After the banquet, the eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, found an opportunity to give Mrs. Xie some advice in private.
"It seems that Madam Haixi is very satisfied with Zhen girl. If there are no unexpected events, this marriage should be successful. Sister-in-law, Zhen girl is getting married soon. Is her dowry ready?"
Xie directly lied about the last sentence and asked, "Did Madam Haixi really fall in love with Zhen girl?"
Zhang nodded.
Mrs. Xie said, "I'm not sure about Zhao Silang. I need to hear my master's opinion first. If he says it's okay, then we can proceed with the marriage."
"Of course. When children marry, it's not just the man who looks at the woman, the woman also has to look at the man. I mean, if this marriage is successful, Zhen's dowry should be prepared. For a family like the Haixi Marquis's, Zhen's dowry can't be too shabby. At least five or six thousand taels of silver should be prepared."
Mrs. Xie frowned, "Five or six thousand taels of dowry? That's too much."
Zhang raised an eyebrow. "I still think it's too little. After all, it's the Earl's Mansion. The Earl's wife only brings five or six thousand taels of dowry. Sister-in-law, do you think it's too much? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"
Mrs. Xie said with a stern face, "Zhen is a concubine's daughter. How can a concubine's daughter prepare such a large dowry?"
Back then, when she married Master Gu, her dowry was only one thousand taels. That was all she had.
Zhang snorted and said, "Sister-in-law, Zhen girl is indeed a concubine's daughter, but she married the eldest son of the Haixi Marquis's mansion.
If Zhen girl only brings two or three thousand taels of dowry when she gets married, it will not only be Zhen girl who will be embarrassed, but also you and your wife.
Maybe even our eldest wife will be implicated by you, and they will say that we are all stingy people."
Mrs. Xie was unhappy, "Are you calling me stingy, sister-in-law?"
Zhang smiled faintly, "Don't dare scold my sister-in-law. What I just said is not only my personal opinion, but also the opinion of the old lady of the neighboring Marquis' Mansion."
Xie frowned, "Did the old lady say anything?"
Zhang nodded.
Xie was annoyed, secretly muttering in her heart, why did the old lady interfere in her daughter's marriage? She even deliberately sent someone to tell her not to be so stingy.
Does she give people the impression of being stingy?
But Xie had forgotten how she despised Ma, the eldest wife of Xie, when she said that she would only give a dowry of one or two thousand taels at most when marrying off a daughter born out of wedlock.
If it were her turn to pay, she wouldn't be much better than Ma. They were both reluctant to spend.
Xie dared not disobey the old lady's words.
She said irritably, "I understand what the old lady means. If this marriage is truly possible, I will prepare a dowry of six thousand taels for Zhen."
Zhang nodded with satisfaction, "I'm relieved that my sister-in-law thinks this way."
Xie said she would prepare a dowry of 6,000 taels for Gu Zhen, but she had other thoughts in her mind.
If I had known that Gu Zhen would have to prepare so much dowry when marrying into the Haixi Marquis's Mansion, I would have never gotten married.
Of course, money is more important than Gu Zhen's lifelong event.
The maid came to report that the stage was ready.
Together, Mrs. Xie and Mrs. Zhang invited all the ladies to go to the theater to listen to a play.
The Gu family invited a famous opera troupe from the capital, and the ladies became interested as soon as they heard of the troupe's reputation.
Everyone chatted and laughed, and then came to the theater and sat down.
Xie changed her previous active attitude and tried not to get close to Lady Haixi.
If Lady Haixi was dissatisfied with this and rejected the marriage, Xie would be very happy.
The two young masters of the Haixi Marquis's Mansion, Zhao Erlang and Zhao Silang, went to the theater to pay their respects.
Mrs. Haixibo smiled when she saw her son and said, "Come and meet the two ladies and all the other ladies."
Zhao Erlang and Zhao Silang paid their respects to Mrs. Xie and Mrs. Zhang, and also to all the ladies.
When Mrs. Xie and Mrs. Zhang saw the two young masters of the Zhao family for the first time, they nodded in agreement. They both looked good, but Zhao Erlang was even better.
However, when I think about the rumors that Zhao Erlang was unlucky in marriage and had a bad temper, it is true that you cannot judge a book by its cover.
From this perspective, Zhao Silang is more pleasing to the eye.
Xie coughed lightly and said to the maid Chunhe, "Go and invite the eldest lady."
Chunhe retreated with a smile.
After a while, Gu Zhen was invited over.
Xie said to her, "These two are the second and fourth young masters of the Haixi Marquis's Mansion."
When Gu Zhen heard this, her cheeks turned red instantly, and even her ears turned red.
Gu Zhen bowed and said, "Greetings, Second Brother Zhao, Fourth Brother Zhao."
"Mrs. Gu, you're so polite!" Zhao Silang looked at Gu Zhen with a smile.
Gu Zhen's face became redder and redder, like a cooked shrimp.
She didn't dare to look up, and took small steps back to stand behind Xie, then glanced at Zhao Silang out of the corner of her eye.
She looks really good.
This was Gu Zhen’s first impression of Zhao Silang.
Immediately afterwards, Gu Zhen's heartbeat quickened, thump thump, as if it was about to jump out.
Gu Zhen became more and more shy and a little at a loss.
I'm so nervous.
Xie praised Zhao Erlang and Zhao Silang, and Zhang echoed her.
Mrs. Haixibo smiled subtly. "You two ladies are too kind. They are not as good as you say."
After saying that, Madam Haixibo waved her hand and said, "Just stop standing right in front of us and blocking our view of the show."
Zhao Silang seemed more lively and at ease. "Son, I'll go downstairs with my second brother right away. If mother has any instructions, just tell someone downstairs to tell her."
"Go ahead, watch the show and don't be naughty."
Gu Zhen secretly watched the two young masters of the Zhao family leave the theater, biting her lip, feeling a little reluctant.
As soon as the two Zhao brothers came down from the theater, a maid came over and asked, "Second Young Master, Fourth Young Master, and Sixth Young Miss, please go to the courtyard."
"Sixth sister, why is she going to the courtyard instead of listening to the opera upstairs?"
"Sixth Miss said that listening to opera is boring and the garden is more fun."
Zhao Erlang said with a straight face, "I won't go."
Zhao Silang said, "Brother, please do as you please. I'll go to the courtyard to take a look. No matter what, I can't spoil Sixth Sister's fun."
Zhao Erlang snorted coldly, "Just join her in fooling around." After saying that, he walked away.
Zhao Silang asked the maid to lead the way and hurried to the courtyard.
In the theater, just as Gu Zhen sat down in her seat, a maid came to her quietly.
"Miss, I just saw Young Master Zhao Si go to the courtyard. I heard that Young Master Zhao San and Young Master Zhao Liu were also in the courtyard."
Gu Zhen frowned when he heard this, "Are you telling the truth?"
"I dare not lie to you, young lady. Would you like to go to the courtyard to take a look? If it's too late, I'm worried that something might happen."
Gu Zhen thought that Gu Yue had always had ulterior motives. Would she take the opportunity to attack Zhao Silang and secretly sabotage her marriage?
The more I think about it, the more possible it seems.
Gu Zhen took a deep breath and said to Gu Jiu, "Second sister, it's very stuffy in here. I'm going outside to get some fresh air."
Gu Jiu asked, "Big sister, don't you want to listen to the opera?"
Gu Zhen shook her head. "I don't like this drama. If anyone asks me where I've been, Second Sister, please help me cover up."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Go ahead, big sister. If you need anything, just ask a maid to tell me."
"Thank you, second sister."
Gu Zhen stood up and quietly left the theater with her maid.
Gu Mei noticed the commotion and asked Gu Jiu across the coffee table, "Sister Zhen left. What did she do?"
Gu Jiu whispered, "Big sister said it's too stuffy here, she's going out to get some fresh air and will be back soon."
Gu Mei covered her lips and smiled, "I think Sister Zhen is shy. Her cheeks are so red, she should go out for some fresh air."
Gu Jiu laughed along, "I didn't expect big sister to be so shy."
"It seems that Sister Zhen is very satisfied with Zhao Silang."
Gu Jiu nodded.
When Zhao Silang came upstairs to pay his respects, she had glanced at him a few times, and his first impression was indeed good. Although he was born out of wedlock, he did not have the petty airs of other young masters.
He and Lady Haixi were talking naturally and fluently. I imagine they were probably like this when they were together in private.
Zhao Erlang, on the other hand, always had a cold face, and the word "impatience" was almost carved on his forehead.
Gu Jiu didn't think much about it and continued to listen to the opera.
Although he didn't quite understand the opera, Gu Jiu listened with great interest. These days, there are so few entertainment options, so having the chance to listen to an opera is a good option.
I didn’t understand it at first, but after listening carefully, I could hear some of its charm.
Looking at the other ladies and girls, they were almost completely immersed in the opera, and each of them listened with great interest.
Obviously, this play should be a big hit and loved by everyone.
After two sections of the play, everyone was still not satisfied.
Gu Mei turned around and saw that Gu Zhen's seat was still empty.
She exclaimed, "Sister Zhen hasn't come back yet? It's almost an hour already."
Gu Jiu said, "She hasn't come back yet. I don't know where she went."
It shouldn't take nearly an hour to go out for some fresh air.
Could it be that Gu Zhen really didn't like listening to opera and found an excuse to avoid it?
Gu Jiu didn't think much about it, "Big sister knows her limits. She probably went back to her room to rest."
Gu Mei nodded. "It's been a tiring day, it's time to take a break. Sister Jiu, are you tired? Why don't you go back to your room and rest? I'll watch over you here, don't worry."
Gu Jiu laughed, "How can I be so embarrassed. Sister Mei, don't worry about me. I can still hold on."
"If you can't hold on, remember to tell me."
Gu Jiu nodded.
At this time, a little maid hurried upstairs, came to Mrs. Xie's side, and whispered a few words.
Ma's eyes widened immediately, and she asked in disbelief, "Really?"
The cry of "really" was so loud that it immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the theater.
The maid nodded solemnly, "This servant dare not deceive Madam."
Ma's eyes rolled around, and she immediately stood up and walked over to Xie. "Madam, have you seen your eldest daughter?"
Mrs. Xie frowned and looked at Mrs. Ma with dissatisfaction, "What are you doing, sister-in-law? If you have nothing to do, just go back to your seat."
Ma smiled and said, "I wanted to go back and sit down and continue listening to the opera, but unfortunately something happened and I can't sit still anymore."
Xie suddenly had a bad feeling.
Chunhe understood the situation and quickly asked someone to find out the situation.
Soon, Chunhe got the news.
She leaned over and whispered in Xie's ear, "Madam, something bad has happened to the eldest daughter. It seems to be related to the young master of the Xie family."
"What?"
Xie gnashed her teeth, suppressed her anger, and said to the eldest wife, Zhang, "Sister-in-law, please help look after this place. I'll be back soon."
Ma smiled complacently, "Madam, I didn't lie to you."
Xie glared at Ma fiercely, "Come with me."
Xie and her maid walked in front and hurried down the stage, with Ma following behind.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, watched Mrs. Xie and Mrs. Ma leave with a frown on her face.
What on earth had happened? Her heart was pounding and she felt terrible.
She said to her maid Shaoyao, "Go with me and make sure the Second Madam and the First Madam of the Xie family don't mess around."
"As you command."
Shaoyao chased after him downstairs.
Several ladies in the Marquis' Mansion looked over.
Zhang smiled at everyone and said, "It's nothing serious, sisters-in-law, don't worry."
Madam Wei asked quietly, "Are you really alright?"
Zhang came closer to her and whispered, "I don't know now. I've asked the maid to go over and take a look. I hope it's nothing serious."
Little Wei nodded, "I hope so."
Zhang thought, looking at Xie's expression, it must be something serious. She hoped it wasn't anything serious.
Xie led Ma and hurried to the side room in the courtyard.
Before I even entered the door, I heard Gu Zhen crying.
Ma smiled secretly, then pretended to be worried, "Miss Zhen is crying, is she being bullied?"
Xie glared at Ma, as if to say, "Do you really think I can't tell you're gloating? Put away your hypocritical concern. Why are you pretending to be so smart in front of me?"
Ma pinched her nose and said, "Mrs. Madam is still so fierce."
Mrs. Xie snorted coldly, "Sister-in-law, stop talking nonsense. If it's your son who's messing around, don't blame me for being rude later."
"My child is very good and would never do anything wrong. I'm afraid it's not your daughter who is not disciplined."
"What did the sister-in-law say?"
Xie stared at Ma with a sinister look, and her eyes were so vicious that she scared Ma to death.
Ma quickly changed her words, "I didn't say anything, please don't misunderstand me, ma'am."
Mrs. Xie narrowed her eyes. "Sister-in-law, let me be frank. If I hear any rumors outside that are unfavorable to our daughter of the Gu family, don't blame me for being heartless."
Ma said embarrassedly, "I understand. I promise not to say a single word. Aunt, please go in quickly. Judging from the noise, it seems that the situation is serious."
Xie glared at Ma fiercely before entering the room.
Gu Zhen lay on the table, crying non-stop. Her sleeves were torn, revealing the cotton-padded jacket underneath.
His clothes were covered in mud, and he was dirty, and his hair was a mess.
When Ma saw this image, she gasped.
Could it be that my own kid had forced himself on Gu Zhen?
Ma suddenly felt guilty. If she really had to use force, this matter would be difficult to handle.
Xie saw Gu Zhen's miserable appearance at a glance, and her maid was guarding her side.
Xie Ding, the second young master of the Xie family, stood in the corner, looking at a loss.
The eldest and third young masters of the Xie family were accompanying Xie Ding, both with frowns on their faces.
"What's going on?"
Xie asked sternly.
Gu Zhen didn't say anything, but cried even louder.
Lu Yi, the maidservant beside Gu Zhen, cried with her.
Mrs. Xie roared, "Why are you crying? What happened to your daughter? You are her personal maid, how could you not know?"
Lu Yi stopped crying and pointed at Xie Ding, "It's all his fault. He's the one who harmed the girl."
"What's going on?" Xie asked.
Green Clothes sobbed and said, "I was strolling with my daughter in the courtyard when this man suddenly rushed out, knocked my daughter over, and fell to the bridge with her. He then hugged her directly. He took the opportunity to flirt with her. He is a filthy scoundrel."
"Little girl, don't talk nonsense." Ma stared at Lu Yi with a bad look.
Green Clothes pointed to the sky and swore, "If I say anything nonsense, I will be struck by lightning as soon as I leave the house."
Ma was choked. The maids in the Gu Mansion were so powerful. She couldn't afford to offend them.
At this time, Gu Zhen cried even louder.
Xie was furious and turned around suddenly, staring at Xie Ding.
"Is that so?"
Xie Ding felt guilty and avoided looking around.
Ma yelled at him, "When Madam asks you questions, just tell me what you want to hear. You must shoulder your responsibilities."
Xie Ding lowered his head and said, "This is a misunderstanding."
Bang!
A tea bowl flew towards Xie Ding's head.
Xie Ding screamed and dodged.
The tea bowl fell to the ground with a loud noise.
Both Ma and Xie were startled and looked in the direction the tea bowl came from.
Gu Zhen stared at Xie Ding with hatred, pointing her finger at him, "How dare you say it's a misunderstanding? Xie Erlang, do you think I'm some ignorant country girl who's easy to fool?
You clearly did this on purpose, you've been plotting against me from the beginning. You shameless bastard, you've ruined my reputation and my future, I'm going to kill you."
Gu Zhen rushed towards Xie Ding.
Xie shouted, "Hurry up and stop the young lady."
Ma was howling beside him, "This won't do. Girls should be more gentle."
"Pooh!"
Gu Zhen spat directly on Ma.
Ma was furious. This was her new dress. How could that damned girl Gu Zhen, a concubine's daughter, have the guts to spit at her?
This damn girl, when she marries into the Xie family, she will definitely skin her alive.
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