Chapter 465: Cheng Bingzhi Was Deceived

Chapter 465: Deceived by Cheng Bingzhi

Lu Lingyun brought up the main topic, and Madam Jiang promptly responded, "Yes, we should discuss the important matters!"

She had no interest in talking about the unimpressive third grandson, Cheng Bingzhi, with Lady Qin.

Cheng Bingzhi was not raised by Lu Lingyun; he grew up with his concubine and moved out early to live on his own. Seeing his short and stout appearance now, she found him utterly uninteresting.

Forced to praise him a few times was enough; there was no point in continuously talking about him!

Lady Qin then said, "Yes, we should discuss the important matters. You can rest assured, no matter which grandson I marry, the betrothal gifts will be generous! I will even add an extra portion to ensure that your Liu Xianxian will live comfortably!"

In her heart, Lady Qin also felt that her third grandson was unworthy of Liu Xianxian.

But it was Liu Xianxian who was infatuated with him!

Since she was already old, wealth and possessions would be meaningless after death. Now was the time to use them to add to the betrothal gifts for Liu Xianxian, so that her third grandson could be a worthy match. This would be her final contribution to the Cheng family.

After all, this third grandson had some ability, managing to capture the affection of the granddaughter of the Marquis of Yongyi and the daughter of the Jiangnan Director-General of Grain Transport.

If it were an ordinary girl from a modest family, she would have simply asked Lu Lingyun to arrange a modest betrothal gift for Cheng Bingzhi.

But Liu Xianxian came from a noble family. If she didn't add more to the betrothal gifts to make them grand, it would surely demean the deep affection Liu Xianxian had for Cheng Bingzhi!

As Lady Qin spoke, she had her personal maid produce a list.

This was something she had retrieved from her private treasury yesterday after confirming Liu Xianxian's feelings.

"Read it aloud for our in-laws to hear."

"Yes."

"A pair of red agate jade Ruyi scepters adorned with rubies, a pair of white deer mother-of-pearl cosmetic boxes with orchid motifs, a pair of nine-colored deer mother-of-pearl wardrobes embellished with gold wire and colorful gemstones, a set of dragon-and-phoenix bone china tableware, two phoenix-embroidered brocade quilts, a pair of mandarin duck Shu brocade pillows with lotus motifs..."

As the maid recited the list of additional betrothal gifts provided by Lady Qin, each name made Cheng Bingzhi's heart tremble.

These gold, silver, jewels, and fine silks were just like the list he had heard when his eldest sister married into the Marquis's Mansion!

Such luxury, such wealth, such... fortune!

It was just as his mother had said: if he could please his grandmother, she would surely give him a grand dowry for his marriage!

All these things... would soon be his!

Cheng Bingzhi grinned foolishly, while Liu Xianxian and the others were equally astonished.

Even Lu Lingyun couldn't help but be impressed. Lady Qin's betrothal gifts for her grandson this time were far too extravagant!

Although it was for Cheng Binghao's engagement—he was a highly accomplished grandson of the family—the betrothal level would naturally not be small, certainly no less than what was given to Cheng Suying. But there was still a difference between marrying off a daughter and taking a wife!

When she added to Cheng Suying's dowry, it was a gift from the grandmother, a gesture of goodwill. But Cheng Binghao was taking a wife! His marriage was a matter for the entire Marquis's Mansion. If Lady Qin wanted it to be grand, the expenses could be covered by the mansion's public funds. There was no need for her to dip into her private treasury for the betrothal gifts.

The Marquis's Mansion would never skimp on betrothal gifts for its young masters! Her lavish display made it seem as if the mansion didn't need to contribute at all.

Most importantly, why didn't Lady Qin discuss this with her beforehand?

Of course, Lady Qin couldn't discuss it with her. After all, Cheng Bingzhi was an external grandson... Lu Lingyun could give as much as she wanted, and it was hard for Lady Qin to interject. If she wanted to maintain dignity, she had to provide it herself!

"Grandmother, isn't this too much?"

Cheng Binghao was the first to speak up again.

As he listened to the never-ending list of betrothal gifts, he couldn't hold back.

Hearing this, Granny Qin shot him a glance. "Don't be jealous, don't worry, I won't forget about you and your big brother!"

The things Granny Qin gave Cheng Bingzhi were all heirlooms from the bottom of her chest. The truly valuable gold and silver, estates, and shops she had reserved for her two eldest grandsons!

She still knows what's what!

Cheng Binghao looked utterly confused: "Huh?"

"Grandmother, what else are you going to give me?" he asked in confusion.

"You silly boy, why can't you read the room! We'll discuss this later! Can't you see I'm in the middle of arranging your brother's marriage?" Granny Qin said with dissatisfaction.

Cheng Binghao was completely floored this time!

Granny Qin's last words hit like a thunderbolt, shocking everyone in the room.

Cheng Binghao was stunned to his core, barely managing to stammer, "My... brother?"

"That's right, second brother!" Cheng Bingzhi stood up triumphantly, barely able to contain his glee. "Don't be jealous, this is all from grandmother! Today, she's proposing to Liu Xianxian for me!"

As Cheng Bingzhi's words sank in, the shocked crowd began to recover.

Liu Xianxian jumped to her feet, her face a mix of shock and defiance, "Who said anything about marrying you!"

"You, Xianxian," Cheng Bingzhi said, looking at her, "Didn't my grandmother speak with you yesterday? She proposed on my behalf, and you agreed!"

"I... I..." Liu Xianxian stammered, turning to Granny Qin.

Madam Jiang, seated in the place of honor, also turned to Granny Qin, saying, "That can't be right! Our Xianxian is meant to marry Binghao!"

"Yes, grandmother! I'm the one who wants to marry Xianxian!" Cheng Binghao pressed urgently.

Granny Qin, bombarded by questions from all sides, was momentarily flustered, "No, no..."

Her mind was spinning; after those two words, she clutched her chest as if struggling to breathe.

Seeing her like this, Lu Lingyun quickly intervened, "Mother, don't get upset."

She summoned the servants to quickly bring Granny Qin's usual tonic and helped her drink it slowly. Once Granny Qin caught her breath, Lu Lingyun asked with concern, "Mother, what's happening?"

Under everyone's intense gaze, Granny Qin was momentarily at a loss for words.

Lu Lingyun pressed on, "Mother, Xianxian and Binghao grew up together, their bond is strong. We all assumed they were the ones getting engaged. Could there be some misunderstanding?"

"Yes, grandmother, I love Xianxian and want to marry her," Cheng Binghao declared, stepping forward.

"That's right, Granny Qin," Liu Xianxian said, stepping forward to stand beside Cheng Binghao, her gaze steady. "I grew up with Binghao, and he's the only one I want to marry!" The two of them looked like the perfect couple.

Seeing this scene, especially Liu Xianxian's words, Granny Qin suddenly remembered the girl's earlier shy demeanor and some odd inconsistencies in what she'd said.

It all clicked! That scoundrel Cheng Bingzhi had tricked her! She'd completely misunderstood! She'd made a complete fool of herself!

"Cheng Bingzhi!" Granny Qin slammed the table in anger, "How did you tell me that the young lady of the Liu family was deeply in love with you, utterly devoted to you!"

Called out like this, Cheng Bingzhi was visibly shaken. All eyes turned to him as he began to speak.