w entered the second stage of Qi refining, adjusting her original body to its optimal state. Then it became difficult to advance further. It wasn't because she wasn't hardworking enough, but because m..."Miss, this is the potential matchmaker your wife has found for you. Please take a look and choose which one you like. Your wife will then arrange a meeting. The main reason is that you are already eighteen years old. If we wait any longer, there will be fewer suitable candidates."

Grandma Sun placed the notice between ripples of noodles, then respectfully said,

"Grandmother, matters of marriage have always been decided by parents and matchmakers. I don't understand anything about it. How can I possibly make my own decisions"

The ripples worked their magic, flushing her cheeks a bright red. She put on a blush and said coyly,

Grandma Sun looked at Li'an's flushed face, which had become even more beautiful. She just felt sorry for her, because she was only a servant girl, so she just lowered her eyes and explained:

"Miss, don't overthink it. Madam is doing this to compensate you. After all, you will be spending your life with him. It's best to choose someone you like."

"This"

Ripple seemed to be moved, but still said modestly:

"Grandmother Sun, let's put the letter aside for now! I'll read it when I have time."

After hearing this, Grandmother Sun knew that the young mistress had obviously taken a liking to him and so she left the room.

Lian'er kept practicing her calligraphy, not even bothering to look at the posts. She knew that Madam Hou wouldn't be looking for a suitable marriage partner. However, next to her, Cherry pretended to skim through them and then excitedly told Lian'er that those people were all talented young men, any one of whom would be a great match.

Ripple remained silent, only smiling and listening to the cherry's soft murmur.

The next day, when Lian Yi went to pay her respects, she was pulled aside by Madam Hou and asked:

"Ripples, have you seen Grandma Sun's post for you Have you found a suitable candidate Tell me his name in secret so I can ask your second brother to bring him to the mansion. You can meet him from afar."

"Mother"

The ripples blushed and lowered her head, two crimson clouds appearing on her cheeks.

"I'm still embarrassed."

Mrs. Hou smiled and said.

It's natural for men to marry and women to get married, you don't need to be ashamed.

"Mother, of course, you will decide about Lian Yi's marriage. I listen to you."

The ripples replied in a voice as small as that of a mosquito.

"Okay, I'll find an opportunity to invite everyone on the post together and let you all see. After seeing them, tell me which one you like better."

Mrs. Hou thoughtfully said.

Liàn Yī immediately blushed and shyly thanked him.

Three days later, Grandma Sun dressed Li Yan up early, put a veil on her, and left the Hou Mansion from the back gate by carriage.

"Miss, those young masters who made an appointment today were all arranged in advance by the second young master. You go and have a look first, we don't need to make a decision right away."

After getting into the carriage, Grandma Sun carefully explained the situation.

"I understand."

This time, Liàn Yī only brought with her cherries when she went out. This was also something that Grandmother Sun tacitly approved of.

The carriage stopped at Hungyun Restaurant, and Lianyi, with the help of Granny Sun and Cherry, entered the restaurant.

"The rooms for the three of you are on the second floor. Follow me."

The one receiving the VIP treatment was the manager of Hongyun Restaurant, after all, the other party had reserved the most expensive private room.

Especially when Liang Zhuangjiu saw Lian Yi's eyes, he knew that this young lady was a stunning beauty. Seeing she was riding in a carriage from the Hou Mansion, he served her with even more care.

Once they entered the private room, Granny Sun took charge and ordered some wine and dishes. After the food was served, she dismissed the waiter and asked Cherry to stand guard at the door.

Grandma Sun, meanwhile, took down a painting from one wall of the room. There was a hole in the wall, which just happened to allow a view into the other room. The people in the other room were deep in conversation, seemingly discussing the imperial examinations.

"Miss, please don't make a sound. You can see what's happening across from here."

Ripples drew closer and, upon closer inspection, could clearly see the other side. There were eight people in the room opposite, each dressed neatly and looking like proper gentlemen. However, they were just average-looking and their manners at the table weren't very refined.

At first, they were discussing serious matters of court affairs. After three cups of wine, they started talking about which unmarried young ladies were beautiful, whose chests and waists were well-proportioned, whose dowry was generous, and how to live off a woman's wealth. Lian Yi felt sickened by their words.

On the side, Grandma Sun's face also turned rather unpleasant. She didn't expect these young masters to all be hypocrites. Not to mention Ripples looking down on them, even she couldn't stand them.

After a stick of incense, Lian Ri returned to the Hou Mansion with Sun Ma Ma, her face full of disappointment.

Cherry had been standing guard at the door, so she hadn't heard those young masters' conversation. When she returned to Bilan Garden, she asked Lianyi.

"Don't even mention it, those people all look so dignified on the surface, but I never expected them to speak so harshly behind closed doors."

Liàn Yī's face fell, and she said dejectedly.

"I know my own identity, and I don't want to marry into a wealthy family. I just want to find a stable marriage, why is it so difficult!"

Saying that, her eyes welled up with tears, and Sakura naturally gave her a good consolation.

When they went to pay their respects the next day, Madam Hou also said with a face full of guilt:

"Child, it's mother who was not careful in doing things. These few candidates are all recommended by the official media. I thought that with the Hou Mansion's face, the official media wouldn't treat it perfunctorily. Who would have thought..."

"Mother, this is not your fault. In my current position..."

Ripple said half and left half, letting Madam Hou ponder it herself. Then she put on a brave face and said:

"Mother, I know it hasn't been easy for you to raise me all these years while avoiding my father. So I don't dare to expect anything more. If you could find a family of scholars and farmers for me, that would be enough."

"My good child, you've been wronged after all. This time, I'll look at it myself. Those hypocrites will definitely not appear before you again."

Thank you, Mother.

Liàn Yī pretended to be moved, forcing tears into her eyes. Hou Fu-ren then feigned concern and presented her with some jewelry, silk and satin as consolation.

The ripples naturally accepted everything as it was. After thanking Madam Hou, she returned to Bilu Courtyard.

Cherry watches as Ripple goes to the main hall and brings back so many good things. She becomes even more interested in Ripple.

Another month passed, and as the weather warmed up, the Hou Mansion held a spring banquet, inviting young talents from the Imperial City and unmarried young ladies to participate. The main purpose was that the younger generation of the Hou Mansion had reached adulthood, so they wanted to take this opportunity to get acquainted with each other.

And everyone knows the intention behind holding this kind of banquet. You accepted the invitation to attend, which is tantamount to agreeing to be considered.

In addition to his status as the Marquis of Tranquility, a considerable number of people attended the Spring Festival banquet. With these individuals bringing their maids and attendants, the entire marquis's mansion was abuzz with activity.

At a glance, you see beauties in spring garments, adorned and captivating. On the other side, there are dashing young masters in brocade robes, tall and handsome.

As everyone knows, the reason for attending the Hou Residence's Spring Banquet is obvious. Even if one cannot marry into the Hou Residence, there are so many people of the same age coming that it’s guaranteed to find someone you fancy. All those who can attend the Hou Residence Spring Banquet have similar backgrounds and identities, so there’s no need to worry about finding someone with poor conditions.

Compared to the bustling front yard and back garden, Bi Lan Yuan was much quieter. At this time, cherry blossoms were coaxing ripples out to watch the commotion:

"Miss, I've inquired. The young masters attending the Spring Festival this time are all outstanding talents. If anyone fancies..."ing these mandatory quests."The man spoke so much because, firstly, the three people opposite him were all minors, and secondly, they were all young masters and ladies from prominent families. If some...