Chapter 75: Crown Prince’s Concubine – 3

Later, Ren Xin was shooed away by her mother, who wouldn’t let her watch.

Ren Xin: “………” Once they were married, she would watch all she wanted until she was sick of it!

With the betrothal gifts delivered, the wedding day drew near. Since Xie Liangchen was a general guarding the city, he couldn’t be away for long. After some discussion, the two families chose the earliest auspicious date to hold the ceremony.

The Xie Family’s wealth was truly profound. Every item among the betrothal gifts was exquisite and highly valuable, which left Mother Ren worried sick.

“What are we going to do? At this rate, our daughter’s dowry¹ looks far too shabby.”

Father Ren was also worried. He considered himself a bit of a failure; he had studied his whole life only to end up as a minor official. He actually had no desire for his daughter to marry into a higher social class. The dark secrets and scandals within great noble houses were hideous to behold, and his daughter had been raised as innocent as a white rabbit. He had no idea how she would adapt.

Ren Xin sat nearby eating pastries. Seeing her parents’ furrowed brows, she hurried to comfort them. “There’s no need for so much. My brother needs to marry a wife too, so you can’t give the entire family fortune to me. Besides, the wealth of a family like ours can’t compare to the Xie Family anyway. It’s better to be honest about it. Our family is one of scholarly integrity and modest means². Perhaps that is exactly what people want to see.”

“But you… what will you do in the future? A dowry is a woman’s backbone.”

Ren Xin waved her hand dismissively. “Just give me the dowry list. Don’t worry about the rest.”

When her brother heard about this, he said with a face full of guilt, “This is all for my sake. Don’t worry, Little Sister, I will definitely make a name for myself and be your support. If Xie Liangchen ever treats you poorly, your brother will bring you back home.”

Ren Xin nodded with a beaming smile. Her silly brother—this was a marriage decreed by the Emperor! What “coming back home” could there be?

They thought the matter would end there, but unexpectedly, Xie Liangchen paid a visit that night and delivered a large number of chests. He told the Ren Family, “I have already given the betrothal gifts. This is a personal contribution to her dowry. No one else knows of this.”

The Ren Family was suddenly at a loss for what to do. They could only call Ren Xin out to see what she thought.

When Ren Xin heard the news, she arched an eyebrow. This man was quite thoughtful.

“Yingtao, go out and tell Mother to just accept it. I won’t go out to see the guest. Tell Xie Liangchen that I am waiting for him to come and marry me!”

When this message was relayed, Xie Liangchen smiled. He gave a respectful bow and departed.

Father Ren asked Mother Ren in confusion, “What does this mean? What kind of riddles are those two playing at?”

Mother Ren hurried to find Ren Xin, hoping to get a clear answer. “Did you two know each other before?”

“No!”

“Then what does he mean by this?”

“It means he’s taken a fancy to me and can’t wait to marry me!”

Mother Ren: “………” Do I look like I believe that?

Ren Xin shrugged. If she didn’t believe it, then so be it. In truth, she wasn’t sure if she had misread the situation herself, but he did seem to be fond of her.

Actually, she quite liked him too. After all, having been a ginseng for so long, she really wanted a sweet romance.

On the wedding day, everything went smoothly. With a “ten-mile red dowry³” stretching down the streets, Ren Xin looked through the red bridal veil and could vaguely see the man who had come to fetch her.

Oh my god, she had to admit, she was actually quite nervous!

After tonight, she would be a ginseng who had slept with a man. In the future, men would surely come flocking to her in droves. Just the thought of it made a ginseng happy.

The next morning, after Ren Xin woke up, she smacked her lips. Not bad at all; she’d definitely order this again next time.

“Madam, it’s time to get up. we still have to serve tea⁴!” Xie Liangchen stood by the bed, looking at her with a smile.

Ren Xin didn’t feel the least bit shy. She said directly, “Xie Liangchen, I am very satisfied with your performance yesterday! I’ll give you a high rating. Keep up the good work!”

Xie Liangchen: “………” So, this was a compliment?

Of course. Good performance deserved praise.

Once the two had finished getting ready and eaten a casual meal, they headed toward the Bamboo Courtyard.

“Grandmother doesn’t like living in the main courtyard. She loves bamboo, so she lives in the Bamboo Courtyard. There are purple bamboos there; you will surely like it.”

Ren Xin had only one thought: “So, are there bamboo shoots?”

Xie Liangchen: “???”

Translator’s Notes