Chapter 32: The Art of Misdirection

When she saw entries like “10,200 taels of silver,” “a mulberry orchard in Huaixi,” “100 mu of irrigated farmland in Huaixi,” “100 mu of dry farmland in the capital region,” and “raw silk,” there was no need to look further. Items like furniture, fabrics, scented medicines, chamber pots, and even coffins were trivial in comparison.

Yin Zhi held her breath.

At that moment, she could clearly feel the gaze of the Old Master on her.

As the second Yin family daughter to marry into the Shen family, the Old Master surely had expectations of her.

Yin Zhi hesitated. But in the end, between “showing herself to be capable and worthy of this political marriage” and “being an ordinary Yin family daughter,” she chose the latter.

“All… all this is for me?” she asked, feigning excitement and surprise.

The Old Master’s gaze clearly dimmed with disappointment.

Sorry, old man. She thought. I fought too hard in my previous life. I’m exhausted. In this life, all I want is to take it easy. If I can live comfortably without worrying about food or money, then I won’t fight. I just want a peaceful life.

She wanted to choose the easy mode—not bear the burden of high expectations.

“No,” the Old Master said sternly.

“…Huh?” Yin Zhi replied, feigning confusion even though she had guessed as much.

“The 10,000 taels and the raw silk will go directly to Ji Yun’s father. The income from the mulberry orchard will be delivered annually to the Shen family. Only the rest is your dowry,” the Old Master explained, pointing at her. “Don’t be greedy. Even as it stands, your dowry far exceeds that of your sisters.”

It was true. Several of her older cousins and younger sisters had already married—she had seen their dowry lists.

Even just in terms of farmland, her sisters had around 200 mu each. But farmland in the capital was far more valuable than that in Huaixi. Just 100 mu in the capital was worth several hundred mu in Huaixi. A single storefront in the capital could match the value of many in Huaixi.

Not to mention the other items—every category in her dowry was more generous than her sisters’.

With this kind of dowry, she would never have to worry about food or clothing.

Moreover, the 10,000 taels and the raw silk were going to Ji Yun’s father—in other words, the Shen family. The Shen family was powerful and held official positions. The Yin family, being merchants, needed protection. This was essentially a tribute. Yin Zhi understood this perfectly.

She also knew: bringing such a generous tribute, the Shen family would have no choice but to treat her with some respect.

And she still had 2,000 taels for her personal use. After all these years, she was finally going to have real personal property.

Yin Zhi was genuinely delighted. She made no attempt to hide her joy, her face glowing as she said, “Yes, Grandfather. I understand.”

The Old Master wasn’t familiar with this granddaughter.

When Lady Shen had said she already had someone in mind, and the marriage was settled, the Old Master had asked his third son what his daughter was like.

Naturally, the Third Master praised his daughter endlessly—dutiful, filial, virtuous—but it was all vague. The Old Master realized even the father didn’t know his daughter very well.

This was common. In large households, fathers seldom spent time with their daughters. Daughters were usually raised by their mothers.

The Old Master had asked his eldest daughter-in-law to mentor Yin Zhi in managing household affairs and occasionally checked on her progress. But the feedback had been lukewarm—“steady,” “reliable”—nothing particularly outstanding.

Now, looking at her, she did seem like an ordinary girl—other than being beautiful, nothing stood out.

Among his descendants, only his eldest son had faced hardships and gained experience. The rest were mediocre. There were no truly outstanding individuals.

This made the Old Master rather frustrated. He envied the Shen family—they not only gave birth well, but raised well too.

Still, what could he do? The Shen family had chosen her. There wasn’t really a better candidate anyway. At least this girl had a gentle and honest disposition. As long as she was respectful to her in-laws and husband, didn’t stir up trouble in the household, it would be fine.

Ideally, she’d quickly give the Shen family a fat grandson. That would strengthen the ties between the two families, and his foolish sons would have someone to depend on in their later years.

Seeing that Yin Zhi didn’t seem particularly clever, the Old Master didn’t beat around the bush. He said directly:
“There’s nothing more we ask of you. Just be filial to your aunt after the marriage. Respect Ji Yun. I know about his… situation. It’s not a big deal. Which man doesn’t have one or two concubines or chambermaids? No matter what, a concubine can’t surpass the official wife. And besides, that one’s of low birth—she’ll never climb up. Be magnanimous, don’t stoop to her level. Keep Ji Yun happy, give birth early, and raise a child who becomes a top scholar. Then your life will be set.”

Even after playing dumb, she was still expected to “give birth early,” huh?

Yin Zhi felt helpless.

But even in the modern era, love rarely comes without conditions. In this era, childbirth was both reproduction and investment. Especially in large families, why should one daughter receive more dowry than another?

Yin Zhi bowed her head and said, “Yes, Grandfather. I understand. I will fulfill my duties as a wife. It’s just that…”

She lifted her head. “It’s just that, I’ve thought about it. Cousin Ji Yun was willing to risk his marriage for Miss Feng. He must be deeply in love. As for having children, that may not be within my control. But I’m not worried—Aunt is my own aunt, she won’t treat me unfairly. If Miss Feng has a child first, we can register it under my name. Cousin Ji Yun would surely be happy about that. Don’t you think so, Grandfather?”

The Old Master narrowed his eyes at her, feeling that perhaps this granddaughter wasn’t as dull as she had seemed. After some thought, he nodded:
“You’re right. A boy like Ji Yun can’t be forced. Don’t go against him. If that woman does have a child first, register it under your name. Ji Yun is reasonable—he’ll be grateful to you. Your parents-in-law are smart people too—they won’t shortchange your children. Besides, a man’s future depends on his own abilities. Ji Yun is bound for greatness.”

Then, worried she might cling to petty emotions, he added:
“Don’t get caught up in the trivial drama of the inner courtyard. It’s not worth it. Don’t let Ji Yun look down on you, or our family. Be generous.”

Yin Zhi almost wanted to shake the Old Master’s hand!

Talking to him was so much smoother than talking to the Third Madam. The Third Madam was full of backroom schemes, always teaching in half-measures, which gave Yin Zhi headaches. The First Madam was more dignified, with the bearing of a household matriarch, but unwilling to teach a concubine’s daughter.

“Grandfather, rest assured,” Yin Zhi promised. “After I marry, I will seek harmony and treat my cousin with respect, so that he always remembers the Yin family of Huaixi as both his mother’s family and his wife’s.”

As long as her family didn’t pressure her to bear children too quickly, Yin Zhi was willing to be a bridge between the Yin and Shen families.

She probably wouldn’t return many times in her life—so it didn’t seem too difficult.

But she still had a question:
“Grandfather, may I ask—who will be assigned to accompany me as my household manager? Has it been decided yet?”

The Old Master immediately understood. “Is there someone you’d prefer?”

Yin Zhi said, “If the elders have already arranged it, of course I’ll obey. But there’s a maid who used to serve me—her name is Yunjuan. She’s married to a gatekeeper. I’m used to her service, and when I move to a new place, it would be comforting to have someone familiar around.”

It was customary for daughters of the Yin family to be assigned a household steward couple to help manage their assets and affairs after marriage.

The role was highly sought after. The First and Third Madams had both subtly fought over it. Even the Old Madam had tried to interfere. But the Old Master had refused to yield, saying he would make the choice himself.

The Third Madam had complained about this to Yin Zhi, which was how she found out.

But she rarely had the chance to speak directly with the Old Master. Now, finally bypassing the three madams, she could make her request directly to the real decision-maker.

It was a reasonable request. As a concubine’s daughter, she had few connections in the household. Even if the Old Master’s choice was excellent, it was natural to want someone familiar.

The Old Master said, “That’s simple. Let the couple go with you.”

Yin Zhi was overjoyed.

Time flew. After the New Year, her three-year mourning period ended. The six traditional steps of the marriage process had been completed. It was time to prepare for her wedding.

Her sisters—including those already married—came to contribute to her trousseau.

Even the Old Madam begrudgingly gifted her a full set of gold jewelry.

Women from all the families connected to the Yin family in Huaixi came to give presents. Even the magistrate’s wife gave a pair of gold hairpins.

Yin Zhi received these gifts with a beaming smile.

These were not part of the official dowry list—they went straight into her personal purse. Of course she was thrilled.

Yunjuan came with her baby to greet Yin Zhi. “We’ve packed up. We’re ready to leave whenever you are.”

She had just finished her postpartum confinement. With Yin Zhi’s care, her days were going well.

But she was nervous. “We’ve never left Huaixi before. Can we manage in the capital?”

Yin Zhi held her child and smiled, “I haven’t either. That’s why I want you with me.”

Yunjuan’s husband was a gatekeeper—not a fool. Yin Zhi had pulled strings to arrange this marriage for Yunjuan.

Her husband had once said that after the baby grew older, they’d try to find her a job in a noble household to earn more. But her former mistress—the Fourth Miss of the Third Branch—would likely be married off by then. They had few options.

Then, out of nowhere, good news arrived: Fourth Miss wanted to take them to the capital.

It was like a dream. Previously, many servants had fought over the chance to be assigned to this role. But in the end, the Old Master had chosen personally. At the time, Yunjuan was still heavily pregnant, and they hadn’t dared hope.

Now, Yin Zhi had chosen them herself.

As long as they were willing, Yin Zhi had peace of mind.

In truth, there was nothing to worry about. Water flows downward, people move upward. To Huaixi locals, the capital was a dreamland.

Back when Lady Shen married, she didn’t have such a household steward. She brought only a few maids and one male servant.

That very man was now a manager in the Shen household. Those maids were now trusted confidantes. It was said they held great status in the Shen family.

Who wouldn’t aspire to that?

In the second month of the lunar year, the Shen family sent someone to escort the bride.

With her splendid ten-mile dowry procession, accompanied by her cousins, Yin Zhi boarded a boat, sailing with the wind toward the capital.

A new chapter of life had begun.