"Xiao Chen has come to the Ye Mansion several times, but you refuse to see him. The wedding date was decided a long time ago, it’s set for April 18th. You have been saying you don’t want to get married; the last time I mentioned it, you lost your temper."

It was between 9 to 11 in the morning.

The weather was clear, and the bright sunlight streamed through the open lattice window, shining on the legs of the ornate mahogany table near the window.

Ye Zhi was facing the sunlight, clearly seeing the hidden tears in her mother’s eyes, feeling a slight tremor in her heart. Her food, clothing, housing, and transportation were all arranged by the Ye Mansion. Her meals were exquisite, her clothes were silk and satin; even now, her mother was so emotional about her marriage, yet she still wanted to run away from home. Was she being too unfilial?

Forget it, forget it; I’ll obediently marry the Little Traitor.

She said solemnly, "I will abide by Mother’s arrangements."

Thus, the marriage was decided.

To reassure Xiao Chen, the Ye Family specially sent Yun Xiu, the personal maid, to the Shen Mansion to inform them.

This was already a foregone conclusion.

The final discussion agreed on the original date of April 18th, avoiding a clash with Huanhuan’s May 1st date.

Prime Minister Shen was eager to marry her, and after a proper fortune-telling, said that his and Ah Zhi’s fates were suitable for marrying on April 18th. He even brought the Sixth Rank State Calendar official to prove that this was a good day.

Shen Chen, a disciple of the State Preceptor, was already skilled in these calculations. The Sixth Rank State Calendar official was merely an average, unremarkable official in the court without any particular significance, besides managing the calendar and seasons, and nothing else. Big decisions about dates were always handled by the State Preceptor.

Suddenly dragged to the Ye Mansion today, facing the imposing Right Minister, he could only agree, "Yes, Prime Minister Shen is right. This day is suitable for marriage, bless-finding, entering a new home, and praying for offspring. It couldn’t be more appropriate. Here, I wish the Prime Minister an early marriage to his lovely bride and the blessing of having two children in three years."

The Sixth Rank official felt the sinister, dark gaze of the Right Minister beside him, carefully choosing his words, his mind buzzing a bit.

The Minister and his wife had no objections either.

Ye Zhi was again confined to the mansion by her mother, with just over a month left before the wedding, to prevent any external incidents.

Next, preparations for the wedding would begin.

On another front.

Shen Chen summoned Uncle Jin to the capital to start arranging and decorating, with all expenses following the best standards. The establishment of the money shop in Ji Country encountered some initial difficulties, but they were resolved without causing any harm.

Now, the money shop’s profits have gradually stabilized, and with the many industries he established over the years in Daqing, Shen Chen was secretly holding the position of the richest man in Daqing. Without the hindrance of the Six Gates and Yama Hall, and with his position in the government, he naturally knew how to seize business opportunities. He intended to cherish the luxurious flower from the Ye Mansion that was marrying into his family.

Qin Yin was also busy, assisting with the wedding preparations at the Shen Mansion, arranging this and that, and even selecting a few maids skilled in martial arts to protect the future wife. He advised Mr. Shen that his wife was already highly skilled in martial arts, so there was no need for extra measures.

He had never seen any noble lady in the capital as headstrong as Miss Ye.

In his opinion, finding maids skilled in martial arts was probably to protect them from being beaten by Miss Ye...

For this, Shen Chen gave him a deep, dark look for being talkative.

Qin Yin retreated awkwardly to execute the orders.

...

Liu Qingxi was still in the prison, sentenced for using gu against a high-ranking official, serving a three-year term. Crown Prince Li Changnian took the opportunity while Shen Chen was preparing for the wedding.