Wedding Day Trouble

"They say that's their family's custom," the Third Concubine said indignantly. "If there's a custom, they should say so beforehand and discuss it properly. Anything can be agreed upon then. But she's making things difficult at this crucial moment; it's clearly intentional."

"It was definitely intentional," Gu Wanning said.

Given her temperament, she shouldn't back down now.

But reality is more powerful than people.

With so many guests watching, it's not worth losing face over such a small amount of money.

Second Concubine was a person who cared a lot about appearances.

And today is the joyous day she has been looking forward to for so many years.

Gu Wanning could understand the special significance of today for her.

She had promised her parents that she would raise her younger brother, and today was her way of fulfilling that promise.

A joyous occasion should not turn into a joke.

"I saw Rongrong send someone to fetch the silver notes, saying it was for one thousand taels, but that aunt said one thousand taels was for beggars, and she wanted six thousand taels."

"Why doesn't she just rob her!" Gu Wanning was furious. "The Yu family is really something else. Not only did they sell their daughter, but now they're trying to sell their niece? Don't they even realize they're worthy?"

The bride's surname was Shi, and she was a proper daughter of a high-ranking official.

How Yu family such a shameless attitude!

"Rongrong doesn't look well," the Third Concubine said worriedly, "But her younger brother seems willing, as if he's trying to persuade her to take out the money."

Gu Wanning didn't say anything, but in her heart she thought with certainty, "It's over, I've raised this younger brother for nothing."

As a man, he may not be so sensitive and may not fully understand his sister's sacrifices for him over the years. This is understandable out of consideration for family ties. One could say that the younger brother is young and will understand in the future.

But he lacks even a basic sense of right and wrong, and has no principles. His Second Concubine can't rely on him at all in the future.

Today should have been a joyous occasion, but for the Second Concubine, it was a day of misfortune.

I was robbed.

And in the end, they have to swallow their bitterness and greet the guests with a smile.

There can be no mistakes today, or Second Concubine will have a mental breakdown.

She would feel sorry for her parents and that she had embarrassed them.

So in the end, she will definitely pay the six thousand taels.

But it's really annoying!

After thinking for a moment, Gu Wanning got up and walked out.

The Third Concubine followed closely behind.

After going outside, looking at the haughty, gold-and-silver-adorned, and mean-looking woman, at the Second Concubine with an embarrassed expression but forcing a smile, and at Jin Huayu with a pleading look, and the motionless bridal sedan chair, Gu Wanning felt as if her heart was stuffed with cotton.

On this joyous day, they really managed to spoil it.

Gu Wanning walked over to the Second Concubine's side and, looking at her who was trying to put on a brave face, said, "Don't you have that much cash? Why don't you write an IOU and have it delivered to the Shi residence? You're in business and value your reputation; you certainly wouldn't default on a debt."

Second Concubine was originally a very intelligent person, but today she was so angry that she had to maintain a smiling face, and for a moment she was so confused that she couldn't think of a solution.

Hearing Gu Wanning's reminder, she immediately said, "You're right! I'll have someone write an IOU and send it to the Shi residence right away."

"Remember to give it to Madam Shi," Gu Wanning added, "You must respect her legitimate family members."

She deliberately emphasized the word "serious".

The aunt, however, was furious. She jumped up and said, "Your Jin family has such a large business, and now you say you don't have six thousand taels of silver? I think you clearly don't think much of my niece. My niece is beautiful and graceful, a daughter of a high-ranking official. You're not even giving her the slightest bit of respect in her marriage."

"You're the one who doesn't give her dignity," Gu Wanning said.

She shouldn't have spoken at that moment.

But think about it, if she doesn't play the bad guy, shouldn't the Second Concubine be the bad guy?

She will still have to get along with her sister-in-law in the future.

Although Gu Wanning already felt that she was in for a rough time.

But she still felt sorry for her Second Concubine and didn't want her to be the subject of gossip.

It's alright, she can play the bad guy. She won't have much contact with the Jin families Shi family the future, so let her speak the truth.

Third Concubine's thoughts were largely correct, so she retorted, "Your niece? Aside from sneaking over to beg for money, have you ever even entered the main courtyard of the Shi family? In the dignified residence of a Vice Minister, is it only proper for relatives of concubines to run around and make baseless accusations against the young ladies of the household?"

"You, you're talking nonsense!" The woman, exposed and enraged, began to argue irrationally, "This marriage is off, it's off. Niece, you haven't even entered the family yet, and they already look down on you like this. Let's not go through with the marriage then."

Chapter 260 Wedding Pranks

"Is that so?" The Second Concubine's patience had reached its limit. Ignoring her younger brother's repeated tugging at her sleeve, she said coldly, "Since you don't want to get married, then you can take the person back now."

"Elder sister--"

"Shut up! Let go!" The Second Concubine's voice brooked no argument as she looked at the sedan chair. "Our merchant family is ultimately no match for your noble lady. We don't want the 20,000 taels of silver and various pieces of jewelry we sent as betrothal gifts; consider it compensation for all the trouble we caused Miss Shi. Before she enters the family, let's part amicably. Our Jin family can't afford to serve relatives like the Shi family. Miss Shi marriage to a noble man in the future."

After saying this, she bowed to everyone and smiled, "We've made you all enjoy the show today. The feast is ready, so please do us the honor of staying for a meal. This is our way of thanking you all for your support over the years. Please come in—"

"Sister," Jin Huayu pleaded, "She didn't want to either..."

Gu Wanning: Love-struck, hopeless.

If she gives birth to a son as clueless as him in the future, she should sever ties with him as soon as possible to avoid being angered to the point of shortening her lifespan.

Oh, it's alright, Xu Weibei is no good, she can't have a son.

That puts my mind at ease.

She resolutely refused to accept the debt owed to her children.

Fortunately, Second Concubine was resolute. As expected of her, a ruthless and decisive businesswoman, she put aside her pride and made the right decision at the crucial moment.

--If a sister-in-law like that marries into the family, won't she cause a complete uproar?

So it's better this way, that things just fell apart.