CHAPTER 470: CHAPTER 470: DOWRY

This booklet is over a dozen pages, thick in hand, and it’s uncertain how many valuable items are listed inside.

Even knowing that the Boling Cui Family is doing this deliberately to win him over and thereby win over the Nanyang County Princess, showing goodwill towards the Nanyang Prince Mansion, at this moment, a warm current surged through Cui Du’s heart.

"Thank you, Uncle," Cui Du said softly in gratitude. Urged by Cui Ping, he opened the booklet and glanced through it. The more he looked, the more he clicked his tongue, "This dowry list is way too generous! Uncle! This is too much!"

"The items on the booklet, even if half are left, would be enough."

Cui Ping raised his eyebrow and smiled proudly, "Our Boling Cui Family is the most prestigious noble family in Da Liang, with a heritage of hundreds of years. We can afford this dowry. If it were less, where would the face of the Boling Cui Family go?"

"Just rest assured and accept it."

How could he feel at ease?

He knows his own background better than anyone, and it’s completely unrelated to the Boling Cui Family. The fact that the family acknowledges him as a "Cui Family child" is all for the Commandery Princess’s sake. And now they’re offering such a substantial dowry, how would he ever repay such a heavy favor?

Cui Du’s feelings were evident on his face.

Cui Ping saw this and couldn’t help but secretly sigh. If only this grateful, open-hearted, sincere young man before him was truly a child of the Cui Family. With such an outstanding young man, how could the Boling Cui Family not prosper?

"This dowry isn’t all for you," Cui Ping quietly explained, "The Commandery Princess has ambitions, supporting both the Nanyang Army and the Personal Guard Camp. Maintaining troops is the most costly. Although the resources of Nanyang County currently suffice, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Commandery Princess may find herself in a tight spot."

"In critical times, you should bring out your ’private savings’ to help the Commandery Princess through emergencies. The Commandery Princess will naturally appreciate your affection and treat you better. The entire Nanyang Prince Mansion will also view you more favorably."

The meaning was clear. This large sum of gold and silver was, in fact, a gift from the Boling Cui Family to the Nanyang County Princess, using the dowry as a pretext.

Only then did Cui Du feel at ease, though he continued to express his gratitude: "Uncle is considering my interests, which I’m fully aware of. Thank you, Uncle."

Cui Ping coughed lightly and chuckled, "Your elder cousin told me he wishes to stay by your side to serve. Lu Sheren has gone to Pingzhou as an acting Inspector, and Ma Sheren has now become the Chief Steward of the Prince Mansion. Currently, there is only one Chen Sheren at the Commandery Princess’s side. If a suitable opportunity arises, please put in a good word with the Commandery Princess, so that your elder cousin could also have a proper position."

They were eyeing the position of the Commandery Princess Attendant.

However, Cui Du did not readily agree, "Personnel changes in the Prince Mansion are managed by Chief Historian Chen. Who should serve as a housekeeper depends on the Commandery Princess’s intent. I don’t understand these matters and it’s not my place to speak."

Cui Ping was indeed insightful; instead of being disappointed, he praised Cui Du’s cautious and low-key approach, "You did right. It’s not your place to interfere with how the Commandery Princess appoints individuals. Even after marriage, as the Commandery Princess’s consort, you must remember this."

Although Jiang Shaohua was young, she demonstrated powerful capabilities and methods, and her control over Nanyang County was astounding.

Facing such a strong, decisive, and formidable Commandery Princess, the Boling Cui Family didn’t mind bowing their heads a bit. In the future, as the Commandery Princess’s husband, Cui Du must learn to be silent and yield.

...

That evening, Jiang Shaohua slowly perused the Boling Cui Family’s dowry list in her study. Her lips curled up, "Is this from Cui Ping?"

Cui Du nodded and recounted what Cui Ping had said, "... This dowry, in name, is given to me, but in reality, it’s the Boling Cui Family’s gift to the Commandery Princess. It’s temporarily under my name, and I can bring it out for use when needed."

Anyone would be pleased to see a mountain of gold presented before them.

Jiang Shaohua couldn’t help it either; the anxiety caused by the upheaval in the Capital City disappeared entirely. She smiled and said, "In this way, won’t you be at a loss?"

Cui Du naturally replied, "Everything of mine belongs to the Commandery Princess, there’s no loss."

Jiang Shaohua smiled with pursed lips, handing the booklet back to Cui Du, "You keep it for now. When it’s needed in the future, I will ask you."

Cui Du declined, refusing to accept and conveniently grasped her hand in his palm, "It’s troublesome to hand it back and forth, the Commandery Princess should just keep the booklet. I’m busy on the field manor all day, where would I have time to manage these?"

Although Cui Du had never practiced martial arts, he busied himself daily on the fields, resulting in calloused hands. Jiang Shaohua, full of divine power, had slender and delicate hands tightly enveloped by his.

Where their skin met, a warm sensation spread.

Jiang Shaohua’s ears warmed slightly. As she raised her eyes to look at Cui Du, she saw his handsome face was flushed. His eyes, especially heated, fell upon her face.

Jiang Shaohua was no naive young girl inexperienced in matters of affection. Under his ardent gaze, she tried to remain calm and attempted to change the subject, "It’s quite late, it should be time for dinner..."

That handsome face swiftly approached, leaving a gentle kiss on her forehead. Then, the flushed face withdrew, not daring to meet her gaze.

Jiang Shaohua felt a tickling sensation in her heart.

She took a step forward and surprised him by moving closer and kissing him on the lips.

Cui Du only felt an electric current surging wildly through his body, causing him to tremble all over. Just as he instinctively intended to kiss back, Jiang Shaohua had swiftly stepped away, "Let’s go! I’m hungry."

I’m hungry too.

Cui Du cleared his dry throat with effort, "Alright, I’ll accompany the Commandery Princess to dine."

Jiang Shaohua smiled sweetly, took his hand, and walked towards the study’s exit.

Cui Du’s entire being felt floaty, his steps unusually light, as if each step was upon clouds.

Standing outside the study, Chen Jinyu, witnessing the Commandery Princess and Elder Changning walking hand in hand, widened his eyes in shock. Then, upon reconsideration, realized the Boling Cui Family had already come to the Nanyang Prince Mansion to discuss the engagement. The Commandery Princess and Elder Changning were practically an engaged couple, so showing affection in public wasn’t improper.

The dinner was sumptuous and delicious. Cui Du habitually served the Commandery Princess by picking vegetables, wielding chopsticks with speed, piling her bowl high before stopping.

Jiang Shaohua, accustomed to being waited upon, had an exceptionally good appetite tonight, finishing the contents of her bowl in no time. Then, a second bowl was once again presented before her.

Cui Du smiled, "These days, the Commandery Princess’s appetite hasn’t been what it used to be, and you’ve gotten thinner. Now that your appetite is good, eat plenty."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and hummed in acknowledgment.

The world is vast, but eating is the most important. Only when full is there strength to work.

After eating her fill and setting down her chopsticks, Chief Historian Chen came in.

At this time, for Chief Historian Chen to come deliberately, there must be important matters. Jiang Shaohua had an inkling, and she asked directly, "Is there a response from the Capital City?"

Chief Historian Chen nodded, handing a letter to Jiang Shaohua.

Jiang Shaohua felt her heart sink slightly.

It was a reply from Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, but there was no response from Emperor Taihe.