Ten days before their wedding, Ouyang Yue received some unexpected news from the General's Mansion: the mourning period for Old Madam Ning had ended, and Ouyang Zhide no longer needed to stay in the capital as a tutor. However, the Emperor hadn't yet given him an official appointment, so Ouyang Zhide continued to shuttle between work and the mansion, leaving most of his other duties at the General's Mansion to teach Ouyang Tong. Ouyang Tong was now four years old, and it was time for him to receive serious education. The General's Mansion now only housed Concubine Liu, who had just been promoted to the position of principal wife, and Concubine Hua, who was infertile and could no longer cause any trouble. Everything should have been peaceful.
However, there was still Ouyang Rou in the General's Mansion. When Ouyang Yue heard the message from the General's Mansion, she thought of her. She also remembered that when she was in the General's Mansion, Ouyang Rou deliberately spoke ambiguously about harming her. Although she had told Ouyang Zhide that she would not be an enemy of Ouyang Rou, if Ouyang Rou did not know how to restrain herself and instead wanted to harm her, she would have nothing to worry about.
And things really did turn out much beyond Ouyang Yue's expectations.
That day, Ouyang Zhide had just returned to the mansion when Aunt Liu, dressed in a green robe, greeted him with the lovely Ouyang Tong, who was fair-skinned and beautiful: "Master, you're back. Are you tired? Quickly, bring some tea, fruit, and snacks." The servant immediately obeyed.
Ouyang Zhide nodded, and said with some emotion, "I told you you don't need to wait for me to come back to the manor every day. This general's manor is neither too big nor too small. You have things to do, so you don't need to worry about me too much."
Aunt Liu, or rather, the General's wife, smiled and said, "It's not tiring at all. It's only what a wife should do to greet you here."
Ouyang Zhide looked at Liu Shi and said, "You care too much about these things. Are you afraid of what people will say?"
Of course, General's wife, Lady Liu, was also afraid. After all, she had been promoted from a concubine, which was far less legitimate than Ouyang Zhide's remarriage. Naturally, she had to behave well. Moreover, she wasn't just trying to please him. After so much time had passed, she could understand Ouyang Zhide to some extent. This man didn't completely disregard her, and even cared for and loved her and the children. In this general's mansion, Ouyang Zhide was like a god, and she was willing to do so.
"Master, Madam, the Second Miss requests an audience." The two were talking in the hall when Ouyang Rou came to see them. They exchanged a glance. Ouyang Rou had been staying quietly in Rouyu Courtyard lately and rarely came out. She was so quiet that I had almost forgotten about her. What was she doing out at this time? It was a bit abnormal.
Upon hearing this, Madam Liu said, "Please invite the Second Miss in."
A moment later, Ouyang Rou, dressed in a light yellow dress and adorned with jewels, walked in. Liu was immediately taken aback. She was now in charge of all the household affairs and had never withheld her monthly allowance. However, she knew very well that managing the household affairs was far from enough. She had heard that Ouyang Rou had already sold off her jewelry and had nothing of value left. Where did all this jewelry come from?
Liu scrutinized Ouyang Rou closely, somewhat surprised to find that the jewelry Ouyang Rou wore was quite fashionable in the capital recently. Unless Aunt Hong had left Ouyang Rou some money for her, but Aunt Hong was long dead. If Ouyang Rou truly had such money, why hadn't she sold it and instead endured a period of hardship? During this time, Ouyang Rou posed no threat, and the people Aunt Liu had sent gradually withdrew. Unexpectedly, at this time, Ouyang Rou underwent a significant change.
Ouyang Rou walked in gracefully and bowed respectfully to Ouyang Zhide and Liu Shi, saying, "Rou'er greets Father and Mother and pays her respects."
Ouyang Zhide nodded slightly, somewhat satisfied, and said, "Hmm, it seems you've learned quite a bit of etiquette during this time. Not bad, get up."
"Thank you, Father and Mother." Ouyang Rou smiled gently, appearing delicate and unassuming.
Seeing this, Liu couldn't help but narrow her eyes: "Didn't Rou'er say she wasn't feeling well recently? The doctor saw her before and said that you were too worried and that you should relax and you would get better. You've been staying in Rouyu Courtyard and haven't come out. I wanted to go see you, but I was afraid of disturbing your rest. Now you've fully recovered."
Ouyang Rou smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Mother. Rou'er is very healthy now and there will be no more problems."
Liu nodded slightly, her heart filled with even more doubt. This Ouyang Rou was quite clever; she knew very well that no one would come without a reason. What was her purpose in coming here today?
Ouyang Rou raised her head, looking at Ouyang Zhide and Liu Shi, and said, "Father, Mother, Rou'er has always respected you greatly since I was little. Rou'er also admires Father very much. Of course, Rou'er was very ignorant before, but since so many things have happened to Rou'er, Rou'er has come to understand many things. Many things could have been avoided, but sometimes people easily go astray, only to tire themselves out." Ouyang Rou sighed, "Originally, I resented you for not saving Aunt Hong from death, Father. But after so many years of reflection, Rou'er has come to terms with it. If Aunt Hong hadn't been greedy, probably none of this would have happened. Some things are truly self-inflicted."
It would have been better if Ouyang Rou hadn't apologized; her apology only made Liu Shi frown. Ouyang Rou actually apologized to them? This was so unusual.
“You know you were wrong,” Ouyang Zhide said, also taken aback. He had been deeply disappointed in Ouyang Rou, time and again, to the point that he now completely ignored her. Who would have thought that Ouyang Rou would say she was wrong? After all, she was his own flesh and blood, and Ouyang Zhide couldn't remain heartless.
"Father, Rou'er knows she was wrong."
Ouyang Zhide nodded: "It's good that you know you're wrong. Don't do it again. I think Yue'er can understand you. Find an opportunity to apologize to her. After all, you're sisters who grew up together. If you can get along well, that's better than anything else."
Ouyang Rou lowered her head, a cold glint in her eyes: "Father, Mother, I have something else to say today."
"Oh, what is it? Go ahead and say it."
At this moment, Ouyang Rou took out a pink invitation from her sleeve and handed it over. Ouyang Zhide's face, which had been smiling faintly, turned ashen when he saw the contents. Liu Shi was also surprised by Ouyang Zhide's change and couldn't help but look over. Then she widened her eyes and said, "Rou'er, what are you doing... are you going to ruin yourself?!"
Ouyang Rou laughed and said, "No, Rou'er knows what she's doing and won't do anything to harm herself. Please grant my request, Father and Mother."
Ouyang Zhide retorted angrily, "Fine, you really have no sincerity whatsoever. You were just pretending to admit you were wrong, but now you're going to keep making the same mistake. I'm so disappointed in you."
Ouyang Rou's eyes flashed with mockery. You only remember Xuan Yuan Yue in your heart, do you still remember us? I am clearly your biological daughter, but you treat Xuan Yuan Yue better than me. With such favoritism, how can she be worthy of your respect and worship? But she said, "Father, Mother, this is the best ending for Rou'er. Please grant my request."
“I disagree. What kind of place is that Huang Mansion? You’re foolish enough to jump in there. Aren’t you digging your own grave? How can I agree to that?” Ouyang Zhide replied with a grim expression.
Ouyang Rou's expression changed slightly as she retorted, "Father, don't you know my current situation? Even if you don't mind raising me in the manor for the rest of my life, I don't want to live that kind of life. I want to change, and I should change."
Ouyang Zhide frowned as he looked at Ouyang Rou and sighed, "I know you've suffered a lot before, but even if you want to change, you have to find someone suitable. What kind of man is Huang Yu? You actually want to enter the Huang family. Didn't you see how aggressive Huang Yu was to Yue'er before? Aren't you afraid of suffering in the mansion?"
Ouyang Rou raised her head and faced Ouyang Zhide directly: "Father, Rou'er is not afraid, not afraid of your laughter. I should be thanking God that there is someone who still wants me. How could Rou'er be so picky?" Ouyang shook his head and sighed, his face full of sorrow, which made Ouyang Zhide feel somewhat guilty. Liu Shi looked at Ouyang Rou, but her eyes were slightly lowered, and she just watched silently.
Ouyang Rou said, "Father, perhaps you still have some misunderstandings about this Young Master Huang Yu. It's true that his marriage to Princess Mingyue initially alienated many. However, there's something you might not know: Huang Yu fell in love with Princess Mingyue at first sight. He's a rare, devoted man. Furthermore, the Ning family intentionally arranged the marriage, and Huang Yu, unaware of the reasons, happily accepted. Who knew that the Ning family deliberately concealed everything and made the decision? Huang Yu, rejected, thought Princess Mingyue looked down on him, which naturally led to his stubbornness. Actually, neither Princess Mingyue nor Huang Yu is wrong in this matter; they were simply deceived. If we must choose the wrong person, it's the Ning family's fault!"
Ouyang Zhide frowned and remained silent, while Liu looked at Ouyang Rou thoughtfully. Ouyang Rou sneered inwardly: "Father, I have lived with Princess Mingyue for more than ten years, and we are somewhat similar in some ways. Young Master Huang Yu met me before and intended to take me into his household."
Ouyang Zhide said bluntly, "That Huang Yu is clearly a narrow-minded person. How could he be truly kind to you? I really suspect that his decision to take you into his mansion is ill-intentioned and intended to torment you. Yet you are still foolishly moving forward. Rou'er, you used to be a very clever child. How did you become so foolish at this time?"
Of course she knew, but only if she was truly naive and knew nothing. She had deliberately lured Huang Yu into meeting her so that she could find a backer for the future. The Huang family was certainly not a powerful backer, but given her current situation, Ouyang Rou was already quite satisfied. Not only had she already lost her virginity, but the process had also been witnessed by many people. With the death of her birth mother, Aunt Hong, she was living a life where everyone could bully her. If she continued to stay in the General's Mansion, she didn't know how much more humiliation she would suffer.
She and Huang Yu were in cahoots, both aiming to kill Xuan Yuan Yue. This shared goal was enough to win Huang Yu's favor and ensure their mutual support. Of course, Ouyang Rou wouldn't voice this. She was waiting to see how Xuan Yuan Chao died, and her biased father. She wanted to see his expression when he learned of Ouyang Yue's death—completely indifferent to her. Then, when she became the only child of the General's Mansion, she'd see how dare he ignore her!
Ouyang Rou said, "Father, I can guarantee that Huang Yu will treat me very well. Even if she is really not doing well, I will never come to you to cry. I know what I'm doing. Please grant my request."
"You're really confused." Ouyang Zhide's face was ashen. He felt a surge of anger towards Ouyang Rou's stubbornness. He was only doing it for Ouyang Rou's own good. What kind of family was the Huang family? When Ouyang Yue's identity was exposed, look at the behavior of that entire family. They were utterly shameless. If it weren't for Princess Shuangxia's intervention, this family probably wouldn't have submitted so readily. They would do anything shameless to climb the social ladder. If Ouyang Rou went in like this, wouldn't she be falling into a fire pit?
Ouyang Rou said firmly, "Father, I will walk this path alone. You must understand that I want to marry into a better family. No matter how much you try to persuade me, I know in my heart that it's impossible. I can only become a concubine in the Huangyu Mansion. There aren't many women in the mansion, so maybe I can make a name for myself. Father, I've made up my mind, and I won't change it. Please grant my request."
"You! You've really decided?" Ouyang Zhide stared at Ouyang Rou with a stern face. Ouyang Rou nodded firmly: "Fine, since you insist, then I won't interfere anymore. In the future, no matter what troubles you encounter, you don't need to come back to the manor to complain. Since this is all your decision, you have to bear it yourself. I disagree, but I respect your choice. Go back and pack your things, and wait for the Huang family to come and pick you up." After saying that, Ouyang Zhide turned his head away with a cold snort, clearly still very angry with Ouyang Rou.
Ouyang Rou watched, then quietly bowed to Ouyang Zhide and Liu Shi, saying, "Thank you for raising me, Father and Mother. I'm leaving now." With that, Ouyang Rou turned and left without looking back.
"Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!" Ouyang Zhide roared as soon as Ouyang Rou left.
Liu looked at Ouyang Rou, but her eyes narrowed. She then looked at Ouyang Zhide and said, "Master, don't be angry. Everyone's path is different. Since Rou'er chose this herself, let her bear the consequences."
"But can she afford it?" Ouyang Zhide said unhappily.
Madam Liu sighed, "My lord, I understand your meaning and thoughts, but you've forgotten that given Rou'er's current situation, being able to enter an ordinary household as a concubine is already quite good." If even that isn't enough, Ouyang Rou will truly grow old and die in the mansion. She was originally a concubine's daughter, her status and position were never as high as that of a legitimate daughter, and she had been violated by many men in front of everyone. Even though everyone knew she was a victim, she had already been labeled as impure. Then, Aunt Hong was executed for her involvement in tomb raiding, making Ouyang Rou's background even more despicable.
Originally, Yu had intended to win over Ouyang Zhide, but she had already backed down. Besides, Ouyang Zhide was now in a state of limbo, with no real power under his command. He was no longer the man who had returned to the capital in high spirits. Those families who had reluctantly taken in Ouyang Rou to win over Ouyang Zhide would no longer do so. Bringing an unclean woman into their household was an insult.
Under these circumstances, Ouyang Rou would be unable to marry. Even if she were to become a concubine in any household, no one would be willing, unless she were willing to lower herself to the level of a commoner. However, Ouyang Rou was far from capable of such a thing. Therefore, the only outcome would be that she would remain in the General's Mansion forever, supported by Ouyang Zhide. If everything else were disregarded, the Huang family would be quite good, especially since Huang Yu was willing to take Ouyang Rou back, which was the most crucial factor.
Although Ouyang Zhide knew perfectly well that the Huang family was not an easy family to deal with, he also understood the current situation perfectly well. If Ouyang Rou insisted on not going, Ouyang Zhide would do everything in his power to stop her. But now that Ouyang Rou had agreed to go herself, and insisted on going, how could Ouyang Zhide possibly stop her?
Liu Shi gently held Ouyang Zhide's hand and said, "Master, everyone has to walk their own path. Perhaps the Second Miss will be happy. Why not trust her own judgment and decision?" However, a cold glint flashed in Liu Shi's eyes. Could it be that Ouyang Rou had some other purpose in making such a decision?
Two days later, Ouyang Rou was picked up by a sedan chair from the Huang residence. There were only a few simple greetings and no major formalities. This was the custom of concubines; they were not entitled to all the treatment of a principal wife. Even though Ouyang Rou was riding in a sedan chair, she still had to enter through the back gate of the Huang residence.
Ouyang Rou sat in the sedan chair, her makeup heavy, wearing only a peach-colored wedding dress. Suddenly, her fist clenched the hem of her dress. She could have been dressed in bright red, entering the mansion through the main gate and becoming the rightful wife of the Gong family. If nothing had gone wrong, she would now be living in the Crown Prince's tutor's residence. Unfortunately, all of this was ruined by Ouyang Yue, who had constantly opposed her. "Ouyang Yue, this scheme of mine was all for you! I will make you suffer eternal damnation! I will make you die without a burial place!"
Ouyang Rou's decision to enter the Huang residence at this time was also intended to put her ahead of Ouyang Yue, but whether she could succeed was merely Ouyang Rou's own thought.
As time went by, the day arrived for Ouyang Yue's official wedding.
The princess's residence was bustling with activity starting a month before her wedding, and the day before the wedding, it was even busier.
Because every prince's wedding had to be held in the palace, the newlyweds had to enter the palace early on their wedding day, then fast and bathe, and then go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to worship before the bride could be added to the royal register. After that, the wedding banquet would be held in the palace, hosted by the emperor, empress dowager, or empress. Therefore, a prince's wedding was much more troublesome and complicated than that of an ordinary person.
The night before, Ouyang Yue barely rested, spending her days being dressed and made up by servants. Although she was to undergo further fasting and bathing afterward, this was a prince's wedding, and as a prince's consort, it was a normal procedure. On her wedding day, Ouyang Yue had to look beautiful at all times, even if it meant having her makeup applied three or four times a day. She didn't sleep that night; her maids stayed with her. The next day, before dawn, Ouyang Yue had to get up and be accompanied by the royal guards and the princess's guards to the palace. Meanwhile, Bai Lichen's subordinates led men to the princess's residence, and together with people sent by Xuan Yuan Chaohua, they paraded Ouyang Yue's dowry through the streets for half a day before returning to the Chen Prince's residence.
This was also the time when Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen paid their respects. After the ceremony, there would be a wedding banquet. After the banquet, the two would return to the Prince Chen's mansion with gongs and drums, and then have their wedding night.
Therefore, Ouyang Yue shouldn't expect to get a proper rest in the next two days; she will be extremely tired.
On her wedding day, Ouyang Yue was fully dressed and made up. Chuncao and Dongxue came over with the wedding dress that Baili Chen had prepared in advance. Ouyang Yue opened her arms, and the two women helped her put on the dress. The whole room was instantly filled with light, and Ouyang Yue looked extremely beautiful and noble, as if she were covered by layers of beautiful light.
The maidservant next to her said, "Princess Mingyue looks beautiful today. Lady Quanfu will come to make the bed in a little while. The dowry chest has been prepared in the outer hall. No one will disturb the princess today. If the princess gets tired, she can lean against it and take a nap. Someone from the palace will come to pick up the princess at 5:00 a.m.
Almost none of the servants in the entire princess's residence slept yesterday, and Ouyang Yue couldn't afford to be listless. She had to be extremely careful in handling everything that followed, especially at the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the upcoming palace wedding banquet. As the Seventh Prince's Consort and now the Princess Consort of Chen, Ouyang Yue absolutely could not afford to make any mistakes.
"I understand." Ouyang Yue nodded slightly. For her, going two or three days without sleep was a common occurrence, so one day was nothing.
Soon after, Madam Cheng and Li Rushuang entered. Li Rushuang noticed that Ouyang Yue's eyes were a little red. "Yue'er, you're getting married. You must be happy." Li Rushuang was still worried about Ouyang Yue. After all, the women in the Prince Chen's mansion were not known for their proper conduct. She didn't know how Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen met, so it was normal for her to be worried.
Cheng Shi also showed a loving yet worried expression. At this moment, the matchmaker walked in and said with a smile, "This humble woman congratulates Princess Mingyue on her wedding. Princess Mingyue will surely be happier and happier in the future, and her life will be more and more fulfilling..." She went on and on. Ouyang Yue directly asked the matchmaker to stuff some silver into her hand. The matchmaker immediately beamed and began to arrange all the wedding matters, having Cheng Shi, the Lady of Blessings, make the bed and scatter flowers, longans and other things that symbolize happiness and fulfillment on the wedding carriage.
Meanwhile, in the Frost and Snow Pavilion of the Princess's residence, Princess Shuangxia was greeting many noble ladies from the capital who had come to add to the dowry. The dowry preparations had begun two days prior, and Princess Shuangxia had been busy dealing with numerous people. The marriage between Princess Mingyue and the Seventh Prince Baili Chen was also highly valued by all the mansions in the capital, who were afraid that a poor dowry would cause unnecessary trouble. Every time the dowry chests in the Frost and Snow Pavilion were full, they would be carried out and replaced with an empty one. Especially on the wedding day, it truly astonished many people.
Those boxes of jewels, each one worth a fortune, were carried out one after another – what a display of wealth! Although these were all for their own dowry, they were still part of Princess Mingyue's dowry. The speed at which they amassed this wealth was truly astonishing.
After talking with Madam Cheng and Li Rushuang in the room for a while, the two of them left first and went to the palace, while Ouyang Yue went to the palace with Princess Shuangxia.
"Princess, it's almost time. The palace has sent a carriage to fetch you," said Mama Xi hurriedly.
Ouyang Yue nodded slightly, but the next moment she frowned slightly, waved her hand to stop the servant from handing over the hood, and said to Chuncao, "Chuncao, go to the back, I need to relieve myself."
The matchmaker was taken aback for a moment, and Chuncao immediately understood and followed her inside. However, when the two came out, their expressions were somewhat strange. The matchmaker looked slightly puzzled, but at this point, no one cared about such things. She quickly instructed the servants to help Ouyang Yue dress properly, cover her head with a veil, and then be led out by the matchmaker and Madam Cheng. At this time, Princess Shuangxia had already changed her court robes and was waiting in the courtyard of the princess's residence with two rows of servants.
"Grandmother." Upon seeing Princess Shuangxia, Ouyang Yue immediately bowed.
Princess Shuangxia immediately took Ouyang Yue's hand from the matchmaker, her eyes also filled with a hint of tears: "Good, good, you're finally getting married, my dear granddaughter, you must be happy."
Ouyang Yue responded softly. Whether Princess Shuangxia was happy in her life, no one knew, and she had never told anyone. But she sincerely hoped her children would be happy. Ouyang Yue gently grasped Princess Shuangxia's hands: "Grandmother, don't worry, I will try my best to make myself very happy."
????"well!"
At this moment, Xuan Yuan Chaohua rushed over with his men, followed by a band and guards. With a wave of his hand, the band began to play, and the entire princess's residence became lively. Xuan Yuan Chaohua looked at Ouyang Yue and nodded slightly. Although they were only separated by a veil, looking at his younger sister, whose hair seemed to glow, Xuan Yuan Chaohua felt a surge of excitement mixed with complex emotions, including reluctance and a touch of bitterness. Xuan Yuan Chaohua squatted down and said, "Prince Chen's convoy is already outside. Lie on your brother's back, and I'll carry you out."
Ouyang Yue responded and wrapped her arms around Xuan Yuan Chaohua's neck. The latter slowly stood up and walked out with steady steps, followed by a large group of people.
Outside the gate stood Baili Chen, dressed in a red prince's wedding robe embroidered with a golden dragon. He sat atop a magnificent steed, pure white without a single stray hair. His posture was upright, and he was exceptionally handsome. His usually pale face was flushed with excitement today, and his eyes sparkled with excitement like stars, making his already unparalleled charisma even more vivid. His hair was tied up high with a jade crown, revealing his full forehead. Sitting on the horse, he resembled a jade god.
At this moment, he looked at the gate of the princess's mansion with a smile on his face, with two large rows of guards beside him. The roadside was crowded with onlookers. Today was a big day. Apart from the important event of the Crown Prince's mansion being entered by two sedan chairs after the ceremony, the wedding of Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen was the most noteworthy event recently.
Baili Chen is the most favored prince, while Ouyang Yue is the younger sister of General Xuanyuan Chaohua. This is a powerful alliance, so it's no wonder they are so prominent.
"The bride is leaving..." The matchmaker called out, immediately attracting everyone's attention. Baili Chen couldn't help but tense up, and his face became unusually tense. He saw Xuan Yuan Chaohua lead Ouyang Yue step by step to sit in the bridal sedan chair, and then lower the curtain. Although there was a layer of cloth between them, Baili Chen's eyes were very hot.
Xuan Yuan Chaohua walked over and said in a low voice, "If anyone dares to hurt my sister, I will risk my life to get revenge. I don't want what happened before to happen again."
Bai Lichen's lips twitched: "If there's a second time, I'll go die first."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua raised an eyebrow, looking at Baili Chen's miserable expression with considerable interest. What had happened to his brother-in-law? On the day the betrothal gifts were delivered, he and his sister had left the manor together, and since then, due to the rule that the bride and groom could not meet before marriage, the two had not seen each other again. But judging from his appearance, it seemed that his sister had done something to make this kid look bad? Xuan Yuan Chaohua laughed with schadenfreude: "This is your own fault, you can't blame anyone else."
Baili Chen glared at him: "Hmph, don't worry, I will be very happy in the future. It's you who hasn't settled down yet. I'm ahead of you in this matter."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua glared at Baili Chen: "A woman as good as my sister is hard to find in this world. When I find a woman who is even a tenth as good as my sister, I will naturally consider it."
Baili Chen's face flushed red with anger. Xuan Yuan Chaohua was definitely doing this on purpose, saying such things at a time like this. What a shameless sister-obsessed maniac!
After Xuanyuan Chaohua finished speaking, he laughed and waved his hand. Then, servants came out of the princess's residence one after another, four people carrying a beautiful red box. Those who were watching the spectacle immediately widened their eyes.
"Wow, it really is a princess getting married! Look at all the dowry!"
"Guess how much dowry Princess Mingyue will have?"
"There's no way to guess that, just count them."
"One, two, three... forty-six... fifty-eight... seventy-nine... ninety-two... one hundred, one hundred and twenty, one hundred and twenty loads, a full one hundred and twenty loads!"
"My goodness, so much! I've heard that this is the custom for princesses when they get married, but this is the first time I've ever seen such a dowry. How much is this dowry worth?"
"Ha, how much is it worth? Even if you sold your whole family, it wouldn't be worth a tenth of one of these boxes. How much do you think it is?"
"I've heard that the Emperor, Empress Dowager, Empress, and other concubines in the harem sent a whole box of things. How could the Emperor and Empress send ordinary things?"
"Hmm, I heard that although the princess's residence only opened for the dowry-adding ceremony for three days, the noble ladies of the capital seemed to have gotten a bargain and rushed to add to their dowries, and every piece they produced was extraordinary."
"Yes, yes, my second aunt's daughter's second cousin works as a servant in the XX Mansion. I heard that their mistress went to every jewelry shop in the capital just to prepare the dowry for Princess Mingyue, and the dowry items she bought cost several hundred taels."
"Tsk tsk, they really spared no expense." The common people kept discussing, their tone filled with envy, but they couldn't bring themselves to be jealous. The main reason was that the two sides were of vastly different statuses, a level they could never reach. They could only indulge in their egos here.
"Lift the sedan chair, let the music begin!" the matchmaker shouted. Led by Baili Chen, the wedding procession headed towards the palace. Behind him were guards, and behind the guards were two rows of maids surrounding the sedan chair. Behind the sedan chair was the lavish dowry, which filled the streets. Two groups of people watched from the side. At the rear of the procession were eight people, four of whom carried a large red box filled with countless copper coins, attracting the attention of many. As the procession moved, someone grabbed a handful of copper coins and threw them into the air.