Chapter 59

Chapter 59

This time, the Cymbidium orchid and Luoyang red peony could not compare to the previous rare Thousand-hand Guanyin lotus-petal orchid variety, but they were still considered very good flower species.

Master Shen had always cherished a reputation for refined elegance; by adding these two pots of flowers to the betrothal gifts, the Han family had hit the mark perfectly.

Master Shen immediately clapped his hands and laughed heartily: "Excellent, excellent, excellent! Gold and silver are ultimately vulgar objects. Such elegant flowers are truly to my liking."

Madam Shen, on the other hand, was more concerned about the importance Han Zhang attached to her son. She was very satisfied with the son-in-law's thoughtfulness, but was a little curious about what Han Zhang had prepared.

"The gift is light but the sentiment is heavy. Master Han has been so thoughtful... but I wonder what this is? Could you elaborate?"

Master Shen also nodded, very curious: "This object looks like crystal, yet it doesn't seem to be crystal. It is exquisite, transparent, and delicate—quite charming. I have never seen anything like it."

Han Zhang made a composed bow and replied: "Uncle and Aunt, this item is called 'crystal soap.' I heard that Young Master Shen has always enjoyed novel things. The other day, thinking that my family's betrothal gifts were too modest, I felt truly guilty and believed I was slighting Young Master Shen. Therefore, I specifically went to the streets where overseas merchants gather to find a few rare trinkets to console his heart."

"This crystal soap is what I happened to obtain. According to the overseas merchant, it is used similarly to soap, but when bathing it is more cleansing than soap and has a stronger fragrance. Moreover, its crystal-clear material is more pleasing and elegant..."

Han Zhang explained in detail.

Indeed, one of the things he had specially prepared for Shen Qinglan was crystal soap.

The profit margin on soap was too high; he dared not directly use it to make money for now. But using the excuse of overseas merchants as a cover and privately making some for gifts was perfectly suitable.

This thing looked good, saved money, and was simply a very practical gift.

After speaking about the soap, Han Zhang took out a copper plate that looked like a marriage certificate and was covered with writing, presenting it respectfully:

"Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen... Young Master Shen is like a bright moon in the clouds. That you are willing to bestow him in marriage to me is truly a blessing for three lifetimes. However, I come from a humble background with an uncertain future, and I dare not make hasty promises about my future."

"Now the only thing I can offer to Young Master Shen is a sincere heart—in this life, I wish to be with him as a couple for life, never taking a concubine whether we become poor or wealthy in the future. With this copper document as my vow, heaven and earth are my witnesses..."

Having said this, he handed the copper document to the maid beside him to present it to Master Shen and Madam Shen for their perusal.

Grandfather Han and Han's parents, who were nearby, did not stop him upon hearing this.

Because although this copper document promising not to take a concubine was proposed by Han Zhang, after discussion among the Han family members, everyone agreed it was a very good idea.

As the saying goes, you can't catch a wolf without risking your child.

The Han family had nothing to offer but sincerity. If they wanted the Shen family as in-laws to wholeheartedly support and help them, they had to show deep affection and sincerity towards their son.

Mother Han spoke hesitantly but kindly: "Master Shen, Madam Shen, for your son to marry into our humble family is indeed a hardship. Our Han family indeed has no valuable items to give, only this vow to express our sincerity... Rest assured, after the young master enters our family, we will treat him as our own son."

Father Han and Grandfather Han also looked honest and sincere.

So moved, Madam Shen couldn't help but tear up with emotion and said joyfully: "You are too modest, truly too modest. The intent is what matters most..."

Nearby, Master Shen (the elder) thought: "..." Why did this scene look so familiar?

However, casting the vow onto a copper document was indeed too sincere and too rare.

After all, verbal promises could still be shamelessly denied, but if it was written in black and white, one would be despised by the world if broken in the future, making every step difficult and ruining one's official career.

Having thought this over,

Master Shen smiled and said: "Both children are no longer young. As the saying goes, start a family before establishing a career. Let's set the wedding day for the fifth in two months. The matchmaker said it's an auspicious day, and it will also avoid delaying our son-in-law's imperial examinations next year."

Lan'er was way too rambunctious; if he didn't marry him off soon, he felt he would lose ten years of his life!

The Han family also couldn't wait for him to enter their home, so they nodded repeatedly and warmly agreed: "We'll follow your arrangement, in-law..."

Neither elder had any objections, and the wedding date was set.

Master Shen had someone see the Han family out.

Han Zhang actually wanted to see Shen Qinglan one more time before leaving, but constrained by the rules and Master Shen's presence, he could only take a regretful glance towards the direction of the Shen family's backyard and obediently leave.

Well, he had endured all these days; he could tough it out a bit longer.

If Master Shen sensed anything suspicious and ruined the marriage, it would be a greater loss. Better to write a letter later as the fiancé.

Now that their marriage was finally settled, he wondered how Qinglan would feel when he found out?

He'd definitely jump for joy, right? That little drama queen really liked him!

Just picturing the young lad hopping with joy, Han Zhang's heart was full of joy and anticipation.

...

On the other side.

Shen Qinglan, who knew the two families were discussing marriage today, had gotten up early to pace anxiously in the backyard waiting for news. When he heard the marriage was confirmed, he really jumped for joy.

"Really? The wedding is on the fifth, two months from now? And Father agreed to it himself? Mother, you're incredible! You actually talked Father into letting me marry so soon..."

Shen Qinglan was absolutely thrilled.

He was going to marry his Brother Han! He was going to be wed to his Brother Han!

"Oh Mother, look how blue the sky is today! How beautifully the birds are chirping! And the flowers in the courtyard—how wonderfully they are blooming!"

The young lad bounced and hopped, suddenly thinking the world was wonderful.

Seeing her son being so silly, Madam Shen rarely threw cold water on him and laughed uncontrollably instead.

"Alright, stop jumping. Your Brother Han also got you a special gift. Come see."

"What gift?"

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan dashed over, grinning from ear to ear.

Madam Shen signaled the elderly maid behind her to bring the items, saying with emotion: "I really did him wrong before. Master Han is truly sincere with you."

"This is crystal soap, similar to soap. Master Han specially went to the streets where overseas merchants gather to find it. I think this is even finer than the soap used by the palace nobles; it must have cost a pretty penny."

"But the most important thing is this copper vow. Han Zhang has promised to have only you in the future, never take a concubine in this life, and he put it in writing. If he doesn't want to ruin his future later, he cannot break his vow. You can rest easy now..."

Words are cheap; this gesture from Han Zhang shows real sincerity.

Those empty promises from your father back then were pure lies!

Shen Qinglan gently stroked the copper document, moved, but even more proud: "I knew Brother Han was head over heels for me!"

He had an extremely high sense of self-worth.

"Yes, yes, your Brother Han is crazy about you..."

Madam Shen shook her head and laughed.

Well, Lan Geer is fine as he is. With a simpler mind, he lives more happily and joyfully.

And so.

Overjoyed, Shen Qinglan wanted to show off. He immediately ordered his page boy to summon his detested half-brothers and half-sisters, as well as his eldest sister-in-law and second sister-in-law. He wanted to thoroughly embarrass them (excluding the second sister-in-law)!

Who told these people to keep gossiping behind his back lately, mocking that he would surely be miserable in the future?

Although he was marrying down into a poor family without wealth and splendor, his future husband cherished him dearly and would have only him for life. He wouldn't have to worry about fighting with concubines or being annoyed by illegitimate children. How comfortable that life would be!

Shen Qinglan gave the order to invite them.

The half-siblings in the mansion, no matter how much they muttered behind his back, still obediently came over to listen to his bragging.

The eldest sister-in-law Lv Shurou was cursing under her breath but hurried over as fast as she could, afraid that if she was late she would be beaten again. She really didn't want another beating.

The second sister-in-law Li Huilan came together with Shen Huaizhi.

When everyone had arrived, Shen Qinglan didn't waste words. He immediately took out the sworn bronze scroll from Han Zhang and showed it off.

Shen Huaizhi, ever the brother-obsessed one, immediately gave an exaggerated response:

"Aiyo! My second brother is truly formidable! Before even entering the household, you've charmed him so completely that he made such a sworn bronze scroll. Once you are married, when Master Han sees your breathtaking beauty again, won't he be completely smitten with you?"

His expression and tone were so over-the-top.

Everyone's lips twitched upon hearing this.

But Shen Qinglan loved this kind of flattery. His eyes crinkled into crescents as he smiled, and he was extremely proud.

—That's right. He was just that handsome, that amazing; even Brother Han, such an outstanding gentleman, was head over heels for him!

Shen Qingbai and a few other half-siblings saw his smugness and were green with envy.

They had thought that Second Brother's marriage was only superficially glorious, but who knew that Master Han would make such a solemn oath. From now on, even if Second Brother's life is austere, his heart will surely be sweet.

They wanted to see Second Brother miserable and depressed, but that probably wouldn't happen.

Half-brother Shen Qingbai couldn't help but say sourly, "Second Brother, didn't you look down on poor families the most? How come a bronze scroll from him has won you over?"

Shen Qinglan just wanted to see his half-siblings jealous of him but unable to do anything to him.

He was not at all angry at these sour remarks. Instead, he deliberately acted affectedly and said, "Isn't it you, Fourth Brother, who said that it's easy to find priceless treasures but hard to find a devoted lover? Fourth Brother is so sour, could it be that Master Zhao never promised to have only you in this life?"

"Oh, I forgot. Before Master Zhao even welcomed you into his home, he had already taken two concubines... How could he make such a promise?"

Shen Qingbai, whose husband had already taken concubines before marriage, was speechless.

Half-sister Shen Qingshuang quickly chimed in sarcastically, "Second Brother, you talk as if it's so easy. Love can make water filling, but you can't live on water alone, can you? I heard the Han family is very poor. When you marry, Second Brother, remember to bring plenty of dowry, otherwise country life will be hard to bear."

Shen Qinglan nodded seriously, "Third Sister is right. I'll have to ask Mother for another one or two hundred thousand taels of dowry. I can't bear the hardships of poverty."

Shen Huaizhi immediately added, "Lan Geer, don't worry. When the time comes, Second Brother will add another fifty thousand taels to your dowry."

Shen Qingshuang, whose dowry lacked any supplement like Shen Qinglan's, was speechless.

Jealousy makes one's face contort.