Unexpectedly for the Xingyuan Marquis Mansion, they received another imperial decree granting marriage not long after.

Hong Yingrong read the imperial edict carefully, but was thinking in her heart how to properly withdraw the wedding invitations she had sent out before. She could only follow the explanation in the imperial edict. After the precise calculations of the Imperial Observatory, Princess Ning'an and the second son of the Marquis's Mansion were the only suitable match.

Moreover, the arranged marriage between Xue Jiyan and Ding Xinwan seemed like a match made in heaven, brought together by the matchmaker.

Hong Yingrong put down the imperial edict in her hand, took a deep breath, turned to Jiang Shuxiu and said, "Shuxiu, it seems we need to re-plan."

Jiang Shuxiu smiled and replied, "Mother-in-law, this is a good thing. With three happy events happening in a row, it will definitely be a lively occasion."

"Having said that, the wedding invitations have already been sent out. It might be troublesome to change them now." Hong Yingrong frowned slightly, obviously weighing the various possible impacts.

"Mother-in-law, we can first communicate and explain to the guests who received the wedding invitations. After all, this is an imperial decree of marriage, and they should be able to understand it." Jiang Shuxiu comforted.

Hong Yingrong nodded, "That's all we can do. Although Ji Yan and Xin Wan's marriage is a pleasant surprise, we can't neglect it. We have to prepare well and not let them lose face."

"Don't worry, mother-in-law, I will personally supervise this matter." Jiang Shuxiu promised.

…

The auspicious date carefully calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory was soon announced: Xue Jiyan's wedding was scheduled for the tenth day of the tenth month, while Xue Zhongfu and Li Shurou's wedding was scheduled for the twentieth day of the twelfth month.

Both dates were carefully selected based on the birth dates of both parties. Interestingly, the younger brother's marriage will take place earlier than the older brother's.

The wedding date is on October 10th, which is nearly three months away. This time span is enough for the wedding to be prepared perfectly.

The twelfth month of the lunar calendar is a good time to marry the princess, so there is no need to worry about time constraints.

The two pieces of good news quickly spread throughout the capital, and people in the capital were talking about them. Everyone envied the two marriages in the Xingyuan Marquis' Mansion.

The most talked about among them is Xue Zhongfu. The noble title of "son-in-law" was transferred from his brother to himself, a widower.

At the Ministry of Works, his colleagues' attitudes varied: some offered flattery, others offered polite congratulations, and of course, there were also those who secretly mocked him behind his back. However, Xue Zhongfu chose not to argue with anyone. In this moment of intense activity, he should have remained courteous and respectful, avoiding unnecessary incidents.

On this day, the Ministry of Works was responsible for repairing the Taimiao, and Xue Zhongfu went to inspect it in person. He was meticulous and rigorous in every aspect of the work, especially the inspection of the carvings on the columns.

Just as he sat down and picked up the teacup to sip the tea, Xiao Gan, the second son of the Xiao Yan family, who was now named the Earl of Wuning, came on horseback.

He came under the awning and looked down at Xue Zhongfu with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.

Xue Zhongfu was completely unaware that Xiao Gan had been a candidate for the consort of Princess Ning'an, but Xiao Gan himself knew it very well.

Xiao Gan was convinced that he would have the honor of marrying the princess, but Xue Zhongfu unexpectedly showed up and snatched away what he thought was his destiny.

In terms of family background, Xiao Gan was confident that he was no less than the others. His father, Xiao Yan, was granted the title of King of a different surname. Although Xiao Gan, like Xue Zhongfu, was the second son of the legitimate wife, the emperor had specially granted him the title of Marquis of Wuning due to his outstanding military achievements on the battlefield.

In contrast, Xue Zhongfu chose to give up military service and pursue literature, and only held an insignificant position in the Ministry of Works as a juren.

These were not the most difficult things for Xiao Gan to let go of, compared to the disparity in family background or status, but the fact that Xue Zhongfu had been married.

Although Xue Zhongfu's wife had long since passed away, in Xiao Gan's view, how could such a person be worthy of the noble status of the eldest princess? This resentment and resentment were like a bone stuck in his throat, making it difficult for Xiao Gan to calm the anger in his heart.

Xiao Gan sat on his horse, looking down at Xue Zhongfu, a sneer curling up his lips. "Master Xue, I heard that you've had a lot of good things recently. Not only have you won the favor of the eldest princess, but you're also about to marry a beautiful bride. It's really a cause for celebration."

Xue Zhongfu put down the teacup in his hand, raised his head and looked at Xiao Gan calmly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Mr. Wu Ning is too kind. However, it is His Majesty who has granted me this marriage, and I dare not go against His Majesty's wishes."

"Oh? Really?" Xiao Gan snorted, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "Master Xue is really good at taking advantage of others. But don't forget, the position of the Prince Consort was originally meant to be mine."

Xue Zhongfu raised his eyebrows slightly, but remained unmoved. "Lord Wu Ning is mistaken. I have never coveted the position of consort. Everything was decided by Your Majesty and the Princess. As for Lord Wu Ning's statement that 'you should take the seat,' I truly disagree."

"You!" Xiao Gan was choked by his words, his face suddenly darkening. "Don't be too proud too soon. Do you think you can rise to prominence just by marrying the eldest princess? Humph, don't forget, you are just a chief official who was born into a Juren family, while I am the Earl of Wuning, who was awarded the title for my military merits!"

Xue Zhongfu smiled faintly, his expression composed. "I naturally do not underestimate the military achievements of Marquis Wu Ning. However, I do not agree with judging heroes by their origins or positions. If Marquis Wu Ning uses this to belittle me, I am afraid it would be beneath my dignity."

Xiao Gan was irritated by Xue Zhongfu's calmness and wit. He gripped his whip tightly and said in a stern tone, "Don't think you can get away with just being eloquent. I'm telling you, I, Xiao Gan, will never let you marry the princess!"

Xue Zhongfu's eyes turned cold upon hearing this. "Marquis Wu Ning, I respect you as a man, but don't forget that this is the Ministry of Works, not a place for you to act recklessly. If you have any dissatisfaction, feel free to go before His Majesty and plead your case. I'm always here to accompany you. But acting unreasonably here will only make people look down on you."

Xiao Gan was so angry at his words that he raised his whip and was about to hit Xue Zhongfu.

However, Xue Zhongfu was well prepared. He dodged Xiao Gan's attack easily with a flash of his body.

"Lord Wu Ning, please respect yourself." Xue Zhongfu looked at Xiao Gan coldly. "If you want to fight, I will accompany you to the end. But don't forget, there are so many colleagues watching here. Your every move reflects your status and upbringing."

Seeing this, Xiao Gan knew that it was indeed inappropriate for him to take action in the Ministry of Works. He suppressed his anger and glared at Xue Zhongfu fiercely: "Just wait! One day, I will let you know how powerful I, Xiao Gan, am!"

After saying this, he turned and rode away.

Xue Zhongfu looked at Xiao Gan's receding back, a cold gleam in his eyes.

It seems that this dispute is not over yet, and Xiao Gan will never give up, but he also believes that as long as he behaves uprightly, no matter how Xiao Gan provokes him, he will never be at a disadvantage.