Chapter 5 — Weight on the Scale
The Shang family cared about my “fake daughter” status.
They didn’t openly oppose the marriage—Shang Zhiyuan insisted, and the Shang and Xue families were old allies.
But their attitude toward me cooled.
Especially Shang Zhiyuan’s mother.
I understood her calculations.
The Xue family might treat me as a daughter today—but who would dare bet on tomorrow?
The Shang family certainly wouldn’t.
So I had to add weight to the scale.
Money in my hands was only a stepping stone.
My goal was never just comfort.
Three months later, floods ravaged Jiangnan.
At the same time, northern wolf tribes stirred, and the imperial treasury was stretched thin.
I seized the moment.
I sought out the Grand Princess—the Emperor’s most trusted and favored—and donated all profits from my dowry shops during that time.
I said plainly that I only wanted to do a small part for the people.
The Grand Princess was delighted and praised me heavily.
My act also gave her an idea: she soon hosted a fundraising banquet and gathered a large sum.
Not long after, the matter reached the Emperor.
He rewarded me personally.
In an instant, my name in the capital changed from “fake daughter” to “virtuous lady.”
And when Shang Zhiyuan’s mother looked at me again, her gaze finally shifted.
Not warmth.
But recognition.