Chapter 24 : let’s recalculate my mother’s dowry

Every time Cui Yunzhao spoke, Cui Xu’s expression grew darker.

As she repeatedly mentioned the government position in Bo Ling, Cui Xu clenched his teeth, nearly biting his tongue.

Cui Yunzhao’s gaze swept around, finally resting on the third uncle.

The third uncle, Cui Hao, was known for his profound knowledge, humble demeanor, and devotion to literature, indifferent to official titles and wealth. He currently taught at the family academy, and Cui Yunting had often praised his lectures as the most engaging.

The third uncle had a good relationship with his wife, and they had a son and a daughter. The daughter was already married, and the son, who was preparing for the autumn imperial examinations, had passed the county exams and was now in his early twenties.

This cousin, resolute and outstanding, needed no parental concern.

After considering all the uncles in the family, Cui Yunzhao chose him. He was not the clan head but was older than Cui Xu.

Cui Xu had to address him as Third Elder Brother.

The third uncle looked slightly surprised at Cui Yunzhao’s attention but still offered her a gentle smile.

Cui Yunzhao, feeling a bit shy, said, “Since the younger siblings are staying at home, they end up burdening Second Uncle and Second Aunt, making them worry about the children. I was thinking it might be better if they moved out and no longer lived at home.”

Her tone was unusually resolute.

Cui Hao saw her suddenly stand up, holding a cup of osmanthus wine.

Next to her, the previously fierce young general also stood up, respectfully holding his wine cup.

The couple bowed deeply to the third uncle and then drank the wine in their cups in one gulp.

“Third Uncle, Third Aunt, would you be willing to take care of the younger siblings?”

Cui Xu finally understood why Huo Tan had been unwilling to cooperate with his scheme despite risking his reputation.

This was the real plan.

As long as the younger siblings moved out of the house, Cui Xu could no longer control Cui Yunzhao. This meant that whatever he wanted Huo Tan to do, he would be powerless to enforce.

He was so enraged he nearly spat blood.

Yet, he was out of options. The filial piety and family rules that had seemed so crucial after Cui Yunzhao’s reluctant marriage had all become meaningless.

They were holding Cui Xu’s weakness against him, repeatedly mentioning the position in Bo Ling, leaving him with no way to counter their claims.

Cui Xu was accustomed to dealing with scholars who valued their reputation and were less ruthless in their actions. His interactions with military officials had been limited, and those in the court had been relatively polite.

He was now realizing the true nature of dealing with someone like Huo Tan.

When dealing with such people, there is no sense of face or principle.

They do whatever they want, demand whatever they wish, and never compromise.

In this matter, Cui Yunzhao was not at fault at all.

Since Cui Xu could be swayed by some underhanded schemer, how would the two helpless children fare if someone were to act recklessly at home?

Cui Xu was unwilling to let go, but after seeing Huo Tan’s sharp gaze, he finally gave in with a sigh, “In the end, you still blame me.”

Cui Yunzhao remained silent.

She stood quietly beside Huo Tan, calmly looking at Cui Hao.

Cui Hao was clearly surprised but soon turned to his wife.

The third aunt was a straightforward and lively woman. She spoke and acted decisively, never vague.

Seeing her husband look at her, the third aunt thought for a moment before looking up at Cui Yunzhao.

“Second niece, if you leave the children with me, how I teach them is my own business.”

“Do you agree?”

Cui Yunzhao felt a hint of joy in her heart. She tugged on Huo Tan’s sleeve, and together they offered a toast to the two elders.

“Thank you, Third Uncle and Third Aunt. The children are not very sensible, please feel free to discipline them.”

The third aunt immediately agreed, “Alright, we’ll bring them to our home tomorrow. I will take care of them.”

Cui Yunzhao’s tears flowed again.

Her appearance was truly one of deep grievance.

Cui Xu and He Lanshi felt even more aggrieved.

But given the situation, Cui Xu could only force a smile, “Then we’ll trouble Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law.”

After all, they were only two children. If they wanted to leave, let them go, it would save them from living at home and consuming resources without contributing.

These two sons-in-law were young yet shrewd, clearly cunning. They had even corrupted the usually filial second daughter.

He Lan Shi, suddenly losing control over the two children, was resentful and could only cast a dark look at Huo Tan.

Huo Tan, however, completely ignored her.

He took a handkerchief and gave it to Cui Yunzhao to wipe her tears. Then, he raised his wine cup to the elders with a casual smile, “The younger siblings are still young and might be mischievous. Please bear with them, and if they make any mistakes, just teach them as you see fit.”

His words were truly eloquent.

At such a young age, he has such an extraordinary mind. The sixth uncle couldn’t help but look at him with admiration and raised his glass “Of course, of course, they are all our children, and I will naturally teach them well. Second son-in-law, second niece, don’t worry.

The hall returned to a cheerful atmosphere. After a few more rounds of toasts and exchanges, Cui Yunzhao seemed to regain her spirits, so Cui Xu raised his wine cup and suggested, “Alright, the banquet has lasted quite a while. Let’s drink up and disperse.”

But Cui Yunzhao remained seated and did not move.

Cui Xu felt a pang of unease and heard Cui Yunzhao speak calmly,”Second uncle, second aunt, since my younger brothers and sisters have moved to my third cousin’s house to be raised, should the dowry that my mother left at home also be returned to me?”

Cui Yunzhao’s voice was calm, but it struck like a thunderbolt to He Lan Shi.

This time, He Lan Shi could no longer maintain her composure. She stood up and scolded, “Cui Yunzhao, don’t be so unreasonable.”

Her eyes reddened with anger. “For all these years, you and your siblings have lived in luxury at home. Did you think it was all owed to you? You had a ten-mile-long bridal procession, and after just three days, you’ve forgotten? Besides, Tinglang is still unmarried, and Lan is not yet married. Where would the dowry and bride price come from?”

This time, Cui Xu did not speak, letting He Lanshi take the lead.

Cui Yunzhao remained seated and calm. She raised her eyes, not crying this time.

She said calmly, “Aunt, whether we three siblings lived in luxury or not, we ate what was provided at home. There was never any special treatment. And since we all bear the Cui surname, it is the Cui family’s duty to care for us, not to use my mother’s dowry. Tinglang is the legitimate son, and it is customary for the family to provide the bride price. This rule has been in place for centuries.”

“The dowry for the second sister should also be partially covered by the clan, and what remains would be my mother’s dowry.”

“If the Yin family were to learn that you are withholding my mother’s dowry, how would they react?”

He Lan Shi was intelligent enough to know that reasoning would not work, so she responded straightforwardly, “Second niece, you are not wrong in your calculations, but your mother passed away long ago. Over the years, many shops have closed due to poor management, and there isn’t much left.”

“For your dowry, your uncle and I even supplemented it ourselves. And now you still blame us really, it’s hard to please people.”

He Lan Shi began to cry, “My life is truly hard. You are now demanding your mother’s dowry from me, and I have already given you everything. What’s left?”

She insisted that nothing remained, and Cui Yunzhao truly had no way to dispute it.

Seeing Cui Yunzhao sit in silence, with Huo Tan also remaining quiet, He Lan Shi felt a sense of triumph and couldn’t help but smile slightly.

She felt she had won and became somewhat smug, “Second niece, second son-in-law, if the Huo family is struggling, just let us know. Do you think the elders would stand by and watch you suffer?”

“You are now married and should not be so unreasonable.”

Just as she finished speaking, footsteps were heard from outside.

Cui Xu was about to scold her when the old housekeeper ran in, breathless, sweating even in the cold winter.

“Sir, Madam, over a hundred soldiers have come outside, saying they are here for a feast.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent again.

Cui Yunzhao slowly lifted her head, raising an eyebrow as she looked at He Lan Shi.

“Aunt, since the guests have arrived, let’s recalculate my mother’s dowry.”