Xiao Wenkai was taken aback. In those days, a family that could afford a thousand taels of silver as a bride price was definitely considered wealthy! Even if he didn't eat or drink and copied books for a lifetime, he couldn't possibly earn that much silver!
Grandma Yang was equally surprised when she heard the news. She had been raising her granddaughter so carefully for two reasons: firstly, to ensure that her granddaughter could marry into a good family and pave the way for her eldest grandson; secondly, she naturally hoped to earn a large dowry through this method.
Now it seems this marriage is even more profitable than she imagined...
Seeing that Granny Yang and Xiao Wenkai were somewhat interested, Shen Yunsheng smiled and flattered, "Second Uncle, this is truly a wonderful match. These days, there are very few mothers-in-law as generous as Aunt Chen. Many people work hard their whole lives and still can't earn a thousand taels."
Matchmaker Wan chimed in, "Second Master Xiao, please agree to this marriage! Tianci is a promising young man; he might even become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"
Chen smiled and assured him, "Brother Wenkai, you can rest assured that you will take good care of the pearl in my care."
Shen Yunsheng suspected that Li Tianci was already terminally ill; otherwise, why would his mother have been willing to spend a thousand taels?
"Grandma, haven't you always wanted Pearl to marry a scholar? Maybe after Pearl marries him, Li Tianci can become a scholar."
The matchmaker, Wan, went out of her way to praise them, saying, "Old lady, I've calculated their birth dates and times; they're a perfect match. You can just wait to enjoy your retirement."
Fearing that Granny Yang would not agree, Madam Chen added, "Auntie, if you agree to this marriage, I am willing to add another two hundred taels."
Granny Yang was overjoyed, but a troubled look appeared on her face. "This...we still need to discuss it with Pearl."
“That’s only right. Marriage is a major life event, and the decision should be made by the person themselves,” Chen quickly agreed.
If her son were a healthy person, she definitely wouldn't want to become in-laws with the Xiao family.
Shen Yunsheng looked at Granny Yang with a mischievous grin, "Grandma, I think there's no need to consider it anymore. By the time you've thought it through, it'll be too late."
Wan, a matchmaker for decades, had never seen a rural man willing to spend so much money to get a wife before.
If she had known earlier that the Chen family would increase the price, she would have chosen someone else and perhaps even made a profit from it.
“Grandma, I think your granddaughter-in-law is absolutely right. There are countless women in the surrounding villages who want to marry Young Master Li. You should make a decision as soon as possible.”
Shen Yunsheng said bluntly, "Grandma, if you hesitate any longer, my Aunt Chen will have to find someone else. As long as she is willing to offer the same dowry, all the girls in our village will be willing to marry into their family."
After Shen Yunsheng finished speaking, he added, "Old lady, if you miss this opportunity, you'll never have another one. My friend Hongyu only received 160 taels of silver when she married the youngest son of Master Huang."
Granny Yang was even more tempted. 1,200 taels of silver was something she never dared to dream of. Even if she married her granddaughter to a rich man in the city, they wouldn't be willing to give her 1,200 taels.
Xiao Wenkai was also tempted. He was short of money right now, and with this money, he could use it to build connections and secure a good future.
After pondering for a moment, Granny Yang smiled and looked at Madam Chen, "Little Chen, let us think about it first, and I will give you an answer tomorrow."
"Very well, then I'll wait for your good news." Madam Chen said with a smile, and then left the Xiao family with Matchmaker Wan.
After they left, Xiao Wenjing finally spoke, "Mother, are you really going to marry Pearl off to that sickly man?"
Granny Yang rolled her eyes at him. "What do you know? This is 1,200 taels of silver! With this money, your brother and nephew will have the travel expenses to take the imperial examination."
Shen Yunsheng was speechless at his father-in-law. Xiao Zhenzhu's own father hadn't even spoken up, so why was he in such a hurry?
"Father, please don't worry about it. It's not our place to concern ourselves with Pearl's marriage."
Just as her father-in-law was about to speak, Shen Yunsheng interrupted him.
Actually, Xiao Wenjing was envious of the bride price. He was wondering if Li Tianci's family would still be willing to give 1,200 taels if the person he was engaged to was his daughter.
Xiao Wenkai was afraid that his brother would take the money from him, so he smiled and spoke up for Li Tianci, "Actually, Li Tianci isn't that bad. Although his body is a bit weak, his character is not bad."
Shen Yunsheng casually chimed in, "I also think Li Tianci is not bad. If I had known earlier that his family would give 1,200 taels of silver, I would definitely have advised Wanqing to accept the marriage."
Upon hearing this, Granny Yang became even more determined in her opinion, fearing that Shen Yunsheng would try to take the money from her.
Xiao Wenkai sighed softly, "Mother, this matter is already settled. If we don't agree, the Li family has the right to sue us, and we might even be accused of fraudulent marriage."
Seeing this, Granny Yang smiled with satisfaction, "Then the marriage is settled. Go tell Pearl to prepare for her wedding later."
Xiao Wenkai responded and left the main room.
Shen Yunsheng couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Xiao Wenkai's departing figure. She had thought they loved Xiao Zhenzhu so much, but it turned out they were nothing special after all!
Inside the main room, Granny Yang glanced at Shen Yunsheng and immediately followed Xiao Wenkai.
Xiao Wenjing said sourly, "Hey! The Li family is really generous, giving away 1,200 taels."
Shen Yunsheng smiled and looked at her father-in-law, "Please don't be envious. Even if it were 12,000 taels, I wouldn't be willing to marry Wanqing off to him, let alone just 1,200 taels."
Actually, Xiao Wenjing was in a good mood, at least his daughter didn't have to marry Li Tianci.
Seeing her father-in-law looking depressed, Shen Yunsheng smiled and comforted him, "Father, don't worry about this. We just need to live our own lives."
Xiao Wenjing said impatiently, "I know, just do what you're supposed to do."
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