bayedsolid Chapter 684 Regarding the Dowry!
Chapter 684 Regarding the Dowry!
After staying at the mansion for two days, Fu Hongzhang was summoned to the Council of State by Duanmu Chuze. It is unclear what they talked about, but when Fu Hongzhang came out, he was full of excitement.
After Mu Xin Nuan and Madam Fu completed all the formalities, only the final step remained: the wedding ceremony.
Thus, the two were at ease, and all the formalities were completed. The Duke of England from the capital also sent someone to visit, bringing with him several cartloads of dowry. This display was truly enviable.
Although there were only a few carts, each one was filled with valuable items.
The finest silks and all kinds of jewelry were readily available.
The marriage was arranged, so Chu Chu naturally couldn't go out casually anymore.
Mu Xin Nuan then began to think about what kind of dowry would be more respectable for her.
That day, Mu Xin Nuan took Chu Chu with her to the warehouse.
"Aunt Fang, have someone open everything that the Duke of England's mansion sent."
"Yes, princess."
Soon, all the boxes were opened.
Chu Chu didn't understand what she was going to do, and just stared blankly at the boxes.
"Aunt Fang, have someone take inventory and categorize all the items clearly so I can decide what kind of dowry would be appropriate for her."
"Yes, princess."
Chu Chu understood this time. It turned out that her teacher's wife meant for her to see what the Duke of Ying's mansion had prepared for her, so that she could add more to her dowry.
"Madam, no need. This is already quite a lot."
Mu Xin Nuan glanced at it, thought about it carefully, and then shook her head. "No! If we were to carry these things, it would probably take sixteen loads. What do you think, Aunt Fang?"
"Your Highness, making it sixteen times a day is no problem. It will definitely be done."
"Hmm, I noticed that the Duke of England's mansion even specially assigned two maids to you. They are both old-timers in the Duke of England's mansion, which shows how much they value you. Didn't you meet them yesterday?"
"Yes, Madam. I have met them. They seemed to be honest and law-abiding."
"Yes, since they've sent a maidservant, I'll have someone give you two estates outside the city as your dowry. That way, their husbands can help you manage them. It'll be easier for you to have some property after you get married. Money is fixed; only property can generate more money. Besides, you managed everything quite well in Jiangnan, so I'm at ease."
Chu Chu quickly replied, "No, no. Master's wife, you and Master have already gone to so much trouble for me, I can't let you spend any more money on me. I am already very grateful that I was able to marry Fu Lang as I wished."
"What nonsense are you talking about? You silly girl! Since you've already called me 'Teacher's Wife,' how could I not help with the dowry? Besides, the Duke of Ying's mansion is just a name; the main thing is still here, isn't it? If the Prince of Changle's mansion doesn't contribute to your dowry, wouldn't that be a slap in your face?"
"But?"
"No buts! Don't forget, it's not just you getting married, it also involves the Fu family's marriage alliance with the Chang Le Prince's Mansion and the Duke of Ying's Mansion. The Duke of Ying's Mansion is just the first batch they've sent. I heard from the Prince that there are more to come."
Chu Chu was taken aback, and then looked at the contents of the warehouse again. There were already quite a lot.
"These are just some of the essential dowry items. The Duchess of England sent me a letter, which basically means that some of the dowry clothing, bedding, and the like will not be delivered until next month. Otherwise, do you think you would still be so relaxed now? Your wedding dress was also prepared by the Duke of England's mansion. If we don't think it's suitable, we can make some minor alterations."
Chu Chu felt a warmth in her heart, but she bit her lip tightly, unsure of what to say.
In this life, she was fortunate to have her master's request and his willingness to take her in, teaching her martial arts and managing her businesses in Jiangnan. Even her marriage was arranged by the prince.
How can she ever repay this kindness?
“Master’s wife, you and Master have treated me so well, I really don’t know how I can repay you! In my lifetime, as long as it is something that I can do, even if it costs me my life, I will not hesitate to do it.”
"Don't talk nonsense. What do you mean by risking your life? You're getting married soon. You mustn't say such unlucky things again."
Mu Xin Nuan smiled and took her hand, leading her to another shelf. "I brought you in today not only to let you see your dowry, but I also know that you used to help the prince manage some businesses in Jiangnan. However, you have never been involved in the jade industry before, have you?"
"Replying to Master's wife, it was indeed not involved."
"So today I will briefly tell you about the quality and grade of jade. In the future you will be the mistress of a household, and after a few years, you may even become the mistress of the Fu family. There are some things you must understand."
"Yes, Madam."
Mu Xin Nuan simply loves jade, which is why she later specifically learned how to distinguish the quality of jade. Today, she's putting that skill to good use.
"When it comes to jade, proper care is naturally very important. First of all, it should not be bumped by hard objects. Jade is easily broken after being bumped. Sometimes we can't see the crack with the naked eye, but there may be hidden cracks inside. Over time, these will become apparent, which will affect its value."
As Mu Xin Nuan spoke, she picked up a piece of jade. "Look at this. It looks nice on the surface, but if you hold it up to the light and examine it closely, you'll find a dark line. No matter how exquisite the jade is, it won't be very valuable."
"Yes, Master's wife, I have remembered."
"Furthermore, this jade should be kept away from dust and oil as much as possible. Mutton fat jade is especially sensitive to sweat and grease, so it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth after wearing. Prolonged contact with sweat may cause it to be corroded."
Chu Chu nodded. She really didn't know anything about jade. After hearing what the princess said today, she realized that those exquisite stones weren't always beautiful and vibrant.
"Also, jade artifacts should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this will affect the quality of the jade. They should also be kept away from heat sources, such as charcoal or heaters."
"Madam, I've heard that jade can be nourished with tea. Is there any truth to this?"
"Yes, there really is. The way to nurture jade is similar to the way to nurture tea pets. For example, jade nurtured by green tea becomes lustrous, while jade nurtured by black tea becomes bright red. Of course, there are many more things to consider here."
As she spoke, Mu Xin Nuan took a book from Rong Yue's hand. "Take this book back and read it carefully. After you get married, you will inevitably come into contact with some noble ladies. Learn more about them. Even if it's just for show, we won't lose out."