The cruel little princess

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory carefully selected three auspicious dates: the 16th day of the first lunar month, the 2nd day of the second lunar month, and the 8th day of the second lunar month. Each note clearly stated the auspicious dates for marriage. After these notes were delivered to Prince Jin's residence, Prince Jin was eager to marry Shen Ning, fearing any delays and complications, so he decisively chose the 16th day of the first lunar month.

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye it was the 16th day of the first lunar month. The Shen residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the atmosphere was festive and peaceful. The entire residence was cleaned spotlessly, and everyone was on high alert, looking forward to the wedding.

At the same time, Prince Heng also came to the Shen Mansion with the generous betrothal gifts carefully prepared by His Royal Highness Prince Jin.

"Your humble servant pays his respects to Prince Heng!" Shen Duanfang saluted with a helpless look on his face.

Although he had previously mentioned to his daughter that if she found someone she liked, she could have the man come to propose marriage, he hadn't expected such prompt action, let alone the arrival of the dignified Prince Heng and His Royal Highness Prince Jin. Honestly, he was still a little reluctant. After all, he had always hoped to keep his daughter by his side for a while longer, unwilling to let her marry off too soon. What if, like her mother, she suffered a difficult birth... what would that entail? The thought weighed heavily on his heart.

Prince Heng had come today to ask for marriage proposals. This was the first of the six ceremonies, where the man proposed to the woman through a matchmaker and brought gifts to express his intention. This step marked the beginning of the marriage process.

Prince Heng brought a pair of live geese, a male and a female, both vibrant and full of lustrous feathers. While wild geese are generally no longer found in the capital, it's rumored that these birds were prepared by His Royal Highness Prince Jin, who had been raising them at the palace and, once the weather cooled, placed them in a warm room. This demonstrates the care and attention of His Royal Highness Prince Jin.

Prince Heng first presented the gifts he brought: there was a warm jade ruyi as thick as an adult's thigh, white and smooth all over, which was a good omen for everything to go well; there was also a set of ruby ​​head ornaments, a set of gold head ornaments, and two sets of jade head ornaments, all in even numbers, which meant good things come in pairs; in addition, there were silks, tea, fruits, cakes, spices, calligraphy, paintings, musical instruments, etc., a total of ten kinds, which were a good omen for perfection!

Shen Duanfang chatted with Prince Heng for quite a while before sending someone to the backyard to inquire about his daughter's wishes. This was essentially a straightforward approach. Only after Shen Youyou's shy nod was it officially agreed.

General Shen invited Prince Heng and His Royal Highness Prince Jin to dine at his residence. During this time, His Royal Highness Prince Jin also found an opportunity to chat with General Shen alone for a while.

Shen Duanfang, initially somewhat resistant to the marriage, underwent a complete about-face after a private conversation with Prince Jin. He suddenly beamed with satisfaction, even patting Prince Jin's shoulder like a close friend and earnestly admonishing him, "From now on, I'll leave Youyou in your care! I hope you'll take good care of her!"

His Royal Highness Prince Jin nodded repeatedly, indicating that he would never let Shen Duanfang down.

Shen Youyou, watching her father at the side, couldn't help but wonder. She couldn't understand why he had suddenly become like this. Just a moment ago, he'd been complaining, saying he wanted her to stay home for a few more years. But now, after a private conversation, he seemed ready to pour out his heart, almost asking when the wedding would be.

But it doesn't matter. Since Daddy refused to tell her the reason, she could find a chance to ask His Royal Highness Prince Jin! By then, all the mysteries will be revealed. Thinking of this, Shen Youyou felt that she was really smart and secretly praised herself in her heart.

As Prince Heng and His Royal Highness Prince Jin stood up to take their leave, General Shen solemnly took out Shen Youyou's birth date and carefully placed it in a delicate little box. He then walked over to Prince Heng, holding the box in both hands, his eyes filled with anticipation and blessing, and whispered, "This is Youyou's birth date and time. Please accept it, Your Highness." Prince Heng took the box, nodded to General Shen, and expressed his gratitude. He then placed the box in his arms and turned to leave.

After His Royal Highness Prince Jin and the others left, Father Shen looked at his daughter, his eyes filled with reluctance and worry. He patted her hand gently and said earnestly, "Youyou! Dad originally wanted to keep you for a few more years, and consider marriage when you grow up a little. But what His Royal Highness Prince Jin said just now is not unreasonable. Dad will be far away at the border in the future. If one day you are wronged, I won't be able to rush back in time to protect you and vent your anger! And if you don't have a legitimate relationship, it won't be right for him to help you. Dad has always known that His Royal Highness Prince Jin's feelings for you are true. That day, he did not hesitate to give himself a sterilizing drug so that you could be at ease. Dad has seen this friendship. Dad believes that he will treat you well."

Father Shen's eyes were slightly red, and his voice was slightly choked: "Daddy can't bear to leave you! But Daddy hopes to see you live a happy life! After you get married, you will have your own life and your own family. Daddy will always be your most solid support. No matter when and where, as long as you need him, Daddy will stand behind you and silently protect you!"

Hearing her father's words, Shen Youyou almost shed tears, and her heart was deeply moved. She knew that her father had always loved her, but when he said these words, she still felt very shocked and warm. She couldn't help but hugged her father and whispered, "Daddy, thank you."

Father Shen patted his daughter's shoulder gently and said softly, "Silly child, everything Daddy does is what he should do. You are my pride and the pride of our family. No matter what difficulties or setbacks you encounter in the future, remember to tell Daddy and don't bear the pressure alone."

Shen Youyou nodded, indicating that she understood. She was well aware of her father's expectations and support for her, and was determined to do her best to do what she should do and live up to her family's expectations.

Father Shen comforted him again, "Dad believes you will become an excellent wife and daughter-in-law. When you get married, you must respect and love your husband and take good care of him. At the same time, you must learn to manage the internal affairs of the mansion so that His Royal Highness Prince Jin has no worries!"

Shen Youyou nodded in agreement again and told her father that she was ready to face the challenges ahead. Although she felt reluctant to leave her parents' home, she knew it was a necessary step in life and she believed she could handle any situation.

Father Shen continued to encourage, "Dad believes you can do it. You are smart, kind, and generous, and you will definitely be respected and loved by everyone in Prince Jin's mansion. Remember, no matter what happens, you must maintain an optimistic and positive attitude and face difficulties bravely."

Finally, Father Shen held his daughter's hand tightly, looked at her affectionately, and said, "Daddy will always be behind you to protect you!"

Shen Youyou was also somewhat moved. No matter what, as long as she thought of her father and brother, as well as the General's Mansion standing behind her, she instantly felt confident!

"You should practice needlework at home more recently! The prince's marriage is quite complicated, and Daddy estimates that the wedding date will be set in six months at the earliest. In the meantime, try to prepare your own wedding dress. I heard from your uncles in the army that a daughter's wedding dress must be made by hand to be perfect!" Father Shen also earnestly advised his daughter. He must ensure that his daughter has a happy and fulfilling life.

Although Shen Youyou was not good at needlework, she understood her father's painstaking efforts and nodded in agreement.