Gu Qinlan asked, "Where are the things that Madam Song gave me when I got married?"
On that day, Song provided her with some dowry items, but she did not examine them carefully. Given Song's temperament, she guessed that she would not give her anything of great value.
A glint of light flashed in Fuyu's eyes: "Those items are all properly stored in the storeroom, Miss, I'll go and fetch them right away."
Soon, Fuyu led two maids, carrying a heavy box into the room. As soon as the lid of the box was opened, Fuyu couldn't help but frown slightly.
The box was full of old-fashioned jewelry and outdated fabrics, all with outdated styles and colors.
The total value of these items is probably difficult to estimate.
Gu Qinlan knew Song's character very well, so she never paid any attention to this box of items.
However, at this moment, the box of items found a use.
"When you're getting ready for your wedding tomorrow, take this box of items with you."
Fuyu hesitated for a moment: "Miss, isn't this box of items too shabby to be presented?"
The total value of these items is estimated to be no more than two hundred taels.
Gu Qinlan calmly replied, "Since she can give this to me, why can't I give it to my sister?"
Fuyu burst out laughing.
That's absolutely right!
Generally speaking, when elders give dowries to younger generations, the etiquette is always more elaborate than that between peers. Since the young lady brought out all these items, who can criticize her for acting inappropriately?
If anyone dares to say that it is inappropriate, wouldn't that be tantamount to questioning the suitability of Mr. Song's gift?
Would the Song family admit to any wrongdoing? Of course not.
So, at dawn the next day, Gu Qinlan, accompanied by her maid and the box, returned to the Gu family by carriage.
At this moment, the Gu family's residence was brightly lit, with colorful flags fluttering in the breeze. The stage in front of the gate was fully erected, and the melodious sounds of opera attracted many ordinary people to watch. Outside the gate, a continuous banquet had been set up, which had begun yesterday and would last for three days.
Fuyu said indignantly, "When our young lady got married last month, the scene was never so grand! Our young lady was marrying into the Prince Duan's mansion! The second young lady is just marrying a scholar, why is there such extravagance? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at for not knowing your limits?"
Gu Qinlan chuckled: "I don't even care, why are you so angry?"
Fuyu pouted: "They don't value Miss, and I feel indignant."
Gu Qinlan comforted her, "What does this matter? It's just a show of pomp and circumstance. Sometimes, the bigger the show, the deeper the constraints."
The number of people watching Gu Qinlian and Ji Yinli's marriage today will be matched by the number of people waiting to see them fail in the future.
If you don't believe it, let's wait and see.
When the gatekeeper saw Gu Qinlian's carriage arrive, he hurriedly ran out to greet it.
"Grandma, the manor is very busy today, and the carriage cannot enter. Please get out of the carriage and walk in."
Gu Qinlan showed no displeasure. After getting out of the carriage, she walked towards the main gate of the Gu residence, followed closely by her maids carrying boxes. The gatekeeper immediately announced loudly, "The Prince Duan's residence is adding to the dowry for the eldest young lady."
The guests inside turned around to look at the sound.
The number of guests who came to the Gu family to offer their congratulations today even exceeded the grand occasion of Gu Qinlan's wedding.
The courtyard was filled with guests of all kinds, including officials from Jindu and ordinary merchants.
With a composed smile, Gu Qinlan entered the mansion with graceful poise.
Seeing this, Gu Zhongyu stepped forward and asked, "Why are you alone? Where is your mother-in-law?"
He hoped that the Zheng family would send more people to demonstrate the Gu family's status.
Gu Qinlan replied, "My mother-in-law went to the temple not long ago to pray for the young master."
Although Gu Zhongyu felt down, he did not show it clearly: "Go to Qinlian's residence quickly. You sisters have always had a deep relationship. Even though you will each marry someone else in the future, you must visit each other often and take care of each other."
Gu Qinlan smiled gently and agreed softly, "That is beyond doubt. Then I will trouble you to go ahead and do your part for your younger sister."
She politely bowed to Gu Zhongyu, then led her servants directly towards Gu Qinlian's courtyard.
At this moment, Gu Qinlian's courtyard was filled with laughter and bustling activity, as many prominent ladies and socialites from Jindu City gathered together.
Recalling the time when Gu Qinlan got married, the courtyard was deserted and desolate. She never liked going out, and in addition, Song Shi intended to keep her behind the scenes, so she had almost no social life and even fewer close friends.
Unlike Gu Qinlan, Gu Qinlian was lively and active by nature, and loved bustling crowds. Madam Song was happy to help her make many good matches, so she was quite popular in Jindu City and had many friends. Today was her wedding day, and those who had even a slight acquaintance with her came to add to her dowry.
As Gu Qinlan stepped into the courtyard, she immediately attracted the attention of many ladies and young women.
A merchant's wife, skilled in social interaction, hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Lady of the Heir Apparent."
Gu Qinlan recognized her; she was Madam Tu, a merchant's wife with considerable influence in Jindu City. Her husband ran a successful business.
Gu Qinlan nodded with a smile: "You're too kind, Madam."
Despite her young age, thanks to her husband Zheng Dinglian's official position, she had already risen to the ranks of the highest-ranking women in the courtyard.
Led by Madam Tu, the other ladies and young women also bowed to Gu Qinlan.
Gu Qinlian was getting ready inside when she witnessed the scene in the courtyard, and she couldn't help but clench her fists in anger.
"That cunning woman! She stole the spotlight on my big day!"
A girl with narrow eyes and a thin face rolled her eyes and whispered in Gu Qinlian's ear.
This is Sheng Mimi, Gu Qinlian's close friend. Her father is a clerk in the government office and is considered a prominent figure in Jindu City.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com