My stepsister tried to steal the prince's hand in marriage, but little did she know I had been

Just three days later, the Duke of Wen's mansion had another joyous occasion.

—Wen Yitong got married.

The marriage between the Duke of Wen's mansion and the Chen family was common knowledge.

When news of Wen Shuyao's marriage to Chen Che first broke, there was discussion in the capital. However, at that time, Wen Shuyao was just an insignificant noblewoman. As soon as there was some discussion, Madam Wen found some excuses to cover it up and let the matter pass.

However, after the marriage exchange was exposed, Wen Yitong's marriage to Chen Che became the focus of public attention.

They all wanted to know what it was about Chen Che that made Wen Yitong give up Prince Jing and choose him.

Therefore, as soon as the red lanterns were hung up at the Duke of Wen's mansion, people came to inquire about it.

The Duke of Wen's mansion was filled with distinguished guests for Wen Yitong's marriage.

Whether you want to see them make a fool of themselves or offer genuine blessings, at least they've given them the respect they deserve.

However, when they saw the betrothal gifts, everyone's expressions changed.

This is too little!

The Chen family produced a betrothal gift list, which was sparsely written, mostly blank.

"This is the betrothal gift from the Chen family? It seems a bit meager to me?"

"They are supposed to be from a scholarly family, so such a betrothal gift is far too meager."

Even sitting in her boudoir, Wen Yitong could hear the whispers outside, and her face turned ashen as she listened to them.

"What is the betrothal gift? How much is it?" Wen Yitong asked Ruyi.

Ruyi didn't dare to look outside. When she met Wen Yitong's questioning gaze, she said in a very soft voice, "This servant doesn't know either. Perhaps those ladies and young ladies misunderstood."

Wen Yitong didn't believe it. She immediately threw off the veil and walked out quickly.

"Miss!" Ruyi stopped her tightly, holding her waist and saying urgently, "No matter how much or how little the betrothal gifts are, you must marry Young Master Chen today! Even if you rush out now and argue with them, you won't change the outcome!"

"In the end, it will only provide more amusement for the people in the capital!" This was the first time Ruyi had spoken to Wen Yitong so sternly.

She always treated Wen Yitong with utmost deference, fearing only that she might upset Wen Yitong.

However, today, she has to tell the truth.

The marriage was a done deal, and no matter what arguments Wen Yitong made, she couldn't change the outcome.

Since that's the case, it's better to just perform the greeting honestly, so as to avoid giving others more to laugh about.

Her words managed to persuade Wen Yitong to stay calm.

But Wen Yitong, her face still ashen, ordered her, "Go and get the betrothal gift list. I want to see it."

Seeing that Ruyi was still standing there in a daze, she suppressed her impatience and said in a deep voice, "I'm just taking a look. Don't worry, things have come to this point. Even if I make a scene, what result can I achieve?"

Ruyi glanced at her again, and seeing that she was no longer as furious as before, she nodded: "This servant will go and get it for you right away."

Wen Yitong nodded. After Ruyi left, she clenched her hands tightly, and the taste of blood filled her mouth.

After waiting for a long time, Ruyi finally came in.

She held the thin piece of paper in her hand, and you could see the few lines of text on it at a glance.

"Three thousand taels?"

Wen Yitong rushed forward, clutching the paper tightly, turning it over and over in disbelief.

"Only three thousand taels?"

She wanted to stare a hole through the paper.

However, no matter how she looked at it, she couldn't change the fact that the betrothal gifts were only three thousand taels.

A dowry of three thousand taels would be good for a poor family.

But she is the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Wen's mansion!

Her aunt was a concubine!

How dare the Chen family?

This three thousand taels is barely enough to buy her headdress! Her dowry is worth over ten thousand taels, and the Chen family is just trying to fool her with a betrothal gift of three thousand taels?

Wen Yitong was trembling with anger. She gripped the paper tightly, as if she were holding the lives of the Chen family in her hands.

Ruyi looked worried, still standing guard at the door, fearing that Wen Yitong might rush out at this moment.

Fortunately, Wen Yitong calmed down after her anger subsided.

She closed her eyes briefly, her gaze falling on Ruyi: "Go and find out who decided to give the betrothal gifts?"

Ruyi had already inquired about it, but she still stammered, "This servant only heard a little bit of a rumor..."

"Speak!" Wen Yitong's voice cracked.

Ruyi dared not hide it any longer and quickly said, "I heard it was Madam Chen's idea."

Wen Yitong closed her eyes, a hint of hatred slowly rising in them: "How dare she treat me like this?"

She was just the wife of a minor seventh-rank official. Normally, people would bow to her when they saw her. How dare... how dare she treat her like this?

Wen Yitong's eyes turned bloodshot, but she had to suppress her anger and remain silent.

Seeing her like this, Ruyi was stunned.

Ruyi wanted to offer some advice, but didn't know where to begin.

Fortunately, Madam Wen rushed over at that moment.

She had obviously heard about the betrothal gift being only three thousand taels of silver, and her heart sank when she saw Wen Yitong's appearance.

It's obvious that Wen Yitong already knows about this.

"Tong'er." Madam Wen walked cautiously to Wen Yitong's side, her voice full of worry, "Don't worry, I will definitely stand up for you and make that woman pay the price!"

Wen Yitong lowered her head and remained silent.

The more she acted this way, the more flustered Madam Wen became.

If Wen Yitong were to lose her temper or go crazy, she would know how to comfort her, but now...

"Tong'er, you..."

Just as Madam Wen was about to speak, her gaze fell on Wen Yitong's tear-streaked face.

She panicked immediately, wanting to say something to comfort him, but then stopped herself in her tracks.

How should she persuade her?

Before she could think of what to say to persuade her, Wen Yitong wiped away her tears.

"No need for Mother to trouble herself," Wen Yitong said softly. "I will handle this matter myself."

There were still tears in her eyes, but she was a completely different person.

Seeing this, Madam Wen felt somewhat uneasy.

Madam Wen said in a low voice, "What can you do to her? You might as well leave this to me, and I will definitely be able to teach her a lesson."

At this moment, Wen Yitong said in a low voice, "Why should we punish her? She is my future mother-in-law, so naturally I should be more respectful to her."

Madam Wen stared at her in disbelief: "Are you crazy?"

Wen Yitong shook her head: "Mother, you wouldn't understand."

She believed that Wen Shuyao had gone through the same process, and that she would surely succeed in winning Madam Chen's favor, just like Wen Shuyao.

As long as you can firmly win over Madam Chen's heart, Chen Che will definitely respect her.

Chen Che, being a filial son, naturally prioritized Madam Chen's opinion.

Wen Yitong had already made up her mind. Her eyes changed several times before finally becoming extremely firm.

“Mother, I chose this path myself, and I know what to do.”