Chapter 548: Chapter 537: The Marchioness’s Maid
Zhong Lan truly did not anticipate that her maternal grandmother and uncles still cared so deeply about her; it seemed they had never forgotten her and her brother, having not only brought over her mother’s original dowry but also provided additional supplements. What a grand gesture was this?
Zhong Lan was moved to tears, and even Zhong Jue’s eyes turned red, whereas Zhong Huaiwen wore a slightly embarrassed expression.
Because just yesterday, his mother had claimed that the Ying Family did not value the two children, not showing any gesture when Zhong Lan was getting married. Who would have expected to be proven wrong so swiftly!
How could it be said that the Ying Family did not value the children? They valued them even more than the Zhong Family themselves! The dowry given by the maternal family was no less generous than that provided by their own family, where could the Zhong Family even place their face now?
Zhong Huaiwen’s face turned alternately dark and flushed, feeling that the Ying Family was slapping his face, and he absolutely could not lose this face.
So, just when Aunt Wei was feeling distressed that the Ying Family gave so much yet she couldn’t get any of it herself, Old Master Zhong came to carve off her flesh again.
"Cousin, you are still adding more? Sister Lan’s dowry is already plentiful, how will we manage if you add more? Jue’er will marry in the future, Yin’er is only half a year younger than Sister Lan, and Lang’er is still studying, our family has so many people to support, my lord, there really isn’t much money left on the account!" Aunt Wei ground her teeth, hating both Zhong Lan and the Ying Family, yet she couldn’t show it in front of Zhong Huaiwen; it was extremely frustrating.
The Zhong Family wasn’t as bad off as she described, but those things were what she was plotting for her own two children. Why should it all go to Zhong Lan? Ying Ru had finally passed away, and now her daughter came to thwart her, how was this fair?
"No money? I remember that when Ying Ru managed the household, there were always tens of thousands of taels in surplus each year; how come there’s no money now?" It was the first time Zhong Huaiwen showed a doubtful expression.
Aunt Wei’s face stiffened; although her cousin was very affectionate towards her, he detested her elder brother. She couldn’t possibly say that the money was taken to support her own parental family! And since she was just a concubine before, Ying Ru, the stingy, only ever gave her money as per the rules; wasn’t she allowed to save some on the side?
Although Zhong Huaiwen wasn’t fond of managing inner house affairs, it didn’t mean he was clueless. He pitied his cousin, so even though he knew about her private savings, he said nothing, as if it were her manager’s hard earned fee. However, he could not stand Aunt Wei contradicting him, having always been sensible for so many years, why such a strong reaction just over money?
"I recall there’s a ten-acre hot spring manor on the outskirts, just add that to the dowry. Also, give an additional ten thousand taels for personal expenses." Zhong Huaiwen decided before Aunt Wei could react.
Aunt Wei wanted to loudly tell Zhong Huaiwen not to give anything, but she dared not. In this family, her greatest confidence came from her cousin’s affection. Aunt might pass away any time, and if her cousin brought another new lady of the house at this moment, her days would not be easy.
Thus, she had to be obedient, she had to let her cousin know she was always sensible and considerate; only then could she continue to control the great authority of this family and continue to seek benefits for her own two children.
Despite her heart bleeding, she had to put on a generous expression: "Yes, let’s follow cousin’s plan; perhaps add a few more house-born servants to assist Sister Lan after she moves to the Marquis Mansion."
Seeing Aunt Wei being very obedient to his words, Zhong Huaiwen felt she was becoming increasingly sensible and intimate, still a woman thought things through thoroughly. The Marquis Mansion was so vast, and Sister Lan would be the Housekeeper upon marriage, how could she manage without several suitable helpers?
"Let’s do as you suggested; choose a few house-born servants who must be honest, clever, and loyal."
"Understood thoroughly, rest assured they will definitely obey." Aunt Wei smiled, those she picked would naturally listen to her.
The next day, when Zhong Lan slightly surprised to learn that her father added more dowries for her, she quickly forgot about it as her wedding day was approaching and she had many things to prepare.
As a daughter of an official, she wasn’t expected to embroider her own wedding dress, but rather to seize the time to learn housekeeping knowledge and the etiquette of noble families. Her mother passed away when she was only thirteen. Mrs. Ying had taught her some, but her health was not good at that time and she didn’t teach much. Over these three years, Old Madam Wei and Aunt Wei obviously did not plan these for her. The nanny teaching her today was requested from the Princess Mansion by her Uncle Ying.
Uncle Ying’s official position was not high, and he now had a job repairing books; his connection to the Princess Mansion came because he and the Prince Consort were classmates, and the Prince Consort had a good relationship with the Princess. The nanny brought here was very capable, and Zhong Lan was absorbing knowledge like a sponge.
The nanny knew that Zhong Lan was to be married in half a month, so she was adept at focusing on the essentials, the first of which was the proper way to salute various nobles.
Once married, Zhong Lan would be a First-rank Marchioness. There weren’t many who would require her to salute them, but precisely because of this, most of her interactions would be with high-society nobles, and in these interactions, it was even more crucial to adhere to protocol. After many days of practice, Zhong Lan only just managed to memorize the complex etiquettes.
Then came the knowledge of housekeeping. The nanny subtly hinted that after getting married, Zhong Lan should seek further guidance from Old Marquis, and for now, she only needed to know the basics, not too much.
Zhong Lan was smart and quickly grasped the nanny’s implication, formally expressing her gratitude to the nanny.
As days passed swiftly, the wedding day soon arrived. Despite being mentally prepared well in advance, Zhong Lan was still extremely nervous when the day actually came.
"Miss, we are all here!" Ye Qiu’s calming voice resounded, and Zhong Lan’s heart indeed felt somewhat settled.
"He’s here, he’s here, the Marquis has come to fetch the bride."
"Quick, go snatch the red envelope, the red envelope given by the Marquis is huge."
"Eldest Young Master has stopped the Marquis outside."
"Wow, the Marquis is impressive! He solved the Eldest Young Master’s challenge in just a few moves."
After the commotion outside, Zhong Jue walked into the bridal chamber, looking reluctant to part with his younger sister.
"Sister, your brother will always be your support." Although Zhong Jue was only nineteen years old, he appeared very composed in both speech and conduct, only showing his impulsive temper in front of Zhong Huaiwen. It wasn’t really his fault, as he too was once doted on by his father when he was younger. However, influenced by Old Madam Wei and Aunt Wei, his father changed from doting to finding fault, which understandably left some bitterness in the heart of Young Master Zhong.
"Come on, brother will carry you out."
Zhong Lan obediently climbed onto Zhong Jue’s back, her tears nearly falling.
Today, Ye Qiu and Yang Chun were following their miss, while Shen Dong and Liu Xia were guarding the dowries. Perhaps because the in-laws were from the Marquis Mansion, today Old Madam Wei didn’t find faults, and Aunt Wei didn’t do anything improper. Like this, Zhong Lan smoothly left the house.