When Jiang Peihuan arrived at the entrance of Chrysanthemum Hall, Zhou Rongfang and Liu Xiu were still in the midst of an argument.
Upon hearing Zhou's words, Liu Xiu couldn't help but frown. "Second sister-in-law, what are you talking about? When did I ever prevent you from preparing a dowry for Ruyun?""
"Then why did you stop me from taking money from our shared funds?"
"We have a rule in our residence that when sisters get married, apart from Huan'er's dowry, which is one hundred thousand silver taels, the other sisters receive fifty thousand taels as their dowry."
"Since you've already taken fifty thousand taels, I can't let you take any more."
"The betrothal gift from the Huainan Mansion is worth at least one hundred thousand taels. How can Yun Er manage with just fifty thousand taels for her dowry?"
"Second sister-in-law, you'll have to cover the difference yourself. If you can't do it, then neither can I."
Traditionally, it had always been like this. When the lady of the house arranged a marriage for her daughter, she would use her own dowry as a supplement.
Except for daughters of concubines.
Liu Xiu's casual remark felt like a slap in Zhou Rongfang's face.
"Third sister-in-law, are you flaunting your wealth because you come from a merchant family?"
"Second sister-in-law, what do you mean by that?"
Liu Xiu frowned upon hearing the word 'merchant.'
Zhou Rongfang, however, grew increasingly smug. "Although my family is poor, they're proper officials, unlike you, with your lowly merchant background..."
"Second aunt, watch your words!"
Jiang Peihuan entered Chrysanthemum Hall with an serious demeanor and looked at Zhou Rongfang, speaking in a low, firm voice. "Although Third Aunt comes from the Liu family, they are now royal merchants. They even have a say in the Emperor's court."
"Moreover, Third Aunt is married to Third Uncle and is part of the Jiang family. So, Second Aunt, be careful with your words."
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiu's eyes showed gratitude, while Jiang Songbai's eyes conveyed appreciation and anger.
His mother's merchant background had led to ridicule from his second aunt since he was a child.
Just as Zhou Rongfang was about to respond, the old madam's voice cut in. "What are you all arguing about?"
The old madam had already learned of the dispute.
She gave Zhou Rongfang a cold glance and said nothing more.
However, seeing Jiang Peihuan, the old madam's eyes softened. "Who woke you up? Come over to your grandmother."
"Grandmother, since this issue concerns Ruyun's dowry, I've invited Ruyun and Sijin to join us."
As Jiang Peihuan finished speaking, Jiang Ruyun and Jiang Sijin entered the room.
Jiang Ruyun was well aware that her dowry was the cause of the argument between her mother and Liu Xiu, and her expression was troubled.
"Yun Er, this matter concerns your dowry. What do you think?"
The old madam looked at Jiang Ruyun and asked directly.
After a few seconds of silence, Jiang Ruyun replied softly, "I will follow Mother's decision."
Upon hearing this, disappointment flickered in the old madam's eyes. "Mother, you've seen the dowry from the King of Huainan's mansion. If our dowry is too modest, it won't be good for our Jiang family's reputation, so..."
"So, let's take fifty thousand taels from my dowry."
"Huan Er, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan's words, everyone had varying reactions. Jiang Ruyun and Zhou Rongfang were surprised, while the old madam's eyes blazed with anger.
Jiang Peihuan smiled and held the old madam's hand. "Grandmother, I'm serious. Let's not discuss the fact that I don't want to get married right now. The dowry money is useless just sitting there. Even if I do marry in the future, with you around, I'm sure I won't be mistreated."
"Ruyun is the first daughter of our Jiang family to get married. It's only appropriate for her dowry to be generous. So, let's take half of my dowry silver and give it to her."
After all, she had no plans to get married.
In this lifetime, she only wanted to protect the Jiang family. Marriage was not something she desired.
However, when discussing marriage, why did she subconsciously think of that man?
"Forget it. Since Huan Er has said so, let's follow her suggestion."
"Just remember, you second branch of Jiang family, don't forget what Huan Er has done for you."
"Mother, rest assured. I'm very grateful to Huanhuan."
Zhou Rongfang was quite satisfied with this outcome, so after hearing the old madam's words, she quickly responded.
TWith the matter resolved, Jiang Peihuan no longer wished to linger with these people. After bowing to the old madam, she softly said, "Grandmother, I'll head back to sleep now."
"Go. Don't come by tomorrow morning. Sleep a little longer."
"Yes, I understand."
With that, Jiang Peihuan headed straight to her plum garden. However, as she reached the door, she heard a voice behind her.
"Big sister?"
Jiang Ruyun, holding Lan Er's hand, hurried to Jiang Peihuan.
Upon seeing her, surprise crossed Jiang Peihuan's eyes, but she still softly asked, "What do you need?"
"Big sister, thank you for the dowry."
As Jiang Ruyun spoke, Jiang Peihuan observed her closely. Noticing the sincerity in her eyes, Jiang Peihuan shook her head. "No need to thank me. I'm not doing this just for you. I'm doing it for the Jiang family."
"You're still in your confinement period. Go back and rest early."
Jiang Ruyun wanted to say more, but ultimately, she left in silence
As Jiang Ruyun's figure disappeared from the entrance of the plum garden, the expression in Jiang Peihuan's eyes changed instantly. Pulling out the long whip at her waist, she lashed out at the plum tree on her left. "Who's there? Come out!"
"Young Miss, it's me. Please show mercy," Han Feng pleaded, looking at the long whip heading straight for him.
Seeing him, Jiang Peihuan was slightly surprised. She put away her long whip and asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"
"Young Miss, I was ordered to deliver something to you," Han Feng explained, handing Jiang Peihuan a palm-sized box.
Upon opening the box, an exquisite ruby ring was revealed.
Han Feng presented the ring and said proudly, "Miss, this may look like an ordinary ring, but when you press the ruby, a hidden blade inside will pop out. The blade is made of cold iron and can cut through iron effortlessly."
"What is King Cheng's intention in sending this ring?" she inquired.
"I'm not sure, Young Miss. My master only asked me to deliver the item to you," Han Feng replied hesitantly.
"I can't accept a reward without merit. You should take it back..."
"Young Miss, you can't abandon me in my time of need," Han Feng interrupted, kneeling before her. If not for Jiang Peihuan's status, he might have clung to her leg. "Young Miss, this is an order from my master. If I fail to complete it, the consequences will be dire."
"So, Young Miss, you must accept this ring. If you truly don't like it, you can return it personally to my master next time. What do you think?"