Sir Song, do you want to pledge yourself to me?

The next morning, the Ji family got up early and began busy preparations.

Ji's father brought his servants to clean the yard from top to bottom, inside and out, making it look brand new.

Ji's mother even arranged for her eldest daughter-in-law to prepare cakes for the guests in advance, and discussed with the cook the dishes to be made for lunch, striving to make the guests feel sufficiently valued within her ability without appearing too deliberate or flattering.

At the end of the Chen hour, Butler Liu brought Shen Songhe's carriage to the Ji family at the village entrance.

Ji's father and mother, who were waiting at the door, had enthusiastic expressions on their faces, but they still seemed a little restrained as it was their first time dealing with such a distinguished guest.

As soon as they met, Shen Songhe affectionately called Ji's mother "Sister Ji", which instantly brought them closer and relaxed the tense mood of Ji's father and mother.

"Mrs. Song, please come in quickly!"

Ji Nuan took a step forward and took Shen Songhe's arm affectionately, and a group of people surrounded her and walked into the front hall.

After Shen Songhe got to know and exchanged greetings with everyone in the Ji family, Mother Wu came in with her maid and gifts in her hands.

Shen Songhe smiled and said to everyone, "This is our first meeting, and I don't know what you like, so I prepared everything according to my own wishes. I hope you like it."

The gifts were delivered to everyone in the Ji family one by one. When it was finally Ji Nuan's turn, Shen Songhe specially called her over and said with a smile, "Nuan Nuan, come here and see if you like these."

Ji Nuan stepped forward and saw a dazzling box filled with a set of twelve gold-inlaid ruby peony headpieces. The materials were exquisite, and the workmanship was intricate. Even Ji Nuan, who didn't usually like wearing complicated headpieces, couldn't help but fall in love with them.

"I like it very much, thank you Aunt Shen!"

Shen Songhe couldn't stop smiling. She said affectionately, "What are you thanking me for? You saved Jin Bai first, and then you saved me. We are meant to be mother and daughter."

Ji Nuan was almost frightened when she heard this. She didn't expect Shen Songhe to say such a thing.

Being mother and daughter? Shouldn't it be mother-in-law and daughter-in-law?

But if you think about it carefully, what Shen Songhe said makes sense. A son-in-law is half a son, and a daughter-in-law is indeed equivalent to half a daughter. There is nothing wrong with this statement.

The topic naturally turned to Ji Nuan and Song Jinbai's marriage. Shen Songhe continued, "Ji's sister should have seen Jinbai's child. What do you think of him as your son? I like Nuannuan very much, and Jinbai likes her too. They are a perfect match!"

She didn't know if there was something wrong with the way Shen Songhe spoke, but Ji Nuan always felt something was weird listening to her. It was as if the two families were going to exchange children, which made her laugh and cry.

With his looks, family background, and abilities, how could Ji's mother just close her eyes and say he was not good? She responded with a smile: "Mr. Song is a man of great appearance and talent. I wish he could be my son!"

"I'm glad that Sister Ji likes him." Shen Songhe smiled happily and turned to instruct Mother Wu, "Present the engagement letter of the prince."

Mother Wu quickly and respectfully held a red card in front of Ji's mother. Ji's mother took Song Jinbai's engagement card and then took out Ji Nuan's engagement card and handed it to Mother Wu. In this way, according to traditional custom, the "asking for the name" ceremony of the six rites of marriage was completed.

The prince's lifelong arrangement was confirmed, and Mother Wu was so happy that she couldn't control the joy on her face.

Ji Nuan was very confused about these procedures. She felt like they were playing a game of muteness and she couldn't get a word in when it came to her.

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere, Shen Songhe took the opportunity to propose a date for the betrothal. "Sister Ji, I've noticed that the sixth day of next month is a good day for the betrothal gift. If you think that day is suitable, I will come to your house that day with my sincerity and betrothal gifts."

Ji's mother was slightly shocked. She had just finished the "asking for the name" ceremony, and now they were talking about "paying the betrothal gift," and the time was so short. She couldn't help but hesitate and worried, "Isn't it too hasty? There's also the divination process in between. I'm afraid there won't be enough time."

Shen Songhe had anticipated Mother Ji's concerns, so she smiled and explained, "Sister Ji, you may not know that sending the engagement letter to our ancestors in the capital for divination will indeed take quite a while. However, I plan to ask a local master to perform divination, and I believe we'll be able to do it in time."

At this point, Shen Songhe felt rebellious in her heart: Since I agree to this marriage, it will naturally be a great blessing, and there is no need to trouble the ancestors of the Song family for their opinions.

Ji's mother was still a little hesitant. She was worried that Shen Songhe had just arrived at Kaiyun Mansion and wouldn't have enough time to complete the betrothal documents in just six days, which would be unfair to Ji Nuan. So, she once again wanted to postpone the betrothal. "Time is still a bit tight. Why don't we wait for a better time later?"

Shen Songhe explained awkwardly, "Sister Ji, you don't know that Jin Bai's uncle is an important official in the court, and he has limited time to ask for leave from the emperor. He will rush to Kaiyun Mansion before the sixth day of the first lunar month with the imperial decree granting the marriage. After attending the marriage banquet, he will have to rush back to the capital."

Father Ji, who had been "standing by" the side, was also shocked by the message in her words. He asked in disbelief, "Madam Song, you mean the imperial... imperial edict? The emperor's edict?"

Shen Songhe smiled and nodded, saying, "It's my fault that I forgot to tell you in advance. After Jin Bai got your consent to marry your daughter to him, he wrote a letter to ask his uncle to help ask the emperor for permission to grant the marriage. He also took into consideration that Nuannuan might be wronged by the ladies in the circle when she returns to Beijing in the future. With the imperial decree granting the marriage, it can be said that the emperor is the matchmaker between the two of them, so no one will dare to object." After she finished speaking, she did not forget to gain enough favor for her son in front of her in-laws.

The whole family was in a daze, not knowing whether they were shocked by the imperial edict or moved by Song Jinbai's sincerity.

After listening to Shen Songhe's explanation, Ji's mother's doubts were completely dispelled.

The two families have a huge difference in status, and Song Jinbai is giving his daughter security and confidence!

She even addressed Song Jinbai affectionately now. "Jinbai is such a thoughtful child." Then, she added, "Since his uncle is so busy with official duties, let's not delay him any longer. Let's set the betrothal date for the sixth day of August."

Upon hearing this, Shen Songhe agreed repeatedly, "Okay, okay. Don't worry, I've brought the betrothal gifts and other necessary items with me when I come. The remaining details will be ready in the next two days. I'll have everything I need, and I won't let Nuannuan down."

After hearing what Shen Songhe said, the Ji family felt very satisfied.

The fact that they had been able to obtain His Majesty's imperial edict granting the marriage in advance showed that they had already accepted Ji Nuan as their daughter-in-law. Discussing the marriage with the family first, rather than directly presenting the imperial edict, showed their appreciation for Ji Nuan. None of the Ji family members were dissatisfied with this, and they treated their future in-laws with even greater care.