These days, the Shen family had fallen into a peculiar mood. Because of Shen Miao’s imperial marriage decree, everyone was shrouded in gloom. Though they all tried their best to appear happy, they couldn’t hide their dejection.
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan left early and returned late every day, presumably seeking ways to dissolve this marriage arrangement, but they always returned empty-handed. It was to be expected—Emperor Wenhui had announced this decree in front of the entire court precisely to eliminate any thought Shen Xin might have of defying it. The emperor’s word is like spilled water—it cannot be taken back. Hadn’t a princess in a previous dynasty taken a fancy to the top scholar who already had a wife? For the sake of maintaining the principle that “the emperor’s word cannot be retracted,” didn’t he immediately divorce his wife and marry anew?
Whenever Shen Qiu saw Shen Miao, he always displayed a guilty expression. These days, he frequently sent Shen Miao rare treasures, saying only, “Brother has no other abilities, I can only find these trinkets for you.”
Shen Miao found the atmosphere in the Shen household rather absurd. She naturally knew things weren’t so terrible, but she couldn’t tell her family. If Shen Xin knew Xie Jingxing’s true intentions, who knows what an uproar he might cause.
In Ming Qi, she had to be mindful of the Shen family, making many things inconvenient to handle. But in Da Liang, using Xie Jingxing’s name to do many things would likely be much easier.
While she was at ease, others thought she was merely pretending. Today, as she sat reading in her room, she saw Bailu running in hurriedly, saying: “Miss, Madam wants you to quickly go to the main hall. People from Prince Rui’s mansion have brought the betrothal gift list!”
Shen Miao was stunned. Betrothal gift list?
Xie Jingxing was truly audacious. Knowing that the Shen family currently resented him, even hated him intensely, he still dared to send a betrothal gift list. Wasn’t this adding fuel to the fire?
But thinking about Xie Jingxing’s unrestrained personality, this was indeed something he would do.
When she arrived at the main hall, from a distance she saw Luo Xueyan holding something long and examining it. Besides Luo Xueyan, Shen Qiu and Shen Xin were also stretching their necks to look. Luo Tan covered her mouth. Luo Ling’s gaze was complex—in short, everyone’s expressions were peculiar.
As Shen Miao stepped into the room, she realized that besides the Shen family members, another person was standing there. When she recognized the person’s appearance, Shen Miao nearly choked. It was a middle-aged man with a full beard. Shen Miao had seen him before—he seemed to be a guard who followed Xie Jingxing. Cong Yang had once called him “Iron Robe.” One look at him and you could tell he was a valiant and fierce person, but today he was wearing a bright red robe embroidered with fine golden peach-colored silk threads depicting auspicious phoenixes and clouds. Though likely meant to look festive, Iron Robe’s naturally dark skin combined with these clothes completely obscured his previously martial air, making him look utterly foolish instead.
Seeing her, Iron Robe bowed and formally addressed her: “Princess Consort.”
At this, even Shen Qiu couldn’t help but cough. He glared at Iron Robe: “Don’t call her that improperly!”
Iron Robe completely ignored him.
Shen Miao inexplicably felt like laughing. Was Xie Jingxing trying to make a scene? Even when delivering a betrothal gift list, one should find a cheerful matron to read it. Prince Rui’s mansion was so wealthy, yet they had this rough and burly man like Iron Robe do it—they must be deliberately trying to amuse people.
Seeing Shen Miao standing there blankly, Luo Tan called to her: “Little cousin, why are you standing there stupidly? Come quickly and see this betrothal gift list!” She winked at Shen Miao, seeming very excited.
So Shen Miao walked over.
The betrothal gift list was made very exquisitely—a long scroll made of fragrant wood sprinkled with gold dust, with the cover inlaid with emerald cat’s eye stones. It was extremely luxurious. Just this betrothal gift list alone was quite valuable. Although Shen Xin and his wife weren’t people who pursued vanity, Prince Rui’s gesture at least expressed his regard for Shen Miao, making their expressions somewhat better.
Luo Xueyan handed the betrothal gift list to Iron Robe and said: “Read it.”
In Ming Qi’s custom, the betrothal gift list was to be “sung” by the man’s side. The longer the singing lasted, the more abundant the betrothal gifts, and the more face the woman’s family gained.
Iron Robe was not accustomed to doing such things. He turned to the first page and sang dryly: “One huanghuali wood bed with sea begonia flower rails, one blackwood three-panel folding screen arhat bed, huanghuali top chest cabinet, huanghuali wooden cabinet, nanmu bookcase, a pair of nanmu display cabinets, a pair of scarlet vases, a mother-of-pearl inlaid huanghuali kang table, a pair of mother-of-pearl spotted huanghuali money cabinets…”
The first page was furniture, and it left everyone stunned. So many items couldn’t even fit in the current Shen residence—this was enough to fill three mansions!
The second page listed decorative items. Iron Robe continued: “One agarwood jade-inlaid ruyi scepter, one xiuyan jade ruyi scepter, one tin-foil oil lamp, one gold-plated small clock, one silver pocket watch, one green jade bamboo bonsai, one silver gold-plated hexagonal pot stone plum blossom bonsai, one plain tricolor eighteen-piece assembled tray, one famille rose tea canister, one Chen nüzhen wine jar, one bamboo-plum double happiness hanging mirror, prosperity and wealth hanging screen…”
Each item was invaluable, probably worth several years of expenses for an ordinary family. Prince Rui was starting with such a massive pile of gifts—having money wasn’t meant to be spent like this. Luo Tan sniffled, somewhat timidly pulling Shen Miao’s sleeve, and said: “What does Prince Rui’s family do?… Are they salt merchants?…”
Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin also frowned. This Prince Rui—his betrothal gifts were far too generous.
But they weren’t given time to be surprised, as Iron Robe had already continued to the next page. The third page was daily necessities. He sang: “Six boxes of boxwood combs, two boxes of Xiang and Shu bamboo hairpins, one sandalwood dressing case, mouthwash basin, sandalwood soap, canopy satin door curtains, glass bead door curtains, green flowing water five-colored tassel mandarin duck pillows, eight sets with eight covers…”
The Shen family: “…”
Iron Robe continued to the fourth page—clothing: “Fur flag gowns in sable, squirrel, sheep, and pearl fur, one each. Twelve sets of various cotton flag gowns. Thirty-two sets of gauze, lined silk, lined satin, and lined cloth garments. Twelve sets of thin unlined shirts in gauze, spun silk, fox silk, cocoon silk, thin gauze, and printed cloth. Twelve loose-fitting robes with five blessings supporting longevity, threading peonies, a hundred butterflies threading flowers, ten thousand character long spring. Thirty high-quality silk rolls, six xiangyunsha rolls, twenty brocade rolls, ten Yunjin rolls, ten Shujin rolls, and twelve rolls of various colored silk gauze. Thirty-six embroidered satin quilt covers, twenty pairs of embroidered shoes, forty pairs of Jiang silk stockings…”
Luo Xueyan couldn’t help interrupting to ask: “This… young man, haven’t you mistaken Prince Rui’s betrothal gift list? This… doesn’t seem right.”
This wasn’t marrying a daughter-in-law; this was like honoring a princess. No, even a princess probably wouldn’t be treated so elaborately.
Iron Robe replied expressionlessly: “That’s not possible. Prince Rui’s mansion has only this one betrothal gift list. Madam, please continue listening.”
He sang the fifth page—gold and silver jewelry: “One string each of coral, gold leaf, amber, and agarwood court beads. Four pieces of green jade accessories of various styles, four pieces of white jade accessories of various styles, two pieces of crystal accessories… pearl bracelets, jade bracelets, coral bracelets…”
He sang the sixth page—antiques and paintings: “Four pairs of gold-woven colored porcelain vases, one pair of Lang red jade spring bottles, one pair of Chenghua five-colored porcelain vases, one Xuande blue glazed white plum vase…”
He sang the seventh page—four boxes of books and one box of the four treasures of the study.
He sang the eighth page—maids and servants, as well as personal guards.
He sang the ninth page—horses and carriages.
The tenth page…
The Shen family: “…”
Iron Robe sang more and more fluently, with long and sustained vigor, comparable to the old male roles on the opera stage in Xiaochun City. Each sentence made people feel as if they were seeing piles of silver. After finishing the last sentence, he instinctively concluded with a final vocalization, letting out a long breath, and closed the betrothal gift list. Only then did he look at Shen Miao.
“Lands and shops aren’t included in the gift list because they’re all in Da Liang,” Iron Robe smiled sincerely. “His Highness has converted them all to gold and silver—ten thousand jin of gold.”
Ten thousand jin of gold!
Luo Tan nearly fainted.
Iron Robe continued: “All the residences between the purchased Prince Rui Mansion and the Shen residence are also included. The deeds will be sent over later.” He respectfully handed the betrothal gift list to Luo Xueyan and said: “Please, Madam, accept it.”
Luo Xueyan didn’t take it.
Everyone in the room was frozen like wooden chickens, and Luo Xueyan didn’t dare accept it.
That was ten thousand jin of gold, plus such a long betrothal gift list. Was the Shen family about to become Ming Qi’s wealthiest family?
Had Prince Rui moved Da Liang’s entire treasury here?
Was Prince Rui mentally ill?
Shen Xin frowned. Shen Qiu was the first to react, hesitantly and cautiously asking: “This betrothal gift list written by Prince Rui—does your emperor know about it?”
Iron Robe was stunned for a moment, then realized something and smiled knowingly: “His Majesty doesn’t care much about material possessions, and besides, this isn’t considered a large sum.”
Seeing the shocked expressions of the Shen family, Iron Robe continued: “In the Da Liang royal family, gold, silver, and pearls are like sand and soil—they’re everywhere.”
Everyone was filled with reverence. It seemed Da Liang was indeed a wealthy and powerful nation, flowing with riches. Such generous gifts, enough to instantly fill Ming Qi’s treasury, were regarded as mere sand and soil to them—how incredibly wealthy they must be.
Iron Robe added: “But please rest assured, General and Madam, His Highness’s marriage to Miss Shen follows all the betrothal customs of the Da Liang royal family.”
Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin finally calmed down. Though they didn’t lack gold and silver, they cared especially about this matter concerning Shen Miao, following proper rituals. They also marveled that Shen Miao’s betrothal gifts were even more lavish than half of what Emperor Wenhui had given when winning the Empress.
If an ordinary minister were to take a wife, naturally, they would have to consider not being more lavish than the imperial family. But Prince Rui wasn’t from Ming Qi—he was from Da Liang, so he didn’t need to consider this aspect. Even if his gifts were more generous than the imperial family’s, the imperial family wouldn’t say anything. Thus, Shen Miao’s betrothal gifts were probably the grandest in the Ming Qi since its founding.
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan finally felt some comfort in their hearts. Regardless, since the imperial decree couldn’t be changed now, Shen Miao was destined to marry Prince Rui. A grand and glorious marriage was at least the lifelong wish of many young ladies—at least it was some compensation for Shen Miao.
With this thought, their resentment toward Prince Rui diminished considerably, and their attitudes toward the bearded man before them also became much more cordial.
Luo Xueyan asked: “But why hasn’t the astrological chart been sent over?”
Before marriage, the couple’s birth dates needed to be matched. But because Shen Miao’s marriage was special, directly decreed by Emperor Wenhui, this step had been skipped.
Iron Robe said: “His Highness has already had renowned monks calculate his and Miss Shen’s birth dates. They are a match made in heaven, a couple with five hundred years of cultivated destiny. Madam, please give me the birth date paper today. His Highness’s birth date paper will be sent along with the property deeds.”
Their attitude was so sincere that it seemed impossible to find fault.
Luo Tan couldn’t help asking: “When will the wedding be? The Emperor’s decree didn’t specify a date.”
Iron Robe smiled and said: “The formal proposal has already been prepared. His Highness will return to Da Liang after the New Year. On the day of his return, he will ceremoniously welcome Miss Shen as his bride, with a procession of red decorations to the city gates of Da Liang’s capital.”
This meant that from leaving Ming Qi, there would be gongs and drums to Da Liang. The marriage rituals would be completed in Ming Qi, and upon returning to Da Liang, it would also be formally announced to Da Liang’s people. Shen Miao was effectively being elevated to a very high position, with her status as Prince Rui’s consort being declared to the world.
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan exchanged glances, each seeing confusion in the other’s eyes.
Prince Rui’s attentiveness to Shen Miao—it seemed as if… he truly cherished Shen Miao?
Was that possible? Shen Miao had barely met Prince Rui a few times!
Luo Ling’s gaze dimmed to the point where almost no light could be seen. He lowered his head to look at the ground, as if he could stare a flower into existence on the floor.
While everyone in the room had varied expressions, Shen Miao’s reaction seemed calm in comparison. She nodded and said to Iron Robe: “Thank you.”
Iron Robe hurriedly said it was nothing, explained a bit more about what would be sent over in the coming days, and then departed.
After Iron Robe left, everyone looked at each other. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan had already noticed some unusual aspects. If Prince Rui’s goal was to drive a wedge between the Shen family and the Ming Qi royal family, or to prevent the Shen family from serving the Ming Qi royal family, his objective had already been achieved when the imperial decree was issued.
Since the goal had been reached, other matters weren’t important. Why then make such a grand gesture? Even if one had too much silver, it wouldn’t weigh down one’s hands. Unless Da Liang’s treasury was too small to store all the silver, why would they eagerly come to Ming Qi to present such immense wealth to the Shen family as a dowry?
Wasn’t this redundant?
Shen Qiu hadn’t noticed this point. He only angrily said: “This Prince Rui is like a weasel paying respects to a chicken—he has no good intentions! Sending so many things, does he think our Shen family is greedy for wealth? We’re marrying off a daughter, not selling her. With so much silver, who knows what others will think of the Shen family?”
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan fell silent.
Indeed, even the imperial family would envy these betrothal gifts, not to mention ordinary people. What’s more remarkable was that these were sent by Da Liang’s Prince Rui. Even those who coveted these gifts wouldn’t dare act rashly, only staring longingly. Many in Jing City would likely be unable to sleep at night. Especially Shen Xin’s adversaries—they’d probably be vomiting blood in frustration.
Luo Tan smiled and said: “Regardless, a generous brother-in-law is much better than a stingy one. A man who willingly spends silver on a young lady—that’s a good man. Before even marrying, he’s sent his little cousin so many things. When little cousin marries him, she certainly won’t be mistreated in terms of food, clothing, and daily needs.” Luo Tan always spoke directly without knowing how to be discreet, but that word “brother-in-law” made people’s eyes twitch.
Shen Xin covered his head: “Where will we put all these things?”
“Yes,” Luo Xueyan also worriedly said, “Our residence can’t hold so many items. Just the jewelry and antiques alone would fill our storerooms, not to mention furniture and fabrics. Should we build a granary in the mansion to store these things?”
Shen Miao wanted to laugh hearing this, then said: “Didn’t he buy all those residences? After he leaves, those houses will all belong to the Shen family. Why not hire some guards and store things there? Or we could simply move into the Prince Rui Mansion.”
Shen Xin shook his head: “Yanqing Lane is not a place we can live.” That area was for imperial relatives. If Shen Xin’s family moved in, who knew what outsiders would think? Then, recalling Iron Robe’s words, a pained look flashed in his eyes: “After the New Year, he’ll leave. Jiao’er, you…”
After the New Year, Shen Miao would go to Da Liang.
Everyone in the room fell silent.
Partings, especially between family members, are never joyful events.
Seeing this, Shen Miao feared they would become sentimental again, so she quickly changed the subject: “Prince Rui has sent so many betrothal gifts, how should we calculate the dowry?”
Luo Tan, feeling thirsty, had just picked up a cup of tea and taken a sip. Hearing this, she spat out the entire mouthful, spraying Luo Ling. But at this moment, she had no time to care whether Luo Ling’s clothes were soiled, and exclaimed: “Dowry? Heavens!”
The Shen family was also struck by a thunderbolt.
According to custom, the dowry should match the betrothal gifts in value. Though it didn’t need to exceed the betrothal gifts, it shouldn’t be much less. Otherwise, when the daughter went to her husband’s family, she would be at a disadvantage. If the dowry was very generous, even more than the betrothal gifts, the bride would enter her new home with glory. Therefore, the more beloved a daughter was, the closer the dowry’s value should be to the betrothal gifts.
Shen Xin’s love for his daughter was obvious, but this dowry… Prince Rui had sent so many betrothal gifts to the Shen family—to match them with a similar dowry, even emptying the entire Ming Qi treasury wouldn’t be enough!
Prince Rui had presented the Shen family with a difficult problem.
…
At night, Shen Miao sat under the lamp, thinking of Iron Robe holding the long betrothal gift list and singing with prolonged auspiciousness during the day, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Xie Jingxing was too reckless, writing such an extensive list of betrothal gifts. Shen Miao held her forehead—if people saw this betrothal gift list, the Shen family would surely be envied and resented by everyone in Ming Qi. Yet this betrothal gift list would become known eventually; it was just a matter of time.
But she wondered if Emperor Yongle knew about Xie Jingxing writing such a long list. Thinking about it, Shen Miao felt a bit sorrowful.
In her previous life, when she married Fu Xiuyi, he hadn’t given such generous betrothal gifts. It couldn’t even compare to those of a slightly better official family, only qualifying as ordinary. At that time, Fu Xiuyi had said that the Prince Ding Mansion was financially strained, and he was naturally frugal, so he didn’t want to make a grand affair of it. Shen Miao had believed him. Fearing she would be mistreated, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan had given her half the Shen family’s assets as her dowry.
That dowry had ultimately supplemented Fu Xiuyi’s needs.
Fu Xiuyi needed to win over various people, and buying loyalty required silver. She had carefully calculated every bit, and even old antiques and paintings from the Shen family were pawned for silver. Thinking about it now, in all those years of marriage to Fu Xiuyi, it had always been her and the entire Shen family who gave, while Fu Xiuyi never gave anything in return. Although in matters of the heart, everything was about willingness, not requiring reciprocation, over time, it still chilled one’s heart.
Especially after his ascension to the throne, Fu Xiuyi’s generosity toward Madam Mei and Fu Sheng was like a harsh slap to her face.
Now that she was marrying Xie Jingxing, she couldn’t quite describe her feelings. There was attraction, though not as intense as the moth-to-flame passion of her previous life, but Xie Jingxing had given her beyond her imagination.
It even made her somewhat anticipatory about this marriage.
The window was knocked twice, and Shen Miao looked up to see Cong Yang lingering outside. She opened the window, and Cong Yang, seeing her, first bowed and said: “Young Mistress, my master has instructed me to bring you to him.”
Shen Miao was surprised, but quickly nodded: “Very well.” It was perfect timing, as she also had things to say to Xie Jingxing.
Unlike the awkwardness of her first visit, this time Shen Miao’s journey to Prince Rui’s mansion was much more familiar. The only one still struggling was Cong Yang, who had to find hay bales for Shen Miao to “climb” the walls. He thought to himself that next time, they might as well break through all these walls, saving the trouble.
When Shen Miao arrived at Prince Rui’s mansion, the servants saw her and all paused their work, respectfully calling out: “Young Mistress!”
Shen Miao: “…”
Cong Yang cheerfully said: “Young Mistress, everyone likes you very much.”
Shen Miao felt somewhat embarrassed, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
As Cong Yang led her to the rear courtyard of Prince Rui’s mansion, she saw from a distance a snow-white furry ball bounding toward her, happily biting at the hem of her clothes.
A lazy voice sounded in the night: “Jiao’er, come here.”
Shen Miao looked up and saw Xie Jingxing leaning against a tree, arms crossed, smiling ambiguously at her… or at the white tiger at her feet—it wasn’t clear whom he was calling.
Shen Miao walked toward him, with the white tiger happily following. The tiger was quite naturally friendly; though they had only met a few times and Shen Miao had never played with it, it affectionately wagged its head and tail at her. An onlooker might have thought the white tiger had been raised by Shen Miao.
She stood beside Xie Jingxing and asked: “What did you call me here for?”
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow: “To measure for clothes.”
“Measure for clothes?” Shen Miao was skeptical. Before she could inquire further, Xie Jingxing suddenly reached out, pulled her into his arms, hugged her gently, and then released her.
His movements were so quick—the embrace and release happened in just a brief moment—that Shen Miao held her breath, not knowing what to say. To mention it would seem like nitpicking, but to say nothing meant he had taken advantage of her.
Xie Jingxing said: “With your temperament, you probably wouldn’t obediently embroider wedding clothes. I’ve found Da Liang’s best embroiderers, but I don’t know your clothing measurements.” He looked Shen Miao up and down, saying meaningfully: “One embrace and I know.”
Shen Miao: “Shameless, brazen.”
Xie Jingxing lazily said, “Oh,” and continued, “But you seemed to enjoy it just now.”
This person could make others furious with just three sentences. Shen Miao sarcastically replied: “Your technique is quite sophisticated. You can determine measurements with just one embrace. Have you done this often before?”
Xie Jingxing stared at her until Shen Miao’s spine tingled, then curved his lips in a smile and said: “Jealous? You can embrace me back.” He opened his arms, presenting himself as available for the taking.
“Who wants to embrace you?” Shen Miao said disdainfully. “By the way, I have something to ask you.”
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow: “What is it?”
“We received the betrothal gift list. Why did you send so many gifts?” Shen Miao thought it was amusing. “Our Shen residence can’t store all those things. Besides, you’ve sent so much, the Shen family can’t afford to provide an equal dowry. Are you deliberately causing trouble?”
“Just that?” Xie Jingxing said carelessly. “I was planning to send more.”
Shen Miao: “…” She was about to speak when she saw a guard rushing in from outside. Seeing Xie Jingxing, the guard showed a troubled expression and said: “Your Highness, someone is looking for you outside. We stopped him, but he was shouting your name like a madman. Fearing misunderstanding, we temporarily restrained him.”
“So?” Xie Jingxing asked.
“It’s the eldest son of the Marquis of Pingnan, Su Mingfeng,” the guard said.
Shen Miao suddenly raised her head.
In the front hall of Prince Rui’s mansion, a young man was currently bound hand and foot. He was tied up almost like a zongzi dumpling, with a rag stuffed in his mouth, angrily glaring at the guards to the side while making futile struggles to break free.
This person was Su Mingfeng.
Su Mingfeng had been monitoring Prince Rui’s mansion for a long time, along with the Shen residence and the Princess Mansion. The longer he investigated, the deeper his suspicions grew. He suspected that Prince Rui was the supposedly deceased Xie Jingxing. Although such a conjecture was quite absurd, as time passed, this idea didn’t disappear but instead became increasingly entrenched.
Xie Jingxing had some connection with Shen Miao, and now Shen Miao had been betrothed to Prince Rui by imperial decree. If Xie Jingxing were Prince Rui, everything would make sense.
Su Mingfeng had an inexplicable obsession with matters concerning Xie Jingxing that others couldn’t understand. After all, they had been playmates since childhood. He had learned many things from Xie Jingxing, whose significance to him had influenced nearly his entire life.
Whether Xie Jingxing was Prince Rui or not, Su Mingfeng had to verify it personally.
He wanted to sneak into Prince Rui’s mansion to see what Prince Rui looked like when he removed his mask. Then the truth would be revealed.
It was a crazy act, but Su Mingfeng felt he had no choice. He wasn’t foolish enough to enter directly. Instead, he had his men create a distraction at the front to lure away Prince Rui’s guards while he sneaked in during the commotion.
But Su Mingfeng hadn’t anticipated that Prince Rui’s guards were exceptionally skilled, and they caught him immediately.
Somewhat dejected, but more disappointed, at this point, Su Mingfeng thought that since he had already been caught, it would be a waste not to discover the truth. So he struggled desperately, even giving his name, hoping to attract Prince Rui’s attention.
As he was thinking, a bearded man in guard’s attire walked in from outside and stopped before him.
Su Mingfeng’s heart tightened. The bearded man looked like those around, and immediately someone came to untie him and remove the cloth from his mouth.
“My master wants to see you. Follow me.”