GBP Chapter 99 Qin Family Third Son
Chapter 99 Qin Family Third Son
Sending 800 taels of silver as dowry clearly shows that Hua Manlou is only making a name for itself and not making any money, and it may even be a losing deal. From a merchant's perspective, this is obviously inappropriate, but from the Crown Prince's perspective, doing so can turn public anger into praise, which is quite appropriate.
"Okay, I'll let them know when I get off work," Haiyu added.
"No, I'll go instead. You, Second Young Master Hai, are a hot commodity these days. If you show up at Flower Pavilion, you'll be devoured by all those girls. I'm telling you, you're so clueless. You actually turned down such a good marriage offer for my cousin!"
Qiao Er was vengeful, and with his fists clenched, he exposed the "evil deeds" of the second young master Hai Yu in front of the crown prince, wishing he could kneel down and ask the crown prince to take justice for the Qiao family.
But in reality, the calm and collected superior in front of us is the real culprit!
"Alright, everyone knows how many years your cousin has been in love with His Highness. If I were to marry her, I'd probably end up with a beautiful woman who cries every day. I don't want to create any rift between me and His Highness, so it's better to decline. Didn't my mother introduce my nephew to her? What? You don't like him?"
Haiyu retorted.
The Qin family, the maternal family of the Marquis of Haibo, is a prominent family in Wuzhou. Her elder sister married the Prince of Qi, so they are a family capable of taking on important responsibilities. The person that the Marquis's wife, Madam Qin, introduced to the family was her nephew, the eldest son of her brother's third son.
Qin Ban.
She was about the same age as Qiao Ruofu and had been pampered and raised in a wealthy family since childhood. However, she was righteous and warm-hearted. She also had her own business in Wuzhou. She had everything: a prominent family, wealth, good looks, and a good personality.
“The person is certainly not bad, but it’s just that Wozhou is a bit far away. My second uncle and aunt are a little reluctant to part with it, so they have been hesitant to agree.”
Hai Yu shrugged upon hearing this, making an expression that seemed to say, "It's none of my business," but the Crown Prince spoke up the next moment.
"Although Wozhou is far away, it is a vast and prosperous place, yet it is still simple and honest. It is a good place to go. I have also heard of the reputation of Qin Sanlang. He is a good horse breeder!"
That simple sentence made Qiao Er raise an eyebrow.
The Crown Prince rarely spoke of his casual conversations with Haiyu, but suddenly saying something like that was clearly telling him that the marriage was going to happen.
Moreover, Qin Jiasanlang's fame has reached the Crown Prince's ears even in Wuzhou, so he must be someone who will be valued and promoted in the future. Understanding the meaning behind this, he immediately clasped his hands and said to the Crown Prince.
"I understand. I will go back and talk to my second uncle and aunt about it."
The Crown Prince remained silent. As Haiyu and Qiao Er were talking, a light drizzle began to fall outside.
Spring rain is as precious as oil, but autumn rain serves as a reminder of the approaching harsh winter.
Soon, the drizzle turned into a downpour, and the rain lasted for two whole days. The moat was almost overflowing before the heavens finally stopped.
However, it was this rain that dampened some of the people's inquiries about the Crown Princess, and instead they focused their criticism and discussion on the matter of Hua Manlou receiving 800 taels of silver. Some busybodies spread the word everywhere, so Hua Manlou was losing money while making a name for itself, and the shopkeeper and the staff were all exhausted from talking so much.
But just as Qiao Er had thought, the unsuccessful young ladies found good matches at Hua Man Lou, thus gaining a very good reputation. Seeing this, Twelve Niang didn't sit idle and immediately expanded Hua Man Lou's business with another item.
This transformed the business from one of competition among young women into a platform for matchmaking for ordinary people, making it more accessible and benefiting many common folk.
Naturally, he felt grateful to Hua Manlou, or perhaps to the Crown Prince behind him.
The news had been circulating for nearly a month, and it was almost the end of October. The wedding day of Chi Guiwan and He Lingyi was not far away, so everyone in the Haibo Marquis's mansion wished they had twelve hands to do things.
Only in Jingxin Garden did the two sisters enjoy a very leisurely life.
He was calmly leaning against the pavilion with curtains on three sides, eating roasted meat on a tile.
The aroma of oil combined with the spiciness of chili peppers makes for an incredibly refreshing and delicious experience when eaten hot.
Taking another sip of the Snowflake Wine, it was a moment of joy that money could not buy. Chi Guiwan even recited a poem in a hearty manner, which made He Lingyi, her maid Qianchun, and Fudong laugh happily.
"Do you remember Qiao Ruofu, whom I told you about last time?"
"Naturally remember."
"Brother Qiao Er has sent word that the Qiao family has agreed to the Qin family's marriage proposal. He has sent a letter to Wuzhou at full speed, and Aunt Qin will be bringing Sanlang to Bianzhou to propose marriage soon. Hmm, I reckon the ceremony will start next summer. We should go and join in the fun!"
He Lingyi was unaware of when Chi Guiwan changed her way of speaking.
But hearing her address her so affectionately, He Lingyi was genuinely happy.
"I'd rather not join in the fun. The title of Crown Princess has offended countless noble ladies. Didn't you say last time that this girl from the Qiao family was also going to enter the Eastern Palace? It seems that her marriage to someone far away is thanks to me. I shouldn't go and cause trouble for her."
He Lingyi did not know this so-called Miss Qiao, so she felt somewhat guilty, but not much.
If she were to take care of all the young ladies' feelings, she would probably have to sit here crying and feeling frustrated every day, which wouldn't be enough to compensate for it. Therefore, she is quite magnanimous.
"What's there to be afraid of? They all claim to be deeply in love with the Crown Prince, their hearts still burning with devotion! But look at them, it's only been less than a month. Those who were supposed to be engaged are already engaged, and those who weren't are already in talks. Out of hundreds of young ladies, how many are truly willing to wait until they're old and gray? So it's all about mutual benefit. They just want to cultivate a reputation for being devoted before marrying into the Eastern Palace, so they can secure their place there in the future. I understand this perfectly well, don't you?"
Chi Guiwan offered a comforting remark, then quickly flipped the sizzling meat strips on the tile with her bamboo chopsticks, revealing a greedy expression.
"Seeing through things but not saying them out loud, young lady, have you forgotten Granny Zong's teachings again?"
The maid, Qianchun, offered a timely suggestion, and Chi Guiwan smiled apologetically, "Lingyi is one of us, there's no need to put on an act in front of her, right?"
He Lingyi felt a little helpless at her mother's words. What could she do? She was her own mother, so she could only spoil her.
"That's true, but eldest sister should still be more composed. If someone with ulterior motives hears this and spreads it around, it could bring her unnecessary trouble."
Chi Guiwan shrugged, giving a knowing look, and then placed a piece of freshly grilled meat on He Lingyi's plate, smiling as she spoke.
"Your Highness, please have a taste. Please bear with me for the sake of these few pieces of meat."