That day, by the time Meng Zhilu returned home, the sun was already setting.
Clutching her aching waist, she limped into Shen Zhongting's master bedroom, devoid of his presence, and collapsed onto the four-poster bed. She stared at the silk ceiling (Ancient houses usually did not build ceilings, so they used silk fabrics instead of the ceiling.)
However, since their marriage’ Shen Zhongting had not set foot in this house. Only when pressing matters demanded his attention would he briefly visit the main residence, leaving as soon as his duties were fulfilled to return to his private house.
On days when he wasn’t working at the palace, Shen Zhongting rarely returned to the main house. Instead, he would often go horseback riding with friends, visit fellow scholars for tea and poetry, or, if not teaching at the Royal College, remain in his private quarters, indulging in painting, calligraphy, poetry, writing, or reading late into the night.
Dozens of concubines resided within the estate, yet Shen Zhongting rarely visited them. Perhaps four or five times a month, he would grace one of them with his presence, choosing based on his whims.
Despite Shen Zhongting’s neglect of both the main house and her bedroom, Meng Zhilu paid it no mind. She had no desire to scheme or vie for the attention of a husband who had never loved her, unlike the concubines in the rear quarters, who constantly competed for his favor, often with little success.
...
Meng Zhiru’s lips curved into a contented smile. She slowly closed her eyes, lulled herself to sleep, and awaited Rong Wang’s visit.
Half a month after she visited Rong Wang’s Yulong Palace, she was engrossed with many account books in her working room, Pi Qiao entered and reported that the Shen family’s butler had requested an audience to meet her.
“Butler Shen, what brings you here?” Meng Zhiru inquired in a smooth voice, lifting her teacup for a sip as she settled into the chairman’s chair.
The butler offered an ingratiating smile. “Hum..., I bought the order of Master to inform you, at the tea ceremony’s day, the Master would like to request money for the evening party and about the wedding dress of Miss Li...”
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Meng Zhilu didn’t even glance at the middle-aged butler. “How much?” she asked flatly.
The butler beamed, retrieving a detailed notebook and presenting it to Meng Zhilu. “Mr. and Mrs. Li’s wedding attire was commissioned from Dongliu couture shop at 1,500 taels each, totaling 3,000 taels. I’ve included a separate note in this book for you to review as well”
With that, the butler handed Meng Zhilu a blue notebook.
As Meng Zhilu took the book and flipped through it, Butler Shen continued, handing her a second notebook with a red cover. “This red book contains a list of drinks for each guest. I have detailed everything within, Madam, please review it.”
“For Rong Wang, a separate banquet table is required, befitting his status. This table must include 150 savory dishes, 108 varieties of curry sauce, and 50 side dishes. The rice must be of the finest quality, accompanied by 32 types of desserts, 8 beverages, 8 white liquors, 12 yellow liquors, 20 fruit liquors, and 20 teas (divided into 2 green and 2 white varieties). The cost for Rong Wang’s meal alone totals 350,000 taels. As for his entourage, there are 10 individuals each from the ranks of Earl, Viscount, and Baron. Their meals are estimated at 10,000 taels per person, bringing the total cost for Rong Wang’s table to 450,000 taels.”
The remaining guests include 10 Dukes, each contributing 50,000 taels for a total of 500,000 taels. There are also 20 Marquesses (Hou), each at 30,000 taels, for a total of 600,000 taels.”
“Additionally, 10 first-tier nobles have accepted the invitation, their meals totaling 100,000 taels. There are 20 second-tier nobles at 160,000 taels, 40 third-tier nobles at 240,000 taels, and 50 fourth-tier nobles at 250,000 taels.”
“The deans we have invited a total of 400 guests, with their meals estimated at 200,000 taels.”
The expenses have been allocated according to rank, from the highest-ranking nobles to those of lesser standing. The deans, hailing from affluent merchant families, were also invited. Despite their social status as merchants, their wealth afforded them prominence in the capital. However, their seating arrangements were separate, positioned at the rear of the hall, adjacent to the nobility.
As he continued speaking, the butler observed Meng Zhilu’s expression.
Seeing her indifferent demeanor as she flipped through the book without a word of protest, his expression brightened. Mustering his courage, he continued his report, following Elder Huyin’s instructions.
“For the event, we’ve engaged dancers and a band from the Red Flower Hall to entertain the guests. The cost will not exceed 10,000 taels”
“Regarding Ms. Li’s dowry, the Master requires a combination of cash and a bill of exchange, amounting to 500,000 taels. Additionally, the Master has commissioned a craftsman from Fuyuan’s shop to create a gold jewelry set for Ms. Li. The cost for this is 30,000 taels, payable in full by tomorrow. Finally, the expenses for food amount to 2,700,000 taels, and the dowry fee is also due by tomorrow.”