In August, many families arrange engagements. On the Song Family side, the guest of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Yan Zisheng, has officially become engaged to Wang Qiuman. The two families have exchanged marriage letters, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, they are as good as engaged to be married.
With Wang Qiuman’s engagement settled, Madam Wei was still concerned about arranging a marriage for Song Zhiyu. She visited the Shen Family again, and as Song Ci had predicted, on the second visit, Madam Shen did not hold back and readily agreed to the marriage proposal, only waiting to select an auspicious day to exchange marriage letters.
Upon receiving the response, a great burden was lifted from Song Ci’s heart, as this significant matter was finally going to be resolved.
Things were half-settled on Song Ci’s side, but there were some worries at Prince Dingbei’s Mansion.
For some unknown reason, the word had spread that Prince Dingbei’s requirement for a son-in-law was that he must be handsome. Recently, many handsome young men began appearing near Prince Dingbei’s Mansion or in front of Niu Pan’er.
The threshold of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion was even busier than that of Song Minister’s Mansion some time ago.
The Imperial Palace, Yangxin Hall.
Emperor Chu looked at the news delivered by the Dragon Guard and let out a laugh.
"I perceive that when noble offspring arrange engagements, it best reveals the myriad facets of life. Look at all these bizarre creatures, emerging as if the gates to the netherworld have swung wide open for a ghost festival."
Chamberlain Zhou thought, "..."
Could you describe it in a less vivid manner, please?
"Isn’t Dongyang considered a dreaded shrew and tomboy by everyone? Why are these rascals rushing towards her then?" Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow while looking at the list of names.
Chamberlain Zhou replied, "Prince Dingbei’s Mansion will inevitably be inherited by the Commandery Princess."
Emperor Chu’s smile faded as he looked at the families represented by the list, his eyes showing a hint of coldness, and laughed, "Indeed, the future of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion belongs to Dongyang."
Marrying Dongyang and having children would make them the heirs in the future.
And these families, aren’t they all closely linked with the concubines, and thus related to the princes?
Emperor Chu was somewhat displeased.
The children have grown, and so have their schemes.
He looked at another piece of news and arched an eyebrow, "Is Prime Minister Song going to establish a marriage alliance with the Shen Family? That young lad?"
Chamberlain Zhou smiled and said, "It’s said that Madam Shen has already consented, and the two families are just waiting to select a day to exchange marriage letters."
"The Deputy Magistrate of Guangling’s daughter?"
"Yes, she is Madam Shen’s niece. It’s said that the Grand Madam thinks her figure is decent and suitable for childbirth," Chamberlain Zhou replied.
Emperor Chu had just taken a sip of tea, "Pfft!"
Chamberlain Zhou quickly offered a handkerchief embroidered with dragon patterns.
"Suitable for childbirth?" Emperor Chu was speechless.
Chamberlain Zhou laughed and said, "The elderly often value this; having many children brings prosperity."
Emperor Chu chuckled and said meaningfully, "Having many children may not necessarily be a blessing. When you’re old and not yet deceased, they may already be eyeing your possessions."
Chamberlain Zhou pretended not to understand and didn’t dare to engage in this topic.
Fortunately, the Director of the Imperial Observatory sought an audience.
Chamberlain Zhou breathed a sigh of relief and decided he must treat Lord Si to a drink.
Lord Si entered, knelt on the ground, and hailed long life.
"Rise, Lord Si. What brings you before me?"
Lord Si stood up, took a folded document from his sleeve, and presented it, "Replying to Your Majesty, this is the calculation of the two hours’ birthdates you requested."
Chamberlain Zhou descended the steps, took the document, and handed it to Emperor Chu.
"What are the results?" Emperor Chu opened it.
Lord Si bowed deeply, "Under the Heavenly Supervision, there is an edict for gathering; the beginning of King Wen’s precedent, a match made by heaven."
Chamberlain Zhou’s brow twitched, and he subconsciously glanced at the document out of the corner of his eye.