"This Lady Lu's husband is quite the man," Madam Zhang said with a smile. "The Lu family's name graces over a dozen cloth shops in our main city. When a man has status and wealth, women are naturally drawn to him. Don't let the fact that Master Lu has many concubines fool you; he dotes on each and every one."
These words clearly aimed to compensate for everything with money.
The Third Madam, Yin Wenying, was marrying off her daughter, not selling her. "Our Ziyun is so young, and yet you want her to become the eighth concubine? What does money matter? While our Ji family can't be called immensely wealthy, we don't raise daughters who are solely driven by profit."
Upon hearing this, Lady Lu's expression turned cold. "How can the Third Madam of the Ji family speak like that? As far as I know, the third daughter of the Ji family isn't exactly a pure maiden. Our Lu family considered this matter only because we thought highly of the Ji family's reputation."
Third Madam Yin Wenying tightened her grip on her daughter's hand, showing no intention of backing down. "It's true that our Ziyun has been married before, but that doesn't mean she's fallen so low!"
Lady Lu, far from getting angry, let out a cold laugh. "She's just a discarded woman. It's already a blessing from heaven that our Lu family is willing to take her. Speaking of which, do all the daughters of the Ji family like to be discarded? If I recall correctly, the eldest daughter of the Ji family also seems to be divorced, doesn't she?"
Ji Ziyun, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke. "You can say whatever you wish about me, Lady Lu. But my eldest sister has always acted with integrity and lived honorably. If you knew my eldest sister, you wouldn't have said what you just did. If you don't know her, then I ask you to retract your words."
Lady Lu's already unpleasant expression turned completely dark.
She had heard that Madam Jiang had been publicly embarrassed by Ji Ziyun some time ago. But seeing Ji Ziyun's silence today, she had begun to wonder if Madam Jiang had exaggerated.
She hadn't expected that once provoked, Ji Ziyun would be so sharp-tongued.
Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Madam Zhang quickly intervened. "A misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding..."
"What misunderstanding! You old hag, speaking with your eyes wide open and telling lies! If you had told me from the start that my daughter was to be a concubine, I would never have come to arrange a marriage! We have different paths; we cannot plan together. We will not be accompanying you further." Third Madam Yin Wenying pulled Ji Ziyun and stood up.
"Wait."
Lady Lu spoke unhurriedly. "It's not impossible for the Third Madam of the Ji family to go back on her word. But here in Yulin, if a betrothal gift is accepted and then the agreement is broken, ten times the amount must be returned. If I remember correctly, our Lu family provided thirty thousand taels. The Ji family has a noble reputation; I doubt you would break the rules, would you?"
Third Madam Yin Wenying: "..."
How could she have forgotten about this!
"When I accepted the betrothal gift, Madam Zhang didn't tell me this!" If she had known, she would never have accepted the gift, even if it meant her daughter remained unmarried forever.
Madam Zhang, eager to get the Lu family's money, had indeed downplayed certain aspects. Now, facing Third Madam Yin Wenying's accusation, she was naturally guilty.
"The betrothal gift has been received. Does the Third Madam of the Ji family intend to renege on the debt?" Lady Lu sneered. Her household already had so many women; she didn't mind adding a few more. She had chosen Ji Ziyun in the first place to please Madam Jiang, and she certainly wouldn't let her go easily now.
As long as Madam Jiang was happy, it would bring more profit to her Lu family's businesses.
"If the Third Madam of the Ji family refuses to acknowledge the debt, our Lu family will have no choice but to publicize today's events. By then, not only will the reputation of the third daughter of the Ji family be completely ruined, but the Ji family's reputation will also suffer a devastating blow." Lady Lu continued her aggressive pursuit, already planning how she would torment Ji Ziyun after she entered the household, all to further please Madam Jiang.
Ji Ziyun, who had been inattentive until now, suddenly tensed up upon hearing these words.
Ever since the men of her family had met with misfortune, her eldest sister had carried the burden of the Ji family on her shoulders, single-handedly leading them to where they were today. Although her eldest sister never complained of hardship, how could Ji Ziyun not know the struggles involved?
Now, how could she selfishly destroy everything her eldest sister had worked so hard for with her own hands?!
Despite her deep reluctance, Ji Ziyun's gaze suddenly firmed. She looked at Lady Lu and said, "If Lady Lu does not mind, I am willing to..."
Before she could finish speaking, the tightly shut door of the private room was pushed open.
The people inside the room turned their attention to the door and saw a slender, upright figure walking in.
As the person's refined features gradually became clear, everyone revealed different expressions.
Ji Ziyun's eyes immediately welled up with tears. She murmured, "Eldest Sister..."
Third Madam Yin Wenying tugged at her daughter's arm, then looked at Ji Zizhao. "Zhaojie, I know why you've come. I advise you to give up that idea. I am determined to marry my daughter off!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Zizhao smiled. "Third Aunt, what you say is interesting. Of course, I wish for my third sister's happiness. If Third Aunt's decision can bring my third sister happiness, I don't see anything inappropriate about it."
Third Madam Yin Wenying: "..."
Had Zhaojie taken something wrong?
Ji Zizhao then turned to Lady Lu. "I heard the intentions of this lady outside the door. I actually find this marriage to be quite suitable."
Lady Lu had been somewhat nervous upon seeing Ji Zizhao.
After all, Ji Zizhao's reputation was formidable.
However, hearing these words now, Lady Lu felt more at ease. Clearly, the Ji family couldn't afford the compensation for the broken betrothal, so even Ji Zizhao had to humble herself and admit defeat.
"I didn't expect the eldest daughter of the Ji family to be so understanding. If that's the case, I'll have my household servants go to the Ji family to fetch her tomorrow."
When a concubine enters the household, there's no need for such elaborate arrangements; a simple sedan chair would suffice.
Ji Zizhao smiled and took a seat, pulling her third aunt and third sister down with her. She then looked at Lady Lu and smiled. "Lady Lu, there's no need to be so hasty. Since we are to become family, some matters should be discussed beforehand."
Lady Lu raised an eyebrow. Although she didn't want to listen, she didn't believe Ji Zizhao could cause any further trouble.
"As this Lady has heard, my third sister has been divorced. Therefore, my third sister is naturally different from other women. After all, she was once the daughter-in-law of a Grand Tutor. Naturally, her food, clothing, and daily necessities must be the best."
Lady Lu scoffed. "How good can it be?"
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly. "Three meals a day, six dishes and one soup, three meat and three vegetarian dishes. When paying respects to elders during festivals, the red envelope must start at least ten thousand taels of silver. As for daily attire and jewelry, there aren't as many strict requirements, but gold, silver, and jade ornaments are essential. Also, my third sister has been sensitive to cold and heat since childhood. In winter, she must wear sable fur, and in summer, seven-colored brocade..."
Lady Lu: "..."
Is this a concubine you're marrying?
You're inviting a living ancestor into your home!