Before Marriage (Five)

  "Miss, how can you still have the heart to watch this? Don't you really worry?"

  Qing Xing pushed open the door and came in. When she saw Jiu Jie'er holding a manuscript and flipping through it at the table, she couldn't help but slightly furrow her brow.

  "What's there to worry about?" Jiu Jie'er retorted back, but her head buried in the manuscript didn't even lift up.

  "Miss..." Seeing her carefree appearance, the young girl urged, "Don't you see that Third Madam's complexion hasn't been good these past two days?"

  After hearing her words, Jiu Jie finally put down the book and raised her head, but she smiled, "Your complexion doesn't look good, are you ill?"

  "She's still ill, miss... All this is for your dowry, the Wei Yuan Wang Fu has offered such a heavy betrothal gift, she must be worried about that dowry." The little girl became even more anxious and blurted out those words.

  "Green apricot, don't talk nonsense. She has been taking good care of me lately. You're being a bit too unfair to her." After saying that, I indeed heard Ninth Sister's scolding.

  "Miss, is it...". Qing Xiang wanted to say something else.

  The ninth sister over there had already stood up, looking out the window at the white wax tree saplings in the flower pool outside, and sighed, "A clever woman can't cook without rice, what's wrong with her?"

  It's really not Blame Chiang, originally endured the pain, multi-faceted planning, finally according to the fixed 30,000 taels of silver, her dowry was prepared, and one of the two shops in her hand was divided into one for her, which is already quite fair to her.

  Because this dowry, not to mention that she is a concubine's daughter who can be dismissed with at most 5,000 taels of silver, even if it were an eldest daughter, it would still be considered quite generous. The dowry for the tenth sister should also be about the same.

  Although she was well aware that Jiang's enthusiasm was due to the excellent marriage she had brought about, she was still quite grateful to him.

  Because of this, Jiang's family is not easy either. After she got married, her cousin who was of the same age as her also had a wedding soon, and although Wen Jing Shui temporarily did not take a wife due to his imperial examination, he was getting older after all. How could they not prepare the money for taking a wife in advance?

  But unexpectedly, two days ago, the Yang family came to place an order, one by one, dazzling everyone's eyes, and it was... actually a customized order worth nearly 50,000 taels of silver.

  Looking at the betrothal gifts, Jiang's face immediately fell, all because of this unspoken rule in the Great Yu Dynasty: the amount of dowry given by the groom's family would determine the amount of dowry to be taken out by the bride's family, and then they would be carried out together in a grand procession, known as the "Ten Li Red Palanquin".

  Uh, of course, there are exceptions, that is when the merchant marries a young lady from a good family, for example, Ba Jie didn't have such a relatively good match. Looking at the generous betrothal gifts and the face-saving gestures from both families, they even gave away nearly 10,000 taels of dowry, and were delighted to see Jiang Zhen and Yan Shi get along so well.

  But her marriage was not comparable to that of Eighth Sister, the reason being simple: she had married too well. As a concubine's daughter, she had entered the palace as the official wife of the king, and it was an imperial-arranged marriage.

  If the Wenfu family really can't come up with the same custom-made dowry, they will not only lose face but also their reputation.

  As the head of the household and with her dual identity as Jiang's wife and mother, how could she not worry? In fact, it's not just Jiang who is worried. For the past two days, her cheap old father has also taken leave and hasn't gone to the government office, presumably also troubled by this matter. Meanwhile, Lady Li has fallen ill again.

  Alas, although her dowry didn't include any real gold or silver, the old man did give her several of his estates and mansions, which was truly a generous gesture, causing everyone in the mansion to be envious, jealous, and resentful.

  This is only natural, it's just human nature. The people in the mansion were already resentful of her because she had stumbled upon this good fortune, and now that things have developed to this point, how could they not harbor malicious thoughts? Especially with someone like Zou Shi stirring things up.

  Zou Shi had been ill all along, but unexpectedly, the imperial edict of her arranged marriage arrived and she suddenly came out of her house. Coincidentally, her third sister returned to the mansion, and Zou Shi immediately regained her spirits.

  She certainly knew why she was in high spirits. She wanted to stir up trouble, make jokes and create a scene at the right moment.

  It's also understandable that she wouldn't be willing to see her marry well and into such a wealthy family...

  "Girl......girl......" Just as she was thinking about it, Qing Tao hastily pushed open the door and entered.

  "What's wrong with you, being so careless again?" Before Jiu Sister could even open her mouth, Qing Xing had already started scolding her.

  Qing Tao didn't have time to tidy herself up, she just looked at Jiu Jie Er and said, "Miss, earlier the 10th and 11th young ladies quarreled for some reason, now the 10th young lady is crying in her room."

  Hesitating for a moment, Jiu Jie couldn't help but wonder what kind of trouble these two little girls were stirring up again.

  After Fourth Sister got married, Tenth Sister had no playmates left. Coincidentally, Little Eleven was also lonely, so the two of them hit it off immediately and started playing together.

  But unexpectedly, the more they played together, the more harmonious and compatible they became. Thanks to the two little girls, the relationship between the third and fourth houses has improved a lot. Zhen Shi would often come over to Jiang Shi's place for a visit, and Jiang Shi would also frequently ask her maid to send some food and snacks to Zhen Shi...

  "Come on, follow me and take a look!" she said to Qing Tao who was standing at the door.

  "Uh-huh!" Qing Tao nodded.

  The master and servant soon arrived at the house where Shi Jie lived, and Shi Jie's personal maid Qingyu came out to greet them.

  "Where's tenth sister?" Ninth Sister asked her.

  "Just crying." Qing Yu heard and immediately had a small face full of anger, "It's all because of Eleventh Sister..." However, she only said half of the sentence before suddenly glancing at Ninth Sister, shutting her mouth, and turning to lead the way.

  The ninth sister's eyes flashed, but she didn't ask much and followed her into the house.

  Just as they were about to enter, they heard sobbing sounds coming from inside. Jiuniang immediately shook her head.

  "What's wrong? You've cried so much that your face isn't pretty anymore." Looking at the small, tear-stained face, Ninth Sister couldn't help but tease her.

  But unexpectedly, Tenth Sister raised her head and glanced at her, immediately turning her face away.

  "What's wrong, tenth sister?" Ninth Sister was taken aback and couldn't help but ask again.

  The little girl might have realized her mistake and turned around, looking at her, shaking her head, "It's nothing..." But the tone was very forced.

  "Nothing's wrong?" Jiuniang repeated her words, but it was a question.

  "Oh dear, Ninth Sister... don't ask anymore, really nothing's wrong..." The little girl's tone was a bit urgent and also somewhat impatient.

  The ninth sister frowned and looked at her.

  " Ninth sister, you sit down casually, I...I have a headache and want to lie down for a while." Tenth sister suddenly stood up and walked towards the inner room.

  "Little sister!" Ninth Sister shouted loudly, then paused for a moment before asking softly behind her, "Was it because of my affair that you were wronged?"

  The tenth sister's already slightly visible beautiful back figure couldn't help but stiffen, then slowly turned around, looking at the ninth sister, with tears welling up again in her beautiful big eyes.

  Jiujie walked up to her side, gently patted her shoulder and softly said, "Sorry, Shimei!"

  One sentence made the little girl's tears fall again, and she choked with sobs, "Ninth sister, I...I..."

  "Alright, tenth sister, I'll take care of the dowry myself and won't let mother worry about it anymore, nor will I drag down the third house."

  How could she, with her discerning nature, fail to see these things?

  Nowadays, everyone in the mansion is focusing on her dowry issue—

  Three houses are in a predicament, and the Jiang family will naturally go to ask Li Taijun for advice. Li Taijun can't help but want to make up with the three houses again, resulting in discord in the mansion.

  This discord also affected the two young girls, Zhen's family was particularly big-mouthed. Although Xiao Shi was only eleven and may not have had her mother's cunning, she couldn't help but be influenced and say some biased words.

  And as for Shi Jie's little temper, it was natural that she wouldn't give in, and even when they quarreled, it was still within reason...

  "But... but what can you think of as a girl?" As soon as she said that, Tenth Sister's beautiful little face immediately scrunched up.

  "Don't worry, tenth sister, there will always be a way!" Ninth Sister smiled and said firmly.

  She nodded after hearing this and pulled Ninth Sister to sit down, exchanging a few casual words before suddenly thinking of something and saying, "Wait for me a moment, Ninth Sister!"

  Ninth Sister was surprised, but Tenth Sister had already quickly turned around and entered another room. Before long, she brought out a large red lacquered box adorned with gold peony flowers and handed it to Ninth Sister, "Ninth Sister, this is for you!"

  Jiuer was taken aback, opened it, and after reading it, she couldn't help but have tears of emotion in her eyes. Then, she handed the box back, "Shimei, this... I can't accept it, it's too precious."

  Inside, those jade accessories were extraordinary, she knew them all, they were the favorite of little girls. When visiting her maternal grandparents' home, some wealthy relatives would occasionally give her a few pieces, and the little girl would put away the ones she liked and treasured.

  Now it's being given to her, how dare she accept it?

  "Eldest sister, consider this as a dowry box I'm giving you with all sincerity." Tenth sister insisted.

  "No way, tenth sister, these are all your favorites, how can I take away what you love!" Ninth sister shook her head again.

  "Eldest sister, don't you think these things are too shabby to be put on the table?" But unexpectedly, the little girl got annoyed.

  "This... what nonsense are you talking about, little sister? I'll just take it." Ninth Sister could only say.

  When she said this, the little girl smiled again...

  Coming out of the tenth sister's house and walking in that corridor, the ninth sister's mood had obviously improved a lot.

  Life is indeed difficult and there are many obstacles, but she believes that everything will get better together, and everything can be overcome...

  "Miss, aren't you going back?" Looking at her footsteps that didn't stop moving forward, Qing Tao followed behind her with a puzzled expression, holding onto the box.

  "Don't go back, go to Third Madame's place." She turned her head and glanced at Qing Tao.

  "Uh..."

  She arrived at Jiang's place when Jiang had just returned from Yanshoutang and was resting in the house.

  But even though it's said to be a rest, there is no real leisure. The maids and servants coming in and out of the house should have gone out on an errand this morning and returned at this time.

  "Mother is busy, I'll wait for a while!" She glanced inside the house and said to Cui Qiao who wanted to lead her in.

  "Is that Ninth Sister outside?" But unexpectedly, Jiang's voice came from inside the house, "Come in!" Then Zhou Mama came to help her lift the door curtain, and she had no choice but to go in.

  "Come, Ninth Sister, come and sit next to me!" Jiang's face wasn't looking too good, but she didn't show anything towards her. On the contrary, she warmly greeted her while arranging for Zhou Mama and Cui Cui to help her with the tea service.

  "Mother, I couldn't sit still, I came over to discuss something with you."

  "What's going on? What is it?" Jiang was taken aback.

  "I want to go out for two days!"

  "Going out?" Jiang's eyebrows furrowed immediately upon hearing this.

  "Mother, there's indeed something very important, or I wouldn't have chosen to go out at this time!" The wedding is approaching, and everything is in a flurry, but she must make this trip.

  "What's more important than preparing your dowry?" Jiang still didn't nod.

  The ninth sister was certainly not afraid of her not nodding because she indeed had quite a legitimate reason ——

  At this time of year, the mountain forest that her uncle had helped her buy last year was not only in full bloom but also harvesting its first batch of wax gourds.

  Although the wax is not much, it's also a source of income. Especially since she has an idea to refine this batch of white wax and use it as raw material for the soap that Yang Huang Hou gave to Princess Ai Mei of Bian Yuanguo as a gift.

  This way can make those gifts more upscale and also...can earn the country some more money, what a good thing!

  Having money is great, having money can solve urgent problems!

  As expected, Mr. Jiang was delighted after hearing her reason and not only nodded in agreement but also assigned Cui Mei to assist her and promised to send some reliable workers to help with the work.

  Looking at Jiang Shi like this, Jiu Jie only felt it was quite amusing and didn't think of the Jiang family. To be exact, last autumn when they were collecting wax flowers, she had clearly agreed to sell those wax flowers to the Jiang family, but Jiang Shi had insisted on dragging Jiang Yuxing over to help, causing a huge commotion, all for her techniques.

  After receiving those white wax, he felt that the quality of the white wax was good and tried hard to persuade her to sell those mountains and forests to the Jiang family. She didn't agree, and Mr. Jiang was unhappy about this old man.

  Later, the Jiang family bought another mountain forest. Then, this Jiang went to find Aunt Xun and asked her to persuade her uncle to help manage the mountain forest, fearing that she would hide private things.

  But now it's too late, or should I still treat her as a daughter?

  But anyway, this is still a good omen...

  The matter was settled, and the next day, Jiuniang and Cuimei took people to the mountain forest to pick wax flowers. The weather was fine for several days, which made their harvesting work a success.

  Actually, the wax flowers of the first batch are the best, with a finer and more pure texture than those of the second batch, and they also have a faint fragrance. Yes, as a national gift, it's perfect.

  Of course, this trip out, she unknowingly harvested these wax flowers, and also motivated her cousin Xu Wei who always lacked confidence.

  This time, she didn't nag like last time, but used a little trick. Given Xu Wei's brother's superstitious nature, she simply hired someone to pretend to be a Taoist priest and had an unexpected encounter with her silly brother.

  "This year is a great auspicious year for you, and everything will go as you wish, with continuous progress and advancement!"

  That fake high monk's one sentence was really stronger than others, and when he returned to his brother-in-law, he regained his energy and prepared to retake the exam, delighting his uncle's family.

  But she didn't know that this was just a huge lie of her cousin!

  She doesn't feel guilty at all, in fact, people must have a little faith, and faith can achieve everything.

  Everything has been settled so far, and what's left is to discuss the betrothal gifts. She quickly found someone to contact He Gonggong and requested an audience with Empress Yang.

  The dowry naturally also starts from the marriage arrangement...

  ……

  By the way

  Friends, don't blame me, I wrote all night yesterday, but today the power went out, and my frequently ill HP didn't charge in time, so I couldn't finish writing about the grand wedding, haha, I didn't keep my promise to write about the grand wedding yesterday, hehe.

  However, I solemnly promise that on Saturday's grand wedding, various interactions will be performed, and of course... there is also the bridal chamber, covering my face, crawling away...

  Thank you sa11 and qquser6611149 for the diamonds, love you guys, even more shy, still written too little...