The question Jiang Qingyue asked was one everyone present wanted answered.
However, Jiang Wenxiang’s expression immediately hardened. “Have I spoiled you too much? How dare you say something so ignorant of your place? Whether I divorce my wife or not is not a matter for you to comment on.”
Twenty years ago, a wandering master had read his fortune. The man had declared that in this world, only Cai Xiumei’s birth chart was perfectly compatible with his. As long as she remained his principal wife, his official career would keep prospering. For that reason, no matter how much he despised Cai Xiumei over the years, he could never divorce her.
Shen Ruoliu naturally understood Jiang Wenxiang’s taboo and quickly forced a smile. “Master, please don’t be angry. Yue’er was deeply upset today and isn’t thinking clearly. I’ll take her back to her room and prepare for the wedding.”
Only then did Jiang Wenxiang’s expression soften somewhat. “Go ahead.”
Shen Ruoliu continued cautiously, “Then since Yue’er and Fifth Miss will be married on the same day, will her dowry be the same as Fifth Miss’s?”
“No.” Jiang Wenxiang shook his head. “Jiang Qingran is, after all, a legitimate daughter and a principal consort. If Yue’er’s dowry matched hers, it would not only disgrace our Prime Minister’s Manor but also diminish the dignity of the imperial family.”
Shen Ruoliu bit her lip, resentment surging within her. “Then how much dowry does Master intend to give Yue’er?”
“Eighty-eight dowry loads.”
“And the silver notes?”
“Ten thousand taels.”
At last, Shen Ruoliu could no longer hold back. “Yue’er is entering the Third Prince’s residence. There will be countless people to appease and reward. Isn’t ten thousand taels a bit too little?”
Jiang Wenxiang shot her a displeased glance. “The daughters of ordinary officials bring only a thousand taels or so with them even when entering the palace as imperial consorts. How is ten thousand taels too little for the secondary consort of a prince?”
Originally, he had indeed planned to give Jiang Qingyue the same dowry as Jiang Qingran. But Jiang Qingyue was only a secondary consort. First, it would be inappropriate to make such a display. Second, he simply couldn’t help feeling dissatisfied.
“Master is right.” Shen Ruoliu did not argue further. After all, during her years managing the household, she had secretly amassed well over a hundred thousand taels of silver, along with seven or eight estates. Men could not be relied upon. If necessary, she would supplement her daughter’s dowry herself.
Before long, the day arrived for the Jiang family’s two daughters to be married.
That morning, the sun shone brilliantly beneath a cloudless sky.
Jiang Qingran rose early, washed and dressed, and put on her wedding gown.
Qinghe brought over a plate of her favorite carrot spring rolls. “Miss, getting married is tiring work too. You should eat something.”
Jiang Qingran smiled and shook her head. “No need.” She had always been carefree and unconcerned with conventions, doing whatever pleased her. But because she was marrying him, she was willing to follow every local wedding custom.
Knock, knock, knock…
After a few knocks, Shen Ruoliu entered. She held an exquisitely crafted little metal box. The moment she saw Jiang Qingran, resentment tightened her chest. This wretched girl was actually this beautiful! Especially in that bright red wedding dress. With the plum blossom mark between her brows, she looked breathtakingly gorgeous, like a beauty stepped straight out of a painting.
Then she thought of her own daughter. Her daughter was the true phoenix destined for greatness, yet all she could wear was a pink wedding gown. The thought pained her to no end. Why did her noble daughter always have to come second to Jiang Qingran, a lowly girl she regarded as no better than mud beneath one’s feet?
Qinghe’s expression darkened. “What brings Concubine Shen here?”
Shen Ruoliu immediately smiled and placed the small metal box in front of Jiang Qingran. “Fifth Miss, this is Snow Skin Cream. Once applied, it makes the skin fair with a rosy glow, soft and supple like water. Today is the wedding day for both you and Yue’er. Our Manor is celebrating a double joy. I had someone specially purchase two jars, one for each of you, to make you shine even brighter. Your husbands will surely be delighted when they see you. Come, Fifth Miss. Let me apply it for you.” As she spoke, she opened the box.
Jiang Qingran had originally intended to tell her to get lost. However, she caught a faint, nearly imperceptible strange odor coming from inside the box.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Concubine Shen. Just leave it here. Qinghe can help me apply it later. You should hurry back and look after Fourth Miss instead.”