Bai Qi glanced at her, her gaze carrying a hint of coldness.
"You don't need to use your silver tongue to try and silence me. The Jiang family went back on their word, replacing their biological daughter with an adopted one, but the Bai family is not easily deceived. Now that the marriage is arranged, I will naturally accept you as my daughter-in-law, but before you step into the Bai family's doorstep, I must let everyone know how the Jiang family bullies the weak and behaves improperly!"
Thinking of this, she could hardly contain her anger.
Yu Jing is currently only a candidate for the imperial examination, but with his outstanding talent, he will surely win the top prize next year and become an official in the imperial court. His status will naturally rise, and he will be able to marry the daughter of an official in the capital, which would be a perfect match.
However, she never dreamed that the Jiang family would go back on their word and replace their biological daughter with an adopted daughter. How could she tolerate this?
Therefore, even if they tolerate this adopted daughter marrying into the Bai family, they must still set rules for her in person and let her know who is the master of this family.
Faced with her questioning, Jiang Huaiyu retorted, "Since ancient times, marriage alliances have been for the sake of harmony between two families. Both sides have already agreed to this marriage, so how can it be said that the Jiang family has gone back on its word?"
Madam Bai snorted coldly, her eyes revealing displeasure. "You're nothing but an adopted daughter. If you really think about it, you're not even a relative. The Jiang family forced you into this family; aren't they showing contempt for the dignity of the Bai family?"
Aunt Bai escorted Jiang Huaiyu all the way back, having already accepted her as her niece-in-law. She couldn't help but argue, "Sister-in-law, how can you treat your second niece-in-law like this? Look at these dozen or so boxes of dowry. If the Jiang family looked down on this marriage, why would they prepare such a generous dowry for your second niece-in-law?"
Bai Qi's gaze swept across the rows of neat boxes like a sharp arrow, and a thought suddenly arose in her mind.
“Traditionally, a bride must be given a dowry when she marries, and a daughter must bring a dowry with her. You are our daughter-in-law whom we have brought with a lot of money. Since you consider an adopted daughter to be a daughter as well, then you should personally open these chests and let everyone see the dowry you have brought.”
Jiang Huaiyu's eyes instantly turned deep, like stars in the night sky. "A dowry is a woman's private property. These items belong to me personally. Furthermore, if rumors spread that I covet my daughter-in-law's dowry, it will likely damage the Bai family's reputation."
Madam Bai sneered, "That one hundred taels of silver dowry was barely scraped together by selling everything we owned. Do you really have the heart to enjoy delicious food yourself after you marry into the family, while your in-laws suffer in the cold wind?"
"Absolutely not. A family should support each other and walk hand in hand."
"Then you don't need to hesitate any longer. Is there really some unspeakable secret about your dowry?" After saying this, Madam Bai called over several relatives and gestured for them to open the chests and boxes.
At the entrance of the Bai family's residence, a crowd gathered, their eyes all fixed on the rows of mahogany chests.
Bai Qi's face was ashen, her eyes flashing with suspicion and anger.
Jiang Huaiyu stood quietly to the side, her clothes fluttering, a calm expression on her face.
"Open it!" Bai Qi's voice was icy, like the north wind in winter, extremely biting.
The relatives exchanged glances, hesitated for a moment, and finally reached out to open the trunk. As the lid slowly opened, everyone was astonished. Inside, neatly stacked books were laid out, their yellowed pages revealing the marks of time.
"This... what kind of dowry is this?" Bai Qi's face turned ashen instantly. Her eyes widened, and she could hardly believe her eyes.
“Books are also part of the dowry; they can cultivate one’s character and broaden one’s horizons,” Jiang Huaiyu replied calmly, her eyes clear as water, without a trace of impurity.
“Cultivate your character? Broaden your horizons? Do you think this is some kind of scholarly family? What the Bai family wants is real wealth, not these worthless books!” Bai Qi was furious and could hardly control her emotions.
“You misunderstand. These books were given to me by my father. He loved reading and hoped that I would follow in his footsteps. I have no intention of exchanging these books for wealth; I only hope that they can accompany me for the rest of my life.” Jiang Huaiyu’s voice was deep and firm, and her eyes shone with a love for books.
Bai Qi sneered, "You think I'll believe you just because you say that? Who do you think you are? Just an adopted daughter, yet you dare to be so arrogant!"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly: "Mother, I am not arrogant, but simply adhering to my beliefs. I believe that the value of books far exceeds that of material possessions. They can enlighten people and make them wise; this is the most precious wealth my father left me."
A relative of the Bai family couldn't help but interject, "Huaiyu, why are you doing this? You clearly know that the Bai family needs money and valuables, yet you're using these books to appease them. Aren't you just making our Bai family lose face?"
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook her head: "I don't think this is just a perfunctory gesture. I sincerely intend to give these books as part of my dowry. If the Bai family really needs money, I can find a way to raise it. But please believe me, Mother and all relatives, that the value of these books far exceeds that of gold and silver jewelry."
Bai Qishi laughed angrily: "So, Jiang Huaiyu, are you lecturing me? Do you really think your books are worth as much as those valuables?"
“Mother, that’s not what I meant. I just hope you can understand that books are a kind of spiritual sustenance for me. I’m willing to use my sincerity to earn the Bai family’s understanding and respect.” Jiang Huaiyu’s voice was firm yet gentle, and her eyes were full of expectation.
The Bai family's relatives began to discuss the matter, with some thinking that Jiang Huaiyu was too stubborn, while others thought she was ambitious.
The scene quickly descended into chaos.
Jiang Huaiyu maintained a calm smile throughout, and even when faced with the contempt and scolding of the crowd, her expression remained unwavering. She parted her lips slightly and asked in a gentle voice, "I have my own understanding of everyone's feelings. However, I would like to raise a few questions."
Everyone turned to look. A hint of displeasure flashed in Bai Qi's eyes. She sneered, her eyes revealing undisguised contempt: "Jiang Huaiyu, once you enter the Bai family, you must abide by our rules. Yu Jing is a natural-born official. If you dare to hold him back, I will be the first to not let you off the hook."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and looked at Bai Qishi: "You flatter me. Now that I have married Yujing, I will naturally support him with all my might. However, I would like to know, how did you come to the conclusion that Yujing was born to be a high-ranking official?"
Bai Qi's eyes widened, and her tone became even sterner: "Are you questioning my judgment? Who in the whole village doesn't know Yujing's talent? He has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, and he is proficient in reading and writing. He will surely pass the imperial examinations in the future and bring honor to his ancestors."
At this moment, the old village chief stepped forward. He was the most respected elder in the village, and everyone respected him greatly.
He stroked his beard, looked at Jiang Huaiyu, and said in a kind tone, "Miss Jiang, I know you are a good child. But, what the old lady of the Bai family said is right, Yujing is indeed a talented child. It is an honor for our village to have such a talent as him."
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