Chapter 36 - 30 Admonishment
Zhao Zhongyu unfolded the two rolls of silk and examined them. There was a huge difference; Third Sister Zhao’s dowry was nearly five times that of Zhao Erlang’s betrothal gifts.
Of course, he didn’t think his elder brother favored daughters over sons. He stared at the list of dowries, noticing some books and paintings—these were family heirlooms. Clearly, his elder brother still didn’t trust him, so he wanted to reasonably transfer these items out of the Zhao Family, intending to return them to Zhao Erlang through the hand of the married Third Sister Zhao.
But how could he be certain that the Fu Family would return the items once they got them?
If the Fu Family reneged, would Third Sister Zhao really send the dowry back to her natal family?
Zhao Zhongyu pondered, "Elder brother, isn’t Erlang’s betrothal gift too meager?"
He said, "Erlang is kind and honest, he deserves more care. Third Sister’s future honor or disgrace lies with Fu Dalang. Fu Dalang is talented and handsome, with a promising future, capable of ennobling his wife and children. My suggestion is to swap their lists, so we can seek a prestigious family girl for Erlang."
Zhao Hanzhang nodded repeatedly with a look of agreement, "Yes, grandfather, I don’t need so much dowry, just give it to my younger brother."
Zhao Changyu glanced at her and sighed to Zhao Zhongyu, "Though Erlang might be simple-minded, he is a man and can support himself in the future. But Third Sister is different, women are inherently gentle. After I’m gone, I can only entrust her to you for care. I always want to leave her more, so even if the Fu Family bullies her, she would have the means to start her own household."
Zhao Hanzhang spoke restlessly, "But the betrothal gift for my brother is too little, grandfather. Let me allocate some from mine to him."
Zhao Changyu: "... Fine, I will give him some of my private savings to fill it up."