White Jade Bangle
She returned to Meixiangyuan with a look of unsuspecting expression, and after dozing off for a while, she had just woken up when Su Mei came in through the curtain and said: "Miss, Master has sent someone to call you to the study."
Although she didn't know what her father wanted to see her about, Yuan Yi still didn't dare to delay, changed into a set of wrinkled clothes from resting, and brought Lan Mei straight to the study.
Upon arriving at the study, Yuan Yi was delighted to discover that Ling Ge'er, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, was also there. As soon as she saw him, he grinned from ear to ear and said, "Sister, I've missed you so much."
A faint cough sounded, and Zhu Changren's face turned serious as he glanced at Anling. Anling shrank his neck, and a hint of regret flashed in his bright eyes. A gentleman should not show his emotions on his face, but he couldn't help it when he saw his sister. He had forgotten himself again in front of his father, and today he would definitely be punished with copying again.
He looked like a frost-bitten eggplant, hanging his head in a pitiful manner, and she couldn't help but laugh out loud. Her father had always been strict with Ling Ge, requiring him to behave according to the standards of a young master, which made Ling Ge complain to her in private, hoping she could plead on his behalf. However, Yuan Yi knew that their father was doing it for his own good, and among the many children in the family, how many illegitimate sons like Ling Ge could receive personal guidance from their own father? As his older sister, she couldn't bear to ruin his fortune.
She gave Ling Ge a stern look, signaling him to stand up straight and be more spirited. Then she bowed to Zhu Fu and asked: "Father, what do you want with your daughter?"
She had just given a glance, and Zhu Changren took it all in, but he didn't make much of it. Instead, he beckoned to Yuan Yi and took a camphor wood box from the shelf, placing it on the table. "Lately I've been busy with things, and almost forgot about this. Since we have some free time today, I'll give it to you."
"What is this?" Yuan Yi asked curiously, but Zhu Changren didn't answer. Instead, he gestured for her to open it, revealing a stack of contract papers and a pure white jade bracelet inside.
Yuanni couldn't help but take a deep breath, the jade quality of this bracelet was pure and unadulterated, with no impurities whatsoever. It felt warm to the touch, fine and smooth, obviously a top-grade item. Even someone as resolute as her couldn't help but be enamored with it.
Zhu Changren's eyes were filled with a hint of melancholy and nostalgia, and he sighed: "This is the bangle passed down from your mother's family, to be passed down to daughters but not daughters-in-law. Unfortunately, she didn't have the chance to put it on you herself."
Yuan Yi and An Ling were both moved by his words, their hearts aching with sorrow. An Ling had no impression of Pang Shi, but was still able to control her emotions. Yuan Yi, on the other hand, had tears welling up in her eyes as she gazed at the bangle in her hand with complex emotions.
Zhu Changren saw this and hastily changed the subject, taking out a contract from his box and saying: "Your father has nothing to give you. These are deeds for several estates and shops, as well as contracts for servants' indentures. You can take them all as your dowry."
There are two villas, although the area is not large, they are both in good locations. The land is fertile and the villas of many famous officials in the capital are located in this area, so even if you only stay there occasionally, you don't have to worry about safety issues. There are three shops, one selling stationery, one selling silk and satin, and one grain store, all located in a busy market with high land prices, which can make a lot of money even if they are not well managed.
Tears that had been building up for a long time finally flowed down, Yuanni sniffled and said: "Father, this is too valuable, I cannot accept it."
