The Ji family was already waiting outside the mansion gates. Seeing such a grand betrothal procession, their hearts filled with joy and emotion.
Wasn't this far more impressive than the Song family's betrothal ceremony?
Mr. Ji beamed, his eyes filled with gratification. Mother Ji, on the other hand, was so moved her eyes reddened. She gently took Ji Xiaosong's hand and said, "Oh, Song, General Xiao is so devoted to you. You must live a good life with him from now on."
"Don't worry, Mother. Your daughter is not an unreasonable person."
Just as they finished speaking, Xiao Shen walked up to Mr. Ji. He bowed respectfully and said, "Lord Ji, I have come today to present my betrothal gifts, and I hope the Ji family will consent to this marriage. I will cherish Song and never leave her side."
Mr. Ji quickly helped Xiao Shen up, smiling. "General Xiao, you are too kind. The Ji family certainly believes in your sincerity."
Afterward, soldiers carried the betrothal gifts into the Ji Mansion one by one, and sounds of joyous laughter echoed throughout the residence.
Outside the mansion, the commoners who had followed the procession finally understood which young lady the Xiao family was presenting betrothal gifts to.
The overlapping chatter grew even louder than before.
"It's the legitimate daughter of the Ji family? Huh? Wasn't their daughter supposed to marry into the Song family next month? Why is General Xiao also here with betrothal gifts?"
"Ha, you don't know? The imperial decree was posted on the city gates, the drum tower, and in several marketplaces early yesterday morning. That fellow from the Song family got some woman of ill repute pregnant before his legitimate wife even stepped through the door. So, His Majesty simply broke off the marriage between the Song and Ji families to prevent them from holding each other back."
"What do you mean, holding them back? It's more like he saved Miss Ji!"
"Exactly! The Ji family only has one daughter. They dote on her completely—afraid she'll melt in their mouth or break if they hold her too tight. How could they let the Song family insult and ruin her like that?"
"This Miss Ji is so fortunate! To be valued so highly by General Xiao... the betrothal gifts are so extravagant they're dazzling!"
"I'd say General Xiao is pretty fortunate himself. Mrs. Ji was able to conceive twins, and more importantly, she delivered them both safely. Maybe Miss Ji can, too. If General Xiao can have an heir, then all these betrothal gifts will have been worth it."
"Isn't that the truth! It's been a long time since we've seen such a grand betrothal ceremony in the Capital City. Compared to this, the Song family's previous ceremony pales in comparison."
"General Xiao is handsome and covered in military glory, while Miss Ji is gentle, serene, and beautiful in both appearance and character. The two of them are truly a match made in heaven."
"From now on, the Ji family's status in the Capital City is bound to rise even higher. With General Xiao as a son-in-law, who would dare to provoke them?"
The crowd chattered away, their discussion growing more and more lively.
Meanwhile, the people who had initially steered the crowd's conversation toward praising the Ji family slowly dispersed.
They changed their clothes and entered the Xiao family's side gate.
*
The ninth day of the following month. It was an auspicious day, perfect for a wedding.
The Capital City was adorned with lanterns and colorful banners, and joyous music filled the air.
Ji Xiaosong, dressed in a phoenix crown and wedding cape, sat properly in the bridal chamber. Her red and gold wedding gown was covered in exquisite embroidery, her jeweled hair ornaments swayed and glittered, and her makeup was bright and captivating.
"Rongrong, this is my first time getting married. I didn't realize it would be so complicated. But, this dress I'm wearing today is quite beautiful. When I leave this world, I'm taking my wedding dress with me."
"Alright, alright, whatever you say. I thought our mission in this first world would be a bit difficult, but I didn't expect you to get an imperial marriage decree so easily. Do you want to make arrangements tonight? Get pregnant in the very first month?"
"No, I'll wait until next month at least. Xiao Shen already has trouble siring heirs. While it would be a joyous occasion if I get pregnant right away, my past with Song Yuxi will cause people to gossip."
"Now that you mention it, that does make sense. If you get pregnant with Xiao Shen's child so easily, people will definitely say the baby is probably Song Yuxi's. They'll say that you couldn't accept him having another woman, so you brought a baby with you into your marriage with the Xiao family. Since Xiao Shen has trouble siring heirs anyway, you might as well get a husband and a child in one go."
"Exactly. Xiao Shen is the father of my future children. I can't let myself become a stain on his reputation, and I certainly can't let my children be the subject of malicious rumors in the future."
"You're always so thorough, Song. In any case, you'll have a child sooner or later. There's no need to rush."
"Alright, enough talk. Xiao Shen will be here soon."
When the auspicious hour arrived, the grand wedding procession appeared, with fine horses draped in red and an exquisite bridal sedan.
Xiao Shen dismounted, stepped into the Ji Mansion, and then, with Ji Xiaosong, bowed to bid her parents farewell.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, and my three brothers-in-law, please rest assured. Now that Song is part of the Xiao family, I will give her the very best of everything I have."
Mr. Ji's eyes were slightly red as he said with gratification, "General Xiao, the Ji family entrusts Song to you because we trust you can protect her completely. We hope that you two will support each other through thick and thin and walk through life hand in hand."
Mother Ji's eyes were already brimming with tears. She held Ji Xiaosong's hand, reluctant but firm, and said, "Song, you've been pampered since you were a child. From now on, you must be considerate of the General and live a good life together."
Ji Xiaosong's three older brothers also wore solemn expressions. The eldest said in a deep voice, "General Xiao, if Song suffers the slightest grievance, we will not let the matter rest."
The second brother added, "Little Sister, if you encounter any trouble in the Xiao family, you must tell us. Your brothers will always have your back."
The third brother patted Xiao Shen's shoulder. "General, treat Song well. Do not fail her."
Xiao Shen agreed to each of them in turn. Ji Xiaosong was touched, and her eyes glistened with tears, but she held them back, merely nodding with determination.
*
At the Xiao family estate, red carpets were laid out, and magnificent candles burned brightly.
The Emperor and Empress were seated at the head of the hall, smiling and full of anticipation.
The court officials were seated on both sides, with Song Yuxi among them. He had been ordered to attend by the Emperor.
His marriage had now become Madam Song's biggest headache. Throughout the entire Capital City, no family that cherished their daughter would marry her to him.
The only women now available to him were, without exception, ones with various problems of their own.
The hundred concubines in his rear courtyard, along with that troublemaker Yue Niang who constantly used her pregnancy as leverage, were giving both Madam Song and Song Yuxi massive headaches.
Forcing him to attend this wedding banquet was just another way for the Emperor to slap Song Yuxi in the face.
He watched as Xiao Shen and Ji Xiaosong walked to the front of the hall. To the chants of the ceremonial officer, they performed the three bows: first to Heaven and Earth, second to their elders, and third to each other.
Hatred surged in Song Yuxi's eyes, the rims turning red with fury and resentment.
Once everyone was seated, a barrage of taunts, sharp as knives, followed one after another.
The Emperor had granted this marriage to Xiao Shen and then summoned Song Yuxi here. Wasn't this just giving everyone else a chance to kick him while he was down?
"Why has Young Master Song come today? What, still can't let go of Miss Ji?"
"Speaking of which, wasn't today supposed to be Young Master Song's big day as well? In the end, it seems Young Master Song just ended up doing General Xiao a huge favor."
"Young Master Song, could it be you've come to reminisce about your past love for Miss Ji? What a pity there's no medicine for regret in this world."
"I hear Young Master Song's manor is now filled with beauties, with a hundred concubines to keep him company, and even a delicate, pregnant mistress. With such a heavenly fortune in women, why do you still look so sour?"
"Young Master Song, look at General Xiao and Miss Ji—a talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect couple. Aren't you going to offer a few words of blessing?"
"To think that Young Master Song was once so spirited and high-flying, with a marriage contract in hand. Who could have predicted he would end up in such a state? Truly, life is unpredictable."
"Young Master Song, are you here to attend a wedding banquet, or to provide entertainment for the rest of us?"