Chapter 659 - Betrothal Gifts (2/2)
Other than Wisdom Jade Pavilion, Zhu Junyang also added all of the fruits and vegetables stores under his name to the list of betrothal gifts. Within the capital, there were around a dozen or so of these shops in the capital and all of them were supplied with fruits and vegetables grown in the plantations and orchards in the suburbs. With the super cheat item, the little divine stone, on hand, not even the vegetables and fruits produced in season by the imperial farms could compare to the tastes of these specially raised plants.
After eating these specially grown vegetables and fruits, how could the picky n.o.bles and officials possibly be able to stomach eating ordinary fruits and vegetables anymore? Naturally, it was obvious that these fruit and vegetable stores ran a brisk business. Even though their products were much more expensive than the normal stores, they didn’t have to worry about their fruits and vegetables sitting out to rot. Furthermore, the out of season vegetables and fruits they sold were naturally extremely popular too!
Out of all of the stores under Zhu Junyang’s name, these fruit and vegetable stores were among the most profitable. Now, they were all on the betrothal gift list. In Zhu Junyang’s eyes, the reason why the profits of these stores were so high were related to his little la.s.s. As a man, not being able to give his wife money and also taking advantage of her talents was really too shameful.
Thus, it made the most sense to give them all to his wife. The little la.s.s used to always quip, ‘After marriage, what was his was hers and what was hers was still hers!’ If she was able to handle it, what was wrong with him handing all of his businesses over to her?
Nevertheless, with such a hardworking wife at his side, Zhu Junyang felt quite a bit of pressure. If he didn’t do his best, then he would end up becoming a husband who relied on his wife to eat and drink. The little la.s.s would happily raise him but he would lose out on the pleasure of making money so his wife could spend it. Thus, would there be any meaning left in his life at that point?
Old General Zhao, General Zhao, and Fang Zizhen all had their heads lowered, inspecting the betrothal gift list that Zhu Junyang had given to them. Within the list, there were all sorts of gold, silver, jewels, gems, antiques and paintings written. It was enough to dazzle a person’s eyes. Then there were precious damasks and silk brocades that could only be found within the warehouses in the imperial palace. It was too much for their eyes to take in. Further down, the list contained properties, farmsteads, and stores galore. It was enough to make a person dizzy. That didn’t include the rare treasures listed. Any one of those would be more than enough to shock a person speechless.
Imperial Prince Xu’s wealth was truly too astounding! The three men looked at each other and they could all see the same type of surprise in their eyes. Imperial Prince Xu was truly too willing to give anything to that la.s.s Xiaocao. They now regarded Imperial Prince Xu with an additional look of approval and admiration in their eyes. Oh right! The more lavish the betrothal gift was, the more it showed just how much the bridegroom’s side valued the bride’s side! Would Imperial Prince Xu truly end up sending all of his property and wealth to that la.s.s Xiaocao as his betrothal gift?
This thought of theirs wasn’t out of the realms of possibility. Zhu Junyang had truly given almost half of his belongings as betrothal gifts. What was wrong with that? He was fine with it, so who could stop him?
“Uh...Your Highness, do you want to take this list back home and discuss it first with Imperial Prince Jing and Princess Consort Jing?” Old General Zhao also thought that this list was a bit too excessive and was afraid that Zhu Junyang had done it privately without consulting his parents. This would lead to Xiaocao’s future father-in-law and mother-in-law resenting her. After thinking about this for a bit, he opened his mouth to tactfully remind the prince.
Yu Xiaocao, who had gone outside to make some pastries for the afternoon tea, entered the room again. When she saw her G.o.dfather, Grandfather Zhao, and Uncle Zhao muttering over the betrothal gift list incessantly. She casually took the list from their hands and sat next to Zhu Junyang. She grinned and remarked, “What’s this about the betrothal list? Let me look...was this fellow too stingy and gave you guys a list you look down upon? It doesn’t matter. If we’re not satisfied with this list, then we can push back our wedding date a bit farther ah!”
Auntie Zhao glared at her and stated in a scolding tone, “How could you possibly change a wedding date that has already been set? You little la.s.s. Everything else about you is good but you're just too pure and don’t think before you speak. Fortunately, Imperial Prince Xu understands your personality and won’t blame you for it…”
Zhu Junyang knew that Lady Zhao’s words were meant for him so he immediately expressed his position, “The little la.s.s’s personality matches this prince’s taste the most. This prince disdains those n.o.ble maidens who only speak in riddles and refuse to say what’s on their minds! Old General Zhao, please don’t worry! My lady mother has always stood at the little la.s.s’s side and she personally wishes that I would send all of the estates and businesses under my name to the little la.s.s. Sometimes I feel like I was a kid picked up from the side of the road and Xiaocao had been personally birthed by her!”
“Hee hee hee! This shows that I am loved by all. Birds of a feather flock together ah! You’re already so big but you still want to fight for favor with me? Isn’t that too embarra.s.sing ah?” Yu Xiaocao bantered as she mirthfully met his eyes. Only then did she lower her head to inspect the betrothal gift list in front of her.
“This prince is ecstatically happy that my lady mother likes you, so how could I possibly fight for favor with you? Once you marry over, not only will my mother spoil you but I also plan on spoiling you until you are the happiest woman in the world. You absolutely will not regret your decision!” Zhu Junyang shamelessly said some sweet nothings in front of all of the elders. His honeyed words made Su Ran, who was drinking medicinal tea at the side, grimace in disgust.
Auntie Zhao’s face turned bright red and glanced at the little maiden next to her who was sn.i.g.g.e.ring like a fool. She couldn’t help but silently sigh at the silly little girl’s stupidly good fortune. Her son had truly lost. With Zhao Han’s slow-witted nature, he would never be able to say such slick and corny words. Royal Prince Yang...Imperial Prince Xu looked cold on the outside but he was surprisingly adept at expressing his feelings.