Chapter 22: Damn! There is gold hidden in Butthole! (2 / 2)
The first lock is a puzzle lock, shaped like a fish’s head, with the keyhole hidden in the fish’s eye. It is designed with the idea that fish are thought to keep their eyes open at night, symbolizing alertness.
The second lock is a silver lock shaped like a shrimp’s tail, also known as the “God of Money.” The lock resembles a curled shrimp, with the body formed into a long cylinder, held together by three iron hoops with intricate patterns.
The third lock is a poetry lock, with pre-carved characters on it. There are seven characters in total, and the lock can only be opened when the characters are aligned correctly.
Moreover, the estate is heavily patrolled day and night. Between every two large gates, there is a small gap where five people can stand. The steward has arranged two guards to watch each gap, and every morning and evening, servants enter to count the valuables. Afterward, the servants are also searched…
Prime Minister Dou was completely baffled—how had a few items from the betrothal gifts gone missing?
The family’s in-law, minister of Rites, rushed to the Prime Minister Dou’s residence upon hearing the news, not even stopping for water, and immediately asked, “What’s missing?”
“A pair of silver-gilt bridal tassels, a pair of white jade dragon-shaped hairpins, a pair of gold and jade earrings, a set of jade double-headed phoenix hairpins, and a gold crown with fifty-five gems—twenty of which are missing, quite obviously. And there are still some other small items missing that haven’t been counted yet.”
Although the items were few, they were all listed on the betrothal list! According to custom, these gifts should be moved outside the bride’s door, displayed, and then called out by the family’s steward.
At this point, various guests, male relatives, and female relatives should be able to admire them.