Ji Xiaosong was originally supposed to marry Song Yuxi, so the standards for her dowry and wedding had been set according to the rank of the Marquis Mansion.
But now, with this being an imperially decreed match and Xiao Shen being the National Guardian General, all the arrangements naturally had to be elevated.
The Ji family's three sons had all returned home, and everyone gathered together to discuss the wedding.
Xiao Shen's expression was sincere as he gave Lord Ji a deep bow. He spoke in a clear voice, "Lord Ji, I am all that is left of the Xiao family. When Song marries into my family, her wishes will come first in all household matters. Whatever she asks for, I will do everything in my power to fulfill. You all know that I was severely poisoned a few years ago. She is making a sacrifice by marrying me."
Mr. Ji nodded slightly. He then stepped forward, gently pulled Xiao Shen aside, and asked in a low, concerned, yet slightly awkward voice, "General Xiao, as you know, many things must be considered in a marriage. We have heard about your poisoning, but... I was just wondering if the... ah... harmony between husband and wife... will that proceed smoothly?"
Xiao Shen froze for a moment. Then, a blush rapidly spread from the tips of his ears to his cheeks, even coloring his neck with a hint of shyness.
He lowered his head slightly, his eyes involuntarily darting away. He clasped his hands together awkwardly and cleared his throat before speaking. "Please rest assured, Lord Ji. Although I was poisoned, there have been no lingering effects... in that regard. I will treat Song well and not let her suffer any grievance."
Upon hearing this, the deep furrows on Mr. Ji's brow instantly smoothed out. His face broke into a relieved smile, and his hearty, resounding laughter echoed throughout the room.
"Hahahaha! Excellent, excellent! With you being so frank, General, this old man can rest easy. My girl, Song, has been spoiled since she was a child and can be a bit willful. I'll have to ask for your patience with her in the future."
With his greatest worry resolved, Mr. Ji found his dinner much more appetizing.
The two returned to the dinner table, where the eldest Ji brother was the first to speak. He looked at Ji Xiaosong gently and said softly,
"Song, a man like Song Yuxi was never worthy of you. I have a pair of Mutton Fat Jade Bracelets here that I came across a while ago. The jade is smooth and exquisite, much like your temperament. I'm giving them to you today to help calm your spirit after all you've been through."
As he spoke, he drew the exquisite pair of jade bracelets from his sleeve and presented them to Ji Xiaosong.
Ji Xiaosong was taken aback for a moment, a flicker of emotion in her eyes. She gently reached out, took the jade bracelets, and examined them closely, the luster of the Mutton Fat Jade shimmering in her gaze.
"Brother, these bracelets are so beautiful. I'll treasure them. You always spoil me."
Her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled, looking utterly delighted.
'In all my years, this is the first time anyone's ever given me a gift.'
The second Ji brother quickly chimed in, "That's right, little sister. Song Yuxi is a blind fool. Now that you're with General Xiao, you're sure to have a happy and wonderful life. I don't have anything else as nice, but here's a Jade Bone Fan. The fan face is painted with a beautiful landscape. It can help you cool off in the summer and add a touch of elegance. I hope you like it."
With that, he gently placed the fan in Ji Xiaosong's hand.
'More gifts?'
Ji Xiaosong's smile grew wider and wider. She gently caressed the surface of the fan, feeling its delicate texture. "Brother, I love this fan. I'll carry it with me all the time. With such a thoughtful gift, I'm sure I can forget all my troubles."
The third Ji brother then said with a smile, "Little sister, I know you've been wronged, but don't you worry. With your three brothers around, we'll never let anyone bully you again. This South Sea Pearl Necklace—every pearl is perfectly round and full with a lustrous sheen that will complement your beauty. Consider it an addition to your dowry from me."
Ji Xiaosong's cheeks flushed with excitement. She accepted the necklace, her smile growing even sweeter.
"Brother, this necklace is too precious! You're so good to me. With brothers like you, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world."
Xiao Shen sat quietly to one side, watching as the Ji brothers lavished Ji Xiaosong with care and affection. A warmth spread through his heart as he witnessed the tender scene.
It had been far too long since he had experienced such a warm family atmosphere. His long, lonely life made him feel out of place in such a lively, cheerful setting; even his posture was a bit stiff.
After finishing the meal with the Ji family, he rose and took his leave.
He didn't sleep at all that night. Early the next morning, he went to the palace and returned with an old nanny.
「The next day.」
As the grand betrothal procession made its way through the streets of the Capital City, passersby stopped in their tracks to watch.
At the head of the procession were soldiers in immaculate armor, their steps unified and powerful, their posture as straight as pines.
In pairs, the soldiers carried chest after chest of exquisite betrothal gifts.
There were chests filled with fine silks and satins, trays laden with gold and jewels, and an array of precious antiques and paintings.
Xiao Shen rode a tall, powerful horse in the center of the procession.
Dressed in his magnificent general's uniform, he cut a heroic and imposing figure.
The old nanny from the palace followed beside him, there to ensure the betrothal ceremony proceeded without a hitch.
As the procession neared the Ji family's home, the streets were already lined with commoners. They whispered amongst themselves, marveling at the grand spectacle of the betrothal ceremony.
"General Xiao is certainly sincere! With so many betrothal gifts, I wonder which young lady could be so fortunate!"
"Indeed. Judging by this display, whichever young lady marries into the Xiao family will surely be cherished."
"Cherished? What good is that? The Xiao family line is ending with him. After all, the Imperial Physicians declared that General Xiao would have difficulty siring an heir."
"Is that really true?"
"Of course it's true! A distant relative of my uncle's sister's husband's nephew works for the Xiao family. It's common knowledge."
"But even before the poisoning, the Xiao family always had trouble producing heirs. Who knows for how many generations the line has been passed down to a single son. Now, General Xiao is all that's left."
"It's because of the poison that General Xiao has trouble siring an heir. His whole family gave their lives for Chen Country. The fact that the woman he has chosen doesn't mind and is still willing to marry into the Xiao family means she is also worthy of admiration."
Just then, Song Yuxi was leaving his mansion to head to his official post.
In addition to being the heir of the Marquis Mansion, he was also a Standard Fifth Rank official serving in the Ministry of Industry.
While there was a vast gap between his position and that of the First-Rank Xiao Shen, he was still considered a high-flyer among his peers.
The distant clamor reached his ears, and an ominous premonition rose in Song Yuxi's heart.
When he saw the endless betrothal procession, his expression instantly darkened.
His hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging deep into his palms, and his heart filled with jealousy and resentment.
"Hmph! I'll just wait and see your family line die with you!"
Song Yuxi spat through clenched teeth, his eyes full of scorn.
Standing by the roadside, he watched Xiao Shen in the procession as resentment grew in his heart like wild weeds.
He thought of his former engagement to Ji Xiaosong, which had come to this, while Xiao Shen was now marrying her with such splendor. How could he possibly be resigned to it?
Xiao Shen seemed to sense Song Yuxi's gaze and turned his head slightly to look at him.
Their gazes met in the air. There was no trace of triumph or mockery in Xiao Shen's eyes, only placid calm.
He gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before looking away and continuing to lead the procession forward.
This gesture only made Song Yuxi feel more insulted. He snorted coldly and strode away.
He didn't want to stay and watch the heart-wrenching scene, but the sound of the advancing procession seemed to echo in his ears, endlessly grating on his nerves.
'Their bond as childhood sweethearts wasn't fake. She was supposed to be his bride. How had it all come to this?'