Chapter 1255: Chapter 1254: Dowry

Wang Yongzhu suppressed a laugh and stepped forward, while massaging Old Granny Zhang’s shoulders and praising her, “Mom, you look so noble and beautiful today. You’re not any worse than those official wives!”

Old Granny Zhang indeed lit up with joy, “Really?” She checked herself in the mirror from different angles.

Then she said, “It’s not bragging when I say this, back in the day, I was the flower of the village, lots of young men had people come to propose. If the Zhang Family hadn’t been intent on selling me for a good price, your father wouldn’t have stood a chance!”

After speaking, she held Yongzhu’s hand, “Help mom choose; what suit would be appropriate for today?”

While saying this, Old Granny Zhang couldn’t take her eyes off the bright red dress on the bed. When she married Wang Laozhu, it was a second marriage, naturally less grand than a first marriage. The wedding dress materials were sent from the Wang Family but were snatched by the Zhang Family.

Old Granny Zhang had always regretted not having properly worn her own bright red clothes. Now that she’s older, this pure red feels awkward to wear.

Wang Yongzhu looked at Old Granny Zhang’s expression, thought about it, and understood.

She stepped forward and picked out the bright red dress, handed it to Old Granny Zhang, “Mom, this one is most suitable.”

Old Granny Zhang’s eyes brightened, but she immediately waved her hands, “This won’t do; this color is too vivid. I’m an old woman now, how could I wear such bright clothes? This color is more suitable for you young girls—”

Though she said that, the longing in her eyes was undeniable.

Wang Yongzhu put the dress on Old Granny Zhang regardless, while saying, “What’s unsuitable? Today is mom’s special day; only this color is festive enough!”

“Besides, my mom looks good; this red color is just right for her. It matches today’s hairstyle and accessories perfectly!”

Old Granny Zhang insisted it was inappropriate, but as Wang Yongzhu helped her into the dress, she begrudgingly changed into it. Once tidied up, Wang Yongzhu pushed her in front of the mirror, “Mom, see, isn’t it a perfect match?”

Old Granny Zhang looked at the unfamiliar yet somewhat familiar face in the mirror, momentarily stunned.

The woman in the mirror, though not fair-skinned, had a rosy complexion, well-defined features, and paired with the Phoenix Hairpin and the dress, she looked exactly like a wealthy lady.

The lines of hardship faded a lot; more leisure and satisfaction took their place. Her complexion looked especially good, much younger than before.

Old Granny Zhang was herself amazed, and Wang Yongzhu felt emotional. Both mother and daughter were silent, gazing at the reflection.

It was Old Lady Gu who broke the silence, supporting a maid as she entered, her eyes lighting up instantly, “Oh my, my Niuniu looks truly beautiful today!”

The accompanying maids and old women quickly chimed in, praising Old Granny Zhang in various ways, leaving her a bit overwhelmed.

Someone came to report that the auspicious time was near, and the preparations upfront were ready. They invited Old Lady and the Aunt, along with the Cousin, to head to the front.

The group moved grandly to the front courtyard.

Today was the Gu Family’s recognition ceremony, aside from the guests who received invitations, there were many relatives of the Gu Family in attendance.

Even the Third Wife of the Gu Family came.

Since Gu Changqing had harshly declared that, except during festivities, without his permission, no one from the third wife may come by, and had even walled off the door between the two households.

The third wife initially didn’t believe it, tried visiting several times, only to be blocked by the gatekeeper every time. No matter how Gu Changyin fussed, there was no leniency, finally realizing the seriousness.

These days, they’ve been quite subdued, today they finally could come due to the Gu Family’s major event.

Upon arrival, they dared not act arrogant as before but quietly sat aside. Although their expressions were not pleasant, they didn’t cause trouble.

The Eldest Lady of the Gu Family instructed someone to keep an eye on them. As long as they didn’t cause trouble, they were to be left alone.

Once the auspicious time arrived, a clan elder from the Gu Family announced in front of all the Gu Family relatives and members of the third wife that Old Granny Zhang was indeed the eldest daughter of the Gu Family who had been lost years ago. Now, after surviving hardships, fate has finally allowed a reunion, truly fortunate for the Gu Family, he said.

He also announced publicly that Old Granny Zhang henceforth would be acknowledged as the eldest daughter of the Gu Family, Gu Changyuan. Logically speaking, as the eldest daughter, she couldn’t inherit property, but should receive a dowry.

Back then, due to her disappearance, the old master of the Gu Family had preserved a dowry for her, setting it apart, and entrusted its profit to aid needy clan members annually. Every year donation was made under the name of Gu Changyuan outside the city to help the needy, accumulating virtue for her.

Now that Old Granny Zhang has been recognized back, this dowry was returned to her at this moment.

While speaking, a sandalwood box was brought forth, inside were thick stacks of dowry slips and a handwritten letter left by the old master.

The crowd was astonished, not expecting the old master had made such arrangements.

Even Old Madam Gu was stunned, after a moment, she said, “That father of hers at least,”

Third Wife’s Lady Jin was livid, looking at that box with thick dowry slips, her eyes turned red. Seizing a moment when no one was paying attention, she kicked Gu Changyin to provoke him to speak.

Gu Changyin dumbfoundedly glanced at Old Granny Zhang, then at Old Madam Gu, eventually bowed his head. No matter how Jin kicked him or made signals, he didn’t step forward to speak.

Lady Jin stomped in anger but understood the gravity of the situation; with so many clan members present, even if she jumped out, before Gu Changqing even spoke, the clan would punish her, so she could only sulk.

Old Granny Zhang was stupefied. She had no fondness for her muddle-headed father who died early, only felt all this was tragic. Though her cruel and vicious uncle was largely to blame, that muddle-headed and biased grandfather and father were no less culpable.

It was they who caused her decades of suffering outside; not harboring resentment was simply impossible.

But receiving such a grand gift at this moment left her speechless.

Once the clan elder finished, he neatly opened the ancestral hall, burned incense, prayed, and comforted the ancestors, expressing thankful reliance on their blessings in finding lost blood relations.

They also restored Gu Changyuan’s name onto the records.

Thus, Old Granny Zhang was officially reinstated into the Gu Family, with no room for doubt.

After exiting the ancestral hall, they returned to the Gu Family, guests gradually started arriving.

The women naturally headed to the back courtyard, while the men stayed in the front.

Upon entering the Gu Family, observant guests noticed some changes, such as those accompanying Gu Changqing in greeting guests at the door included Gu Zikai, Gu Zihuan, and Gu Zihang, but surprisingly excluded the third wife’s Gu Zidong.

Instead, Song Chongjin, the newly appointed Princely Heir of Duke Weiguo’s family, was present.

Thinking of the relations between their two families, this newly appointed Princely Heir is today’s central figure, the son-in-law of the Eldest Aunt of the Gu Family, what wasn’t clear now?