Everyone knows that Third Master Shen and Grandma Shen San are a harmonious couple. The maids and servants had long exited the room, so the couple spoke without caution.

"...Today, Lady Lian told me she wants to discuss a marriage for her son Wu Lang." Grandma Shen San looked up at Third Master Shen, seeing him listening intently, she continued in a low voice, "His age is good, his looks are fine, his conduct is exemplary, and he’s also newly appointed as a graduate with a great mentor. His future prospects are promising. His parents-in-law are easygoing, not harsh people. Siblings get along well. It’s truly a rare good match. Hearing about the kind of wife they’re looking for, I was moved. Our daughter Shen Yi is at the age to discuss marriage. Shishi can wait two more years."

From Grandma Shen San’s words, it seemed she had taken a liking to Wu Lang and wanted to suggest her daughter Shen Yi as a match for him. Third Master Shen, who was casually leaning against the armrest, straightened up and glanced at Grandma Shen San.

"What? Just one point..." Grandma Shen San inquired.

"Don’t even consider it. I know Sixth Master’s character best. It’s as set as if it were nailed into place." Third Master Shen waved his hand, stating seriously.

"I know that too, I’m just saying." Grandma Shen San sighed softly, "He even asked me to let him know if there’s a suitable girl."

"Since he asked you, put in some effort." Third Master Shen responded.

"Of course, certainly." Grandma Shen San nodded.

Meanwhile, in Pine Tree Alley, the Lian Family had already returned home, changed clothes, and gathered in Lady Zhang’s room to chat. Lian Manman sat beside Lady Zhang, holding a cup of tea made of longan, dates, and goji berries, she glanced around. Everyone’s faces showed joy. It seemed that the visit to Shen Mansion and meeting Third Master Shen, Shen Jiu, and Grandma Shen San had left everyone satisfied and happy.

"...I heard you went horseback riding with Xiao Jiu on the training grounds?" Lian Manman asked Xiao Qi.

"Yes, I did." Xiao Qi replied with a smile, then told Lian Manman and Lady Zhang how Master Chu reviewed his studies and presented him with two new books, after which he went to play with Shen Qian alone.

"I told Brother Xiao Jiu that we’re holding a banquet at our house and invited him. Last time he visited our West Garden, he didn’t have time to see it properly." Xiao Qi said with a smile, "Brother Xiao Jiu even told me that when I’m in Prefecture City, I should study with him again. Master Chu also asked me to go over, saying he wants to explain a few Chapters to me."

"That’s good." Lian Manman replied.

Lian Shouxin, Lady Zhang, and Wu Lang all nodded in agreement, ensuring that Xiao Qi wouldn’t fall behind in his studies.

Moreover, the relationship between Xiao Qi and Shen Qian was growing stronger. Studying together, they encouraged each other, and provided companionship. Additionally, with Master Chu overseeing, and with Xiao Qi’s self-discipline, coupled with the fact that Shen Qian was not a typical idle rich kid, there was no fear of them getting into mischief or causing trouble.

"Have you decided when to start? Let the outside arrange a carriage to take you there daily. Think about what you need to prepare for and which people to take with you, and get ready in advance."

"Mm." Xiao Qi nodded.

"...A card has been delivered, and an invitation was extended in person. Third Master Shen promised he would come, and in addition..." Lian Shouxin stated that besides inviting Third Master Shen, three other members of the Shen family residing in Prefecture City would be attending the banquet.

The family continued discussing the banquet arrangements, and Lady Zhang couldn’t help but smile.

"Today, I talked with Grandma Shen San, and she agreed to help. She even mentioned a few girls to me, all of similar age." Lady Zhang addressed Lian Shouxin.

Xiao Qi and Lian Manman knew what Lady Zhang was referring to, so they sat quietly, afraid to miss anything. Wu Lang appeared somewhat uneasy but remained seated.

"...Some of those invited, and some not. Grandma Shen San said on the day of their banquet, these families will definitely attend, and the girls will be there too. At that time, I’ll have a good look." Lady Zhang said, smiling, glancing at Wu Lang, "Manman has also gathered a lot of information about the girls from the Shen family."

"Mm." Lian Manman responded crisply, making a funny face at Wu Lang.

"Wu Lang, now listen to your mother. See which one you like, so your sister and I can pay attention." Lady Zhang said to Wu Lang.

"Mother..." As mature as Wu Lang was, he was still just a young man, and when it came to this matter, he seemed particularly shy. Even under the lamplight, his face turned red under everyone’s gaze. "Mother, you and father can decide."

"That’s not acceptable. It’s your wife we’re choosing after all; first, you must like her." Lady Zhang insisted.

Wu Lang’s face turned even redder.

"Mother," Lian Manman laughed, "asking my brother now, how could he dare to express his opinions? Wait until we’ve all left, then ask again."

With that, Lian Manman laughed deliberately. Xiao Qi joined in the fun, glancing at Wu Lang while chuckling.

Wu Lang felt increasingly embarrassed.

"You two troublemakers, this is a serious matter, don’t tease your brother! Enough, there’s nothing else; if you need to sleep, go to sleep, if you need to study, go study. Wu Lang, don’t leave yet." Lady Zhang hurriedly said.

With Lady Zhang’s words, Lian Manman and Xiao Qi laughed even more happily. However, after a while, they both stood up and left. After exiting the room, Lian Manman intended to return to her own room, but Xiao Qi stopped her.

Xiao Qi winked at Lian Manman, signaling her to stay and eavesdrop with him. This was a mischievous act the siblings often did together.

This time, however, Lian Manman hesitated deliberately.

"Sis, let’s listen to what kind of sister-in-law our brother wants!" Xiao Qi lowered his voice and said to Lian Manman.

Lian Manman just smiled, and the siblings quietly walked back to the door, listening closely to the conversation inside the room. They heard Lady Zhang asking Wu Lang something, but they couldn’t hear Wu Lang’s reply. The siblings exchanged a glance and moved closer to the door.

Suddenly, with a creak, the door opened, and Lady Zhang poked her head out, looking helplessly at Lian Manman and Xiao Qi.

Lian Manman and Xiao Qi realized they were caught eavesdropping this time, exchanged a glance, and immediately ran off laughing. Lady Zhang stood at the door, smiling and shaking her head with a sigh, but still reminded them to run slowly and not fall.

Although their eavesdropping attempt failed, Lian Manman didn’t mind. The whole act was meant to be playful. Given their close relationship as siblings, she would definitely know what kind of wife Wu Lang desired.

The next day, the Lian Manman family hosted a grand banquet for guests. The feast was set in the West Garden, with male guests at the eastern theater and female guests in the western part, gathered in the Grand Hall by the Lotus Pond. On this day, there was a bustling exchange of people, with wine and theater, creating an atmosphere of celebration.

Lian Manman was busy accompanying the ladies and young women who arrived, as well as dealing with matters brought to her by the stewardess aunt, leaving her no moment of rest. The festivity continued throughout the day and only when late afternoon arrived did the guests start to depart. Lian Manman first suggested Lady Zhang take a rest, then ensured that the maids and wives had packed up everything properly before returning to her courtyard.

By then, it was already the proper time of Shen. Lian Manman first returned to her room, just changed into more comfortable clothes, when Lady Zhang sent Maid Duofu to call for her.

"Madam asks if the young lady is resting. If not, she invites you for a chat," Duofu said to Lian Manman.

"I’ll come right away," replied Lian Manman.

In Lady Zhang’s room, Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi were present. When Lian Manman entered, Xiao Qi stood up, and after Lian Manman sat next to Lady Zhang, he sat down again.

The family sat together, chatting about everyday matters; which families to visit this year, and whose festival gifts should be more generous, among others. As autumn began, the days became shorter, and before they knew it, evening had set in, marking dusk.

Suddenly, Ji Xiang came in to report that the steward in front had come to say Shen Liu had returned!

"Huh, wasn’t he supposed to arrive tomorrow?" Lian Manman exclaimed in surprise.

The message sent by Shen Liu’s people to Shen San mentioned they would arrive in the Prefecture City by mid-morning tomorrow, which had to be accurate. Yet he returned a whole night early—could there be something urgent?

Lian Manman thought about this, and Wu Lang did too, and the siblings exchanged a glance, both feeling slightly anxious.

"...The message was that the people from the mansion sent someone over, and they’re in the front. Sixth Master has entered the city and asks the head of the family to go for a talk," Ji Xiang said.

"Then, hurry up and go," Lian Manman responded.

"Yes, maybe Sixth Master has something to say," added Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

Wu Lang quickly got up and left for the front courtyard with Lian Shouxin. A moment later, Lian Shouxin returned alone.

"Wu Lang changed his clothes and went to the mansion," Lian Shouxin informed Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi.

"...They say there’s nothing urgent. The past few days the weather has been good, Sixth Master was delighted and wanted to hurry home for a reunion, so he skipped a night’s lodging and arrived early," Lian Shouxin said after sitting down.

"It’s good that there’s nothing urgent," Lian Manman said with relief, "Perhaps he wanted to make it home before the actual day of the Double Ninth Festival."

"That might be it," Lian Shouxin nodded in agreement.

The family continued to sit and chat, and soon the servant with Wu Lang returned, saying Shen Liu kept Wu Lang for dinner at the mansion. The family felt even more at ease, instructed the kitchen to prepare food, and a few of them ate in Lady Zhang’s room, awaiting Wu Lang’s return.

It was late into the evening when Wu Lang returned from the Shen Mansion.

"...Is Sixth Master well?" Lian Shouxin immediately asked.

"He seemed quite well to me," Wu Lang replied with a smile, "Said he’d been traveling for several days straight and, perhaps because of his good mood, seemed to have more energy."

Hearing that Shen Liu was doing well, the whole family was happy.

"He just returned and immediately called you over. Did he call anyone else? Was it urgent?" Lian Manman asked.

...

It’s the 4th, asking for guaranteed monthly votes. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to vote with recommendation or monthly votes on Qidian.com. Your support is the greatest motivation for me. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)