Ji Xiaosong was previously married to Song Yuxi, and her dowry and wedding were conducted according to the rank of a marquis's family.

But now it is a marriage bestowed by the emperor, and Xiao Shen is a general who protects the country, so the standards naturally need to be raised.

All three sons of the Ji family have returned home, and everyone gathered together to discuss their marriages.

With a sincere expression, Xiao Shen bowed deeply to Ji's father and said loudly, "Lord Ji, now only I, Xiao Shen, remain in the Xiao family. After A Song marries into the Xiao family, all matters in the family will be based on her wishes. I will do my best to fulfill any request she makes. You also know about the time I was poisoned a few years ago. A Song's marriage has caused her to suffer."

Father Ji nodded slightly, then stepped forward and gently pulled Xiao Shen aside. His expression was slightly embarrassed but also concerned as he asked in a low voice, "General Xiao, as you know, there are many aspects to consider in marriage. We have also heard about your poisoning, but we don't know if the relationship between husband and wife... uh... harmonious union will proceed smoothly?"

Xiao Shen was taken aback at first, then his ears quickly flushed red, the red spreading all the way to his cheeks, and even his neck was tinged with a hint of shyness.

He lowered his head slightly, his eyes darting around unconsciously, and his hands clasped together somewhat awkwardly. He coughed lightly before saying, "Don't worry, Lord Ji. Although I was poisoned, that aspect of me was not affected. I will definitely get along well with Asong and not let her suffer any grievances."

Upon hearing this, Ji's father's tightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed, and a hearty smile appeared on his face. His laughter was cheerful and loud, echoing throughout the room.

"Hahaha, good, good. General Xiao is so frank, I am relieved. Asong has been spoiled since childhood and has a bit of a spoiled temper. In the future, we will have to rely on the general's tolerance."

With his biggest worry resolved, Father Ji's appetite improved considerably.

The two returned to the dining table, and the eldest brother of the Ji family spoke first. He looked at Ji Xiaosong with tender eyes and said softly:

“Ah Song, Song Yuxi’s behavior is not worthy of you at all. I have a pair of mutton fat jade bracelets here. I acquired them by chance some time ago. The jade is warm and delicate, just like your character. I am giving them to you today as a way to calm your nerves.”

As he spoke, he took out the pair of exquisite jade bracelets from his sleeve and handed them to Ji Xiaosong.

Ji Xiaosong was slightly taken aback, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. She gently reached out and took the jade bracelet, examining it carefully. The luster of the mutton fat jade shimmered in her eyes.

"Brother, this jade bracelet is so beautiful. I appreciate your kindness. You always treat me so well."

She smiled so broadly, her eyes crinkling, she couldn't be happier.

This is the first time in all her years that someone has given her a gift.

Ji's second brother quickly chimed in, "Yes, little sister. Song Yuxi is a blind fool. Now that you're with General Xiao, you'll surely live a happy and fulfilling life. I don't have anything else of value, but this jade-bone fan has exquisite landscape paintings on its surface. It can help you cool off in the summer and add a touch of elegance to your life. I hope you like it."

Having said that, he gently placed the fan in Ji Xiaosong's hand.

There are also gifts?

Ji Xiaosong's lips curled up into a wide smile as she gently stroked the fan with her fingers, savoring its delicate texture. "Second Brother, I really like this fan. I'll definitely carry it with me often in the future. With your thoughtfulness, I'm sure I can forget my troubles."

Ji's third brother smiled and said, "Little sister, I know you've been wronged. Don't worry, with us three brothers here, we will never let you be bullied again. This string of South China Sea pearls is full and round, with a lustrous sheen, which complements your beauty perfectly. Consider it an additional dowry from your third brother."

Ji Xiaosong's cheeks flushed slightly with excitement as she took the necklace, her smile growing even sweeter.

"Third brother, this necklace is too precious. Third brother is so good to A-Song. With my brothers around, A-Song feels like the luckiest woman in the world."

Xiao Shen sat quietly to the side, watching the Ji brothers show their care and affection for Ji Xiaosong. Witnessing this tender scene, he couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart.

He hadn't felt such a warm family atmosphere for far too long. His long-term loneliness made him feel somewhat out of place in such a lively and cheerful setting, and even his posture was a little stiff.

After finishing his meal with the Ji family, he got up to say goodbye and leave.

He didn't sleep a wink that night, and went to the palace early the next morning. When he came out, he was accompanied by an old nanny.

The next day.

As the grand betrothal procession moved through the streets of the capital, it attracted many passersby to stop and watch.

At the very front of the column were soldiers dressed in neat armor, their steps precise and powerful, their posture upright as pine trees.

The soldiers, in pairs, carried boxes of exquisite betrothal gifts.

There were boxes filled with silks and satins, trays displaying gold and silver jewelry, and various precious antiques and paintings.

Xiao Shen rode a tall horse, walking in the middle of the procession.

He was dressed in a magnificent general's uniform, looking dashing and imposing.

Beside him was the old nanny who had been brought from the palace; she had come to ensure the smooth progress of the betrothal process.

As the procession drew closer to the Ji family's residence, the streets were already lined with people who were whispering among themselves, marveling at the grand betrothal ceremony.

"General Xiao is truly showing his sincerity with such a generous dowry. I wonder which lucky young lady is so fortunate!"

"Yes, judging from this setup, this young lady will definitely be pampered after she marries into the Xiao family."

"What's the use of pampering or not? The Xiao family is practically extinct, after all, the imperial physician predicted that General Xiao would have little chance of having children."

"This is real?"

"How could it not be true? My uncle's sister's uncle's nephew's distant relative works for the Xiao family. Everyone knows that."

"However, even without poisoning, the Xiao family has always had a difficult history of having offspring. I don't know how many generations the Xiao family has had with only one son. To this day, there is only General Xiao left in the Xiao family."

"General Xiao's inability to have children was due to poisoning, and the entire Xiao family sacrificed themselves for the Chen Kingdom. Now, the woman General Xiao has chosen does not care about this and is willing to marry into the Xiao family, which shows that this woman is also worthy of respect."

At this moment, Song Yuxi had just left his residence, intending to go to his duty.

In addition to being the heir to the Marquis's mansion, he was also a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works.

Although he is far from being on par with Xiao Shen, who holds the highest rank, he is still considered one of the best in his age group.

The distant noise reached his ears, and an ominous premonition welled up in Song Yuxi's heart.

When he saw the endless procession of betrothal guests, his face instantly turned extremely gloomy.

His hands were clenched into fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, his heart filled with jealousy and resentment.

"Hmph! I'll just wait and see you all die without descendants!"

Song Yuxi said through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with mockery.

Standing by the roadside, he looked at Xiao Shen in the group, and the resentment in his heart grew wildly like weeds.

He recalled his original engagement with Ji Xiaosong, but now he was in such a state, while Xiao Shen was able to marry Ji Xiaosong in a glorious manner. How could he be willing to accept this?

Xiao Shen seemed to notice Song Yuxi's gaze, and he turned his head slightly to look at Song Yuxi.

Their eyes met in mid-air. Xiao Shen's eyes held no smugness or mockery, only calmness.

He nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then looked away and continued leading the group forward.

This action made Song Yuxi feel insulted. He snorted coldly, turned around, and walked away quickly.

He didn't want to see this heartbreaking scene again, but the sound of the procession seemed to keep echoing in his ears, constantly stimulating his nerves.

The bond between childhood sweethearts was genuine, and she was about to become his bride, so how did things turn out like this?

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like