Song Zhiyuan brought Song Lingsu to visit the Duke Dingguo Mansion. The masters of the mansion understood the intention of their visit, and they all gathered in Song Ci’s Chunhui Hall to see if there would be good news this time.

As soon as Song Zhiyuan entered with a smile on his face, Song Ci knew that this marriage was inevitable.

Song Lingsu followed behind him, greeted everyone with a bow, and then stood bashfully by the door.

"You’re all here." Song Zhiyuan allowed the maid to take off his cloak and then accepted the warm towel handed to him by Madam Song to wipe his hands, standing by the brazier to dispel the chill.

Madam Song was the most anxious, smiling as she said, "We just wanted to see if the Prime Minister had any good news to share?"

Everyone’s eyes fell on Song Lingsu, whose face reddened. He found an excuse to escape and ran off without even having a sip of tea.

With such behavior, who wasn’t aware of what was happening?

Song Ruqi asked with a smile, "Father, has the Duke Dingguo Mansion expressed their interest?"

Song Zhiyuan handed the towel to the maid and then sat next to Song Ci, smiling as he said, "Both young people have shown interest. With only a few days until the New Year, if we want to strike while the iron is hot, Madam, perhaps you could invite Madam Guan over to admire the snow. Then we should consider who to invite as the matchmaker."

This implied that the Duke Dingguo Mansion was also pleased with Song Lingsu.

Madam Song was immediately delighted and asked, "Prime Minister, when should we extend the invitation?"

"Mother, a few days from now is the winter solstice, and after that, it’s the Little New Year. Why not invite them on the twenty-first? Invite them to our mansion to admire the snow under my name, and I’ll also invite a couple of my close friends." Song Ruqi suggested.

Madam Song didn’t forget her mother-in-law and turned to Song Ci to ask, "Mother, what do you think?"

Song Ci smiled and said, "Eldest Brother suggested striking while the iron is hot, so let’s go with your plan."

Song Ruqi beamed, "Then I will go back and write the invitation soon."

Song Ci looked at Song Zhiyuan and asked, "Do you have someone in mind for the matchmaker?"

"Is there anyone suitable from Mother’s side?" Song Zhiyuan asked with a smile.

Madam Song opened her mouth to say something but held back.

Song Ci didn’t answer immediately and said, "Su’er is the eldest son and the first from their generation to get engaged. The Duke Mansion has a high standing, so we need to choose the matchmaker carefully. I will think about who would be suitable."

"Mother is right."

Song Ci talked with them for a while before allowing them to disperse.

"Mother, I noticed you wanted to suggest someone for the matchmaker. Who were you thinking of?" Song Ruqi asked Madam Song.

Madam Song replied, "I was thinking of inviting either your grandmother or your elder sister’s mother-in-law. What do you think?"

Song Ruqi thought for a moment and said, "If it’s Grandmother Gu, that would be appropriate. The Gu Family has a good reputation, and Grandmother Gu is respected and virtuous. Inviting her to be the matchmaker would be fitting. However, if it’s Grandmother, let’s not."

Madam Song frowned slightly, "Why can’t it be your grandmother? The Duke Dingguo Mansion has a military background, as does the Duke Zhongyong Mansion. Bringing the families closer is a good thing. Besides, your grandmother is the respected duchess of a marquis mansion."

"I understand your intention to support your natal family, Mother," Song Ruqi said, holding her hand. "But don’t forget, the Duke Zhongyong Mansion has always wished to ally with our family through marriage. How often did Aunt and Grandmother try to probe, whether it was with me or with Su’er and the others? And what was the result?"

Madam Song was taken aback. The result, of course, was no result, as Song Zhiyuan was unwilling.