With Baoyu returning safely, Jia Zheng felt a great weight lifted from his heart. That very evening, he personally went to the Governor's Mansion with generous gifts to thank Lin Ruhai.
Lin Ruhai, who had already been informed, personally greeted them at the gate of the Governor's Mansion.
Seeing Jia Zheng alight from his sedan chair, he quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Brother-in-law, why be so polite and come to visit in person?"
Jia Zheng bowed deeply, his expression sincere: "Brother Ruhai, if it weren't for your help this time, my son would probably be in grave danger. The entire Jia family will remember this kindness and gratitude."
Lin Ruhai quickly helped him up: "Brother-in-law, you flatter me. Baoyu is Yu'er's cousin. Our two families are close relatives. Why should we distinguish between each other? Please come inside and talk."
The two entered hand in hand, and after they were seated, a maid served them fragrant tea.
Jia Zheng looked around and saw that the servants in the mansion were moving about in an orderly manner and that everything was done with strict discipline. He couldn't help but sigh, "My good brother manages the household well. No wonder Yu'er is so knowledgeable and reasonable."
Lin Ruhai smiled slightly: "Brother-in-law, you flatter me. It is Baoyu who has gained a lot of knowledge since returning from his travels."
Jia Zheng shook his head and smiled bitterly: "This child is willful and reckless, and almost caused a disaster. If it weren't for Baochai's careful care along the way, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
At this point, he suddenly remembered something, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “Brother Ruhai, Daiyu’s marriage is approaching. Is there anything my Jia family can do to help? If so, please do not refuse.”
Lin Ruhai waved his hand and said, "I appreciate my brother-in-law's kindness. However, the Empress herself is handling Yu'er's marriage. The dowry list has already been prepared, and even the transportation route has been arranged. I really dare not trouble your household any further."
Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng felt both moved and conflicted.
He had long heard of Daiyu's lavish dowry, and now he felt even more that the imperial favor was extraordinary.
He sighed softly, "It is truly a blessing that Yu'er has such good fortune today."
Lin Ruhai saw through his thoughts and said gently, "Brother-in-law, don't worry. On the day of Yu'er's wedding, I will definitely invite everyone from the Jia family to attend the ceremony. The old lady is getting on in years, and if it is inconvenient for her to travel far, I will personally visit her to explain."
Jia Zheng quickly said, "Although the old lady is old, she must witness such an important event as Yu'er's marriage. However, the journey is long, so we need to plan it carefully."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Jia Zheng got up to take his leave.
Lin Ruhai personally escorted him to the gate, and before parting, he suddenly said, "Brother-in-law, now that Baoyu has returned safely, you should pay more attention to Yuanchun's marriage in the future."
Jia Zheng nodded solemnly.
Yuan Chun's marriage is the most important thing. He has always been too embarrassed to bring it up with his brother-in-law. Now that his brother-in-law has brought it up himself, he will have to shamelessly visit the Lin family more often after Daiyu's marriage.
Thinking of this, he bowed deeply to Lin Ruhai: "What you say is absolutely right, my brother. I'm afraid I will have to trouble you again at that time. I am very grateful."
Lin Ruhai offered a gesture of support, "Brother-in-law, there's no need to be so polite. We're all family. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Jia Zheng took his leave.
---
After seeing Jia Zheng off, Lin Ruhai returned to his study and saw Daiyu sitting by the window embroidering. Sunlight shone through the gauze window onto her, making her appear even more beautiful and refined.
He said softly, "Yu'er, your uncle came by just now."
Daiyu stopped her needlework, looked up and asked, "Is Baoyu feeling any better?"
Lin Ruhai nodded: "I heard from your uncle that he is out of danger."
He paused, then said, "Your dowry has been gradually transported to the capital. The manor will be quite busy these few days. If you find it noisy, you can go to the garden to relax."
Daiyu smiled slightly: "Father, don't worry, I don't find it noisy."
She lowered her head and continued embroidering, her fingertips weaving across the brocade, embroidering a pair of twin lotus blossoms, their petals layered upon each other, lifelike.
Looking at her serene appearance, Lin Ruhai felt both gratified and reluctant to part with her.
He sighed softly, turned and left, instructing his steward Lin Zhong to expedite the transport of the dowry.
---
At the Jinling Wharf, rows of official ships were neatly arranged, and servants were carrying boxes with red seals onto the ships one by one.
Passersby stopped to watch and whisper among themselves.
"I heard this is the dowry of Governor Lin's daughter, and it's going to be transported to the capital!"
"Wow, this is more grand than a princess's wedding!"
"Of course! She's marrying into the royal family; the Empress herself acted as matchmaker!"
Lin Zhong stood on the dock, holding a list, carefully checking each item.
Among these dowry items were jewelry and headdresses bestowed by the Empress, fine silks and satins from the Jiangnan region, and antiques and paintings carefully selected by Lord Lin.
There were also dowry items from the Lin and Jia families, and congratulatory gifts from Lord Lin's colleagues in officialdom...
Each and every item is priceless and cannot afford to be damaged in the slightest.
A servant boy rushed over and whispered, "Uncle Zhong, Master Bao from the Jia family is here. He says he wants to see Miss Jia."
Lin Zhong frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Go and tell them that Miss Biao is preparing for her wedding and is unable to receive guests."
If Master Bao needs anything, he may leave a message.
The servant took the order and left. A short while later, he returned with a letter in his hand: "Master Bao said, please be sure to give this to Miss Biao."
Lin Zhong took the letter and nodded: "Understood."
---
When Daiyu received the letter, she was trying on her newly made wedding dress.
Xueyan came in carrying the letter and said softly, "Miss, Master Bao has sent someone to deliver a letter."
Daiyu took the letter, her fingertips pausing slightly.
She unfolded the letter, which bore Baoyu's familiar handwriting. The content was nothing more than greetings and blessings, but a hint of melancholy lingered between the lines.
The letter ended with the words: "I am delighted to hear that my cousin is getting married. I only wish that you will live a long and happy life together, forever united in heart and soul."
After reading the letter, Daiyu gently folded it and put it into her makeup box.
She looked up at herself in the mirror. Her bright red wedding dress made her face look like a peach blossom, but her eyes showed neither sorrow nor joy.
Zijuan whispered from the side, "Miss, did Master Bao say something?"
Daiyu shook her head: "It's just a casual greeting."
She paused, then said, "Zijuan, do you think a person's life is predetermined?"
Zijuan smiled and said, "Miss, you have found a good match, which is a great joy. Why are you suddenly feeling sentimental?"
Daiyu smiled faintly and said no more.
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