After their meal, Xiao Shen and Ji Xiaosong walked hand in hand toward the treasury.
The heavy treasury doors slowly swung open, and an ancient air rushed out to greet them.
The treasury's interior was vast, with rows upon rows of tall shelves standing in neat lines.
There were countless gold and silver vessels, mountains of fine silks and satins, and all sorts of rare treasures that were dazzling to behold.
In a corner, numerous weapons were displayed. Though they had weathered the ages, they still glinted with a cold light.
Ji Xiaosong moved slowly through the room, her eyes filled with awe and curiosity, while Xiao Shen stood by her side, patiently explaining the origin and value of each item.
'Tsk, tsk, Song, the Xiao family's treasury is practically a national treasury.'
Rongrong had already zipped through the entire treasury and was now intimately familiar with everything inside.
"Why is the Xiao family so wealthy?"
'When it comes to war, if you win, you're never going to come out at a loss.'
"That's true. The Xiao family has produced generations of generals and officials. They've rarely ever lost."
Seeing Ji Xiaosong lost in thought, Xiao Shen chuckled. "My lady, all of the items here are recorded in detail in a ledger. If you wish to learn about them, you need only consult it. The categories are complex, and the items are numerous. To memorize every single thing would likely take ten days to half a month. So, there's no need to rush. You can familiarize yourself with everything slowly in the days to come."
"There's something you don't know, my lord. I was born with a photographic memory. We still have three days of our wedding leave. Since you are right here beside me, I'll take this opportunity to commit everything in this treasury to heart. Once our leave is over and you are busy with court affairs, I'll be able to manage the household properly. I won't have to bother you with these trivial matters, and you can focus on your duties at court without distraction."
Hearing Ji Xiaosong's words, Xiao Shen's heart filled with surprise and tenderness.
He was surprised that she possessed such an extraordinary memory, and his heart ached that she was willing to expend such effort just to share his burdens.
"Since my lady has such a talent, I am truly impressed. It's just that the items in this treasury are truly numerous. Don't wear yourself out," Xiao Shen said softly.
"Don't worry, I won't. I know how to take care of myself."
Ji Xiaosong had already circulated her Spiritual Power through her body a few times, and the fatigue from yesterday was long gone.
And so, the two of them began to carefully inspect the treasury.
At first, Ji Xiaosong was full of energy, identifying the various items one by one, while Xiao Shen patiently kept her company, occasionally adding a few words about an object's history or purpose.
As time passed, Ji Xiaosong gradually began to show signs of fatigue, and her steps grew sluggish.
Xiao Shen saw this, and his heart ached for her. Without a second thought, he strode forward, reached out, and swept Ji Xiaosong up into his arms.
Ji Xiaosong let out a gasp, instinctively wrapping her arms around Xiao Shen's neck.
Looking down at the beauty in his arms, Xiao Shen's gaze was filled with a doting and domineering affection. "My lady is tired, so I will carry you as we continue. You just focus on memorizing, and leave the rest to me."
'Ooh la la, Song! Xiao Shen just picked you up with one hand!'
Rongrong teased, and Ji Xiaosong's face flushed faintly. She chided, "My lord, this is hardly proper! I can walk on my own."
But Xiao Shen just tightened his arm, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Don't refuse, my lady. You work so hard for this family; how could I simply stand by and watch you exhaust yourself?"
With that, he carried Ji Xiaosong and walked steadily through the treasury. Leaning against his chest, Ji Xiaosong listened to his powerful heartbeat, her own heart overflowing with sweetness and gratitude.
Just like that, Xiao Shen carried Ji Xiaosong through the treasury until they had inspected every last item within it.
For the next two days, Ji Xiaosong continued to familiarize herself with the various affairs of the Xiao family.
When the third day—the day of the bride's ceremonial visit to her parents—arrived, Xiao Shen had four entire carriages full of gifts prepared early in the morning.
"My lord, when other wives visit their families, they bring but a single carriage with a few modest gifts. Why are we bringing so much?"
Of course, Ji Xiaosong was delighted. After all, when her original self had been with the Song Family, her ceremonial visit had involved just a single gift for each of her family members.
And those gifts weren't even as valuable as the string of beads her third brother had given her.
At the time, the Song Family figured that since the original Ji Xiaosong was still willing to marry into their household despite knowing Yue Niang was pregnant, she must have been hopelessly in love with Song Yuxi.
Then, on their wedding night, Yue Niang feigned illness to call Song Yuxi away, and all she did was fume in private.
After testing her limits a few times, the Song Family felt they had her completely under their thumb.
Since that was the case, there was no need to treat her well.
And so, when it was time for the ceremonial visit, they hadn't prepared much for the Ji family.
But this lifetime was different.
Xiao Shen led Ji Xiaosong to inspect each of the four carriages.
"My lady, these are the ceremonial gifts, carefully prepared for your father, mother, and three brothers. When we visit your family home today, these gifts are not merely a token of our sincerity; they are also a matter of your honor and the bond between our families."
As Ji Xiaosong listened to Xiao Shen's words, warmth surged through her heart like a tide, and her eyes couldn't help but redden at the rims.
These were the emotions of her original self; she had waited and hoped for this her entire life.
But in the end, she had received nothing.
"My lord, you are so thoughtful... I truly don't know what to say." Ji Xiaosong's voice carried a barely suppressed sob.
Xiao Shen gently raised a hand to wipe away the tear that shimmered at the corner of her eye, then playfully tapped the tip of her nose.
"Don't you understand my feelings for you yet, my lady?"
With that said, Xiao Shen took Ji Xiaosong's hand and led her toward the carriage.
Once they were both settled in the carriage, Ji Xiaosong could no longer contain her emotions.
She threw herself into Xiao Shen's arms, wrapped her hands tightly around his neck, and before he could react, pressed a fervent kiss to his lips.
'With a father like him, our future children will surely receive the best care, won't they?'
At that moment, Ji Xiaosong was more certain of this than anything.
They kissed until their breathing grew ragged. If they weren't still out in public, Xiao Shen would have wished to take Ji Xiaosong right back home that very instant.
"General, Madam, we've arrived at Ji Mansion."
Before long, the driver's voice sounded from outside. Xiao Shen straightened his robes slightly and stepped out of the carriage first, then turned and offered a hand to Ji Xiaosong.
'His own wife didn't need anyone else to help her down.'
Ji Xiaosong placed her hand in his palm and let him help her down from the carriage.
Having been notified in advance, the members of the Ji family were already waiting at the mansion gates. Seeing Xiao Shen and Ji Xiaosong arrive hand-in-hand, their faces beamed with gratified smiles.
Mr. Ji stepped forward to greet them. "My dear son-in-law, Song, you've finally arrived."
Xiao Shen bowed respectfully. "Father-in-law, I have prepared some humble gifts for this visit. I hope you and Mother-in-law will accept them."
'Humble gifts?'
The members of the Ji family looked at the four carriages at the gate, the corners of their mouths twitching.
'Fine, if he says they're humble gifts, then humble gifts they are.'
'Based on these gifts, it was clear he wouldn't mistreat Song in the future.'
The group chatted and laughed as they made their way from the main gate, past the rockeries and water features, and into the main hall. Mother Ji then led Ji Xiaosong to the rear courtyard.
The moment they stepped into Mother Ji's courtyard, her personal nanny immediately shooed all the maids and servants out, leaving only the mother and daughter alone in the room.