Chapter 167: How Many Do You Still Have in Your Hand?

She usually likes to brandish knives and wield sticks; her martial arts are quite good.

Then can she go to Wangfu?

Before the other could finish, Old Mr. Wang took over the conversation.

She has a family to support, so it's not suitable for her to come to Jingcheng, and besides, she doesn't like it here.

Are there also people who don't like this big place, Jingcheng?

Yes, she usually likes to farm, practice martial arts, run a small business, enjoys rural life; Jingcheng really isn't suitable for her.

That's truly a pity!

When they mentioned Qiao Mai being protected together with the Wang family, Little Prince smiled and stopped pressing the matter.

Not long after, Qiao Mai rolled up her sleeves and entered the front hall.

Greetings, Little Prince!

The men chatted while drinking, and the women talked about women's matters.

Thus the Little Prince kept her in mind, wanting to take Qiao Mai for his own use, which led to the opening scene.

The seated gentlemen all swallowed saliva in unison because the wine was exceedingly fragrant, and Old Mr. Wang looked at Qiao Mai.

How many do you still have in your hand?

You love this particular sip, so I brought you a few extra bottles.

Little Prince wondered inwardly, could this young lady truly possess such great skill?

You still… that red outfit of yours cost me a hundred thousand taels of silver; coincidentally my friend in Jingcheng also happened to have such clothes, otherwise that day you would have—hmm!

Seeing Ru'er just getting in the way here, they pushed her away, and when she returned to the front hall and looked at the family, she smiled shyly.

Go ahead!

Sister, I heard you and Grandmother are selling hair ornaments here?

I heard about that night's incident; it was really fortunate.

We're family; if you don't come, how can we sit?

Ridiculous! Not even mentioning Qiao Mai's unwillingness—if she were willing, the Wang family still wouldn't agree; they have two daughters, one to be his queen, the other to serve under him. On what grounds?

Even if you're a royal clan member, we still wouldn't agree; not everyone wants to cling to the royal family.

On the morning after the bridal chamber's candlelit night, Little Prince was stunned even with his broad experience when he saw her dressing mirror and full‑length mirror.

This is a unique piece in Jingcheng; no other household has it, only his little queen has it.

Anyway they're all strengths, almost no flaws.

Is one's life more important, or is laziness?

Servant girl, I didn't expect you to bring this wine when you came.

It seems this is true love; otherwise, a dignified Little Prince, with such fine appearance, could never marry the daughter of a Fourth Rank minor official.

From Ru'er's words, he learned that this Qiao Niang excels in cooking, is skilled in embroidery, knows martial arts, is a great benefactor, and even knows some overseas merchants.

Qiao Mai looked up at Little Prince as if he were family, with neither awe nor flattery in her eyes; Little Prince found it interesting.

That would be too tiring.

The front hall was filled with chatter and laughter; after a short while, the Can Ting began setting tables.

I never expected the gift you gave me to be so valuable—one hair ornament costs ten thousand taels, what about the earrings?

You treat this like home; whatever you want is here, just make do with the food.

She shyly nodded, "My mother‑in‑law gave me such a fine bracelet; I must give my mother‑in‑law something rare—she said she likes my mirror."

Why isn't anyone taking a seat?

The men were sampling the wine there; although Little Prince was young and couldn't discern the wine's quality, the aroma alone made him drink a few more cups.

I only sell head ornaments, not earrings.

When she arrived, everyone finally went to the Can Ting, sat around the table; Feng'er and the others were eating in the Haitang Courtyard and didn't come to join the fun.

Seeing Li Longji constantly swallowing, the Wang Family members chuckled secretly.

Just prepare it, you eat; while you're there, she's not only not relaxed, but even busier.

Hehe, got it, sister; what are we making for lunch today?

Everything, everything; this time I'm paying, I can't keep taking yours for free.

Little Prince was quite pleased, "Thanks, Yi Sister!"

A table piled with all kinds of seafood, meat, and stir‑fry dishes was set, and the Little Prince, accustomed to mountain delicacies, actually began to salivate.

Thank you, sister; I'm truly blessed, with Zu Fu's care, parents' love, and sister's pampering.

Sit back quickly, and stop causing trouble there.

The Wang Family were all watching; ever since Jiaru returned to the front hall, Little Prince's gaze has been glued to her.

Hehe, a wedding dress worth a hundred thousand taels of silver—I must keep it well.

Sister, could you make a few more mirrors for me next time?

After cooking, Qiao Mai retrieved two white‑wine bottles in white porcelain from the storage space and went to the Can Ting.

Never mind, this pet shouldn't belong to me; it should be yours, man.

Ten bottles!

When leaving, give your sister and brother‑in‑law five bottles to take back?

Qiao Mai set a timer in the front hall, then returned to the kitchen, while Wang Jiaru assisted her.

The dishes, almost filling half the table, made the meal very satisfying.

Your family all loves seafood, right? Since we're stationed in Jingcheng and have these ingredients, I'll prepare a feast for you; we haven't had a good meal these days.

The Wang Family really splurged on this marriage; Ru'er's dowry, not counting the Shun Prince's betrothal gifts, amounts to 160 units, and with Wangfu's contributions it's nearly 300, making it a spectacular ten‑mile bridal display.

"Five thousand taels, then."

"Wow, my whole outfit and jewelry, when added together, amount to several tens of thousands of silver."

"That may be how it sounds, but Qiao Mai still employed her signature skill to make this spread of meals; her sister bringing her brother‑in‑law back for the wedding couldn't afford to tarnish the Wang Family's reputation."

"Alright, Zu Fu."

"I was trying to help my sister."

"From now on, don't be so reckless; listen more to those women talking about the back‑yard affairs. Though it's sordid to the ears, you must let it sink into your heart; some matters must be guarded against."

"Do you want a full‑length mirror or a vanity mirror?"

"Is it for gifting?"

"You are Ru'er's sister‑in‑law, I am Ru'er's husband; from now on you'll be my sister‑in‑law, no need to be so formal."

"Understood. Before the year ends, I'll have him see if anyone else has it, craft a few pieces for you, and then find time to send them over?"

"She's from around here; she must always think of the Wang Family's interests."

"He thought for a moment; there's still some leeway, and if he grew a handsome appearance as well, it would be perfect."

"Yeah, I haven't eaten well at my in‑laws either; sister, you should really nourish me."

"What's this flavor? Ah? Such a fragrance—are they trying to make the Little Prince look bad?"

"But nobody moved, because Qiao Mai wasn't present; it shows how highly the Wang Family values Qiao Mai."

"He ate and drank, yet never forgot to peel shrimp for Jiaru; peeling crabs is something people greatly envy."

"Right, we were swamped by those beauty‑obsessed girls, so we sold a few."

"Sister drove me out!"

"What if we sell them?"

"Thank you for the Little Prince's leniency; I'm cooking in the Chufang, please sit and chat with Grandmother and the others."

"She's certainly not an ordinary woman; she's like a monk in a temple, looking at worldly mortals."

"Ru'er took the Wine bottle from her hand and said, 'I'm the youngest here, I'll pour the wine for everyone.'"

"Ru'er didn't hide it from him; she told him about Qiao Mai, but only mentioned it briefly, because she knows Qiao Mai's temperament."

"When she arrived, Jiaru brought many gifts; she divided the presents so everyone got a share, including Feng'er's."

"Knowing Grandmother and the others would leave in half a day, she felt reluctant, almost stayed, but seeing the Little Prince's aggrieved look, she had to follow him."

"The family escorted them to the Dameng; when the people got into the carriage and it set off, Lady Wang began to shed tears."

"The old lady pursed her lips like a miser, 'Alright, stop crying. Ru'er found a good man and is going to enjoy a happy life; if you keep crying you'll waste all the blessings. Weicheng isn't far from Jingcheng; if you miss her, come visit. No one is holding you back.'"

(End of chapter)