After the Lantern Festival, Jiang Yue and her party stayed for a few more days because of Qingyun's engagement to Miss Xu.
Both families understood that although there was an element of avoiding the Crown Prince's selection of a bride involved, both families took this engagement seriously.
Perhaps, in the next few years, the children from both families might develop feelings for each other. Whether they will get married or break off the engagement remains to be seen.
To show her respect, Jiang Yue hired a famous matchmaker in Jinling, inquired about the local betrothal customs, purchased generous gifts, and used her points to exchange for exquisite lip rouge, face cream, and other items to include among the gifts.
At the engagement banquet, the Xu family invited many prominent families.
Everyone tacitly agreed that they were here simply to bear witness.
As for his fiancé, everyone assumed he was just an ordinary poor man, merely playing along with Xu Taifu's act.
Unexpectedly, as the official media recited the lyrics and the gift list was read out before the teacup of tea was finished, the crowd put away their contempt and began to whisper among themselves.
"Who exactly is this new son-in-law? Why are there so many gifts just for the marriage proposal?"
"Many of these things don't even exist in Jinling. I've only heard of a few of them from the Western Region caravans."
"And that wine, those luminous glasses—just one set is worth a fortune! Did I hear that right? Ten sets?"
"And swans! A pair of swans, how did you catch them?"
"I remember now, the new son-in-law of the Xu family's biological mother is Lady Jiang, the one from Peach Blossom County..."
"Hey, isn't that Master Wu from Zhurong Hot Pot Restaurant? Could it be...?"
Who is Master Wu the Second?
"You don't know Master Wu? He owns the biggest Zhu Rong hot pot restaurant in Jinling! He also owns a boutique where the soaps, hand soaps, hand sanitizers, and shampoos are really good!"
"My wife and daughter-in-law frequent this boutique; they shop till they drop, it drains my entire salary!"
......
"Second Brother, I didn't know you were so famous?"
Rarely, Qingyun saw her second brother looking so serious and couldn't help but whisper something to him.
"That's me, your second brother!"
"Cough cough~"
As soon as Jiang Yue coughed, Qing Song shut up.
He can't speak; if he tries, he loses control.
My mother told him to talk less, and he became cold and aloof, which actually worked quite well.
The old lady of the Xu family sat upright at the head of the table, while Madam Xu, who was serving her beside her, smiled even more brightly.
It must be said that these in-laws have brought honor to the Xu family today!
Look at this gift list; she's never seen or heard of many of these items before.
But the most precious thing is this pair of wild geese!
The Wu family truly cherished her daughter!
Wow, what a wonderful in-law they are!
The lark eavesdropped for a while, then quietly left to report back to the young lady.
Although the formalities have been simplified, the Wu family will not neglect the necessary sense of ceremony!
The two families exchanged birth charts and officially became in-laws!
The banquet began, and everyone raised their glasses in a toast, enjoying themselves immensely!
Grandpa Wu and Mrs. Zhou were extremely careful, afraid of leaving a bad impression on their grandson's future in-laws.
However, they were overthinking it. The entire Xu family was very satisfied with them and showed great affection in their conversation.
After the banquet, the two families moved to the flower hall and exchanged some polite but sincere words.
“We have stayed in Jinling for a long time, and it is time to go back to our hometown. From now on, my Qingyun will have to trouble your family to take care of him.”
"Oh, are you leaving so soon? Won't you stay a little longer?"
"No, no, my eldest daughter-in-law still needs to rest during her pregnancy, and there's business in the village that I need to go back and keep an eye on. We can't stay any longer. Besides, we're used to living in the countryside. No matter how nice Nanjing is, we still miss the countryside."
"Please rest assured, in-laws, our Xu family will treat Qingyun well..."
"Yes, let's keep in touch by letter more often in the future."
"must."
......
After the social engagements, the family bid farewell to everyone at the Xu residence.
Inside the carriage, Old Master Wu and Old Madam Zhou finally relaxed and smiled at each other.
"Old woman, didn't I do a good job today?"
"good."
"When I get back to the village, I'm going to brag to my old friends that I, Wu Yongfu, have met many high-ranking officials!"
"Alright, alright, brag all you want. But make sure you get back to Qingsong's house and rest a bit to sober up."
"Hoo~"
"Grandpa, what does wine taste like? Why does your face turn red after drinking it?"
"Go away, you brat! Don't you dare sneak a drink! You're not even fully grown yet. When you are, your great-grandfather will teach you how to drink!"
"It's a deal!"
"You all, sit still!"
......
After the three carriages left one after another, Master Xu and Madam Xu returned to the mansion side by side.
To be honest, the betrothal gifts presented by the Wu family today have made them very proud.
They were all prepared to be impolite...
"Father, Mother, have the bookworm and his family all left?"
After all the guests had left, Xu Miaoyun finally dared to come out and move around, otherwise she would have been mortified by the teasing remarks.
"Nonsense, what kind of girl calls her fiancé a bookworm?"
Before her husband could get angry, Madam Xu took the initiative to educate her daughter.
"Mother~ Your daughter knows she was wrong~"
Xu Miaoyun knew she was in the wrong and quickly apologized.
"There will likely be some debate at the morning court tomorrow. I only wish you happiness and peace of mind. As for the rest, I will take care of it."
Grand Tutor Xu rubbed his temples, feeling drowsy.
He's old; he's too old to be like a young person anymore.
A storm is brewing, the wind is howling, and dark clouds are pressing down on the city, threatening to crush it.
......
Everything that followed had nothing to do with Jiang Yue.
After finishing everything, Jiang Yue gave the order to pack their bags and head home the next day!
Although Qingsong and his wife were reluctant, they respected their elders' choice.
The couple began preparing for their family's journey, including food, clothing, and other necessities. They also packed many items they had bought in advance into boxes so that their family could take them back to the village and distribute them to their friends and relatives.
With Qingyun's engagement, a huge weight was lifted from her heart.
As long as Qingyun's wife isn't Shangguan Xian'er, she'll be burning incense and praying to Buddha!
Therefore, when presenting the betrothal gifts to Miss Xu, she secretly increased the amount of money and gifts.
The female lead should stay with the male lead. They're a loving family, so just don't come out and mess with her son!
After thinking it over, she summoned Qingsong, gave him a sum of money, and asked him to find a house for Qingyun, preferably one that was close to the Xu residence or close to Qingsong's home. She told him to keep an eye on Qingyun!
"Mother, my third brother is all grown up now, why are you looking at him?"
Qingsong was puzzled. How could his third brother, a grown man, get lost?
"He's engaged now, so he can't get close to other girls, otherwise he'd be letting down Miss Xu!"
Jiang Yue hinted, but it wasn't appropriate to say outright that she was wary of Shangguan Xian'er.
"Oh, Mother is right. Don't worry, Mother. Fangfang and I will definitely keep a close eye on him from now on!"
Qingsong nodded, thinking that his mother had considered everything very thoroughly!
"......"
Jiang Yue smiled in response; what a good son she truly was!
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