Chapter 298 - 297: Difference
Chu Lingxuan’s idea was that Chen Ming should keep the 2,000 taels of silver as his own asset. He reasoned that everyone in the neighborhood knows that the Chen Afu is not Chen Ming’s biological daughter. It wouldn’t be right for people to think that he had raised and then sent his daughter to marry into a wealthy family, leaving him with such a significant dowry. This could provoke unnecessary gossip about both the Chus as well as Chen Afu.
Previously, Chen Afu had considered leaving Chen Ming an additional 2,000 taels of silver prior to her wedding to help improve his living condition.
Many of her assets were given to Chen Ming privately, mainly out of fear of catching Chen Ye and Mrs. Hu’s attention. Outsiders only knew about Lu Garden and the 100 acres of land in Laohuai Village in Zhongning County that Chen Afu had given to him. They knew nothing of the shares in the wine-shop or the money invested for the dowry. Chen Ye’s family wouldn’t dare disclose that the shares of Xinglong Wine Shop in Dingzhou were acquired by Chen Ming through Chen Afu’s help; they didn’t even mention that they had obtained their main residence as a free share.
Mrs. Hu was not the only one eyeing Chen Ming’s wallet with great interest; everyone in the neighborhood was curious to see how Chen Afu would repay the kindness she had received.
In an incredibly destitute family, an unexpected "golden phoenix" had landed. It was intriguing to see what this bird would leave behind as it flew into another family nest...
Regardless of how much Chen Afu could give Chen Ming, if it weren’t known to the public, they would sympathize with him.
This exemplified common human psychology. She might not care about others’ opinions, but Chu Lingxuan, being a local youth, couldn’t afford to ignore the reputation of his wife.
However, Chen Ming was steadfast in his refusal to keep the dowry of 2,000 taels of silver. He stated that he wanted to set an example for everyone in The Chens’ family, including Alu, by refusing to take what he shouldn’t.
Naturally, he didn’t want Chen Afu to be criticized either. After some consideration, he suggested, "Let’s separate issues. I won’t keep a penny of the betrothal gift from the Chus. But Afu can give the same amount of silver for Mr. Zeng to buy some land on my behalf. Thus, everyone will know that Afu, a good daughter who appreciates and acknowledges the kindness she has received, has granted me many lands before her marriage."
Upon hearing this, Chen Afu thought it was better: both the foster father and daughter were demonstrating love and righteousness.