Chapter 2537: Chapter 2537: Spectacular (1)
"What is little Shu Luo talking about? Our oldest young master has never paid attention to that girl; it’s all her scheming, deceiving the old madam." Feng Zilan wasn’t pleased upon hearing this, casting a glance at Yang Ruxin, "She herself is shameless, but she shouldn’t bring disgrace onto our oldest young master."
"Mother, don’t get excited. I’m not angry." Yang Ruxin, finding it both amusing and frustrating, pulled Feng Zilan to sit down, then looked at Shu Luo, "How is she involved again?"
Shu Luo let out a sigh of relief and continued, "Originally, the Dou Family had arranged a marriage for Dou Xuemei with the second son of the second household from the Fan Family in Kuizhou City, named Fan Dongsheng. This man had already achieved the title of scholar and was set to take the provincial exam next year. Although he isn’t as handsome as me, he’s considered an appealing young man, just a bit frail, but not to the point of being sickly. Of course, these things aren’t the main concern. What attracted the Dou Family was that the big master of the first household of the Fan Family is the Salt Transport Envoy in the Shu Region. Cousin-in-law, you know what the Salt Transport Envoy does, right? It was established by Emperor Gaozu at the founding of this dynasty, setting up the Salt Transport Department in every salt-producing area, with the highest official being the Salt Transport Envoy. While nominally only a fifth-rank position, it’s quite lucrative."
Yang Ruxin nodded; she was aware of this. In ancient times, salt was a crucial commodity for social stability. Every dynasty saw a large number of people amass wealth due to salt, and a large number lose their heads because of it. In her view, it was akin to the lucrative white powder trade of later generations.
The Shu Region had historically produced well water salt, with salt wells abundant and a considerable production volume.
The Fan Family having someone as the Salt Transport Envoy was indeed a formidable presence.
"Originally, both parties were satisfied with each other and were discussing the dowry. Then came the scandal about the old master’s improper conduct with his daughter-in-law in the Gu Family." Shu Luo suddenly couldn’t help but laugh, "Actually, the Dou Family wanted to claim it was a setup, since Kuizhou City is over a hundred miles from Yucheng. But unexpectedly, a relative of the Fan Family happened to be in Yucheng that day, staying at the very inn next to the old master’s room. They were kept up all night by the noise and even complained to the innkeeper..."
Yang Ruxin’s eyes widened, "Such a coincidence?"
"Isn’t it just such a coincidence." Shu Luo was so excited he slapped his thigh, "Now the Gu Family can’t even refute, and how could the Fan Family accept a woman from a dishonorable family into their home? Without hesitation, they canceled the marriage arrangement. You can imagine how angry Gu Lin must be. She wouldn’t dare beat her father, but she has more than enough reasons to beat an erring and discarded step-sister."
"Wow, I didn’t expect it to be so thrilling!" Yang Ruxin exclaimed.
"That’s right!" Shu Luo nodded vigorously, "It’s like a drama."
"Even more thrilling than a drama." Feng Zilan sneered coldly, "But they deserve it. I need to go offer incense to madam; perhaps madam’s spirit is punishing those heartless creatures." With that, she hurried off.
"Ah!" Dong Wenxiu also sighed, "I’ll go make some food for you all." Then she left too.
Yang Ruxin stroked her chin thoughtfully, "Little Shu Luo, Dou Xuemei once seemed deeply in love with your cousin. How could she agree to marry someone else? Could it be that she’s no longer a virgin?"
