Chapter 854 Secret (1)
Mingqi has been living a happy life these years, but it seems that he is not very happy either.
The joy of the family gathering together was always a joy. The unhappiness was that once the new year was over, Shen Miao would be marrying off to Daliang. As time drew near, everyone in the Shen residence was busy day and night, preparing Shen Miao's dowry, the guards and servants she would bring, the maids she would bring with her, and the journey she would have to take with the long carriages and horses to Daliang.
Although the dowry that Chen Xin prepared for Shen Miao was not as good as the betrothal gift that Xie Jingxing had given, it was still very generous. He didn't give her any shops or land, as they wouldn't be used in Daliang. He also didn't bring much furniture with him due to the travel. Aside from some rare jewelry, most of it was converted into silver. In a foreign country, other things might be dispensable, but silver is indispensable, and having cash on hand is much more convenient.
Originally, the silver that Shen Xin and his wife had prepared for Shen Miao was more than enough, but Shen Qiu secretly pulled Shen Miao aside and took out a thick stack of banknotes from his sleeve, saying, "These are banknotes from Tonghui Bank, which can also be used in Daliang." He then said shyly, "Brother doesn't have anything extra, so I only have these banknotes for you. Don't think it's too little, sister."
Shen Miao looked at the wrinkled banknotes that Shen Qiu had pinched, and a warm feeling surged through her heart. Shen Qiu was a young man after all, and those soldiers in the military department worked hard for him every day, so Shen Qiu naturally had to return the favor occasionally by treating them to a meal or something. Shen Qiu's salary was not much, and most of it was a reward for his military achievements in the past. He did not keep it for future family life, but gave it to her instead. Shen Miao was touched and said, "Big brother, the banknotes my parents gave me can provide me with food and clothing for the rest of my life, why are you giving me all this?"
"Father and mother are father and mother, brother is brother. How can what I gave you be the same as what my father and mother gave you?" Chen Qiu was anxious. He stuffed the banknote into Chen Miao's hand and walked away without looking back. Chen Miao looked at his back, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. She thought that she had to find an opportunity to have Mo Qing secretly return the money to Chen Qiu.
Just as I was thinking about it, I saw Shen Xin walk in from outside and said, "Jiaojiao, Dad has something to tell you, come, let's go to the study."
Hearing this, Luo Xueyan was about to follow in, saying, "That's just right. Mother also has something to tell you."
"Madam, it's not too late to explain later," Shen Xin said, "Let me and Jiaojiao have a few words alone."
Luo Xueyan scoffed, but did not follow in. She thought that Shen Xin was going to secretly give Shen Miao some silver or something else, so she did not think much about it.
Shen Miao followed Shen Xin into the study. Shen Xin had a servant guard the door outside while he sat Shen Miao down at the table inside and brought her cakes and tea. He then sat down across from Shen Miao, sighed deeply, and said, "In a few days, Jiaojiao, you'll be getting married. I plan to have Mo Qing accompany you to Daliang." After a pause, Shen Xin continued, "Although Prince Rui is the Yongle Emperor's younger brother and holds considerable status in Daliang, the royal family is always full of gossip, and some things may not be as simple as they seem. Once there, don't be wronged. If anyone bullies you, tell Prince Rui that you were married to him at great expense, and he will always protect you. Don't take it on yourself; just leave it to him."
Shen Miao agreed.
"If Prince Rui can't protect you, don't be afraid. You still have your parents. I've picked a few men from the Shen family army. Although they're not as skilled as Mo Qing, they're no ordinary men. I'll dress them up as the Shen Mansion's dowry guards and bring them with you. Just don't let yourself get hurt."
Shen Xin persuaded her earnestly, and Shen Miao thought about it, and finally couldn't help asking: "Dad, you and Mom...have you never thought about leaving Mingqi?"
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