Actually, this matter was brought up by Lady Zhang to Lady Li after Zhang Caiyun and Lu Bingwu got engaged. Zhang Caiyun’s dowry, aside from what the family could prepare themselves, required so items to be purchased elsewhere. Those items could be bought in the town, but if they could be purchased from the county city, it would naturally be better.
Ordinary tenant families might not have this option, but the Zhang Family did. Previously, because of the distance, going to the city was troubleso for them. However, now, the situation is different.
With Lian Manman’s family, going to the city is no longer troubleso but rather quite convenient. Moreover, Lian Manman’s family not only has a house in the county city but also a shop.
"When we ca, I discussed with your father, your brothers, and your brothers’ wives about taking Caiyun to the city to buy whatever was needed. We’ll buy everything from your shop, it’s convenient and worry-free. I know your shop has all good stuff. We’ve brought the silver coin with us." Lady Li said with a smile.
"Mother, let Caiyun choose freely anything available in the shop. There’s no need to talk about money." Lady Zhang said.
"Elder sister, we must make this clear." Lady Zhang Wang hurriedly said with a smile, "If we choose items from your shop, we must pay you the money. Otherwise, we wouldn’t dare trouble you and would go elsewhere to buy. We are relatives, but your business is your business, it can’t be mixed up."
As she spoke, Lady Zhang Wang lifted her coat and brought out a money pouch to show Lady Zhang. The pouch was full, containing loose pieces of silver and several strings of coins.
Lian Manman roughly estimated that there should be nearly twenty taels of silver.
Considering that the major items were already prepared, this twenty taels of silver was quite substantial for a tenant family marrying off a daughter.
"I have the final say on this matter." Lady Li said, "Whatever is bought for Caiyun in your shop, we will pay for it. If you, as the maternal aunt, want to add to Caiyun’s dowry, that’s a separate matter."
The Zhang Family thought of buying Zhang Caiyun’s dowry from any shop, and naturally wanted to support Lian Manman’s family’s shop. Moreover, it’s more convenient to buy from their own shop. But the money for buying items must be paid, they can’t take advantage of Lian Manman’s family.
Lady Zhang thought that whatever was available in their shop, Zhang Caiyun could choose freely, and it would count as her adding to the dowry.
Both sides had good intentions, so the discussion was naturally friendly.
"Mother, just listen to my grandmother." Lian Manman thought for a mont and said to Lady Zhang.
There were many other ways to support Zhang Caiyun, and given all the circumstances, it would be best to do it discreetly.
This matter was settled, and after everyone had eaten, Zhang Qingshan and Zhang Qingnian returned ho, while Lady Li, Lady Zhang Wang, and Zhang Caiyun stayed.
The next day, the Lian Family prepared the carriage and horses, leaving Lian Shouxin at ho to watch the house. Xiao Qi stayed with Mr. Loo for study, while Wu Lang, Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, Lian Zhizhi, Lady Li, Lady Zhang Wang, and Zhang Caiyun split into three carriages to head to Jinyang County Town.
Since they didn’t leave from Thirty Mile Camp early, it was near noon when they arrived at the house in Willow Tree Well Alley. After settling a bit and eating, Shopkeeper Chiang brought various items over for them to choose from.
"These are all newly stocked premium goods of the year, the most fashionable." Shopkeeper Chiang said with a smile as the items were laid out neatly in the room.
Before coming to the county city, everyone had already discussed this thoroughly. The Zhang Family had prepared so items and planned to purchase others; Lian Manman knew their budget and had a clear idea. She had simply listed them on a note and handed it to Shopkeeper Chiang once they arrived at Willow Tree Well Alley for arrangent.
As a result, Shopkeeper Chiang brought over the best goods listed, allowing them to choose leisurely. This was much more convenient and comfortable than selecting items in the shop.
"Oh my, there are enough things here to open a general store." Lady Zhang Wang said happily, seeing all the items spread across the room.
"Indeed, that much. The best of the shop is all here, we can pick whatever we like." Lian Manman said.
The Zhang Family had already prepared large furniture items for Zhang Caiyun, and there were accumulated items like bedding, cloth, and jewelry over the years. Lady Li and Lady Zhang Wang initially intended to add just a few more cloths for clothes, select two more exquisite ornants, and use the rest of the money to make two fashionable pieces of jewelry for Zhang Caiyun.
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