Chapter 37: Eldest Brother’s Engagement

By the time they were leaving in the afternoon, little Wen Yu was on the verge of tears. He was really reluctant to part with Mu Rong Shu. His eyes were red as he asked, “Sister, can I come visit you again?”

“Of course you can! Look, I’ve brought you some of your favorite little cakes. Whenever I have time, I’ll come to the mansion to see you, okay?” Mu Rong Shu was also very fond of the little boy, and before leaving, she made sure to give him some cakes.

“Sister, you have to keep your word! Yu Er will go back today.” Little Wen Yu reluctantly said goodbye to Mu Rong Shu. Actually, Wen Jing was also unwilling to part, but they had to go back.

“Brother Zi Yu, we should meet up often. My second and third brothers admire your talents very much, and they have many things they’d like to ask you.” Mu Si Shu had been asked by his younger brothers to approach Wen Jing for advice.

Wen Jing, who had been thinking about how to find an opportunity to meet Mu Rong Shu, was instantly happy. Here was the chance. “Brother Mu, I’m usually reading at home, so I’m free whenever.”

“That’s wonderful! I’ll tell them, and they’ll be so happy. I’ll send you an invitation soon.” Mu Si Shu sighed in relief, finally completing the task his brothers had given him.

In the end, little Wen Yu looked back three times as they left, Wen Ye was fully satisfied with the meal, and Wen Jing happily rode the carriage back.

That evening, the Mu Rong family held a family meeting.

“Mother, today I discussed with Madam Liu and decided that we should propose to the Liu family on the 10th of next month. Ru Yan has grown up with us, and she and Si Shu have been childhood sweethearts. Now that Shu Er has returned, we should make arrangements for the two children.”

Song Wei felt that her eldest son was old enough, and Ru Yan had waited for him for several years. It was time to consider marriage.

“You’ve thought it through. Our General’s Mansion should have a wedding soon. Let’s settle Si Shu’s engagement first, and you and your second brother’s family should help arrange marriages for the other sons.”

The old lady no longer took care of the family matters. She trusted her eldest daughter-in-law, Song Wei, who was knowledgeable and well-mannered, and got along well with the second branch. She had full confidence in her managing the Mu Rong family.

“That’s great! If you need help, big sister-in-law, do let me know. Since Shu Er came back, the Mu Rong family has been getting better and better.”

Hearing that Si Shu’s engagement was about to be arranged, Rong Qing was filled with excitement. It had been a long time since the Mu Rong family had a wedding, and with the harmonious relationship between the two branches, Ru Yan was a good girl. Her marriage would certainly bring harmony to the family.

“If you need help, just let me know! I’ll gladly assist,” Song Wei said. “I’ve never done something like this before, so we can learn together. It will be easier when it’s time to arrange marriages for the other sons.”

Song Wei didn’t hesitate to accept her sister-in-law’s help, as she was capable and efficient, which made things much easier for her.

“Big sister-in-law, just give me any task! I won’t hesitate,” Rong Qing said eagerly.

“Seeing you two working so well together, I can rest assured,” the old lady said. “Don’t waste any more time with me. You two go and discuss it yourselves. I’ll just wait for my granddaughter-in-law to enter the door.”

Since both the Liu and Mu Rong families were satisfied with each other, the primary purpose of the visit to the Liu family was to exchange the “Geng Tie” (engagement letter) before beginning the formal engagement negotiations.

The marriage process in this era was quite complex, especially when it came to marrying the legitimate wife. The steps included “Na Cai” (asking for marriage), Wen Ming (asking for the name), “Na Ji” (asking for the auspicious day), “Na Zheng” (sending the betrothal gifts), and “Qing Qi” (setting the wedding date).

The “Na Cai” took place on the 10th of April, when the groom’s family sent a matchmaker to propose to the bride’s family. After the bride’s family agreed, the groom’s family would prepare gifts and formally ask for her hand.

Although Madam Liu and Song Wei had already privately agreed, the proper procedure still needed to be followed, even if it was just for show. This would demonstrate the seriousness of their intentions towards Liu Ru Yan.

Mu Si Shu was very pleased with Liu Ru Yan, so he personally hunted some wild geese to bring as a gift. Liu Shi Lang (the father) was impressed, as a suitor should show sincerity when asking for his beloved daughter’s hand.

The next step was “Wen Ming”, where the groom’s family would ask the matchmaker for the bride’s full name and birth date.

After that, the next step was “Na Ji”. The groom’s family would take the bride’s name and birth date to the ancestral temple for an auspicious divination. Once a favorable omen was received, the groom’s family would notify the bride’s family and proceed to finalize the marriage.

Once those steps were done, it was time for “Na Zheng”, where the groom’s family sent the betrothal gifts to the bride’s family.

Then, they would proceed with “Qing Qi”, where the groom’s family would choose the wedding date and ask the bride’s family for approval.

Since both families were in agreement, the process went smoothly. However, by the time these steps were completed, it was already June, and the families decided to set the wedding date for a month before the New Year.

Song Wei was particularly fond of Liu Ru Yan, so she was eager for her to enter the family as soon as possible. The Liu family had no objections.

Once the wedding date was set, Liu Ru Yan was mostly confined to her home, where she spent her days embroidering her wedding gown. She was happy to marry Mu Si Shu, so she embroidered the gown with joy.

Though Liu Ru Yan couldn’t go out often, she was often visited by Mu Rong Shu and Song Yan ran, and she enjoyed their company. The days spent embroidering her gown were very pleasant.

Occasionally, they would go out together, and with the involvement of several younger brothers, Mu Rong Shu and Rong Jing saw each other more often. Under Wen Jing’s guidance, the Mu Rong family’s sons made rapid progress in their studies.

Song Wei and Rong Qing were more impressed with Wen Jing, and without realizing it, his status in the future mother-in-law’s heart grew higher and higher.

As the weather grew hotter, Mu Rong Shu was reluctant to go out and spent most of her time resting in the Gui Ning Courtyard. After lunch, Xiao Tao came in with an invitation. “Miss, it’s an invitation from Madam Wen Er.”

Mu Rong Shu lazily opened the invitation and smiled to herself. She had been so busy recently that she almost forgot about it, Madam Wen Er must have good news. “Xiao Tao, have your brother prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Wen residence.”

“Miss, the sun is still very hot outside. Aren’t you the one who doesn’t like going out?” Xiao Tao asked, puzzled.

“It’s fine. Why shouldn’t your lady go out? There’s good news, so of course, I’m going!” Mu Rong Shu lightly tapped Xiao Tao’s head.

“Miss, if you keep tapping, I won’t grow taller.” Xiao Tao pouted.

“Drink more bone soup and get some sunlight. That will help you grow taller.” Mu Rong Shu said seriously. Xiao Tao thought her lady was just joking.

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At the Wen family’s second madam’s room:

“Miss, it’s been so hot recently. You didn’t eat much for lunch. You should eat a bit more now. You shouldn’t have gone out this morning, and now you’re showing symptoms of heatstroke,” the nanny said anxiously, seeing her miss’s pale face and inability to eat.

“Nanny, don’t worry. I’ve already sent a message to Shu Er, and she should be back soon. Can you go to the door to greet her and prepare some ice? I don’t want her to be overheated when she arrives.”

Mu Rong Shu had previously told the family that if she felt unwell, she would come to the Wen residence immediately, which is why she had sent the message today.

“Don’t worry, Madam. I’ll go wait for her at the door now,” the nanny reassured, carefully helping the young miss lie down before hurrying to the entrance to wait for Mu Rong Shu’s arrival.