Seeing everyone troubled, Zhan Beiwang took the list of dowries and gifts to examine it. After reading, he asked his Second Aunt, "What's the issue? Ten thousand taels of silver, two pairs of gold bracelets, two pairs of white jade bracelets, two sets of gold hairpins, and fifty bolts of silk. It's not much, just a few other trifles here and there."
"Not much?" Second Aunt sneered, "Unfortunately, there's not even one thousand taels of silver available in the household accounts right now."
Zhan Beiwang was astonished, "How could this be? Who manages the accounts? Is there a deficit?"
"I manage the accounts!" Song Xixi responded calmly.
"You manage the accounts? Then where's the money?" Zhan Beiwang questioned.
"Yes, where's the money?" Second Aunt sneered, "Do you think our General's residence is some wealthy noble family? This residence was bestowed upon your grandfather by the late emperor when he was appointed the general of the army. Your father and uncle's annual salary, including rations, barely exceeds two thousand taels. You, a fourth-rank general of the Xuanwu Guard, do you think you get more than your father?"
"Then the properties grandfather left behind should generate some revenue, right?" Zhan Beiwang said.
Second Aunt responded, "More or less, but can it cover the expenses of such a large household? Your mother alone needs three taels of silver per day for her medicine, and she takes a pill every three days, costing five taels each. All these expenses are covered by Xixi's dowry."
Zhan Beiwang couldn't believe it. He thought Second Aunt was siding with Song Xixi to make things difficult for him. Disheartened, he put down the list, "In truth, you just don't want to provide the money. Fine, I will figure out the dowry and betrothal gifts myself. With my military merits, the Emperor will reward me."
Second Aunt said, "Didn't you already use your military merits to marry Yi Fang? Since you're so deeply in love, why bother about the dowry? Discuss with her to reduce the amount."
The old lady coughed and said, "Since it's an imperial marriage decree, we can't be so casual and disrespectful. It's not that our family can't come up with the money."
She looked at Song Xixi with a smile and beckoned her over, "Xixi, why don't you provide the money first? When we have more, we will repay you. What do you think?"
Zhan Shaohuan sneered, "Mother, we are all family. Talking about repayment seems unnecessary. I'm sure sister-in-law is generous and understanding. Ten thousand taels are nothing to her; she can certainly afford it."
"Shaohuan, you shouldn't talk to your sister-in-law like that. She has already done much for our family this past year. You should all appreciate her kindness," the old lady pretended to scold her daughter, continuously reminding them of Song Xixi's contributions.
Pausing for a moment, she looked at Song Xixi, "Alright, it's decided then. Xixi, mother knows this is asking a lot from you, but after Yi Fang enters the residence, you can establish order and make sure she knows you are the principal wife."
Everyone looked at Song Xixi, even Zhan Beiwang glanced over.
After getting slapped by Song Xixi yesterday, he still felt awkward and was too proud to speak to her. Without a word from Song Xixi, Second Aunt said, "Other than the dowry, there's also the gold hairpins and jewelry. Should Xixi cover those too?"
The old lady kindly suggested, "Of course, those are minor matters. Xixi, right?"
Second Aunt subtly shook her head at Song Xixi, signaling her not to agree.
Song Xixi knew that Second Aunt meant well and was looking out for her. She already decided not to agree, so she slowly shook her head, "It's not appropriate for me to cover the dowry. The General's residence should bear the cost of the marriage."
The old lady's face darkened immediately, "Xixi, that's not very considerate. We are family, and this is just a loan. We will repay you when we are better off."
Song Xixi turned to Zhan Beiwang, "What do you think, General?"
Anyone with a sense of dignity wouldn't ask her to use her dowry for his secondary wife's dowry, right?
Zhan Beiwang thought it was unbecoming for a man to use a wife's dowry and was about to speak when the old lady quickly said, "Xixi, you make the decisions. You are his wife, and his matters are your matters. You are one."
Song Xixi responded gently, "Mother is right. General, say something. If you ask me to loan the money, I am willing."