Chapter 3: Adding to the Bridal Dowry
Shen Mengli accepted the gifts with both hands, bowing once more in gratitude.
Ever since she had become the heir’s wife in the Prince Duan’s household, Shen Tao had treated her with exceptional kindness. He would frequently inquire after her well-being and send her gifts from time to time. No matter what he brought, Shen Mengli accepted everything without objection.
She remembered, in her previous life, when she married Zhuo Hua, Shen Tao had given her nothing but fifty taels of silver, and urged her to serve her parents-in-law well and take care of her husband. Yet the things he now gifted to her were the very same items he had once given to Shen Mengqing in that past life.
After Shen Tao finished giving the gifts and exchanged a few pleasantries, he spoke: “No matter how well you marry, you are always a daughter of the Shen family. Remember, Shen family is your root; only when our family prospers can you stand firm in your husband’s household.”
“You’ve always been obedient and prudent. Now that you’re marrying into the Prince’s household, you must strive to honor your parents-in-law and serve your husband well. Don’t bring shame upon the Shen family’s reputation. Also, when you have the chance, be sure to speak well of me before the Prince. Whether your father can rise in rank depends on you.”
Shen Mengli maintained an expression of dutiful compliance, nodding repeatedly, but the words slipped from her ears as soon as he finished. To her, the Shen household meant little; her own happiness was what mattered most.
She handed the gifts from Shen Tao to Magpie, who stood behind her.
On their way back, they encountered Shen Mengqing and Madam Liu.
Seeing the items in Magpie’s hands, Madam Liu’s anger flared instantly. She knew her husband had once again brought out fine things to lavish upon Shen Mengli. It infuriated her that, while her own daughter was about to marry, Shen Tao had not given her a single respectable gift. Everything went to that wretched Shen Mengli.
Jealous that Shen Mengli acquired good things so easily, she sneered, “Well, the eldest miss has gone to her father’s again to scavenge for treasures.”
Shen Mengli smiled at her. “These are my father’s additions to my dowry.”
“Let me see them.”
Shen Mengli nodded to Magpie, indicating she should hand the gifts over for Madam Liu to inspect.
After looking them over, Madam Liu promptly took the three most valuable items. “Your sister is also your father’s daughter, so these should go to her. Consider it your duty as the elder sister to add to her dowry.”
Shen Mengli recognized this as Madam Liu’s excuse to pocket her belongings—she had suffered this loss in her previous life.
Whenever Shen Mengli received something good, Madam Liu would always use the pretense of looking after her younger sister to strip her of it.
Having lived through it once before, Shen Mengli would not let Madam Liu succeed this time.
She shook her head and said, “These were given to me by my father to add to my dowry. As the saying goes, it is improper to refuse a gift from an elder. As a daughter, it is never right to pass on a father’s goodwill to anyone else. If my sister truly lacks things, she can ask Father to add to her dowry as well, or Mother, perhaps you could supplement her yourself. Looking at her dowry, I find it rather pitiable too.”
Madam Liu was momentarily stunned by her words; it was the first time she realized her normally dull stepdaughter could speak so deftly.
“If you don’t want to give, just say so. You needn’t worry about your sister’s dowry.”
Shen Mengli continued, “My father has already added to my dowry. Though I am not your birth daughter, as the mistress of the household, shouldn’t you also add something to mine? Otherwise, people outside will say you are harsh and mistreat the daughter of the original wife, and that would not be good for your reputation, Mother.”