Hong Sheng's time in the Capital was limited. Even with grace from the Emperor, it was merely an extension of two months, coinciding with Susu's coming-of-age ceremony. So, Hong Sheng quickly invited the official matchmaker and Nanny Wei to visit, discussing the wedding date with Old Madam Song.
He would have liked to marry the young lady the next day, so he wouldn't be alone during the New Year. But he dared not say this; not only would Susu object, Old Madam Song wouldn't agree either. Eventually, they settled on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month for the betrothal, which is the formal delivery of gifts.
Susu was not in a position to get involved in these matters. After her washing ceremony, she returned to the estate, as she would soon be moving to the house given to her as a dowry by the Old Madam. This residence, located in the Capital, was far more convenient for her visits to the mansion and for Hong Sheng's delivery of betrothal gifts than being at the estate.
