Chapter 210 - 211: Giving Gifts

Chapter 210: Chapter 211: Giving Gifts

Gu Wenheng looked at his other brothers. "Brothers, do you think what Father said makes any sense?

Showing filial piety to our father is our responsibility as brothers. What do you say? Why don’t we all figure out a way to chip in?

If word gets out that our family is scheming for Qianqian’s dowry, the clan will punish us brothers."

The Gu Family Brothers were speechless. ’He’s dragging us into this again! So infuriating, but we can’t even find the words to argue back.’

Li Cuicui slammed her hand on the table. "Alright, that’s enough! Stop talking. If this gets out, we’ll just be a laughingstock.

Since your father doesn’t trust the doctors here, you boys take him to the Prefecture City. We have to get him to give up on this idea one way or another.

As for the silver, I still have some savings. You boys don’t need to worry about it."

A hint of apology flashed in Gu Wenheng’s eyes, but his expression was normal again when he looked up. He said slowly, "Actually, we brothers can chip in. How much silver could it possibly cost to see a doctor in the Prefecture City?"

As he said this, no one dared to look at Gu Dashishi’s expression. After all, he was the one who had made such an outrageous demand earlier. Otherwise, for just a few taels of silver—perhaps even less—the brothers could have scraped it together if they had to.

Jin Qianqian kept her eyes downcast, quietly listening to the drama unfold. ’These ancient people may be a bit benighted,’ she thought, ’but this law is excellent. As long as your in-laws aren’t truly vicious, they generally won’t touch a daughter-in-law’s dowry.’

Seeing that none of his sons were arguing, Gu Dashishi could only slam the table in anger, cursing and grumbling.

But this was a daily occurrence with him, and everyone was long used to it. The family simply moved out into the courtyard to continue their conversation.

"Seventh Wife, you even have maids now." Li Xiaohua looked at Qing Mei and Qingzhu with envy. "How is it? Is it nice just having to give orders while someone else does all the work?"

Jin Qianqian didn’t answer. Instead, she found the gift she had brought for her and stuffed it directly into her hands. "Third Sister-in-law, this is a silk skirt that’s popular in the south. Would you like to go try it on?"

Li Xiaohua completely forgot her earlier question. Staring at the vibrant, colorful skirt in her hands, her face flushed with joy. "Is this really for me?"

Jin Qianqian nodded. "I thought of you the moment I saw this skirt. Go see if it fits."

"Thank you, Seventh Wife," Li Xiaohua said, a little bashfully. She felt a bit ashamed for trying to stir up trouble earlier.

"We’re all daughters-in-law of the Gu family," Jin Qianqian said. "There’s no need for thanks. Go on, hurry up and try it."

Turning to the others, who were looking at her with the same hopeful expressions, Jin Qianqian handed each of them a skirt as well. "Go on, you all try them on."

With new clothes to enjoy, everyone forgot their earlier jealousy. Clutching their gifts, they all swarmed into the room where Gu Yuanfeng was temporarily staying.

"By the way, where’s our dear sister-in-law?" Hong Daya asked as she changed.

"Who cares about her," Liu Liu said. "But you’ve just reminded me. Let’s keep these on after we try them. Otherwise, some shameless people might dare to ask us for them."

"Third Sister-in-law, that skirt really suits you! It makes your skin look exceptionally fair." Hong Daya said, her eyes full of envy as she looked at the well-dressed Li Xiaohua. Among the sisters-in-law, Li Xiaohua was the prettiest, aside from Jin Qianqian.

"Really? It’s a shame I can’t see myself." Li Xiaohua spun around happily. "That Seventh Wife really knows how to shop. It fits perfectly!"

Liu Liu had also finished changing. "What about me? How do I look?"

Li Xiaohua gave her a thumbs-up. "You look great in such a bright color. It’s beautiful!"

Hong Daya nervously stroked the hem of her skirt. It was the first time she had ever worn such fine clothing, and she was afraid her rough hands would snag the fabric.

"Tsk, Fifth Wife, you look like a whole new person! If I saw you on the street, I wouldn’t even recognize you. You look just like a lady from a wealthy family." Now in a good mood, Li Xiaohua was full of praise.

"Come on, let’s go show the men!" Liu Liu copied Li Xiaohua, spinning in a circle. Even though she couldn’t see herself, she figured if the other two looked so good, she couldn’t look too bad either.

Jin Qianqian looked at Xie Ruyi. "Eldest Sister-in-law, why don’t you go in and try yours on?"

Xie Ruyi clutched the dress to her chest. "I’m not in the mood right now. Tell me, how can the Le Family be so troublesome? Never mind that they owe you a mountain of debt, but to bring home a wife like that..."

Jin Qianqian pitied her for a second before offering words of comfort. "As Mother always says, ’Our children will have their own fortunes to make.’"

To her surprise, Xie Ruyi’s eyes suddenly lit up. She slapped her thigh. "How could I have forgotten about that? Sister-in-law, thank you!"

Jin Qianqian was completely bewildered. "...Thanks for what?"

"For reminding me!" Xie Ruyi replied distractedly, her mind already racing with a new plan. She turned and eagerly ran over to Gu Yuanjin, who was in the middle of a conversation, and started dragging him away.

The Gu Family Brothers were speechless. ’Has Eldest Sister-in-law gone mad?’

"Well? Well? Do we look good?" Before the brothers could ponder it further, Li Xiaohua and the others made their grand entrance in the courtyard, all dressed in their new clothes.

Jin Qianqian had a habit of not dwelling on things she couldn’t figure out. She saw that Qing Mei and Qingzhu had already finished distributing the gifts to the younger generation, one for each child. The children who received them were so overjoyed they didn’t know which way was up; it was the first real gift any of them had ever received.

"This is far too valuable," Gu Yuantu said as Gule Shun handed him a Jade Pendant. The carving was so lifelike that a single glance told him it was worth a great deal. He held it nervously in both hands, terrified of dropping or bumping it.

Gu Wenheng glanced over. ’These Jade Pendants are from Qianqian’s personal space,’ he thought. ’While the quality of the jade itself isn’t top-tier, the craftsmanship is unlike anything found around here. They would still fetch a decent amount of silver.’

"It’s fine. Since we gave them to you, just accept them," Gu Wenheng said, adding, "Gule Shun is still young. Fifth Brother, you should hold onto it for him. It would be a shame if it got lost."

"In that case, thank you, Seventh Sister-in-law," Gu Yuantu said with a smile, noticing his other nephews all quickly tucking their Jade Pendants away. He had no choice but to thank Jin Qianqian.

Gu Yuanhuo and Gu Yuanshui caught on as well, standing up to thank Jin Qianqian profusely.

Gu Wenheng was speechless.

Gu Lehua looked down at the silver bracelet in her hand, then thought about the Jade Pendants her brothers had received. Feeling she was being treated unfairly, she held up the bracelet and said, "Aunt Seven, I want one like my brothers got."

Jin Qianqian looked at the little girl, who was just as unlikable as ever, and then glanced at Liu Liu, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. "Oh, but that won’t do. These Jade Pendants are meant for boys to wear. For a young lady like you, a silver bracelet isn’t just for looks. It can also soothe the internal organs, calm the mind, prevent frights, and ward off evil spirits. Its benefits are no less than a Jade Pendant, you know."