Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 998 - 996_1

Chapter 998: Chapter 996_1

Instead of saying they were accusing Marquis Shengping Mansion, it seemed more accurate to say they were pointing the finger at Xiao’er.

Xiao’er had always had a good reputation. The people around the two gossips found their accusations astonishing, "That can’t be! Doesn’t the Shengping Mansion own many profitable businesses, like beauty salons, supermarkets, restaurants... and so forth. Why would they covet their daughter-in-law’s dowry?"

"You wouldn’t know. Have you seen the dowry of the Princess of Rui’an County during her marriage? To get her married to Prince Rui, the entire Shengping Marquis family gave their family wealth to her as dowry. They are no longer wealthy!" Princess Ling’er spoke as if she was privy to inside information.

"That’s impossible!" The others still had some doubts.

"Why wouldn’t it be possible? Compared to the dowry of the Princess Rui, who else’s could possibly compete? Even the Empress Dowager and the Empress couldn’t match up. If you take multiple households and add up their dowries, it still couldn’t match hers. Is that not the same as emptying the Shengping Marquis Mansion?"

The Marquis Shengping was destitute in the past and often went hungry! They had only amassed their wealth over a few years! How much money could they actually make compared to other prestigious families? But when those esteemed families married off their daughters, their dowries were nowhere near as extravagant as the Princess Rui’s!" Princess Ling’er initially spoke casually, but as she talked, even she began to believe it to be true!

Shen Xiao’er managed to have such a glamorous wedding because she must have emptied the Marquis Shengping Mansion!

What she didn’t know was that Shangguan Xuanyi, apart from owning the Wang Mansion and having the status of a prince, gave all his wealth to Xiao’er as a betrothal gift!

The emperor and the empress bestowed many gifts, as did Shangguan Xuanhao, Shangguan Xuanjun, Di Shaowei’s family, Lai Zhewei’s family, the Fifth Princess, Prince An’s family, Shangguan Wanru, Zhuge Xin and Anyi, Brother Ri, Master Shi, and others. They also gave significant gifts to add to the dowry. Just these gifts alone vastly outweighed Princess Ling’er’s dowry. How could Princess Ling’er possibly compare to Xiao’er?

"But Princess Rui had many civilians adding to her dowry!" Someone countered.

"Commoners don’t have a lot of money. Even if they were to contribute, their gifts wouldn’t be expensive. But Princess Rui had numerous priceless items in her dowry!" Princess Ling’er was evidently jealous of the additional gifts the commoners spontaneously gave to Xiao’er.

She had also given out porridge to people in her tent from time to time! Why didn’t anyone remember her acts of kindness and contribute to her dowry?

Other people didn’t speak after hearing Princess Ling’er’s words. But after some careful thought, they found it somewhat plausible. They guessed it was possible that the marriage of Princess Rui had really emptied the Marquis Shengping Mansion, which is why the head son of the Marquis Shengping needed to marry a merchant’s daughter. The situation was probably desperate and they needed the daughter-in-law’s dowry to make ends meet.

"I never thought the Princess Rui would be so indifferent to the wellbeing of her parents and brothers," Fang Wanping timely sighed.

"Faces can be deceiving!" Princess Ling’er contemptuously interjected.

Even though others remained silent, they agreed internally.

Soon rumors about Princess Rui’s dowry emptying the entire Marquis Shengping Mansion and even creating significant debts spread like wildfire across the Imperial Capital. Regarding the eldest son of Marquis Shengping marrying a merchant’s daughter to make ends meet, there were believers and skeptics. Some even defended Xiao’er.

When Xiao’er heard about the rumors, several days had passed. The rumors had even alarmed the Empress Dowager.

At present, everyone in Xiao’er’s family was busy with Jingrui’s wedding.

After bringing Zhu Yan back to the mansion, Jingrui completed the marriage rites in front of their friends and family, then everyone changed into a different set of clothes, ready to head to the Four Seasons Restaurant.

Xiao’er restyled Zhu Yan’s hair and did her makeup. The makeover made Zhu Yan even more stunning, especially her eyes which were incredibly beautiful.

"Xiao’er, you did my makeup so well, I feel much prettier," Zhu Yan admitted. She knew that her looks were plain and could not be considered outstanding. Her eyes and face shape were fine, but her nose was a bit flat, and her skin was slightly dark. But ever since she started using Xiao’er’s skincare products, her skin had indeed become whiter and softer. Without makeup, she looked above average - not stunning, but not forgettable either.

The makeup Xiao’er did for her accentuated her features while concealing her flaws. Looking at herself in the mirror, Zhu Yan noticed her eyes appeared bigger and more refined, her nose seemed taller and the lips enticing. In short, she looked absolutely gorgeous.

"Alright, let’s change into your bridal attire, then you’ll look even more stunning! I’m sure you’ll bewitch my brother later!" Xiao’er was extremely satisfied with her work.

Zhu Yan blushed at Xiao’er’s words, luckily no one could tell since she was wearing makeup. She glared at Xiao’er, "Stop making fun of me!"

Xiao’er raised her hand, "I promise by heaven, I’m speaking nothing but the truth! I’m completely captivated by your appearance! Not to mention my brother!"

"Silly woman! I don’t want to talk to you anymore!" Zhu Yan, who was feeling a bit overwhelmed after the wedding ceremony, found it difficult to keep up with Xiao’er, so all she could do was dismiss the subject.

After Zhu Yan had changed into her bridal outfit, the two went outside, where Jingrui was waiting at the door of the new room. The sight of Zhu Yan dazzled him, but he quickly regained his composure, smiled softly, and said, "Let’s go! It’s time to leave."

Zhu Yan nodded and stepped over to him.

Xiao’er, seeing Jingrui acting like a dumbstruck goose, incapable of even uttering a compliment, was so exasperated she wanted to kick him. However, considering he was the groom that day, she decided to postpone the kick.

But while she was able to let this go without further action, Xiao’er couldn’t resist speaking up, "Brother, isn’t my sister-in-law beautiful? Have you been dazzled by her beauty?"

Jingrui involuntarily glanced at Zhu Yan, indeed she was beautiful and he found it hard to take his eyes off her. However, how could he express this out loud? But if he didn’t say anything, Xiao’er definitely wouldn’t drop the subject. He could only nod, "She is very beautiful."

"Brother, did your heartbeat quicken? Is your heart pounding excitedly, as if it’s going to leap from your chest?"

Jingrui: "..."

She really intended to embarrass him, didn’t she?

In irritation, he retorted, "My heart needs to beat every moment. Otherwise, do you expect me to drop dead here?"

"My dear sister-in-law, did you hear that? My brother’s heart beats for you every second! He wouldn’t be able to live without you! Aren’t you delighted?"

Jingrui: "..." His words were clearly taken out of context!

Zhu Yan had been completely flustered by being addressed as "sister-in-law" by Xiao’er. But at this moment, she had regained her composure. She noticed Shangguan Xuanyi approaching out of the corner of her eye and remarked, "In the eyes and heart of Prince Rui, there is only you, Xiao’er. He can’t bear a moment without you. Xiao’er, how do you feel about that?"

Xiao’er noticed Zhu Yan’s gaze and when she turned around she saw Shangguan Xuanyi approaching. She glared at him, disgruntled about being countered because of his appearance!

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