Reincarnation to the Past

Chapter 61

Yǔ's POV
(Dress and hairstyle as above.)

What is Lì playing at?

Father (surprised): If I may dare to ask, is this the betrothal gift given by the third prince?

Bai Ze (nodding): Is Minister Li not satisfied with the gifts?

Father (frowning): Aren't these gifts a bit inappropriate? How will my daughter show her face in public if this gets out?

Bai Zou (snorting): This servant didn't see such concern when the lord's maids were spreading false and disgraceful rumors about the future mistress' chastity.

Father's face darkened in anger, unable to retort to Bai Zou in any way. It was very clear that he didn't care for my reputation but rather the reputation of the family. If it got out that his daughter received such degrading gifts, he would be completely and utterly humiliated. But one thing didn't make sense: I am sure that Lì wouldn't do anything that would harm me so what is his plan?

Seeing the confusion on my face, Bai Ze smirked before opening his mouth. "This servant is afraid that there is a misunderstanding... These betrothal gifts are for the Li family. As for the mistress' personal betrothal gifts, this servant shall now read out..." One of the servants behind him handed him another red card. He took a dramatic deep breath, indicating that the list was long before starting to read it out.

"As for the mistress' personal betrothal gift, my master has prepared 'one pair of white jade treasure vases, one pair of Jiulong jade cups, three pairs of luminous pearls from the east sea, a topaz flower pot, a pair of coral pixiu, one malachite table plaque, one light green jade bonsai with daffodils, a pink quartz hairpin, a butterfly tassel hairpin, a gold-peacock hairpin, a five-colored jade hairpin, an exquisite pearl hairpin, one pair of pure gold bracelets, one pair of jadeite bracelets handcrafted by Persian craftsmen."

And the list didn't end there, from porcelain garden tables and stools, a rosewood bed and dresser, a mahogany cupboard, tables, chairs, and sofas, screens, bookshelves, and silk curtains to small things like tea sets, silk pillows, and clothes made of the finest silk, satin, gauze, and brocade (all of which were high-quality fabrics that only the imperial consorts and empresses ever wore).

My mouth was frozen agape in shock as the list was read out. What on earth was Lì thinking? He basically refurnished my whole room, from the furniture down to the clothes and accessories, using only expensive things. Quan's tears had turned to those of joy, seeing as how her mistress was gifted such expensive possessions, knowing that it meant that the third prince intended to treat her well.

Li Juan (horror): How??? How could he take out so many treasures from the grand treasury and give them to her?

Bai Ze (hiding his smirk): Is the mistress satisfied with her gifts? Master said that since the Li family had no intention of taking care of their daughter, Master would take it upon himself to give his betrothed all that she needs and wants. These gifts belong solely to Miss and have nothing to do with the Li family, as their gifts are already accounted for.

Bai Zou (making no effort to hide his smirk): Master also included thirty thousand silver tael bank notes along with twenty thousand gold bar bank notes and free purchasing rights from all the shops owned and controlled by the third prince. Finally, the master has ordered us to present the mistress with his token so that she can freely use his authority as and when needed.

Lien and Juan looked as though they wanted to vomit blood, jealousy so clear on their faces. Grandmother looked like she was going to faint in shock. "Impossible! It is an ancient rule that betrothal gifts are to be kept by the family. Even if it is the third prince, to go this far." started Li Yan'er (Lien's mother, who was also the first and main wife), unable to take it anymore. From the looks on everyone's faces, it was clear that they wanted to pocket my gifts.

Bai Zou (interrupting): Insolence!! The third prince has spent all his years in war where there are no rules, only survival. Why would he bother with such minuscule details? Not to mention, the Emperor himself consented to this, does the Li family wish to defy the emperor???

Li Yan'er immediately flinched back in shock and was forced onto her knees by Father, who soon followed. "Mercy, sir, my wife knew not what she was speaking of... As Xiao Yǔ's parents, we are naturally pleased with the third prince's attention to our daughter."

I cringed when he said 'Xiao Yǔ', and couldn't help but be a bit amused at the situation. Had it not been for the way-too-extravagant gifts, it would have been a great start to the day. When asked, I followed after Quan, who led the way to my room, followed by the twins and servants carrying all the gifts. I waited out in the garden with Bai Ze and Bai Zou while the servants set up everything in the room.

Me (in a sharp whisper): What on earth were you idiots thinking?

Bai Zou (shrugging): You asked to send over some stuff and we did.

Me (glaring): Some stuff? This is not some stuff! And how did you even manage all this in less than a day?

Bai Ze (snorting): Had it not been for you asking for it all within a day, Master would have gone to have everything custom-made... Consider yourself lucky; he withdrew many accessories and three bolts of moon-silk, cloud-satin, soft brocade, and heavenly gauze each from the treasury and had the best tailors to make the clothes. Not to mention all your furniture is made from high-quality and expensive rosewood, mahogany, sandalwood, etc.

Me (exasperated): THAT'S TOO MUCH! Why on earth did you even agree to it?

Bai Ze (shrugging): I only agreed as a 'thank you' for the shadow soldier you sent, although I never expected Master to take it so far... Not to mention, I've given up on trying to knock some sense into him when it comes to you...

"Just accept it...", said Bai Zou with a satisfied smile, happy to see me getting some justice, "That was your purpose behind the marriage right, to use him to keep your family in check??? What better way to show that your fiancé is so taken in by you that he defied ancient rules and presented such expensive treasures for only your use? If you think it's too much just find some way to pay it back in some other way..."

"What on earth was your stupid master thinking???", I asked rhetorically in wonder.

"He just wants to spoil you...", answered Bai Zou with a smile...

 "Idiot...", I mumbled out, trying to hide my smile. Deep down I guess I was a bit happy that he did all this for me...