Tianliangyuan

Chapter 340 Spending Money Like Water

The news that Zheng Tuo had gone to the Duke of Huguo's mansion to propose marriage quickly spread throughout the entire capital.

Regarding this marriage, some people think it's a good match, while others think Zheng Tuo is trying to climb the social ladder. Still others think the Xie family is too picky; how could they marry their daughter to someone without parents?

In short, rumors about their marriage were rampant.

Some even say that the Xie family was unhappy with Xie Chan's annulment of her engagement with Song Sanlang, so they deliberately chose this marriage for her.

But only the two parties involved know the truth.

Song Sanlang and Cui Qin naturally knew about this as well. Song Sanlang was quite confident, thinking that it was because he had broken off the engagement that Xie Chan could no longer find a partner, which was why she was in a hurry to get married.

Cui Qin, however, is different.

Cui Qin, having received education in various fields, knew that she and Song Sanlang had acted dishonorably in breaking off the engagement, which had implicated this Miss Xie.

But now this Miss Xie is going to marry an orphan with no parents. Isn't this just self-degradation?

Even if Zheng Tuo is now a sixth-rank official, so what?

He's just a gatekeeper, what future can he have?

Cui Qin felt guilty and kept thinking about finding an opportunity to meet this Miss Xie and persuade her not to rush into marriage because of a moment of anger.

However, the relationship between the Cui and Xie families is actually quite awkward now.

Cui Qin stole Xie Chan's fiancé, and now she still wants to see Xie Chan, which makes things even more difficult.

Especially after Cui Qin and Song Sanlang's marriage was arranged, the Cui family kept a very close watch on her and did not allow her to leave the mansion at will.

Xie Chan is relatively freer here. The Duke's mansion does not restrict her from going out, but she must bring enough people with her, no matter how far or near. Regardless of whether others say she is putting on airs or that she travels in a luxurious manner, in short, everything is for her safety.

That day, Xu Zhaozhao took Xie Chan to the beauty shop in the East Market to choose some items. Xu Zhaozhao was the behind-the-scenes owner, so she was naturally invited to sit in a private room, and then ordered her subordinates to bring the items inside.

Actually, if we usually choose these kinds of things, the shopkeeper of Meirenzhuang will deliver them directly to us. Why would we need to come here in person?

It was just that Xu Zhaozhao took the opportunity to check on the shop's business and happened to bring Xie Chan and Xie Juan out for some fresh air.

She is, after all, their sister-in-law, so giving her some gifts would be more in line with the image of a good sister-in-law.

"Your Highness, this batch consists of recent new jewelry. The jade face cream and other items on the far left are all newly made, and they are all complete sets, including rouge and face powder."

"Not bad. Let me calculate, maybe we can spare five sets?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Alright, send five sets to the Duke's mansion and give them to Dingxiang."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"These pieces of jewelry seem a bit too simple to me. Do you have anything more ornate? Oh, no, I should say, do you have any festive jewelry?"

Lady Wei immediately understood the implied meaning and asked with a smile, "Is this what this young lady is wearing?"

"Yep."

"If it is this young lady, the shop does have several sets of jewelry that are gorgeous but not too ostentatious. Would you like to bring them over for your inspection?"

"Send them over, send several sets, so she can choose carefully."

"Yes, Your Highness."

When Madam Wei returned, she was followed by two maids, each carrying a tray with two jewelry boxes on it.

"Please look, Your Highness. These two sets are necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, all made with the finest rubies and crafted by experienced master craftsmen."

These two sets are complete headdresses, including hairpins, hair ornaments, hair sticks, and hair ornaments with dangling pendants, as well as earrings and necklaces.

The last two pieces that Madam Wei introduced were the complete headdresses.

"Bring it over for a look."

After Xu Zhaozhao finished speaking, she beckoned to Xie Chan: "Come and take a look too. If you like it, have someone send it to your residence. Once your wedding date is set, you can take it with you as part of your dowry."

Xie Chan was flattered for a moment. She was just a concubine's daughter. How could she dare to dream of such luxurious and expensive jewelry?

"Sister-in-law, these are far too expensive."

"It's alright, they're all our own property. Apart from the normal premium, the cost isn't actually that high."

Wei Niangzi, standing to the side, simply smiled without saying a word, but she had unspeakable suffering in her heart.

The cost isn't low either, Master, you can't lie through your teeth!

"This is far too valuable."

"It's alright. I think these sets are all quite nice, but the other two are a bit too flimsy. I'll take these two complete headdresses and have them delivered directly to my carriage in a bit."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Xie Chan looked shocked, her lips trembling: "Sister-in-law?"

"Both of these sets will be your dowry. One set will be your father's contribution to your dowry, and the other will be your brother's contribution to your dowry. Why don't you go and see if there are any others you like?"

Xie Chan shook her head, not daring to look any further. She felt that these two sets of jewelry were the kind she could never afford in her entire life.

The speed at which my third sister-in-law spends money is terrifying.

This is extravagant spending; it couldn't be more extreme.

Xie Juan watched from the sidelines, both surprised and envious.

If I get married in the future, will my sister-in-law be just as generous?

Lady Wei ordered her servants to prepare, and then carefully inquired, "Both of the outfits chosen by the county princess are very festive and suitable for wedding banquets, as well as some important occasions. After all, the sixth young lady is young and should wear some bright jewelry."

Xu Zhaozhao agreed: "That's right."

"Your Highness, I dare to guess that the Sixth Miss is getting married soon. Besides the headdress, are you not planning to choose anything else?"

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow: "Just say it!"

Madam Wei trembled inwardly; her master was truly difficult to serve.

"Your Highness, the two sets of jewelry we just selected are of the highest quality. Why don't we choose some more everyday items? Sometimes it's not so bad to give them away as gifts!"

Xu Zhaozhao nodded: "That makes sense! Then let someone send over some different kinds so they can choose carefully."

"Yes, Your Highness, please wait a moment."

Madam Wei understood that although she would earn less money from these two sets of jewelry today, it was still a profit. After all, the Duke's mansion was paying for it, not the master himself. How could it be sold at cost price?

Since that's the case, let's recommend more. Maybe if the masters are happy with their purchases, they can reward them with some more benefits.

What followed was a shopping spree, leaving Xie Chan and Xie Juan completely dumbfounded.

Xu Zhaozhao even bought a whole box of ordinary silver bracelets. Was she planning to open a jewelry shop in the Duke's mansion when she got back?

Xie Chan clutched her chest, thankful that her sister-in-law was a Midas touch expert; otherwise, her brother might not have been able to support them!