Chapter 110

Chapter 110: Why Quibble?

He stepped close to Sheng Zhi Wan. “This matter concerns our Duke’s household. Why involve outsiders?”

Sheng Zhi Wan arched an eyebrow lightly. “Since I’ve entrusted the issue to Dali Temple earlier, naturally they must be here to resolve it clearly. We wouldn’t want anyone muddling the truth.”

Qi Shu Xian was about to argue further, but Meng Yang gently interrupted, clutching her belly and tugging at his sleeve. “My lord, do not quarrel with the Princess. Last night, this concubine gathered silver ingots from the winery and hotpot shop. It should cover the missing portions of the Princess’s dowry. If others wish to see it, let them see.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Sheng Zhi Wan smiled faintly. An Zhi immediately stepped forward holding a thick ledger. “Since our Princess married into the Duke’s household two years ago, she has subsidized the mansion with exactly twenty-seven thousand, three hundred sixty-two silver ingots.”

In the capital, an ordinary family of five spent only about ten silver ingots a year. How could the Duke’s household spend over twenty-seven thousand ingots in less than two years?

“Do they eat silver ingots here?” a young official blurted out.

Someone beside him swiftly kicked his leg. Realizing his mistake, he quickly lowered his head, though his words echoed everyone’s thoughts.

Qi Shu Xian’s expression darkened in embarrassment, despite not hearing this figure for the first time.

Meng Yang felt a sting in her heart, but still managed a generous smile. She pointed behind her at over twenty boxes. “Open them! Let the Princess see clearly. These are the profits from the winery just this past month, more than enough to repay your two-year subsidy.”

Maiden’s Delight Wine was now popular not just in the capital but even in nearby counties.

The boxes opened one by one, revealing glittering silver ingots, drawing gasps of amazement from the crowd.

Meng Yang’s eyes sparkled triumphantly. What Sheng Zhi Wan spent two years saving, she earned in just a month. Sheng Zhi Wan quibbled over such trifles, but Meng Yang cared little. She would earn even more in the future!

Meng Yang felt comforted and turned to Sheng Zhi Wan sweetly. “Princess, would you like your people to count them thoroughly?”

Sheng Zhi Wan only glanced at her casually. “Don’t rush, Meng Concubine. We’ve just started. An Zhi, continue.”

“Yes!” An Zhi’s clear voice filled the courtyard. “Lord Duke borrowed sixteen paintings, three precious inkstones. Among the paintings… The Duchess borrowed a pair of golden agate pendants, and a set of white jade hair ornaments…”

With each item listed, the guards’ eyes widened. They had never even heard of such treasures, let alone seen them.

Sheng Zhi Wan herself looked serene, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Qi Shu Xian, increasingly embarrassed, waved impatiently before An Zhi could list what Qi Fei Yan had borrowed, ordering all remaining boxes opened.

Jewelry, antiques, and paintings dazzled the eyes as Qi Shu Xian snapped irritably, “Enough! Sheng Zhi Wan, all your items are here!”

These were gathered forcefully from various households, causing great distress. His mother had even fallen ill, and his elder sister’s family had erupted in chaos. Now, they were finally returned.

Qi Shu Xian turned to leave, but Sheng Zhi Wan stopped him. “My lord, wait. Let my maids confirm everything carefully. If something is missing later, how can I trust your word?”

An Zhi, Ting Lan, and all the maids from Pinglan Residence stepped forward swiftly, examining and counting meticulously. The officials from Dali Temple assisted, checking off each item mentioned.

Meng Yang sighed softly. “Princess may not realize how hard it was for me to gather these silver ingots. Yet, as I belong to the Duke, everything I have naturally belongs to him. Helping ease his burdens is my greatest joy.”

Qi Shu Xian felt his heart soften, touched by Meng Yang’s gentle words. Compared to Meng Yang’s warmth and kindness, Sheng Zhi Wan appeared harsh and exacting, humiliating him before others.

“Are you finished counting? Yang’er is pregnant and needs rest,” Qi Shu Xian’s voice was icy.

“What’s the rush?” Sheng Zhi Wan ignored their false sweetness, reclining leisurely and sipping tea. “My dowry is substantial. Counting it carefully naturally takes time.”

At last, under the midday sun, An Zhi straightened. “Princess, we’ve finished counting. The silver ingots match perfectly.”

Qi Shu Xian sneered coldly. “Satisfied? Never again bring up your dowry. Our household owes you nothing now!”

Yet, An Zhi continued clearly, “However, several jewelry sets are missing, including the ruby ornaments gifted by the Empress Dowager. Additionally, over ten sets are fake. Among the paintings, seven are certainly counterfeit, and the rest unclear.”

“What!” Qi Shu Xian spun around sharply, his eyes piercing. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, my lord. Absolutely certain,” An Zhi replied firmly.

Fang Hong Zhi handed Qi Shu Xian a checklist. “Indeed, my lord, many items are missing or replaced. You may verify it yourself.”

Qi Shu Xian glared at Meng Yang, who paled. “My lord, these were all collected by Lord Duke last time…”

So the fakes had been there from the beginning?

Qi Shu Xian’s face turned thunderous. Meng Yang, heart aching at the sight of her silver ingots destined for Sheng Zhi Wan, snapped bitterly, “Princess, you are part of the Duke’s family. A few jewels and paintings within the family shouldn’t matter.”

“Are you accusing me?” Sheng Zhi Wan smiled coldly.

“This concubine wouldn’t dare,” Meng Yang lowered her head meekly. “Husband and wife share all. Princess, having married our lord, should care about his dignity. A few jewels and paintings are insignificant. Shouldn’t you overlook them?”

“Of course…” Sheng Zhi Wan stretched out her words. Meng Yang raised her eyes hopefully, but Sheng Zhi Wan laughed sharply, her voice cutting clearly, “Not.”

“Furthermore, Meng Concubine, allow me to correct your misconceptions.”