“Men are human, and women are human too. The women of our Chu family are rich, very rich. Money may not be able to bind a man’s heart, but it can buy the bodies of many men.” Chu Jinjin decided to teach this eldest sister a lesson.
They've already broken up; there's no possibility of reconciliation.
She understood women of this era all too well; they valued their reputation more than their lives. Being divorced or losing their virginity was like the sky falling down for them.
In the apocalypse, men and women with needs might come together, but such relationships rarely last.
When life and death are at stake, who dies first?
Human nature is mostly selfish.
Of course, true feelings exist in this world, but they are rare, and it's not easy for anyone to encounter them in their lifetime.
Chu Lingling was stunned, as if struck by lightning: "Jinjin, what are you saying?"
The guards nearby perked up; they knew Chu Jinjin wasn't serious, but the silver notes were real.
One hundred taels in the blink of an eye!
A more handsome guard, who could be considered the most handsome guard in the courtyard, stepped forward and bowed deeply to Chu Lingling: "Miss, you are so beautiful, many men must like you. Whoever marries you will be very lucky."
"Not bad, well said." Chu Jinjin nodded approvingly, and also took out a hundred-tael silver note and stuck it on his sweat-soaked chest. "His pectoral muscles are nice too."
The guard, his face flushed with excitement, exclaimed, "Thank you, Third Miss!"
The guards: "..."
The guards were filled with regret, their eyes almost red with tears. Why hadn't they thought of saying that?
The chance to get rich quick is right in front of you!
Seeing that all the guards were eager to show off, Chu Jinjin quickly waved her hand: "Stop, that's enough for today."
Money doesn't grow on trees; know when to stop.
Chu Jinjin waved to the most handsome guard: "What's your name?"
The guard realized his opportunity had come and puffed out his chest: "Miss, my name is Ding Ming. I am single and not engaged."
Chu Jinjin: "...Alright, starting today, you'll be my eldest sister's personal bodyguard."
Chu Lingling felt like she was going crazy: "Jinjin, no, I appreciate your kindness."
She now understood what Chu Jinjin meant, but what did this mean?
Chu Jinjin had other plans and said seriously, "Elder sister, we need to do two things now. First, get your dowry back. Second, I'll tell you on the way."
Chu Lingling nodded obediently: "I know, I have thought about it."
She only learned about what happened yesterday when she got home this morning. Going to the Xu residence alone to collect her dowry was simply unbelievable for Chu Lingling.
But it must be admitted that this third sister, who has changed so much, is truly a source of pride.
The Xu family divorced her the next day. If it were an ordinary woman, she would not have the face to see anyone. But a few days later, the third sister regained her dignity and gave the Xu family a good slap in the face.
Chu Lingling's gaze gradually hardened: "Third sister, thank you."
Comfort is important, but strength is more important.
Chu Lingling felt a power she had never imagined before.
Unlike Chu Jinjin, who was divorced the very next day, Chu Lingling had been married for many years. She still had the original dowry list, but a significant portion of it had been spent over the years.
Chu Yan brought in three accountants, and the conclusions they reached were astonishing.
Of the nearly 100,000 taels of dowry, most of it consisted of furniture and the like. Only a few thousand taels of silver remained, and even a significant portion of Chu Lingling's jewelry had been used up for various reasons.
In other words, over the years, it was Chu Lingling who supported her husband's entire family.
Chu Lingling was filled with shame: "He, he only has that much money a month, which is not even enough for his own expenses, let alone his parents-in-law, and then there's the child."
Chu Jinjin didn't blame her. She patted her shoulder to comfort her and told the accountant to calculate more carefully.
Early the next morning, a grand procession of more than ten carriages set off from the Chu residence.
Xu Xun's family relationships are not complicated. He has an older sister who married far away at a young age, and his parents are also there. This was one of the reasons why they chose him in the first place.
Too many sisters-in-law mean too much trouble.
In this era, there are almost no secrets. The news of Chu Lingling's divorce had already spread. When the neighbors saw the carriage carrying the Chu family's carriage, they immediately realized what was about to happen.
It's not really surprising.
The sheer size of Chu Lingling's dowry caused quite a stir back then.
According to the laws of the time, dowry was considered personal property, and there was no common agreement on its ownership. It could be given to the children, and if the couple was divorced, it was only right that the dowry should be taken away.
Xu Xun seemed to have been prepared; he wasn't on duty today, and upon hearing the servant's report, he took the initiative to go out and greet him.
Chu Jinjin jumped off the carriage first, giving him a subtle glance.
He must have been a handsome man in his youth, but he's gotten older, and with years of alcoholism, he's just average now.
Xu Xun clasped his hands in greeting: "Third Sister, please come in."
"How dare you call me 'Third Sister'?" Chu Jinjin didn't give him any face and raised her voice, "Xu Xun, I'm here today to take away my eldest sister's dowry. Do you have any objections?"
After just one meeting, Chu Jinjin was basically certain that Xu Xun was definitely acting under someone's orders.
Her disruptive behavior at Xu Wenda's wedding should have reached here by now, but Xu Xun remained calm and showed no fear whatsoever.
Xu Xun replied respectfully, "I have no objection."
Chu Jinjin nodded, lifted the curtain, and said softly, "Big sister, let's get off the bus."
The onlookers craned their necks and saw a young man jump out of the carriage.
The man wore a dark blue robe with exquisite gold patterns on the cuffs and a white jade pendant hanging from his waist. He was so handsome that it was almost impossible to look away.
The man's voice was even gentler than Chu Jinjin's: "Lingling, watch your step."
Neighbors: "..."
In this day and age, a girl's given name is not something to be used casually.
Before they could even whisper among themselves, an embroidered shoe inlaid with a huge pearl was extended out.
The sight of Chu Lingling walking out almost made everyone gasp.
We've been neighbors for years, so of course we know each other.
She seemed like a completely different person, wearing a long silk dress embroidered with gold thread, her hair adorned with gold hairpins and jewels, exuding an air of wealth and luxury.
Xu Xun was visibly taken aback, but he couldn't help but ask, "May I ask who this young master is?"
The so-called young master was none other than Ding Ming, the bodyguard with the impressive chest muscles.
His task today is to show off his love; he doesn't need to worry about anything else.
"It's none of your business." Chu Jinjin waved her hand, took out a thick stack of bills, and said loudly, "Xu Xun, I'll give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to pack your personal belongings and leave my house with your mother and father."
Before marrying Chu Lingling, the Xu family had an ordinary little courtyard.
As the eldest daughter of the Chu family, she naturally cannot live in such a shabby place. Even the servants live in better places than this.
Chu Zujian generously purchased this courtyard as part of his dowry.
Xu Xun's expression finally changed: "Madam, you, this is your intention?"
Hardships make people grow. At this moment, Chu Lingling cannot be said to have become a different person, but she is different from yesterday. She nodded gently: "Please respect yourself, Lord Xu. Our fate has ended. You must not address me as 'Madam'."
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