After dinner, Madam Chu took Chu Ping and Qingi for a stroll in the garden.
"Miss Qingi, don’t take it the wrong way. It’s not that I mind you don’t have parents, but if your family has no parents to oversee the marriage, do you have any plans?"
Madam Chu asked warmly, "Don’t worry, whatever you want, you can tell us."
"We only have Ping’er as our child, so naturally, everything in the future will be for you two."
"Ping’er likes you, and the more we see you, the more we like you too. Just say what you want, and his father and I will definitely comply."
Qingi knew they were discussing the engagent betrothal gifts.
She quickly said, "Madam, you are kind; I don’t need anything."
"As for betrothal gifts, let’s just follow the usual custom: a pair of geese, six pieces of fabric, and two sets of new bedding and pillows."
That’s what ordinary families need for marriage.
But it’s different for noble families.
Hearing Qingi’s words, Madam Chu laughed.
"You are such a good child, thinking of saving us money even before marrying in."
Under the table, Chu Ping tugged on Qingi’s hand, "Xiao i, don’t be polite with my mother. If you’re shy to ask for sothing, I’ll speak for you."
"Mother, let’s do it this way. To marry Xiao i, I need an eighteen-carried sedan chair."
Qingi’s eyes widened.
An eighteen-carried sedan chair—that’s as grand as a third rank official marrying off a daughter!
That’s still not enough!
Chu Ping continued, "Four chests of gold coins, sixteen chests of new clothing fabric."
Madam Chu promptly called the maid, "Quickly, write down what he said."
Qingi pulled at Chu Ping, "That’s enough, that’s enough."
"Not enough!" Chu Ping emphasized, "Mother, Xiao i has no dowry of her own; we can’t let her be looked down upon."
Madam Chu nodded in agreent, "That’s right, let’s add to that. Six more chests of gold coins, and take two chests out to make Miss Qingi’s dowry, alright?"
Chu Ping nodded, having no objections.
He even emphasized further, "Shouldn’t there also be seven or eight chests of pearl jewelry?"
Qingi beca anxious, "Chu Ping! Enough! That’s too much!"
He’s trying to empty the entire Chu family.
Madam Chu smiled warmly, "It’s fine, we’ve actually been preparing these things for a long ti."
"But Ping’er has been waiting for you, year after year, we’ve accumulated more and more, all for you."
Qingi felt a bit embarrassed and lowered her head, "Thank you, Madam."
At this, Madam Chu said, "Oh, right, the Peace Jade I ntioned obtaining for Miss Qingi is still in my room. Ping’er, take her to get it."
Chu Ping pulled Qingi to her feet, his handso brows relaxed, smiling cheekily, "Thank you, Mother!"
He led Qingi toward the main courtyard.
Qingi whispered, "Chu Ping, don’t give so much; your father’s official duties are not easy."
But Chu Ping laughed heartily, "Xiao i, I’m so happy that even before marrying in, you know to be filial to your in-laws."
Qingi blushed, "I’m talking about serious matters. Don’t joke around."
Chu Ping imdiately reined in his smile, adopting a serious expression, and said solemnly, "But my parents like giving to you, so just accept."
After saying this, he leaned closer to Qingi, whispering, "The best way to repay my parents is for you to continue the Chu family line."
"We should quickly have a big, healthy boy to let my parents enjoy their old age."
Qingi’s face turned bright red.
She gently pushed Chu Ping, "I told you not to tease ! We’re here, go in and get the item."
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