Madam Feng told Gu De Zhao that there was no need to add more estates or shops to the dowry, but merely to add some valuable items to bring the total to ninety loads. Though it wouldn’t cost much more money, it would make for an impressive display when carried out.

Bringing honor to Jin Chao meant bringing honor to the entire Fourth House. Xu Jing Yi agreed with a smile and discussed with Madam Feng what should be added.

As the family matriarch, the Second Mistress needed to be consulted on these matters. However, Madam Feng was engrossed in her discussion with Xu Jing Yi, leaving the Second Mistress sitting to the side, inevitably harboring resentment. In her role as matriarch… the Fifth Mistress had already overshadowed her, and now with Gu Jin Chao from the Fourth House rising to prominence, would Xu Jing Yi overshadow her as well? She had only just entered the Gu family!

Madam Feng had already prepared sixty loads for Gu Lian’s dowry. Gu De Zhao had added many items to Gu Jin Chao’s dowry, and Madam Feng had just called Gu Lian over to secretly add a residence to her dowry, after all, she had grown up by her side and deserved some special care. She had thought that while the outward appearance might not match, the actual value wouldn’t be too different… only now did she realize just how vast the difference was.

While the elders discussed these matters, Gu Lian sat with Gu Lan under the corridor, drinking tea.

“It’s just becoming someone’s secondary wife, yet acting as if it’s such a grand achievement!” Gu Lian said in a low voice. “Who knows what it will be like after she marries into that household…” Gu Lian still found this marriage arrangement unreasonable after much thought. Since the Chen Minister was still relatively young, why would he choose Gu Jin Chao?

Gu Lan said languidly: “We’ll see when she returns for her post-wedding visit!” She wasn’t concerned about this marriage at all; there would be plenty of drama to watch once Gu Jin Chao married into that family.

Thinking of that gilded list of betrothal gifts, Gu Lian still felt a blockage in her heart. Taking Gu Lan’s hand, she said: “You’re marrying the son of Scholar Zhao. How much dowry will your father provide? Gu Jin Chao is getting so much; surely you won’t be shortchanged.”

Gu Lan tightened her grip on the teacup, then gently relaxed it and replied steadily: “I don’t know.”

Her father was no longer as affectionate toward her as before.

Gu Lian pondered for a while, then consoled her: “Although he’s only the son of a scholar, at least the household is peaceful, with few concerns to worry about… don’t worry. If you find life difficult in the future, I won’t abandon you.”

Gu Lan felt uncomfortable hearing this. Few concerns to worry about… was she mocking the simplicity of the family she was marrying into?

And wouldn’t abandon her… as if it was certain she would have a difficult life. Did Gu Lian assume she would have a good life?

Gu Lan nodded and said: “The friendship between us needs no elaboration.”

Not as good as some, but better than others… After thinking for a while, Gu Lian still felt her marriage arrangement was the best. She called a young maid and instructed her to bring over some tea snacks.

Xu Jing Yi told Jin Chao about the betrothal gifts.

Jin Chao was also surprised. In her previous life, the Chen family’s betrothal gifts had been two thousand taels of silver plus ten loads of items… What was Chen Third Master trying to do by giving her so much? Jin Chao sat on the kang bed, pondering. For a secondary wife… was this by propriety?

But the gifts had already been given. What could she say?

There had been no word from Chen Third Master, only the continually advancing marriage arrangements, which made her feel increasingly anxious.

It hadn’t been like this in her previous life… Jin Chao almost wanted to mock herself—she was regressing rather than progressing!

Just then, Madam Tong entered to discuss the matter of personal servants. Madam Xu had returned to Daxing to retire a few days earlier, and now Madam Tong was in charge of everything. She wore a lilac-colored jacket and looked radiant. When the Chen family’s betrothal gifts were carried into the Gu household, everyone watching, and the news quickly spread throughout the Gu residence. Madam Tong now walked with her head held high.

“According to the master’s wishes, those with indenture contracts on your estates will be your servants. From Madam’s side, there’s Luo Yong Ping’s family. From Baodi, Song Chuan’s family; from the two estates he gave you, Hu Yong Chang’s family from Xuanwu and Duan Xiang’s family from Shijingshan. For managing your household affairs, apart from me, there’s Manager Li’s son Li Cheng and his wife…”

Halfway through, Qing Pu came in to announce that the eldest young master had returned and was on his way to see her.

The Imperial Academy was on break at this time.

Jin Chao smiled and said: “I was just thinking of him… please invite him in.”

Before Qing Pu could go to relay the message, a tall, thin young man lifted the curtain and entered.

“Elder Sister!” he said with a smile on his lips. He walked forward a few steps. Jin Chao stood up and took his arm, examining him. He had previously been frail, but in the past few months, he had grown more robust. He wore a slate blue straight robe of Hangzhou silk. His delicate features had become much more vivid.

A maid brought over a stool.

Gu Jin Rong sat down and continued: “The academy break happens to coincide with your wedding… When I heard from Grandmother’s messenger that you’re marrying Minister Chen, I was shocked.” No matter how he thought about it, this marriage seemed mismatched, indeed a curiosity.

Scholars had mostly heard of Chen Yan Yun’s illustrious reputation and had read his writings. Gu Jin Rong was very surprised that his elder sister was going to marry this legendary Minister Chen. However, he didn’t find it inappropriate; Minister Chen’s character and cultivation were both excellent.

Jin Chao smiled slightly: “It’s good that you made it back in time. I’ll take you to pay respects to Mother shortly.”

Gu Jin Rong was momentarily confused before realizing she meant his father’s new wife. He asked Jin Chao what Xu Jing Yi was like and whether she treated her well, his manner somewhat guarded.

Jin Chao couldn’t help but be amused: “Don’t worry, she’s a very good person.”

She then asked Gu Jin Rong about his studies at the Imperial Academy.

Gu Jin Rong said: “The teachers at the Imperial Academy are indeed excellent, and the discipline is very strict…” Having been raised in luxury, he had initially endured many hardships, but gradually adapted. He said, “I can now carry two buckets of water up the mountain! When you get married, let me carry you to the bridal sedan chair…”

Usually, an elder brother or an uncle would carry the bride to the sedan chair. Although she didn’t have a full brother, there were two paternal cousins in the family, so it wouldn’t be Gu Jin Rong’s turn. Jin Chao shook her head and said: “Your intentions are good, but I fear you might not have enough strength.”

Gu Jin Rong had been looking forward to carrying his elder sister to the bridal sedan chair, and upon hearing her words, he felt somewhat disappointed. After thinking for a moment, he brightened up again: “Elder Sister, that means I’ll be Minister Chen’s brother-in-law now…”

The teachers at the Imperial Academy all greatly respected Minister Chen, considering him a truly learned person. If he became Minister Chen’s brother-in-law, the Academy teachers probably wouldn’t dare punish him in the future. Gu Jin Rong was excited and continued: “Minister Chen’s son, the one who placed third in the recent palace examination, is greatly favored by the teachers at the Imperial Academy. When we see him, we must respectfully address him as Scholar Chen. Now he’ll have to call me uncle?”

Thinking about all this, Gu Jin Rong was truly startled by his elder sister’s marriage arrangement.

How had he suddenly become connected to these prominent figures with whom he could barely exchange a word before?

When Jin Chao heard the news of Chen Xuan Qing, her smile paused slightly. In this life, he had indeed still placed third… which meant he would soon be appointed to the Hanlin Academy.

“What’s the use of thinking randomly about these things? You should focus on your studies at the Imperial Academy!” Jin Chao told him. However, seeing Gu Jin Rong’s current state, she felt relieved. All things considered, it was good.

She still remembered Gu Jin Rong from her previous life. The last time he had come to the Chen family to find her, he had been dejected and destitute, seemingly indifferent to everything.

Gu Jin Rong nodded, his spirits high: “Elder Sister, I understand.” Then, as if remembering something, “Oh, I returned with the Yao family’s Third Young Master. The one betrothed to Gu Lian. He said he would come to visit Grandmother.”

Jin Chao asked him: “Are you very familiar with this person?”

Gu Jin Rong shook his head: “We’ve exchanged a few words. We’re not very close. I heard from someone who shares his dormitory that he often secretly corresponds and exchanges items with a woman, but this woman doesn’t seem to be Gu Lian…”

Jin Chao glared at him, and his voice lowered: “I happened to overhear it…”

Jin Chao knew Yao Wen Xiu’s character all too well, and she admonished Gu Jin Rong: “Don’t associate too closely with him, and don’t inquire about these matters. I know that sponsored students are given considerable freedom, but you must be careful.”

Gu Jin Rong nodded. Such rumors circulating in the Imperial Academy would indeed be problematic.

Jin Chao first took Gu Jin Rong to pay respects to Madam Feng, and then to Xu Jing Yi.

At Xu Jing Yi’s place, she naturally spoke a bit more with Gu Jin Rong.

Gu Jin Rong found Xu Jing Yi acceptable; her speech revealed her education, and she conversed with him very warmly. Xu Jing Yi also assessed Gu Jin Rong and felt she had a general understanding of him. He was still young, and it was natural that his actions lacked steadiness.

After a while, someone from the Second Mistress’s quarters came with a message, inviting the Fourth Mistress to have dinner in the west courtyard.

Xu Jing Yi smiled and said to Jin Chao: “Let’s go together… I have a white jade bracelet that would go well with your light blue jacket.” She had Madam An find the bracelet.

Jin Chao thought for a moment and didn’t refuse, allowing Xu Jing Yi to put the bracelet on her wrist. Seeing this, Gu Jin Rong felt more favorably toward Xu Jing Yi. She treated his elder sister so well; she couldn’t be a malicious person.

This dinner was probably specifically prepared for Yao Wen Xiu, Jin Chao thought to herself. Soon, she went with Xu Jing Yi to the Second Mistress’s quarters. The women dined in the resting area, while Gu Jin Rong was called by Gu De Zhao to the flower hall. Jin Chao didn’t see Gu Lian anywhere. After a while, Gu Lian arrived, her face glowing with happiness. She wore a sunset red brocade jacket, a gold lotus hairpin inlaid with rubies, and had specially applied cosmetics.

Jin Chao couldn’t help but glance at Gu Lan. She wore a light pink cherry blossom patterned jacket, and a white embroidered skirt with crimson ties, and had styled her hair in a center-parted bun. Her makeup was done very delicately. This subdued attire suited her best; men would feel tender affection upon seeing her.

Gu Lan kept looking outside through the lattice window, her expression somewhat anxious. Gu Lian walked over and grabbed Gu Lan’s hand, smiling as she said: “Sister Lan, what are you looking at?”

Gu Lan smiled and said: “The white magnolias are blooming, their fragrance is lovely.”

Gu Lian began to whisper to her: “I went to see him… none of those things were his idea. We talked for quite a while, and he even gave me a box of rose-scented cream. I’ll show you later.”

Gu Lan smiled and said: “Good, I’ll look at it later.”

Jin Chao withdrew her gaze, feeling that Gu Lan’s smile was profoundly meaningful. She used to smile at her with the same expression.

After dinner, Jin Chao chatted with Xu Jing Yi for a while before returning to Yan Xiu Hall to retire.

In the middle of the night, a candle flickered in her room. Jin Chao was a light sleeper and was immediately awakened. Qing Pu lifted the bed curtain and called to her in a low voice: “Young Lady, something serious has happened. The Mistress’s maid is waiting outside…”

Jin Chao was still drowsy, but upon hearing this, her sleepiness vanished. What could have happened that required waking her in the middle of the night…

She glanced at the water clock—it was only the third watch of the night!