Do You Know?: Rule the World

One hundred and twenty-eight loads of betrothal gifts were laid out outside the door early in the morning. The sandalwood boxes were covered with embroidered red silk, sparkling in the morning light.

Leading the group was a pair of live geese with full wings and red silk tied around their necks.

Since Zhao Han's parents were not around and there were no clan elders, it was naturally Mother Hu and a matchmaker who went to the Sheng family to propose marriage today.

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

The Sheng family is also decorated with lights and full of joy today.

The rosewood table in the main hall was decorated with seasonal fresh fruits and exquisite snacks, while the smoke from the incense burner curled up in the air, making the room look bright and beautiful.

Old Madam Sheng has a wide network of contacts in Bian Jing, and Hualan is the first granddaughter she has raised. Those who came to watch the ceremony and congratulate her today are all from high-ranking families.

Mrs. Wu from the Earl of Yongchang's Mansion came with gifts and a smile. The old lady of the Yu family, supported by her granddaughter Yu Yanran, slowly got off the carriage.

Old Lady He, whose family was the director of the imperial hospital for three generations, came from afar and held hands with the old lady in Shou'an Hall to reminisce about the past.

Even the Xu family of Yongyi Hou, who had not been in contact for a long time, sent someone to deliver a gift today.

Wang Ruofu's family naturally would not miss their granddaughter's good day.

Old Lady Wang came to the Sheng family early with her son Wang Yan and daughter-in-law Ji.

Of course, Wang Ruoyu, who married into the Kang family, also came with them.

Hualan even sat in front of the bronze mirror to dress up at daybreak. Today she was wearing a light pink brocade skirt with crabapple branches embroidered on the lapels and cuffs with silver thread. The dark patterns flowed as she moved, making her face look like a lotus, warm and glowing.

When Madam Wu and other female relatives met Hualan in the backyard, they all praised her for her elegance, grace, gentleness and docility.

Rulan blinked her bright almond-shaped eyes and whispered in Minglan's ear, "Once big sister marries into the Zhao family, she won't be able to control our studies or needlework anymore."

After saying that, he stuck out his tongue mischievously, looking relieved.

After being reminded by Nanny Kong, Hualan changed her ways and became stricter with her three younger sisters.

If Rulan showed any sign of laziness or slacking off, Hualan would be merciless and would scold her directly, leaving her at a loss as to who to turn to for complaints.

Minglan tilted her head slightly, revealing her jade-white face. She said softly, "Big sister is doing this for our own good. Madam Kong is right. Sisters share prosperity and adversity."

"Big sister is so glorious today, and we are also honored."

As she spoke, she glanced in Hualan's direction again, her eyes full of admiration.

Rulan snorted softly, "Hmph, I don't care. I don't want Molan to have the limelight."

"I get angry when I see her!"

Molan stood on the other side with her maid, looking at Hualan who was treated like a star. She couldn't help but feel a little jealous and secretly vowed that she would have such a glorious life when she got married.

As the auspicious time approached, Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu sat on the left and right in the main hall.

Both of them had rosy complexions and were smiling.

Guests watching the ceremony lined up on both sides, and bursts of laughter could be heard from time to time.

Chapter 56 The betrothal ceremony is officially completed

As the eldest son of the Sheng family, Sheng Changbai followed the etiquette at that time and went forward on behalf of the Sheng family to welcome the marriage proposal team.

When the betrothal party passed by Fan Tower, Wei Xingshou leaned against the carved window lattice on the second floor, gazing at the betrothal gift that looked like a red dragon, with a complex tenderness in his eyes.

"Miss, the tea is getting cold." The maid Huichun stood by and reminded softly.

Chief Wei acted as if he hadn't heard anything, and only when the betrothal party walked away did he look away with a sense of loss.

"The eldest daughter of the Sheng family, is she the girl who arranged flowers and made tea at Madam Wu's gathering earlier?"

Huichun answered cautiously, "Indeed, I heard that the eldest daughter of the Sheng family is not only exceptionally talented, but also extremely tactful in her interpersonal relationships. Although she comes from a fifth-rank official family, her overall demeanor is in no way inferior to that of the daughters of noble families."

"That's it, otherwise how could I be a match for Master Zhao." Wei Xingshou said with a smile.

"Come to think of it, Young Master Zhao hasn't been to Guangyuntai for a while."

Wei Xingtou turned his head to look at her and said, "The Hanlin Academy is busy with official business, and there is a beautiful woman by his side. How could Mr. Zhao remember Guangyuntai?"

Wei Xingshou knew very well that he came from a brothel. Although he had the reputation of selling his art but not his body, his innocence was ultimately compromised.

When those young masters from noble families come to listen to music, they are all very attentive and willing to spend a lot of money, but when it comes to marriage, who wouldn’t avoid it as much as possible?

Thinking of marrying into a reputable family and becoming the head of a family is something that you cannot even dream of.

In her opinion, if she could become Zhao Han's confidante in this life, she would be very lucky and would not dare to ask for anything else.

The auspicious time had arrived, and the betrothal team stopped outside Sheng's mansion on time, with the sound of flutes and pipes and the deafening roar of drums.

At the steps in front of the hall, the maids and servants of the Sheng family lined up to greet him.

The matchmaker held the gilded invitation in her hand and spoke in a loud voice, each word resonating with a firm voice, "A good match is made in heaven, and a good couple will be found!"

"The Zhao family has come to present a betrothal gift! We have prepared a pair of live geese, a room full of gold and jade, hundreds of pieces of silk, and eight kinds of delicacies. We respectfully invite Master Sheng, and Madam, please accept them—"

These words were passed down through the servants into the main hall, and every time they passed through a place, a servant would repeat them aloud.

For a moment, the entire Sheng Mansion was filled with the sound of this festive announcement.

Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu exchanged a look of delighted delight and said in unison, "Yes!"

As soon as the word "Yun" was uttered, drums and music started to play.

The betrothal gifts were carried into the house one after another, shining with jewels and precious stones, making the whole room bright and beautiful.

The guests were amazed at the generous betrothal gifts.

Several ladies who were on good terms with Wang Ruofu gathered around her and said with a smile, "My husband said that your son-in-law is highly regarded by Lord Hai in the Hanlin Academy and has a bright future."

"I saw your son-in-law when his name was called during the palace examination. He had bright features and a clear, elegant demeanor. What a striking young man!"

"If my daughter had not yet reached the age of marriage, I would have definitely competed with you for this marriage."

"Madam, you are so lucky! Such a generous betrothal gift shows the Zhao family's sincerity."

"..."

Listen to the praises and congratulations around you.

Wang Ruofu waved her round fan rapidly, suppressing the smile on her face as she said with a reserved air, "Oh, it's just a matter of etiquette."

"Everyone, please go and have some tea and snacks. Today, we specially asked the chef from Fanlou to prepare these."

As she spoke, she personally led everyone to the flower hall in the backyard.

Wang Ruoyu followed behind her and looked at the betrothal gifts piled up like mountains in the backyard. The smile on his face gradually froze.

I thought to myself that my sister and brother-in-law are really lucky!

In her letter, she took great pains to discredit the Yuan family and prevent them from marrying into the Earl's Mansion, but she turned around and found a son-in-law who was a promising and wealthy scholar.

The third place winner is a disciple of the emperor, and it is unknown whether he will enter the cabinet and become a prime minister in the future.

Even her mother praised this marriage as a match made in heaven and prepared more than ten loads of dowry for Hualan early on.

Thinking of this, I thought about the chaotic days of the Kang family.

Wang Ruoyu felt a tightness in his chest, and he clutched the handkerchief tightly, almost biting his teeth to pieces.

Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai were also busy in the main hall dealing with guests who came to congratulate them.

I saw him returning the greeting with a flushed face, stroking his beard and smiling from time to time.

After the banquet was over, the guests gradually dispersed. The Sheng family specially prepared generous return gifts and instructed the steward to lead a dozen servants to send them to the Zhao family in an orderly manner.

At the end of the day, the betrothal ceremony was officially completed, and everyone in the Sheng family finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Hot tea and snacks had already been prepared in the old lady's room, and Wang Ruofu and Sheng Hong were chatting and laughing all the way to Shou'an Hall.

"Mother!"

Wang Ruofu's cry startled the old lady so much that the teacup in her hand shook and she almost spilled half of the hot tea.

She took two steps at a time and walked up to the old lady, her face full of joy.

"I didn't expect the Zhao family to be so wealthy. The things in the boxes are all real!"

"Oh my goodness! There are twenty rolls of top-quality Shu brocade alone, all in the latest fashion, and two complete sets of red gold head ornaments, all meticulously crafted!"

The old lady calmed down and said softly, "A generous betrothal gift is a good thing, but our Sheng family doesn't seek such a thing when marrying off our daughter."

"Don't be so surprised. If this gets out, you'll be laughed at."

Wang Ruofu nodded vigorously upon hearing this, "Yes, yes, mother is right."

Sheng Hong held the verified betrothal list, narrowed his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Seal up all those gold, silver, cloth, money, silk, and jewelry in the warehouse."

"Especially the things bestowed by the Emperor, you must instruct your servants to take good care of them."

"When Hua'er gets married, all of these must be included in her dowry. Not a single thing can be left out."

A noble family like the Sheng family, which does not hold high official positions and values ​​reputation, is most particular about etiquette.

The betrothal gifts sent today include some seasonal food and fresh items that are inconvenient to store.

The rest is all taken back to the daughter's husband's home as a dowry, so as to avoid being criticized for greed for betrothal gifts and selling daughters for money.

"A gift from the Emperor?" When the old lady heard this, a barely perceptible strangeness flashed across her face.

As Sheng Hong handed the betrothal list to the old lady, he said, "Yes."

"Han Ge'er won the emperor's favor when he lectured on classics and history a few days ago, so he specially rewarded me with these."

The old lady lowered her eyes, slowly closed the list, and thought for a while.

She said, "The wedding is still a few months away. Let Hua'er move to Shou'an Hall and I will personally teach her some etiquette."

Wang Ruofu's face was full of confusion, and she felt a little reluctant.

After all, after Hualan got married, the mother and daughter saw each other less often.

During these last few months, she had originally wanted to have more personal conversations with Hualan.

"Mother, what's wrong with Hua'er? I think she's quite decent."

How could the old lady not know what she was thinking?

But there were some things she wasn't sure about at the moment, and she didn't know how to start.

So, he just said softly: "You are right to listen to me. I can't harm Hua girl."