Chapter 52 - Exchange

Chapter 52: Chapter 46 ExchangeSome came with genuine sorrow, while others simply made a fleeting visit and left, yet Zhao Hanzhang led Zhao Erlang to thank each sincerely.

Fu Tinghan stood right beside her, such a prominent figure that it was hard for the guests to ignore.

Even someone as discerning as Wang Yan could not help but comment to those around him, "Mr. Fu is deeply filial, steadfast in his promises, a true gentleman."

He lamented somewhat, "It’s a pity."

Those around him couldn’t help but ask, "What is a pity?"

Wang Yan smiled but said nothing. It’s a pity that he is already engaged, otherwise, he would have considered proposing for his Fourth Lady.

Though he said nothing, those around him guessed it, and couldn’t help but sigh, "Shangcai Marquis played his last move right, providing a reliable support for the orphaned children of the eldest branch."

"Fu Zhongshu is upright, and Mr. Fu is a gentleman. As long as the Fu Family stands, the Zhao siblings can live stably all their lives."

In such turbulent times, stability is the greatest happiness.

Perhaps Zhao Zhongyu has also come to realize this, or perhaps due to Zhao Changyu’s dying entrustment, he became much more lenient with Zhao Hanzhang.

His demeanor was amiable, and he even urged her to rest at one point.

Fu Zhi arrived before noon, and after offering his condolences, he pulled Fu Tinghan aside for a brief conversation before going to find Zhao Zhongyu.

Zhao Zhongyu was utterly surprised, "Getting married during mourning?"

Fu Zhi sighed, "Yes, it was previously set for June, intended to ease Changyu’s departure, who would have thought such a change would occur."

"Even so, I still want the two children to marry soon; first, it fulfills Changyu’s wish, and second, Changrong is not young either. By the end of the three-year mourning period, she would be nineteen, which is too old, hence we have to slightly inconvenience Third Lady to marry in mourning attire."

Zhao Zhongyu: "...Brother Fu, what are you saying should be Changrong who is inconvenienced."

He found it difficult to decide, "Marriage is significant after all, such a sudden..."

Fu Zhi comforted him, "Don’t worry, this is during the heavy mourning period, everything will be kept simple, the betrothal gifts and dowry are already prepared, nor is it necessary to hire a lot of musicians, just a simple arrangement will suffice for the marriage."

He said, "I know Changyu’s last words, I have already decided that after they get married, I’ll let Changrong accompany Third Lady and Second Son to escort his coffin back home."

Deeply moved, Zhao Zhongyu pondered briefly and agreed, "That works too."

Fu Zhi was somewhat surprised at how smoothly it went, even Zhao Hanzhang didn’t expect it.

But Zhao Zhongyu indeed agreed, even specifically finding Mrs. Wang and Zhao Hanzhang to inform them, "Let’s wait until the funeral is over, take advantage of the early mourning to marry. I’ve asked the Fu Family to briefly calculate the day. Seven days later, after your grandfather’s soul returns, you can proceed, and prayers for the spirits will ease your grandfather’s mind."

Zhao Hanzhang said with a face full of emotion, "Thank you, great-uncle."

Zhao Zhongyu said, "Don’t thank me yet, I agreed to this under conditions."

Mrs. Wang became a bit uneasy.

Zhao Zhongyu laid out brush and ink, saying, "There are no outsiders here, let’s speak frankly. I know, elder brother prepared this much dowry for Erlang, at least half of that is his, right?"

Zhao Hanzhang slightly raised her brows without any concealment, nodded directly, "Correct, this dowry is half for me and Erlang. I promised my grandfather that when he grows up and starts a family, I’ll return his half to him."

"Then write down this promise," Zhao Zhongyu pushed the paper and brush towards her, "Write down the portion of the dowry that belongs to him, sign and seal it, two copies, you keep one, and we keep one at home, when he grows up and starts a family, we’ll witness and split it."

Zhao Hanzhang stepped forward to take the paper and pen, smiled slightly, raised her eyes to Zhao Zhongyu, "Great-uncle, you are so righteous, Third Lady thanks for Erlang first."

Zhao Zhongyu had a serious expression, "I trust you, what I worry about is the Fu Family."

Fu Changrong was too eager, and the Fu Family too hastily wishes to marry Zhao Hanzhang. He is both moved and skeptical, thus asking Zhao Hanzhang for a safeguard.

Those belongings were left by elder brother for the two children and should not fall freely into the hands of the Fu Family.

Zhao Hanzhang did not hesitate, wrote the promise letter, yet with so much dowry, she couldn’t remember all the specifics, so she didn’t write.

Zhao Hanzhang, realizing she would soon leave Luoyang, though reluctant, couldn’t help but tease her great-uncle, "Great-uncle, you know that after the funeral, my brother and I will escort the coffin back home; the return may last one or two years, possibly three or four. The estate in Luoyang is not easy to manage, and also..."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled bitterly, "You know, I am a woman, Erlang is like that. Managing these estates would be difficult not to lose money, so I wish to sell part of them to you."

Zhao Zhongyu was stunned, frowned, "You want to sell the dowry?"

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Gold and silver are easier to carry, and they last longer. Erlang and I are not adept at management; having cash is better than running shops and fields."

"Alternatively, great-uncle might want to exchange homeland fields and shops with me," Zhao Hanzhang said, "We will stay longer this time, and if favorable, Erlang might find a worthy match there; having more assets at home supports a proposal. Additionally, hometown relatives are abundant, making management easier."

Zhao Zhongyu pondered; he was aware of the dowry Zhao Hanzhang held, covering diverse assets not only from Luoyang but also Chang’an and Ru Nan, property scattered everywhere.

Among them, Luoyang and Chang’an properties are the most valuable.

Although connections with Chang’an were currently weak, it is nonetheless a major city, once pacified, Chang’an and Luoyang’s properties far surpass those in Ru Nan.

However, spreading word of this is not good, and as for this niece...

Zhao Zhongyu eyed her skeptically, is she genuinely proposing an exchange or setting a trap?

Zhao Hanzhang was indeed sincere, she said, "No need to inform others; we draft a private agreement, I hand over deeds to great-uncle. Should anyone inquire, simply say I’ve asked great uncle and elder cousin to handle management."

She continued, "Erlang and I are young; relying on kin is understandable."

This implies it is a private deal, not part of the dowry listing, avoiding reputation risks.

Yet having a privately agreed contract, with Zhao Zhongyu as the Clan Leader, Zhao Ji as Shangcai Marquis, Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t easily retract.

All circumstances aligned, Zhao Zhongyu weighed and nodded in agreement.

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Then let Uncle Cheng handle the transfer; unfamiliar with these assets, his involvement is most appropriate."

Zhao Zhongyu felt reassured and satisfied, nodding in approval.

Zhao Hanzhang handed over the promise letter to Zhao Zhongyu, then rose, saluted, and led Mrs. Wang, somewhat dazed, away.

Far from the study, Mrs. Wang finally reacted, hurriedly grabbed Zhao Hanzhang, asking, "Third Lady, how could you sell those assets cheaply? Those were carefully selected by your grandfather as valuable possessions for you."