Chapter 4, A Promise is Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces

She stamped her foot forcefully and hesitantly asked Bai Qiong, "But, Father, since he refuses to relent and has the support of Lady Tian'en, this marriage contract in his hands is, after all, a significant, significant hidden danger"

Madam Hu coughed a few times and hurriedly said, "What Brother Han said is very reasonable; this reasoning is entirely justified. We are in the right, and that is indisputable. No matter how eloquent the Bai family may be, without money, this marriage contract cannot be returned to them."

Six thousand gold pieces

When his grandfather was alive, there was a bond with the Duke of Lai's residence. However, with the rise of the Marquis of Tian'en, his branch of the family separated from the Duke of Lai's residence and went their own way.

Rest assured, my dear, your aunt will take charge for you; no one shall bully you! If the gold comes into your possession, your aunt will help you keep it safe, ensuring it is securely stored and absolutely foolproof!

Therefore, if that six thousand taels is truly in hand, I, your humble nephew, dare to ask for your assistance in managing it, dear aunt

At present, Old Master Bai holds the positions of Scholar Reader at Wenhua Pavilion, Deputy Head of the National Academy, and Third-Rank Court Councilor, serving in three roles, each befitting a gentleman. Therefore, without the three thousand gold, I will not provide this marriage certificate

"If we don't spend some money, it would be disrespectful to the friendship of the two gentlemen from back in the day, and it would be disrespectful to the current status of Lord Bai, wouldn't you agree? Not to mention, our family name is Lu, as in the Lu from Jingyang!"

"That detestable brat, your father went through great lengths, relying on Lu Jun to suppress and make things difficult for him at the clan school, tarnishing his reputation within the Lu clan, all in order to facilitate our family's annulment of the engagement and to seek a reasonable excuse for it"

"Moreover, procure another piece, no, two pieces of fine satin, to make two new garments for the young master!"

You are cunning, the Hu clan is fierce and barbaric. Ha, driving tigers to swallow wolves, I shall watch a good show.

He walked quite a distance, yet he could still hear Mrs. Hu murmuring in the reception hall about 'six thousand gold' and similar phrases.

"However, at present, he cannot rely on the Duke of Lai's residence."

However, you have used various means to slander and suppress me for four years. I am narrow-minded, and you must pay the price!

Bai Qiong curled her lips in disdain and let out a cold, contemptuous laugh, as if she were a commander leading thousands of troops, lightly waving her hand: "A mere child, in the blink of an eye, will turn to dust and smoke, nothing more than this"

"When a man becomes wealthy, he tends to go astray, not to mention that my nephew does not have any parents or elders watching over him. If he were to go to places like brothels, gambling houses, or flower boats, would he not truly learn to go astray?"

"Hurry, hurry!"

After all, he hails from the Lu family of Jingyang! Without a legitimate excuse, even a branch of the family born out of wedlock is not someone to be easily bullied

A gentleman's promise is worth a thousand gold pieces; this is a saying from ancient sages that clearly sets a value on integrity

Dragons pair with dragons, phoenixes pair with phoenixes, and mice in the gutter can only dig holes; I understand this principle

In your future, even if you cannot become a princess, you must at least be worthy of a legitimate son from a prestigious family that has flourished for a thousand years

Lu Zhen held the marriage certificate tightly, and Bai Lu was already suspected of being a "commodity sold to two families". If this matter were to spread, it would be a significant stain. Among those noble families, who would tolerate a woman with a tarnished reputation entering their doors

The carriage quickly sped away, but ultimately a sigh escaped from Bai Qiong within the carriage

In the Tian'en Marquisate, do you expect that Hu, who would rather move all her belongings back to her maternal home, would allocate the resources of the marquisate to a collateral branch like him

Lu Zhen entered the Tian'en Marquis Mansion through the back door

Bai Qiong suppressed his anger and looked at his beautiful and spirited daughter, smiling proudly as he said, "Over the years, your grandfather and your uncles have racked their brains to build momentum for you, cultivate your reputation, and accumulate fame. What have they been seeking?"

"Breaking off the engagement? I and the book do not care."

Lu Zhen gazed deeply at Madam Hu, set down the teacup in his hand, and stood up

However, tonight's arrangements, after all, are somewhat inferior, and inevitably carry some risks, leaving behind certain loose ends

Bailu's face became increasingly rosy, and she playfully pouted at her father with an air of shyness

Bai Qiong looked at her precious daughter with a smile and said, "For example, the young master Zhu, who is on good terms with you, is an excellent choice."

Since the Lu family's young one is so unappreciative, we cannot be blamed for disregarding the friendship between our two families over the years

Rampant, audacious, filthy little dog, how dare he, how dare he

He looked at his precious daughter and sneered mockingly: "Talent, knowledge, are these things useful? Are they useful? In today's society, what matters is family background and lineage"

Bailu twisted her handkerchief, and her pretty face suddenly flushed with a hint of crimson

Madam Hu was so excited that her whole body trembled slightly

The marriage certificate is in the hands of my little nephew. If the Bai family comes to make a fuss again, you can simply reply to them, 'Payment upon delivery'.

This is from the old master Bai's side. This marriage certificate was drafted by the two old masters. When the family ancestor was alive, he held the position of a military officer in the Imperial Guard, was appointed as a commander of the Cloud Cavalry, and served as an attendant in the Imperial Guard. Similarly, this is a position held by a gentleman, and this also involves three thousand gold pieces

Upon mentioning the term 'hidden danger', Bai Lu's small face turned pale, her silver teeth tightly biting her lip, and her hands gripping the handkerchief with great force, nearly tearing it into two pieces

The daughter, who has been raised with great effort and is the only daughter of the Bai family for three generations, is naturally expected to fetch a good price!

However, while calling off the wedding is one thing, wanting to casually fabricate a few words without any basis, akin to pulling a fast one, is simply not right

"The Bai family wants to cancel the engagement, and I can understand their thoughts. My Lu family has fallen from grace, and I am now just a destitute young man. I am not worthy of their daughter, and that is a fact"

If you speak to me in a dignified and upright manner, I will naturally respond with calmness and kindness towards others

Our family is currently renowned in the court. Not to mention my grandfather, father, and various uncles, even my own reputation as a daughter cannot be tarnished in the slightest

Bai Qiong flicked the hem of his long robe, crossed his legs, and struck a pose that exuded an air of 'strategizing behind the scenes' and 'having a well-thought-out plan in mind'

Currently, the resources of the Great Yin are abundant, with one pound of high-quality white rice costing no more than three to five wen, and the purchasing power of one guan is remarkably significant

Lu Zhen walked out with his hands tucked into his sleeves, moving gracefully.

Bai Qiong growled angrily in a low voice, his face contorted, and his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets: "Alright, alright, alright, you dog, you refuse the toast and instead drink the punishment wine, very well!"

A promise is worth a thousand gold pieces A promise is worth a thousand gold pieces

Call the steward, this year for Brother Han's New Year goods, add an extra portion on top of the usual amount for the ordinary clansmen

Bailu sat quietly to the side, her hands twisting a silk handkerchief, her gaze distant as she softly remarked: "Father, to be honest, his talent and knowledge are truly remarkable"

Without the support of a powerful family, no matter how talented you are or how much knowledge you possess, even if you work hard to succeed in the imperial examination and become a scholar or a doctor, what does it matter? It is far inferior to a noble family promoting a filial and incorruptible person, who can directly ascend to greatness and achieve success!

six thousand gold

You marrying a good man is the solid first step for the Bai family to transition from a scholarly and noble family to a prominent aristocratic household

However, Mrs. Hu loves to hear this!

A gentleman's word is worth a thousand gold pieces, and this is by no means an empty promise

Descending the steps in front of the Tian'en Marquis's residence, standing on the meticulously cleaned square in front of the door, Lu Zhen looked up at the sky filled with red clouds and murmured to himself

Bai Qiong and Bai Lu left in a somewhat flustered and hasty manner

A father and daughter boarded a beautifully decorated four-wheeled carriage in front of the Tian'en Marquisate.

Little dog, and you are not afraid of bursting from reading books!

Ah, ah, on the back street of the Hou residence, send more servants to keep watch day and night, and let out a few more guard dogs!

She swallowed hard and waved to her trusted maid beside her, saying: "You blind fool, do you not see that Young Master Shen is dressed so lightly? Go, quickly fetch 10 guan, no, 20 guan to send to Young Master Shen."

Lu Zhan shook his sleeves. Although his attire appeared rather shabby, combined with his handsome features and robust physique, this gesture exuded an indescribable elegance, causing the maids in the reception hall to gaze at him with sparkling eyes.

Three times three equals six, this marriage certificate, without six thousand in gold, they will definitely not be able to take it back!

If his grandfather were still alive, or if his father had taken on the position of his grandfather as a Feathered Forest Officer. Tsk!

It is not a good thing for a young nephew to have so much gold and silver in his possession

At this moment, he exited the Tian'en Marquis Mansion through the front door

I never expected that this inexperienced little dog would dare to utter such words as 'a promise is worth a thousand gold pieces'

Madam Hu chuckled and said, "This statement is extremely appropriate and entirely reasonable; no one can find fault with it. Whoever dares to criticize, I, your aunt, will personally give them a slap!"

Then, dear aunt, I would greatly appreciate your taking charge of this matter

Lu Zhen bullied Madam Hu for being uneducated and lacking knowledge, claiming that this 'clear labeling' was merely a way to fool her

Madam Hu looked at Lu Zhen with immense eagerness. The previously gloomy and stiff face now brimmed with a radiant smile, making her appear even more charming than a blossoming peach or plum, comparable to the loveliness of a youthful maiden

She hurriedly said, "Isn't that the case? A man should not have too much money on him"

We must not allow thieves to enter the courtyard of Brother Han

Rest assured, my dear daughter, your marriage is the future of the Bai family, it is the future of your grandfather, your father, and your uncles.

Tian En and the *Tu* Book Marquis Mansion, reception hall

Madam Hu solemnly promised Lu Zhen: "Do not fear the Bai family, for the Hou residence supports you. In this capital city of Gaojing, no one can bully the good sons of the Lu family!"

Bai Qiong smiled very happily

For this sum of money, Mrs. Hu has nothing she cannot do and nothing she dares not do

Six thousand gold coins is undoubtedly a substantial sum of money

Bai Qiong sat back down in her seat with a sullen expression

My family is not capable, and I accept being jilted. This matter, I acknowledge.

Lu Zhuang sat upright in the seat that Bai Qiong had just vacated, holding a cup of freshly brewed tea, and looked at Madam Hu with a serious expression

Accompanied by several mounted attendants, the carriage traveled several dozen zhang along Tian'en Street in front of the Tian'en Marquis's residence. Bai Qiong suddenly jumped up from his seat and forcefully kicked the side of the carriage.

With a deep sigh, Youyou murmured, "If it weren't for the fact that Lord Lu passed away in battle, and Uncle Lu is so unreliable, his family's fortunes have declined rather quickly, it would be... sigh!"

Lu Zhen bowed to Madam Hu, his face adorned with an entirely harmless smile

Just now, Lu Zhen casually quoted this price to Bai Qiong and her father and daughter, and with "Madam Hu upholding justice," they were forced to flee in a state of embarrassment

After a slight pause, Bai Qiong squinted his eyes and said coldly: "It will be tonight, just wait and see"

Bai Lu looked at Bai Qiong with great concern

In the Great Yin Dynasty, one tael of gold could be exchanged for twenty taels of silver, and one tael of silver could be exchanged for one guan of cash. Based on the quality of copper coins, one guan of cash was generally valued between one thousand and one thousand five hundred coins.

Madam Hu nodded repeatedly, clapping her hands with a smile as radiant as a flower, and said: "Isn't that the truth? I was just fooled by that Bai Qiong earlier, a mere two hundred guan, uh!"

Madam Hu, upon hearing Lu Zhen's words, felt her face flush with embarrassment, her eyes glistening with tears, gazing at Lu Zhen with immense warmth, and could not help but feel that this nephew was even more pleasing and endearing than her own son

That Lu Chen child is not a suitable match for you