Madam Song hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't help but say, "Father-in-law, the household expenses have been quite high these past few years. I... I really had no other choice, that's why..."
Old Master Gu interrupted her, coldly saying, "You have no right to explain! Jiang's dowry is rightfully hers; you have no right to seize it!"
Madam Song dared not speak further and could only bow her head in agreement.
Gu Qinlan accepted the dowry, looked at Zheng Dinglian gratefully, and said softly, "Thank you, Your Highness, for seeking justice for me."
Zheng Dinglian smiled slightly: "It's what I should do, no need to be polite."
Gu Qinlan then looked at Grandpa Gu and curtsied, saying, "Grandfather, I'm sorry to have troubled you."
Grandpa Gu sighed and gently patted her hand: "Qinlan, you are a good child. Song was just confused for a moment. Don't take it to heart and don't hold it against her."
Gu Qinlan remained noncommittal, simply smiling without saying a word.
Back in my room, I still felt a bit incredulous, like I'd just woken up from a dream.
She sat on a round stool made of mahogany, gently stroking the various precious jewelry pieces displayed on the table, her eyes sparkling with joy.
The maid, Fuyu, ran excitedly into the room, her smile as bright as a spring flower. She said eagerly, "Miss, do you know? Madam just fainted from anger. The sight of her was truly exhilarating!"
Gu Qinlan smiled gently, but a trace of surprise still lingered in her eyes: "Really? She was so easily defeated."
“Yes, Miss, Madam has never suffered such a loss before!” Fu Yu raised her voice, her joy evident on her face. “Miss, do you know? Just now in the main hall, you and Uncle were so calm and collected in arguing with her. All the evidence was presented, and Madam’s face changed. She couldn’t refute it at all.”
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly and smiled gently.
"Miss, you are truly amazing!" Fu Yu praised excitedly. "That lady, she is usually so arrogant, but she lost to you today. She must have been frightened by your courage and wisdom."
Gu Qinlan smiled and gently shook her head: "Fuyu, you know I didn't mean to embarrass her. It's just that my mother's dowry is rightfully mine, and I can't let her continue to take it."
“Miss, you are so kind.” Fu Yu sighed, her joy replaced by a trace of worry. “But, Madam is so vicious, she will definitely find a way to take revenge.”
A resolute glint flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes: "I know, but it won't be so easy for her to do anything to me again. Now, I have my mother's dowry, and I can use that money to secure a better future for myself."
Fuyu listened, her eyes shining with respect: "Miss, you are so strong. However, I am still worried about you."
"It's alright, Fuyu." Gu Qinlan patted Fuyu's hand and comforted her with a smile.
Hongye walked in at this moment, smiling and saying, "Miss, this time we owe a great debt to the Prince of Duan. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't have been able to get your dowry back so easily."
As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Qinlan frowned slightly, a hint of confusion flashing across her face: "But I have no connection with him, so why would he help me with this?"
Fuyu handed Gu Qinlan a cup of fragrant tea and guessed, "Miss, perhaps it's because you are about to get married, and at this crucial moment, he naturally wants to stand on your side."
Hongye gently shook her head and said, "Miss, don't you understand? Since the Prince of Duan's son is willing to lend a helping hand, he must have some feelings for you. Otherwise, given his status and position, why would he get involved in this mess?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qinlan blushed slightly. She lowered her head, her fingers gently stroking the table, and said, "Perhaps, but I always feel that there must be something fishy about this."
She took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, still somewhat puzzled, but she knew now was not the time to dwell on the question.
Hongye smiled and said, "Miss, why think so much? Since he helped you, you should express your gratitude. Everyone in our household says that the Prince Duan's son is handsome and dashing, and truly captivating at first sight. Why don't you make something yourself to show your appreciation?"
Gu Qinlan raised her head, looked at Hongye, a resolute glint in her eyes, and said, "Alright, it's as you wish. I'll personally make some thank-you gifts. But you mustn't tell anyone else; I don't want this matter to become the talk of the town."
Fuyu and Hongye exchanged a smile, nodded, and said, "Don't worry, Miss, we will keep it a secret."
Gu Qinlan scratched her head, somewhat hesitant, and said, "What gift do you think would be suitable for him?"
Hongye blinked and smiled, "Miss, why don't you make something yourself? That way, it will show your sincerity and let him feel your gratitude."
Fu Yu nodded in agreement: "Yes, Miss, your needlework has always been excellent, and a gift made by hand will surely surprise him."
After a moment's thought, Gu Qinlan had an idea.
...
Early the next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Gu Qinlan's bed, illuminating her beautiful face. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw her maid, Fuyu, skipping and hopping into the room.
"Miss, Miss, are you awake?" Fu Yu ran excitedly to the bedside, her face full of joy.
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly and said softly, "You're awake, Fuyu. What makes you so happy?"
Unable to hide her joy, Fuyu said, "Miss, do you know? The Ji family has sent betrothal gifts to the Third Miss!"
Gu Qinlan frowned slightly. She had already anticipated this, but she hadn't expected the Ji family to act so quickly: "Oh? What did they send?"
Fuyu, beaming with pride, said, "They sent twenty loads of betrothal gifts, but they were very meager, all empty things. Miss, don't you think the Ji family is looking down on the Third Miss?"
Gu Qinlan smiled calmly and said, "This is not surprising. I know the Ji family's character. They did this simply to humiliate the Third Miss. I'm afraid the Third Miss will not have a good life after marrying into the family."
...
Inside the Star-Picking Garden on the other side.
Gu Qinlian lay on the bed sobbing, tears soaking the edge of the pillow. Her shoulders trembled as if she were bearing endless grievances.
The night grew darker, with only the faint glow of the red candle on the table illuminating her pale face and moist eyes.
Outside the door, Madam Song gently pushed it open, her footsteps almost inaudible. She walked to the bedside, sat down, and gently patted Gu Qinlian's back, her voice tender yet heavy: "Lian'er, don't be sad for him anymore!"
Looking at her daughter's red and swollen eyes, her heart ached.
Gu Qinlian raised her head, her eyes still filled with tears, but she forced a smile: "Mother, I'm fine, I just feel a little wronged."
Madam Song frowned, sat down on the edge of the bed, and took Gu Qinlian's hand: "Lian'er, the betrothal gifts sent by the Ji family are indeed meager. This is clearly an insult to you. Why don't you break off the engagement and find someone worthy of your lifelong commitment?"
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