Song Zhimian’s mind remained exceptionally calm. Song Kaishan and Madame Ding would certainly not hand over the dowry to her intact.
The man she was to marry was arranged by them, and the destination was also their arrangement.
The dowry that had been publicly declared would either meet with an accident along the way or be gifted by Song Kaishan under the pretext of the dowry to the person he wished to curry favor with.
Whichever the case, Song Zhimian would not accept it.
Since the dowry could not be preserved, she would use it to secure something for herself.
Now, she had already taken the first step and achieved the outcome she desired.
Song Kaishan and Madame Ding must be anxiously scrambling to raise silver everywhere!
The Directorate of Supervision’s silver was not so easy to owe…
“Elder Sister is truly bold, daring to donate even the dowry!
I just wonder how Elder Sister will manage after marrying without the dowry to rely on!”
While Song Zhimian was pondering where Song Kaishan and Madame Ding might obtain silver, Song Zhiqing stormed into her courtyard with two maids in tow.
Glancing at Song Zhiqing, Song Zhimian gently touched the imperially bestowed plaque.
“What? Is Younger Sister also envious that Elder Sister received an imperially bestowed plaque?
No need for envy. If you donate your own dowry, His Majesty might bestow one upon you as well!” Song Zhimian said deliberately.
Song Zhiqing’s eyes blazed with fury.
Looking at that imperially bestowed plaque, her heart bled!
A dowry worth a hundred thousand taels of silver, exchanged for just this plaque. Among it were many items she had taken a liking to, and her mother had said that when the time came, they would all be hers.
And now…
Yet, what Song Zhimian had done left no room for others to criticize her.
If she were to say something inappropriate, it might bring disaster upon the family.
“Very well, Elder Sister. Then I wish that Elder Sister may live past twenty years of age relying on this plaque!” Song Zhiqing whispered into Song Zhimian’s ear.
Song Zhimian was not angered in the slightest. She turned to look at Song Zhiqing’s delicate yet slightly distorted face.
“Then I wish that Younger Sister may live past twenty years of age relying on a generous dowry!
Only…
Given the current state of the marquis’s household, it seems unlikely they can produce a particularly generous dowry.
Younger Sister will probably have to delay marriage for a few years.” Song Zhimian retorted with a smile.
Song Zhiqing was so furious that the handkerchief in her hand twisted into a knot, yet she could not lay a hand on Song Zhimian now.
Madame Ding had specifically instructed her that Song Zhimian would not remain in the household much longer, and it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble…
“Hmph! No need for your concern. I’ll just wait and see whether you can still smile when that person sends someone to return the Gengtie.” With that, Song Zhiqing turned and left.
Watching Song Zhiqing depart, Song Zhimian did not forget to add a few words after her.
“Younger Sister, the household is currently short on silver. That jade pendant at your waist seems to be worth about a hundred taels.
Why not give it to Mother? However little, it could help ease her burden!”
Song Zhiqing’s footsteps quickened.
Song Zhimian smiled as she watched Song Zhiqing leave her courtyard.
For the next three days, her own life would likely be very difficult.
Song Kaishan and Madame Ding would surely make things hard for her with daily meals.
Fortunately, during her last outing, she had bought long-lasting pastries. With tea, she should be able to get through these three days.
Only…
Song Kaishan and Madame Ding’s situation over these three days would probably be even more difficult!
…
At this moment, Song Kaishan and Madame Ding were worrying over the eighty-six thousand five hundred taels of silver.
Madame Ding had spread all the account books before Song Kaishan.
"Marquis, the total amount of silver that can be mobilized in the estate at most is only fifteen thousand taels. The shortfall is far too great!" Madame Ding was so anxious she was on the verge of tears.
Originally, she thought that after taking over the household management duties and with the dowry left by Madame Gu to rely on, life in the Marquis's estate would be quite comfortable.
Now, look at this!
The usable dowry was gone, and they even had to return all the funds previously misappropriated.
She felt as if she had suddenly fallen from heaven to earth…
Song Kaishan also frowned deeply.
"How is there only this little silver left? When she left, the silver alone amounted to fifty thousand taels!
How is it now only fifteen thousand?"
Upon hearing this, Madame Ding grew agitated.
"Marquis, do you suspect that I embezzled all that silver?
Don't forget, Qing'er spent a lot on his trip to Beidi. I remember you took fifteen thousand taels yourself, and also…"
"Enough, let's not dredge up old accounts. I can temporarily provide another twenty thousand taels from my own funds.
Also, ask your natal family, your elder brother, and see how much they can lend.
Moreover, there are many items in the estate. First, see if you can pick out some inconspicuous ones to pawn.
As for the rest… I'll go to the Prince!" Song Kaishan did not want to listen to Madame Ding recounting past grievances.
Madame Ding's eyes lit up.
"Are you going to ask the Prince to waive the silver for us?"
"You wish! I'm going to borrow some from the Prince! I hope His Highness will lend me some in consideration of my loyalty!"
Madame Ding immediately deflated.
Borrowing silver from the Prince! That must be repaid, right? How did this situation suddenly arise!
It's all that girl Song Zhimian's fault…
Madame Ding was so angry she truly wished to send Song Zhimian to that violent widower's house immediately, to let her suffer and die…