Chapter 23: Reclaiming Mother’s Dowry

“Night Wind, take the eldest son back to the mansion!” Gu Qingchen said calmly.

Night Wind acknowledged the order, put down the book in his hand, grabbed Gu Huaifeng by the back of his collar, and flew off like he was carrying a chicken…

Gu Huaifeng was left in the wind, completely bewildered…

He didn’t know how he had offended this plague god. Gu Qingchen had actually humiliated him in front of that ugly Tang Chuyao!

“Come here!” Gu Qingchen extended his hand towards Tang Chuyao.

Under the peach tree, the wind picked up, and petals fell, like a shower of pink peach blossoms.

Gu Qingchen’s handsome face was full of warmth, like the warmth of the spring sun, tearing open a small crack in Tang Chuyao’s icy heart. The warmth shone in, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort that was indescribable…

Tang Chuyao, as if under a spell, walked over and placed her hand in Gu Qingchen’s large palm.

The little one was like a small, cute kitten, tiny and fragile…

The corner of Gu Qingchen’s lips curled up, revealing a charming curve that made Tang Chuyao instantly lose her composure!

The kitten seemed to be very satisfied with his appearance. Gu Qingchen didn’t really care about his appearance, but seeing Tang Chuyao’s dazed expression, a sense of satisfaction welled up in his heart!

Satisfied with his appearance! He could also seduce the little cat!

“Do whatever you want, don’t hesitate!” Tang Chuyao felt a warmth in her hand. She looked down and saw that Gu Qingchen had placed a piece of high-quality warm jade in her palm.

The jade was pure white, carved with the character “Jin.”

When Tang Chuyao looked up, Gu Qingchen was nowhere to be seen in the courtyard, but his words echoed in her ears, “This is the Night Clan’s secret guard token. You can command all the secret guards in my mansion!”

The warmth of his touch seemed to linger on her ear. Tang Chuyao’s cheeks flushed red…

Mama Rong and Mama Li were indeed veterans of the palace. Within an hour, they had returned with a full load!

The two mamas walked proudly in front, followed by a group of maids, servants, and young men, each carrying various things. There were chests full of gold and silver jewelry, dazzling jade hairpins, exquisite silk and satin, yellow sandalwood tables and chairs, rosewood beds, some toys and ornaments, blue and white porcelain, and eight screens…

Tang Chuyao was stunned. Had they emptied Rongjin Hall?

In the past, she had pursued so-called family affection and turned a blind eye to the old lady’s seizure of her mother’s dowry. But now, she had returned, knowing the true faces of these people! How could she tolerate them continuing to bully her!

“The two mamas have worked hard! Dujian, bring some tea. Let the two mamas rest for a while!”

Dujian happily went to make tea, her steps quick, her mood elated!

“Eldest Miss, this is the list of Madam’s dowry. Please take a look!” Mama Li stepped forward and handed Tang Chuyao a list.

This list was kept by the Noble Concubine Chi. Tang Chuyao had never mentioned her mother’s dowry, so Concubine Chi had kept it all along.

A week ago, Dujian went to the palace to see her. She learned that Tang Chuyao had finally come to her senses!

Concubine Chi was very relieved. She thought her niece would remain weak forever, but she had become strong!

After hearing Dujian’s words, she immediately had someone find her sister’s dowry list and sent two capable mamas to help Tang Chuyao reclaim her dowry!

This coincided with the Emperor’s purge of corruption in the court. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare to touch the Emperor’s scales at this time. No matter how much or how long you had embezzled, you would be forced to spit it out!

Mama Rong and Mama Li immediately bowed respectfully, “Eldest Miss, this is our duty!”

“We heard that Aunt Mei has also taken a lot. We will handle this matter together today, so that we can return to the palace and report to the Noble Concubine as soon as possible, so that she can rest assured!”

Tang Chuyao smiled slightly and said, “The two mamas don’t need to rush. As for Aunt Mei, I want to go ask her myself!”

“If I can’t get it back, then I will ask the two mamas to step in!”

Mama Rong and Mama Li both smiled. They knew that the Noble Concubine valued this Miss very much, and they also knew that the Noble Concubine had always wanted to train Tang Chuyao.

They weren’t worried that Tang Chuyao would suffer any losses. If Tang Chuyao couldn’t handle it, they could step in as well!

After Dujian brewed the tea, she followed Tang Chuyao to Meixiang Courtyard.

But before Tang Chuyao could even step into the courtyard, she saw a familiar figure from afar.

At the head was a woman, followed by her maids and servants.

The woman was adorned with pearls and jade, wearing a long embroidered dress. Her slightly plump figure made her look a bit like a nouveau riche.

This woman was Gu Huaifeng’s mother, Aunt Qingqiu, whose father was the magistrate of Jinling.

Because her family’s influence was average, she had married Gu Shengyue, a bit of a social climb. But she had been beautiful in her youth, and Gu Shengyue, who was young and full of vigor, was smitten with her. He disregarded his family’s objections and insisted on marrying Qingqiu.

That’s how Qingqiu married into the Xuanping Marquis Mansion and became Gu Shengyue’s wife. However, Gu Shengyue’s abilities were average, and he was always overshadowed by Gu Qingchen. It wasn’t until Gu Qingchen was appointed as the Regent that Gu Shengyue had the opportunity to inherit the marquisate and become the Xuanping Marquis.

Qingqiu also rose in status, becoming the Marquis’ wife, and she began to strut her stuff, wanting to adorn herself with all the jewelry she could get her hands on!

If it weren’t for the Emperor’s recent crackdown on corruption, with officials being required to be frugal, Qingqiu would probably have dressed even more extravagantly!

In her previous life, Tang Chuyao had suffered a lot at the hands of Qingqiu!

First, she had schemed against her dowry!

Tang Chuyao didn’t know what Qingqiu and Aunt Mei had said to her grandmother, but they had managed to get most of her mother’s dowry back!

So, in her previous life, when she married Gu Huaifeng, besides the dowry that was returned, the additional dowry given by the Noble Concubine was also taken by Qingqiu, who claimed to be managing it!

Tang Chuyao’s gaze darkened as she thought about this. In her previous life, Qingqiu had always pretended to care for her, but in reality, she had been scheming against her!

Qingqiu happened to turn her head and saw Tang Chuyao. She immediately put on a bright smile and stepped forward, taking Tang Chuyao’s hand, “Chuyao, are you also here to see Aunt Mei?”

Tang Chuyao calmly withdrew her hand, gave a faint smile, and quietly watched Qingqiu “perform”!

“Chuyao, look at you. You’re at the best age, why don’t you have a few decent pieces of jewelry on your head?”

Then, she suddenly covered her mouth, “Oh, look at my mouth. It’s a pity your mother passed away so young!” She even tried to squeeze out a few tears, but none came out, so she had to give up!

“Next time, I’ll have Chuntao pick out some jewelry for you!”

Before Tang Chuyao could speak, she continued, “Don’t be polite with me. We’ll be family soon!”

Tang Chuyao pretended to be surprised and said, “Thank you, Madam!”