Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

On the day of the marriage proposal to the Qin family, Zhang Youtie accompanied Liu Shi and her mother. Since the Qin family had chosen their son-in-law themselves, they treated them with great hospitality. The marriage was naturally agreed upon, without any surprises.

However, the situation of the Zhang family was quite unexpected for the Qin family.

"Isn't she supposed to be from the village? She looks so fair and well-maintained, even better than us," Qin Er's second aunt, Madam Qin, muttered to her sister-in-law.

"Hmm, it seems the Zhang family's wealth isn't as meager as rumors suggest. The gifts today, while not particularly impressive, are still acceptable," Madam Qin said calmly, taking a sip of tea. Having been sisters-in-law for over twenty years, how could she not know why her sister-in-law had come all this way? Wasn't it simply because she'd heard her husband had arranged a marriage for their daughter with a poor man, and she'd come specifically to see them make a fool of themselves?

"Oh, sister-in-law, did you see that lady of the Duke's family? She's so beautiful. I just got a close look, and her skin is all natural, she doesn't wear any makeup." Madam Qin touched her face, which had fine lines, and felt extremely envious of Liu's skin.

"Yes, it's quite good," Madam Qin replied, taking another sip of tea.

"The whole family has good looks, but their wealth is a bit meager. I heard that the Zhang family only has one successful member, a baron, who is both rich and has a title. Their daughter is also a village lady, but unfortunately, she was separated from her family. Sigh, in that case, the second young lady's future husband won't have a roof over his head in the capital. Will he have to live with his sister-in-law who was separated from his family after he marries into the family?"

"Sister-in-law, you're worrying too much. So what if the Zhang family doesn't have a house in the capital? Anyway, I have several houses in my dowry, and I can give one to Qi'er as part of her dowry. Besides, now that the fourth son of the Zhang family has been appointed as an official in the provinces, Qi'er will inevitably have to go with him to his post when she marries into the family." Madam Qin was displeased that she spoke of her son-in-law like that. She hadn't even figured out her own family's affairs yet, and she still had the mind to worry about other people's.

"Oh dear, look at me, I just like to tell the truth. Sister-in-law, I'm just a straightforward person. My words may not be pleasant to hear, but they're for Qi'er's own good. Please don't take offense!" Seeing her sister-in-law's displeasure, Madam Qin quickly spoke up to defend herself.

"It's nothing, I know you always talk like that. But I heard there's been a commotion in Wei'er's room again. I wonder what it's about this time?"

"Hehe, it's nothing, just a little bickering between kids." When her sister-in-law asked about her son and daughter-in-law, Madam Qin was reluctant to talk about it, so she just gave a few casual words.

But clearly, Madam Qin had no intention of letting her off so easily, and said earnestly...

"Wei'er has only been married a short time, and the two of them are already arguing like this. It's not good for this to go on. Besides, you are the mother-in-law... Sigh, never mind, I won't say anything more, so as not to make you angry. If it were me, I wouldn't put any pretty maids in my son's room before the birth of my legitimate son."

"Sister-in-law, I still had some things to take care of at home before I left. I've already met my future in-laws today, so I'll head back now." Madam Qin knew that putting a concubine in her newlywed son's room was a bad thing to do, but now that the person had been sent there, it was absolutely impossible to take her back. After all, she still had to save face as the mother-in-law.

Watching Madam Qin's second wife's hurried departure, Madam Qin slammed the cup she was holding onto the table. She then gave an order to the maid beside her.

"That cup is dirty, go take it out and throw it away."

The maid standing next to her picked up the teacup that Madam Qin had just been drinking from and walked out.

"Madam, don't be angry. She's just someone who can't stand seeing others do well. The more she belittles the Second Miss's fiancé, the more it proves he's a good man. She's just jealous that her daughter hasn't found a good match yet," the old woman beside the First Madam said, seeing that there was no one else in the room.

Madam Qin let out a long sigh of relief, exhaling the stale air from her chest, before speaking to the old woman.

"I know her personality all too well. Although her words were unpleasant, she was right about one thing: the Zhang family's resources are indeed somewhat lacking. I'm afraid Qi'er will suffer if she marries into the Zhang family."

“Madam, what do you mean by suffering? No matter how meager it may be, there is still the dowry provided by our family. Even if the Zhang family doesn’t have a single penny, the Second Miss can still live a life free from worries about food and clothing. Besides, Lord Zhang is not someone who is ignorant of administrative affairs, and he is an upright man. Now he has already made his name known to the Emperor, has an elder brother who is a nobleman, a niece who is a village lady, and our master as her father-in-law. His future is sure to be bright.”

“Granny Qi, you’re right. Even if a family has a gold mine, if their descendants are unfilial, they can squander it all. Qi’er has good judgment; Zhang Chengwen is indeed a good candidate. My husband and I both think highly of him.” Madam Qin turned her head and patted the hand massaging her shoulder, then continued…

"Moreover, I heard that this Lord Zhang has some connection with the Shen family. When Lady Wenfu first came to the capital, Lord Shen clearly stated that Lady Wenfu was his niece."

"Is Madam referring to Lord Shen from the Imperial Academy?" Granny Qi was startled by Madam Qin's words. If the Second Miss's husband could also establish a connection with Lord Shen, his future would be limitless.

"Some of what I heard from the master, and some from the other ladies, I don't know if it's true or not?"

"There has to be some truth to it for someone to say that, otherwise who would dare to give Lord Shen a niece out of nowhere?"

"Yes, you're right." Madam Qin nodded in agreement, finding Qi Mama's words reasonable.

Moreover, Lord Shen's methods in court are quite evident. At first, it was said that he gained favor by flattering the Imperial Concubine, but in the past two years, people have come to believe that this is not the case. It seems more like the Imperial Concubine has been trying to win him over, even marrying her own sister to him.

Lord Shen held a high position and wielded great power, attracting many who sought to curry favor with him. Yet, he treated everyone the same, remaining aloof and indifferent. Outsiders could not discern who his confidants were, and he rarely summoned anyone to his residence except for official business. In recent years, aside from his closer relationship with the retired Grand Tutor, he had been seen interacting with virtually no one else. No one could fathom his true nature, yet this did not diminish the Emperor's regard and trust in him.

Madam Qin shook her head with some regret when she thought of that Lord Shen. She had wanted to marry her eldest daughter to him, but the Imperial Concubine had blocked it.