at the door, supporting herself on the door frame anxiously and didn’t know what to do.
Cheng Yujin smiled and called to Qingfu Junzhu. She stretched out her hand, showing an embroidered pouch: “Mother, father walked out in a hurry and forgot his money pouch. You should go and return it to father.”
Qingfu didn’t know what reason should she use to follow Cheng Yuanxian, so this was exactly having someone sending a pillow when feeling sleepy. She let a servant girl took the pouch, but her expression was still a little hesitant. Cheng Yujin said again: “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll look after Enbao. But it’s not good if father didn’t have his money pouch on him. Mother should go and return it to father.”
Qingfu Junzhu’s expression immediately became relieved. She walked up and said to Cheng Yujin: “Look after your brother. I’ll go find the Eldest Master.”
“Yes.”
Qingfu finally went out as she wished. She immediately chased Cheng Yuanxian to the Old Master’s courtyard to ask for the property. After they left, Cheng Yujin was the only master there. Qingfu Junzhu’s servants were very respectful to her.
Cheng Yujin arranged some works for them, then sat down satisfied. Seeing that they were left alone, Lian Qiao asked in a low voice: “Miss, are you not going to take a look?”
“No.” Cheng Yujin calmly replied. “They are going to ask money from a sick elder. Such an ugly thing, how can I go with them? Don’t worry, the excuse of preparing my dowry is easy to use and convenient. They will certainly fight enough even without my presence.”
Lian Qiao said in admiration: “Miss’ calculation is so good.”
“This kind of thing, there is no need for me to strain my effort. Their brain is just so, and I know them too well.” Cheng Yujin sipped the tea leisurely, enjoying the rich aroma and taste. The sun was so warm and nice. Cheng Yujin stayed in the room and only needed to watch others fight among themselves, but she could sit back and enjoy the fruit of their effort in the form of a huge dowry.
Quarreling was an ugly matter and only a waste of energy. Why should she do it herself?
T/N:
Honestly, this is one scene I dislike from Cheng Yujin…. even though I have to admit that I am overly biased towards her (all Cheng family members+Huo mother and son should become her stepping stone for all I care) but I don’t like her criticize people in one breath, then doing the same thing the next second.
On the happier side, today we have seven chapters! Only nine more for GNU, and THDP+MWFV has been tackled down completely (THDP will come a bit later today). There are still some leftover ($3) here and there, plus some unspecified donation, but at least I can start rebuild my stockpile now *dance in joy*
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