Although Yelü Chucai wanted to settle his daughter's marriage as soon as possible, once it was settled, he did not want the wedding to be rushed. After all, if it was too hasty and simple, people might look down on his daughter.
A Jiu seemed to know what he was thinking and said with a smile, "There is no need to worry, old sir. I prepared all this long ago. I just sent people to wash and dress Sister Yan, and put her in her wedding gown." She clapped her hands, and servant girls immediately entered carrying red lanterns, red silk, and other decorations. Everything proceeded in perfect order; clearly, they had rehearsed it many times already.
She had no choice but to arrange this so urgently. Although the Southern Song had yet to formally launch its northern expedition, small-scale troop deployments had already begun. The Jin Dynasty still needed Song Qingshu to return and preside over the situation. Every extra day meant more risk. Once she learned the day Song Qingshu would return, she had prepared everything in advance. Otherwise, if they followed the normal marriage procedures—choosing an auspicious day and going through endless complicated preparations—the daylilies would have withered before they were done.
Hearing that his daughter had already run off to put on a wedding gown, Yelü Chucai could neither laugh nor cry. "That girl..." The people in the hall also began cheering, urging them to hold the wedding tonight and enter the bridal chamber.
Yelü Chucai had drunk quite a bit as well, and the alcohol was beginning to take effect. Combined with the sincerity Song Qingshu had just shown and the fervent atmosphere around him, he waved a hand grandly. "Then they shall bow and marry today!"
Xiao Feng could not help bursting into laughter.