Chapter 3: Protecting the Dowry, Controlling Hearts

Bai Huan flicked her silk handkerchief, producing a red brocade booklet as if by magic, and opened it high for all to see.

Her words came fast and clear: "This is the betrothal contract between myself and Gu Yuanzhou, the legitimate eldest son of the Marquis of Luyang's household. We have been engaged for five years with mutual affection, and were to be wed in three months. Yet the Marquis' house demanded I marry ahead of schedule, and only today at the wedding did I discover my husband had been switched."

Her declaration splashed over the crowd like cold water into a boiling pot of oil, drawing startled cries. To suspect was one thing; to expose the truth publicly was quite another.

Gu Yuanzhou and Madam Gu's faces flushed scarlet as they simultaneously reached out to snatch the marriage contract.

Gu Yuanhuai quickly stepped forward, spreading his arms to shield Bai Huan.

Chenxiang and Doukou also rushed up, flanking their mistress protectively.

For their lady, even if they couldn't win a fight, they would still stand up!

"Fourth Brother!"

"Wretch!"

Gu Yuanzhou and Madam Gu exclaimed in unison, their eyes blazing with fury.

They couldn't believe that the wayward youth, whom they usually avoided, would dare defy them so openly. Nor could they accept that Bai Huan, always gentle, sensible, and obedient, would dare to tear away the Marquis household's facade before everyone.

Gu Yuanhuai shrank under his father's murderous glare, but seeing the young woman beside him standing tall and proud, a surge of shame washed over him. He straightened his own back, planted his feet firmly, and resolved not to cower.

He couldn't back down!

A gentle warmth flickered in Bai Huan's eyes—she hadn't misjudged him. There was still a shred of humanity left in this one.

"Some matters," Bai Huan said, brushing aside Gu Yuanhuai's arm, her voice soft yet carrying clearly to everyone present, "must be made clear. I, Bai Huan, will not submit to being slaughtered, but I am also reasonable and abide by propriety. Gu Yuanzhou had other designs and used filial piety as a pretext to deceive; I do not begrudge him. Though Fourth Young Master is of secondary birth, he at least bears responsibility. Now that I am his wife and part of the Gu family, I will not allow its honor to be dragged through the streets."

She turned to the Marquis of Luyang, whose face was dark, and made a proper bow. "Father-in-law, would you not agree?"

The Marquis snapped back to his senses at her address.

That fool Madam Gu—how had she failed to retrieve the betrothal contract beforehand?

He forced away his scowl and adopted a magnanimous air. "This should indeed be clarified. Your father was punished after injuring the Noble Consort and his fate remains unknown. Your mother, in an effort to save him, pleaded with us to bring you into the household ahead of schedule, hoping to secure help for your father. My eldest son has already been named heir and must marry a noblewoman as his principal wife. To spare you the grievance of becoming a concubine, our families agreed you would wed the fourth son instead. The wedding was moved up by three months, leaving no time to inform everyone, hence the misunderstanding. Now all is explained."

Bai Huan could barely contain her urge to slap him. She had seen shamelessness before, but never so cloaked in righteousness! He relied on the Bai family’s ruin, thinking no one remained to expose his lies.

Yet she put on a dutiful face. "As my parents and matchmakers have decreed, I as daughter-in-law will obey."

No sooner had she spoken than her eyes flashed coldly. Without hesitation, she drew a pair of scissors and, to the crowd's astonishment, snipped the betrothal contract to shreds.

The fragments tumbled to the floor, and Bai Huan firmly planted her foot atop Gu Yuanzhou's name.

"Though Gu Yuanzhou was first to break faith, I, Bai Huan, was raised under strict discipline in the Bai family, excelling in virtue, speech, and conduct. Having exchanged vows and wine with Fourth Young Master, we are husband and wife in every sense. I will follow my husband, uphold the virtues of a wife, and have nothing more to say on the matter."

A hush fell over the hall.

No matter how unworthy the man, society always praised the woman’s fidelity. Even those who came to watch the spectacle now felt a measure of respect for Bai Huan.

Bai Huan was not one to suffer in silence. All could see she had been wronged, and it was Gu Yuanzhou whose reputation would suffer.

Gu Yuanhuai was astonished—was Bai Huan truly giving herself no way out? Was she determined to tie herself to him?

Gu Yuanzhou's face shifted between green and white. He did not believe Bai Huan meant what she said; surely it was only anger speaking. She had loved him for so many years—how could she so easily accept being another man's wife?

"Chenxiang, open my dowry list."

Chenxiang answered crisply, leading Doukou to the first red chest. She opened it and took out a gold-inlaid box. Atop a stack of deeds for land and shops lay a scroll as thick as a man's arm. The two maids unfurled it, revealing a list five feet long.

The nearby officials’ wives craned their necks to see the dazzling array of items, their eyes filled with wonder and envy.

"This dowry list was registered with the authorities a year ago. Should anyone tamper with it, I will report it."

Gu Yuanhuai's quarters were not only remote but pitifully small—her dowry could not possibly fit. She needed to warn them publicly not to touch it until she had settled the Bai family’s affairs and could return to deal with it herself.

At these words, Madam Gu's eyes flashed with malice.

Bai Huan turned to Gu Yuanhuai. "Huailang, would you help me open that chest?"

The gentle address made Gu Yuanhuai break out in goosebumps. Blushing furiously, he dared not meet her gaze, pointing as she indicated, "This one?"

Bai Huan smiled sweetly. "Huailang is truly clever."

Gu Yuanzhou's glare was murderous.

Gu Yuanhuai: … A bit afraid!

Flustered, he wiped his arm to smooth the raised hairs, then opened the chest. Instantly, a delicate fragrance filled the hall. The chest was packed with embroidered sachets.

Madam Gu and Gu Yunjiao's eyes nearly popped from their sockets.

A noblewoman in green gasped softly, "Oh! This scent… Isn’t that Bai Family’s Floating Moon Essence? It’s worth its weight in gold, and so hard to come by. Every time I visit Bai Family’s incense hall, it’s always sold out!"

Another noblewoman in yellow inhaled deeply, delighted. "Heavens, I think I smell the Smoky Twilight beloved by the Worthy Consort!"

The noblewomen and ladies erupted in excited chatter. In this era of Tiansheng’s prosperity and extravagance, the imperial family, great clans, and even celebrated scholars all vied for luxury incense. The wealthy flaunted their status with rare scents, while the literati prized refinement and elegance. The culture of incense had become inextricably linked with power and social standing.

To be noble was to know fragrances.

Bai Huan gathered several sachets and approached the two noblewomen who had spoken first, placing a pale blue sachet in the hand of the lady in green.

"Elder sister, you truly know incense. This sachet indeed contains Floating Moon Essence. Embroidered with my personal seal, you may present it at Bai Family’s incense hall for a year’s supply, free of charge."

"Truly? Thank you, thank you!" The lady in green cupped the sachet in delight.

The lady in yellow, full of envy, said, "I recognized Smoky Twilight—might I have one as well?"

Bai Huan smiled radiantly, presenting a purple sachet with both hands. "It is my honor that you appreciate Smoky Twilight."

At once the hall was in an uproar, as noblewomen surged forward, swiftly encircling Bai Huan.

With a gentle smile, Bai Huan distributed sachets one by one, softly introducing each: "This is Jade Snow Branch, which suits your temperament perfectly."

"And here is Starfall Blossom—a blend of citrus freshness and evening floral notes, reminiscent of starlight spilling across the Milky Way, with calming properties…"

Gu Yuanhuai spread his arms to shield Bai Huan, crying out anxiously, "No need to rush, there’s plenty for everyone—please do not crush my wife."

Chenxiang pressed the box into Doukou’s arms. "Hold on tight. I’ll help our lady."

Doukou nodded vigorously. "Don’t worry, elder sister."

Chenxiang shouldered her way past a stunned Gu Yunjiao and joined Bai Huan, helping to present sachets to the eager crowd.

With Bai Huan’s gentle explanations and the women’s exclamations of admiration, praises abounded—her virtue and grace were lauded, and some even joked that Gu Yuanhuai owed his good fortune to ancestors smiling on his marriage.

The wedding banquet’s atmosphere shifted entirely—Bai Huan was now the center of everyone’s attention.

The incense trade of Tiansheng had been dominated for a century by four great families, with the Bais foremost among them. Nearly all the palace concubines’ personal scents came from the Bai family, custom-blended to reflect their unique tastes and personalities. The highest-grade incenses, coveted by the imperial family, were more precious than gold or jewels.

The Bai ancestors had labored for generations to create these treasures, and even sachets made from remnants were rare and prized, more esteemed than gifts of gold or pearls.

This chest full of sachets had been intended as Bai Huan’s gifts for the women of the Gu household upon her arrival as a new bride.

Now, those same women—Madam Gu, Gu Yunjiao, and the others—stood at the edge of the crowd, gazing longingly, unable to step forward after their earlier coldness.

Gu Yuanzhou stood dazed, watching Bai Huan, now encircled by admirers like the most radiant peony in a field of blossoms—brilliant and dazzling.

Yet such beauty seemed to be slipping ever further from him, like sand slipping through his fingers—impossible to hold on to.