43. Sending the Betrothal Gifts

Madam Jiang looked at him in anger, unable to contain her fury. “You’ve caused such a mess, and you still don’t know what to do. It’s because I’ve spoiled you too much that you act without thinking of the consequences.”

“I…” Gu Xin was flustered, his mind in turmoil.

“She is the cousin of the Bo family. Once the Bo family learns she’s pregnant, they won’t let you off easily. You’d better prepare to marry her.”

“No, Father, I don’t want to marry her,” Gu Xin said flatly, refusing outright.

“You unfilial son! You’ve done such a thing and still refuse to take responsibility? Do you want the Pingning Marquisate to become a laughingstock in the capital?” Gu Yunting said sternly.

Gu Xin lowered his head, unable to utter a word.

“I have something to attend to tomorrow. I expect you to resolve this matter by the time I return.”

With that, Gu Yunting left.

Early the next morning, a gentle breeze blew.

“Prince Duan has arrived!”

A servant shouted joyfully.

The Jiang family rejoiced. Jiang Xun quickly stepped outside, his face beaming with a respectful smile. “Prince Duan, what brings you here?”

A slightly plump middle-aged man appeared before them.

“I am here on behalf of the Duan family to deliver the betrothal gifts to the Jiang family.”

Jiang Xun glanced at the dozen or so red lacquered chests carried by the servants, each adorned with red ribbons, and his smile widened. “It is an honor for the Yongbo Marquisate to have such a noble figure as Prince Duan supporting this marriage.”

Prince Duan raised his hand. “You may read them aloud.”

A servant unfolded a long sheet of fine paper. “Fifty thousand taels of silver as the betrothal gift, two hundred jin of wedding cakes, six sets of pearl and jade ornaments, fifteen bolts of fine cloth…”

As the servant continued, the faces of the Jiang family brightened with delight.

“Ah, fifty thousand taels of silver! Even marrying a princess wouldn’t bring such a dowry,” Jiang Xun said with a radiant smile.

Lin Rou looked proudly at Jiang Shuwan. “Cousin, did you see? As soon as the Gu family heard I’m carrying Xin Gege’s child, they immediately agreed to accept me into the family. Now with Prince Duan bringing such lavish gifts, it’s clear they truly value me.”

Although Lady Li usually disliked Lin Rou, she now had to flatter her. “Rou’er, you grew up with the Jiang family. After marrying into the Gu family, you must support the Marquisate.”

Madam Jiang smiled. “Rest assured, Rou’er is sensible and will never forget the Jiang family.”

Lin Rou smiled slyly.

“Of course,” said Jiang Xun, then turned to him. “Uncle, wouldn’t it be better to send Cousin back first? After all, she’s already engaged to the Pingning Marquis. If she sees this, she might become upset and cause trouble.”

Jiang Xun pondered for a moment. Thinking of Jiang Shuwan’s usual arrogance, he agreed and waved impatiently. “You’re right. Shuwan, go back to your quarters right now.”

As his words fell, Prince Duan frowned deeply. “What did you say?”

Jiang Xun felt a chill run through him as if he suddenly realized something and quickly turned to reply, “I…”

Before he could speak, Lin Rou interrupted, “Prince Duan, you don’t know yet. My cousin has always liked Xin Gege, but Xin Gege loves me. She’s been jealous and clingy. I’m just worried she might do something to offend you.”

Jiang Shuwan gave her a cold glare, while Lin Rou looked back with a triumphant smirk.

Trying to steal Xin Gege from me? Now look at you—how disgraceful.

Before Lin Rou could fully enjoy her triumph, Jiang Shuwan slapped her hard. Lin Rou was stunned.

Madam Jiang stepped forward, scolding loudly, “Jiang Shuwan, what do you think you’re doing?”

Jiang Xueyu, watching the scene unfold and already bitter toward Jiang Shuwan because of recent events, and not particularly fond of Lin Rou either, smiled sardonically. “Oh, Sister, you’re just jealous that Cousin’s marriage is better than yours! But that doesn’t excuse hitting her—this is a bit too much.”

She dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief to conceal her smile.

Jiang Xun realized what was happening and, seeing Prince Duan still there, immediately reproached Jiang Shuwan. “Jiang Shuwan, what are you doing?”

Jiang Shuwan radiated a fierce aura. “That slap was for your disrespect. Now that I’m betrothed to the Marquis, Gu Xin is the Marquis’s son, I’m his stepmother, so he’s like my son. You’re about to marry him, so I’m your mother. How dare you speak to your own mother with such insolence?”

Lin Rou clutched her stinging cheek. “Jiang Shuwan, don’t go too far. I’m carrying the Gu family’s legitimate heir.”

Jiang Shuwan struck her again with all her strength, and Lin Rou fell to the ground.

“This slap is a warning. If you continue to slander me, I won’t spare you, even if it means we destroy each other.”

Those present were momentarily stunned by Lin Rou’s beating.

No one expected the usually submissive Jiang Shuwan to show such a fierce side.

Prince Duan clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Yongbo Marquis, your daughter is impressive—worthy of Yunting and such a generous dowry.”

Jiang Xun looked at Prince Duan in bewilderment. “No, no, wasn’t it the Gu heir who sent the betrothal gifts to Rou’er?”

Prince Duan frowned deeply, disdain clear on his face. “Gu Xin? What status does he have to warrant my coming? I’m here on the Pingning Marquis’s orders to present the betrothal gifts to the Jiang family’s eldest daughter.”

Lin Rou’s face twisted in disbelief. “What? Aren’t these gifts for me?”

Prince Duan sneered.

“Ridiculous,” he said softly, looking kindly at Jiang Shuwan. “Miss Jiang, Yunting is lucky to have a fiancée like you. I am a close friend of Yunting. If you ever face difficulties, I will support you.”

Jiang Shuwan bowed slightly. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Prince Duan turned to Jiang Xun. “Yongbo Marquis, treat Miss Jiang well. Your family’s future is boundless.”

“Of course, of course,” Jiang Xun nodded reflexively, overwhelmed by the situation.

“My courtesy has been paid. I shall take my leave.”

Without waiting for a response, Prince Duan turned and walked away.

“Farewell, Prince Duan.”

The Jiang family bowed slightly, bidding him goodbye.

After Prince Duan left, Jiang Xun stood upright and looked at Jiang Shuwan. “Shuwan, now the Marquis has returned. Their family is wealthy. These betrothal gifts…”

Before he could finish, Jiang Shuwan interrupted coldly, “I will take all these gifts with me, along with my mother’s dowry.”

“You…” Jiang Xun’s face turned ashen.

“If you have any objections, Father, we can go to the Marquis and ask him to judge the matter right now.”