Ruan Shixin, accustomed to his brothers’ extortion, knew that if he didn’t pay, he’d be harassed endlessly. He couldn’t possibly beat his own brother, so he held up two fingers: “Two hundred taels. Not a cent more. She’s becoming a concubine, not getting married, and doesn’t need a dowry. Two hundred taels are enough.”
“One thousand taels!” Ruan Shimin shot back. “Are you trying to pay off a beggar? What can two hundred taels do?”
Chen, being kindhearted, saw Ruan Qing nearby looking indignant and pulled her aside: “Qing’er, go play in your sister’s room.”
“Big brother, we’ve already separated our families,” Ruan Shixin gently pushed him back. “My wife and children are none of your business.”
“Fine, fine, you’ve grown wings and dare to push your big brother!” Ruan Shimin yelled. “Give me a thousand taels of silver, and I’ll leave. Once I get the money, I won’t come to your door again!”
Ruan Shixin had heard similar words countless times.
Every time his brother swore to cut ties, he still returned asking for money. Feeling helpless and angry, he said, “Only two hundred taels. Take it or leave it!”
Twenty silver ingots lay on a tray on the table. Ruan Shiming noted his younger brother’s anger and refusal to give more. He took the silver and asked Ruan Qing, “Did you take your dowry?”
Despite throwing a tantrum earlier, Ruan Qing had taken some jewelry from Chen shi. Unwilling to accept this, she rushed to Ruan Ning’s dressing table, grabbed several items, and ran to Ruan Shiming, saying, “They wouldn’t give me anything, only these.”
“Younger brother, you’re really stingy!” Ruan Shiming snapped, disappointed and angry. “Don’t blame me for not warning you. I’m now the father-in-law of a county magistrate. Don’t you dare come asking for help. Qing’er, let’s go!”
Carrying the tray and cursing, father and daughter left. At the estate gate, they saw tenants with red lanterns. Ruan Qing asked, “Why are you hanging red lanterns when it’s not a festival?”
A tenant casually replied, “The young mistress is bringing in a live-in son-in-law. They were supposed to get married today, but the second madam didn’t approve, so it’s been called off.”
