Chapter11: Cracks in the Lee family

The once-proud halls of the Lee estate had grown quieter in General Lee's absence. Stationed at the northern borders, the family patriarch remained unaware of the escalating chaos back home. His absence allowed the scandal of Ludy’s fall to spread unchecked, and whispers of humiliation now cloaked the household.

The day of Ludy’s wedding to Xia Shui was anticipated not with joy but with dread. No one in the estate dared speak openly of it, but the air was thick with tension, shame, and bitter resentment.

Ludy’s Wedding: A Dowry of Ashes

The courtyard of the Lee estate was filled with muted onlookers as Ludy prepared to depart. Dressed in a red wedding gown, she looked radiant at first glance. But a closer look revealed her pale face, trembling hands, and the forced smile on her lips.

Across from her stood Xia Shui. His expression was unreadable, though there was a flicker of contempt in his eyes. This marriage was not born of love or even duty—it was an imperial decree, and Xia Shui clearly despised every moment of it.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the presentation of the dowry. But instead of the lavish gifts expected at noble weddings, what Xia Shui’s servants brought forward shocked the gathered crowd.

First came two large baskets of rice, then a tray of eggs, followed by a bolt of low-quality fabric, its edges fraying.

The crowd erupted into whispers:

"Is this truly her dowry? How shameful!"

"This Xia Shui doesn’t even pretend to respect her."

"Eggs and rice? She’s better off marrying a farmer."

Ludy’s face burned with humiliation, but she kept her head high, clinging to what little pride she had left. Konga, however, couldn’t contain her fury.

"This is outrageous!" she hissed, stepping forward. But before she could voice her protest, Ludy tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to stay quiet. Konga’s lips trembled, but she obeyed, though her fury simmered just beneath the surface.

The color drained from Ludy’s face as she stared at the items. She had known Xia Shui didn’t want this marriage, but she hadn’t expected such blatant humiliation.

Konga, standing off to the side, clenched her fists so tightly that her nails bit into her palms. She stepped forward, ready to protest, but Ludy stopped her with a subtle shake of her head.

Xia Shui’s family, though minor nobility, accepted the dowry without complaint. It was an insult, but they wouldn’t openly defy the emperor’s decree by rejecting it.

As the ceremony concluded, Ludy was escorted out of the estate, her head bowed in shame. The guests barely bothered to hide their smirks, and the servants whispered behind their hands. The once-proud daughter of the Lee family was leaving as little more than a discarded pawn.

Konga’s Despair

Back in the Lee estate, Konga was inconsolable. She collapsed onto a chaise in her chambers, sobbing uncontrollably.

"My daughter! My poor, innocent daughter! How could this happen?"

Her cries echoed through the halls, drawing the attention of several servants. But none dared approach. Everyone in the estate knew better than to get involved in Konga’s affairs, especially when she was in one of her fits.

I happened to pass by her chambers on my way to the garden and paused just outside the door.

"Innocent?" I muttered to myself. If Konga wanted to paint her daughter as a victim, that was her delusion to cling to. But Ludy’s scheming had brought this fate upon herself.

Inside, Konga’s personal maid tried to soothe her. "Mistress, perhaps it’s time to focus on Lady Nian Dou. She’s still young and has a chance to marry into a good family."

Konga sniffled, wiping her face with a silk handkerchief. "Yes… you’re right. Nian Dou is our last hope. She must secure a noble match. I won’t let her suffer like Ludy."

Nian Dou’s Ambitions

Nian Dou, ever the opportunist, had been waiting for this moment. With Ludy’s disgrace fresh in everyone’s minds, she knew it was her chance to rise above her sister’s failure. She wasn’t as rash as Ludy; her approach was calculated and careful.

Her current target was Li Yuan, a promising young nobleman from a well-established family with connections to the imperial court. During an evening banquet hosted by the Li family, Nian Dou positioned herself strategically, ensuring she was always within Li Yuan’s line of sight.

Dressed in an elegant lavender gown with silver accents, she looked every bit the refined noblewoman. Her every movement was deliberate, her smile soft and inviting.

When the opportunity arose, she approached Li Yuan with a delicate bow. "Young Master Li," she said, her tone demure, "I couldn’t help but admire your poetry earlier. The imagery was so vivid, it felt as though I were standing in the scene you described."

Li Yuan, clearly flattered, smiled back. "You honor me with your praise, Lady Nian Dou. But surely your own talents are equally impressive?"

Nian Dou laughed softly, her voice like the tinkling of wind chimes. "You’re too kind, Young Master Li. I fear my skills pale in comparison to yours. Perhaps one day, I might learn from you?"

Li Yuan’s interest was piqued, and their conversation continued well into the evening. Nian Dou’s charm was undeniable, and it was clear she had succeeded in capturing his attention.

Silla’s Perspective

I observed the unfolding drama from a distance, amused by the Lee family’s desperation. With General Lee at the borders, Konga’s grip on the household was slipping. Her attempts to salvage the family’s reputation through Nian Dou were almost pathetic.

Nian Dou might think she was clever, but her schemes were predictable. Li Yuan wasn’t foolish; he would see through her act eventually. And even if he didn’t, his family would likely reject any proposal involving the Lees, given their current reputation.

Meanwhile, my focus remained on my growing cosmetics brand. Pei Tian had become one of my staunchest supporters, often speaking of my success to those in the court. Word of my products had even reached the Crown Prince, who kept a watchful eye on my progress.

The contrast between my rising fortunes and the Lee family’s decline was stark. While they scrambled to repair their crumbling reputation, I was building a legacy that would outshine them all.

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