The buzz surrounding a small incident at the Duke Ying Mansion had not subsided when the people of the capital were quickly drawn to another matter.
That was the marriage alliance between the Duke Ying Mansion and the Song Family, decreed by the Emperor, betrothing the second young lady of Prime Minister Song’s household to Qi San of the Duke Ying Mansion, uniting the two families in a prestigious match.
Once the imperial decree was issued, some were envious, some were jealous, truly the Song Family had earned the Emperor’s favor.
Some, with more perceptive minds, noted that both daughters of the Song Family were engaged to be married: one to a noble family of high rank, the other to a long-standing noble family. With these two connections, the Song Family had transcended ordinary new nobility, becoming a flourishing aristocratic family.
Some cast their eyes on the young sons of the Song Family, curious about what kind of wives they might find. To marry into such a family would mean forging a bond with Prime Minister Song, deepening one’s network with numerous connections. It wouldn’t just be limited to one family.
The threshold of the Song Family began to bustle anew, especially since Song Ci had upheld the reputation of military generals, prompting many families to express gratitude and send invitations to meet.
At the Song Family, upon receiving the imperial decree, there was an atmosphere of celebration.
The Duke Ying Mansion quickly dispatched people to discuss the marriage of the two young ones. Since Song Ruqi had not yet come of age, the Song Family naturally maintained their dignity, and after several rounds of discussion, the marriage date was finally set.
Song Ruqi will come of age this winter, and the marriage will take place in early summer next year.
Madam Song actually had some reluctance, as her daughter was truly still quite young. Marrying just six months after coming of age stirred a sense of reluctance.
But the Duke Ying Mansion was also in a hurry, as Qi San was already twenty-one, turning twenty-two next year. Unlike others whose children could already be running errands, how could they not feel anxious?
The Duke Ying Mansion also needed Qi San to marry in order to dispel his unfavorable reputation concerning his wives.
Thus, it was set for May.
As July was considered inauspicious, the families proposed to delay the formal betrothal ceremony to August, yet Madam Song found herself with one more daily task — planning her daughter’s dowry.
The Song Family had always aspired to a noble path and had long established the dowry customs: the dowry for the eldest legitimate daughter, Song Ruqian, upon marriage was twenty thousand taels; for subsequent legitimate granddaughters, it was twelve thousand taels, excluding any supplements from each household or parents.
After Song Ruqi was born, Madam Song intentionally started accumulating her dowry, collecting various materials and resources, driven by her own assertiveness and efficient management, having multiplied her own dowry substantially over the years, she felt confident in supplementing her daughter’s dowry generously.
Besides preparing the dowry, Madam Song also kept Song Ruqi by her side to learn managerial skills, rules of the household, and to familiarize herself with the complex relations between various families and parks. More importantly, she taught her to guard against the frequent intrigues within the household.
This wasn’t to encourage Song Ruqi to scheme against others, but to ensure she wouldn’t be schemed against unknowingly. As the saying goes, one should not harbor the intention to harm others, but must be vigilant, and this especially applied to Song Ruqi.
What, you don’t want to learn? You don’t have the choice not to.
Once married into the Duke Mansion, the innocence and naivety would be forfeited, and she must learn to grow.
Madam Song spared no effort worrying for her daughter, while Song Ruqi herself was extremely busy. Besides all this, she also had to embroider her dowry, which was most taxing.
Even though there were embroiderers to assist, she still needed to personally sew a few stitches on her husband’s and in-laws’ undergarments and shoes, didn’t she?
Song Ci observed Song Ruqi’s study schedule and clicked his tongue in sympathy. This was practically a training course for becoming a bride.
Reflecting on his granddaughter’s engagement, Song Ci couldn’t help but think of the Wei Family’s Grand Madam, and wondered if she was doing well, and of Wang Qiuman, that pitiable girl.
"Go invite the Prime Minister."