Chapter 15: Settling the Dowry

He Lingyi and her two maids couldn’t help but laugh, instantly breaking the tension in the room.

Jin Xiuniang had thrived in the business of wealthy and powerful families for many years, not only because of her skill but also thanks to her mastery of the art of turning a blind eye and a deaf ear when necessary.

After watching the entire scene unfold, she remained composed and then spoke to Chi Guiwan.

"Miss, your measurements are done. I’ll return to work on the clothes. Should I deliver them to the Marquis of Haibo’s residence or here?"

"Deliver them here. Just now was merely to provoke them; you were just here to witness the spectacle. Qianchun, bring the silver notes."

"Yes, Miss."

Soon, the maid Qianchun handed Jin Xiuniang a silver note worth a thousand taels. She accepted it happily, smiling as she replied, "Rest assured, Miss, I won’t mention a single word."

"Fudong, see Jin Xiuniang out."

"Yes, Miss."

Thus, the wardrobe drama came to an end. He Lingyi felt genuinely pleased that her mother had seen things clearly and taken control of her own affairs.

She didn’t know how much longer she would be able to stay at the Shilang residence, so she resolved to remind her mother as often as she could.

"Does Lady Guo always take advantage like this?"

"Quite often. Sometimes it’s clothes, sometimes other things. Our lady used to be friendly with them and would give anything. At least twenty to thirty percent of the dowry left by Madam has already been given away," sighed Qianchun.

Before the late Marquis of Haibo passed, he had safeguarded these possessions for his granddaughter. Lady Guo, feeling no right to take them, had switched tactics and now pretended to be wholeheartedly kind to Chi Guiwan, naturally offering anything she wanted with both hands.

With a loud slam, Chi Guiwan struck the table with her fist, causing the tea to spill—her anger was palpable.

"Qianchun, go get the list of Mother’s dowry. I want to carefully tally everything these days to see what I’ve truly gained after giving away so much!"

"Miss, are you sure? Mother’s dowry has always been locked in the storeroom untouched. If we open it to inventory, we’ll need a solid reason!" Qianchun advised, then glanced at He Lingyi.

In her view, her hundred words would not outweigh a single one from Miss He, so she hoped He Lingyi would speak up.

He Lingyi also felt this was not the time to dredge up old grievances.

Firstly, everyone knew Madam Hai had left a substantial dowry, though the exact extent was uncertain. If Lady Guo found out, she would surely cause more trouble.

Secondly, if He Lingyi remembered correctly, their unscrupulous father’s visit was imminent. Since the marriage was still on, they had to push Chi Guiying into this fiery pit. If the dowry list leaked and their father caught wind, it would spell disaster.

So she spoke gently.

"It’s not yet time to tear the family apart. Sister Chi, calm yourself. Let’s first get the list and compare it; it’s best to know exactly what’s missing. List out four or five or six items—later, you can present your case clearly and reasonably in front of Shilang Chi."

Her words struck a chord with Chi Guiwan, who quickly produced the storeroom inventory.

The Marquis of Haibo had only one son and one daughter, so a considerable dowry was prepared for marriage. But over the years, many items in the storeroom had been tricked or stolen away, and more than half the treasures were gone.

The inventory was divided into three categories: calligraphy and paintings, gold and jade artifacts, and fabrics and jewelry.

The three of them spent the entire afternoon counting and sorting before finally clarifying the situation.

"Lady Guo and Second Sister Chi love to take advantage of fabrics and jewelry the most. From what we see now, forty percent of the treasures have ended up in their rooms. The calligraphy and paintings have been reduced by twenty percent by Shilang Chi as well. Gold and jade artifacts are a bit better—only ten percent gone. But Sister Chi, as Qianchun said, you’ve lost twenty to thirty percent of your dowry, mostly precious items," He Lingyi reported.

Chi Guiwan felt both angry and sorrowful.

When she gave these things away, she never thought there was anything wrong. But like drops that carve stone, the accumulated losses were staggering.

"Well, others spend fortunes to find true friends, but I—I've spent a fortune and can’t even make a sound!"

Her eyes reddened, but she refused to show weakness. Though her heart was heavy, she wiped her tears with her sleeve and then commanded,

"Qianchun, from now on, no matter who comes or what pretext they use, no one is allowed to take anything from the storeroom!"

Her gaze swept over He Lingyi, then she added, "Except you, Lingyi."

Hearing this, He Lingyi was momentarily at a loss for words.

Mother, oh mother, you trust others too much. If they are schemers, isn’t that jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire?

Thinking so, she decided she must find her mother a reliable protector for the long term—and promptly thought of her maternal family, the Marquis of Haibo’s household.

"Sister Chi, this is a rare opportunity. You should visit the Marquis of Haibo’s residence more often. After all, without their help, this turmoil might not have been resolved so quickly."

At the mention, a trace of helplessness and regret appeared on Chi Guiwan’s delicate face.

"I know I should go and ask for forgiveness, but it feels like saying sorry won’t help. My cousin’s future was ruined because of me, so... I don’t know what I can do to make amends, to restore his former radiant appearance so he won’t be the subject of gossip anymore."

He Lingyi was puzzled.

The Marquis of Haibo’s residence and her mother were secretive about this matter. Everyone knew she had offended her uncle’s family, but few knew the real reason.

"What could have happened to ruin a man’s future so thoroughly?"

Chi Guiwan hesitated, about to speak, but then the maid Qianchun stepped in to relieve the tension and explained on her mistress’s behalf.

"Miss He is close to our lady, so I’m not afraid to reveal some shortcomings. The eldest son, a young hero, was the Marquis of Haibo’s primary heir from childhood, well-trained in both civil and military arts. Many families in Bianzhou sought to marry into their family. The Marchioness was cautious for her son’s and the family’s future, so the match had not been decided. Three years ago, at a spring banquet, someone gave the eldest son strong liquor, and he got terribly drunk. A servant helped him to rest. Our lady happened to pass by and went to check, but... she saw something she shouldn’t have."

"What? Did he harass the maid? Or some young lady?" He Lingyi asked worriedly, as that would have damaged his reputation.

"No. What she saw was our cousin and his personal attendant... fooling around. She was so frightened she cried out, drawing attention. The matter then spread."

A scandal involving a male favorite? Or his personal attendant?

He Lingyi could hardly believe her ears. The Haibo family had a legacy of valor and virtue; everyone was accustomed to their descendants being upright and honorable. How could this be?

"Could there be a misunderstanding? Were they drugged?"

Chi Guiwan was unsettled by He Lingyi’s questions. Guilt filled her face as she replied,

"I was young and scared to death when I saw that scene. I caused a commotion and drew a crowd. Fearing trouble, I deliberately distanced myself from my cousin. Later, my aunt hurried to seek my testimony. I don’t know if I was blinded, but in front of several elder ladies, I accused my cousin of moral corruption, unworthy of the family’s honor, so..."