NOVPUB
Chapter 513: Chapter 516: Engagement Part 1
At this moment, Qiao Duo’er was sleeping soundly, completely unaware that a poisonous snake had set its sights on her.
The auspicious day for Sun Erhu to present his betrothal gifts soon arrived, and Qiao Duo’er and Tan Zhenghong attended as the elder brother and sister-in-law.
Six red lacquer chests were carried into the Lin Family home, causing Jiang’s Clan’s face to darken by the minute.
While the betrothal gifts looked impressive, only two hangs of money, three livestock, and two jars of wine would end up in her hands; the rest were either for the neighbors or were to be added to Chao Lian’s dowry.
Especially the two sets of silver jewelry that were displayed before her, which were not hers to keep.
Wasn’t this intentionally making her unhappy?
"Stop drooling over them; you’re embarrassing yourself!" Lin Jinshun said in disgust.
Jiang’s Clan retorted discontentedly, "Go on then, buy me some if you’re so capable. You don’t have the ability to do anything but nag all day long!"
Lin Jinshun glared at Jiang’s Clan, but restrained himself from acting out due to the large crowd of onlookers—it would not do to beat her today!
His household had not been short of income these past years, but they had never had savings, certainly because it all went into feeding her endless desires.
Yet Gua Po Niang had the audacity to belittle him for his lack of capability.
The chests were neatly placed in the courtyard, almost all eyes drawn to the silver jewelry.
"What kind of damned luck has Sun Erhu stumbled upon? An orphan who has neither father nor mother can actually afford two full sets of silver jewelry!" 𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔭𝔲𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
"Moreover, they’re of substantial weight and attractive, those must cost a good deal of silver!"
"Now I bet numerous families are kicking themselves for not marrying their daughters to Sun Erhu, thinking he was a penniless bum. They can only watch others bask in blessings now!"
Given how much Sun Erhu spoiled his bride, not asking for a betrothal gift would still be worth it.
"That’s not necessarily true, someone like Jiang’s Clan would never let Chao Lian leave with so many belongings; her two sons are counting on Chao Lian’s betrothal gifts to get their own brides."
"She wouldn’t dare hold back Chao Lian’s dowry even if you lend her the courage, for angering Chao Lian Niang is no joke!"
"In any case, I don’t think things will be peaceful—Jiang’s Clan is not one to let things slide."
"Whether it’s peace or trouble, one can’t hide from it."
They were just there for the show and didn’t mind if things got out of hand; after all, there was nothing to do at home during the cold winter months.
Amidst all the chattering, Qiao Duo suddenly noticed something odd about the chickens.
Even if their feet were tied, their heads should not be drooping like that.
Upon closer inspection, the two chickens appeared to be dead.
If that were the case, there would surely be those who would make a big fuss about it.
Before Qiao Duo could react, Jiang’s Clan began to shout hysterically, "Sun Erhu, what do you mean by this? If you don’t want to marry my Chao Lian, just say it—why bring such bad luck to us?"
Presenting dead chickens as a betrothal gift was a serious taboo; how could she let this go?
It wasn’t that she thought Chao Lian deserved better, but this was an opportunity to extort Sun Erhu for more betrothal gifts.
Alternatively, she could simply call off the engagement and find a wealthier family for Chao Lian, which would bring everything back under her control.
Jiang’s Clan’s voice was loud, and everyone’s attention shifted to the chickens.
Someone prodded them a few times, but the chickens did not react at all.
The chickens were indeed dead, quite thoroughly at that.
Chickens wouldn’t die without reason—this was surely a divine warning.
"If the chickens die before entering the household, it’s a sign that even the heavens disapprove of the marriage. We should call off the engagement right now."
"It’s true; my relatives had the same omen before, and there was a death in the family that year."
