Chun Ning ranked second in the national exam, yet the Xiao family remained very low-key, as they understood too well the unpredictable nature of favor.

Therefore, they were selective about invitations for visits or banquets.

This was when Mrs. Zhu’s skills were truly tested.

When the invitations were brought in, she took a quick glance, noted the families’ connections in the Capital, their marital ties, and any conflicting interests before handing them over to her mother-in-law, ready to answer swiftly when asked.

"This is an invitation from the Zhong Mansion," Mrs. Zhu said softly. "Recently at the Yu family’s plum blossom banquet, Madam Zhong conversed at length with her daughter-in-law; Miss Zhong is three years younger than Chun Ning and of marrying age."

"The Zhong Mansion? The residence of Mr. Zhong from the Hanlin Academy?"

"Indeed."

"A family of esteem," Mrs. Xu looked at the invitation and smiled, "Admiring flowers, specifically orchids."

"Miss Zhong’s given name is Zhong Lan."

Mrs. Xu nodded, understanding the implied meaning.

"Go, invite the Second Old Madam for a visit."

With Chun Ning achieving second place in the national exam, many invitations arrived, yet the Xiao family was still deliberating on selecting an appropriate bride.

Miss Zhong from the Zhong Mansion was Madame Zhong’s legitimate second daughter, and was reputed to be virtuous.

Marry a wife for her virtue; a virtuous wife blesses three generations.

In the past, nobody paid attention to Chun Ning, as he was merely the grandson of an exiled Imperial Physician from a confiscated family.

Now, Chun Ning was a coveted choice, with many sending invitations, eyeing this newly-prominent second-ranked scholar.

"Sister-in-law, you called for me?"

Mrs. Xu had been in good spirits recently, looking quite refreshed.

Even Mrs. Xu envied her: both her son and daughter were accomplished.

The key was, she didn’t concern herself with anything?

Whatever you say is what it is, she didn’t meddle in household affairs.

Even if the sky were to fall, there’d be taller people to take the brunt, she wouldn’t care.

See, with a grown son and daughter, she’s still in no hurry.

Unlike Mrs. Huang, who was anxious and frustratingly a hindrance.

"What are your thoughts on Chun Ning’s marriage?"

"It depends on Chun Ning; let him choose someone he likes."

Regarding social status and family background, she didn’t mention a word.

Mrs. Xu chuckled at this remark.

"Sister-in-law, I don’t know what to say to you, how do you manage to have such good fortune?"

She disregarded her daughter’s marriage, and wasn’t bothered by her son’s affairs.

She even said as long as it’s someone he likes, it’s fine.

She probably doesn’t know that Chun Ning nearly made a wrong move in Changzhou, luckily Chun Nuan intervened in time, or else by now, he would have married the daughter of a courtesan.

"With you supporting me, sister-in-law, I truly don’t need to worry."

"You, oh you."

Mrs. Huang was worried that this sister-in-law would interfere with her daughter’s marriage; while Mrs. Xu wanted to leave everything to her sister-in-law: "Do you want to take a look at this?"

"The Zhong Mansion? Which Zhong Mansion?"

"The residence of Mr. Zhong from the Hanlin Academy, Miss Zhong is the legitimate second daughter, named Zhong Lan, three years younger than Chun Ning, gentle and virtuous," said Mrs. Xu, "I have been considering, Miss Zhong from the Zhong Mansion is quite nice."

"Then I’ll leave this in your capable hands, sister-in-law."

"You don’t plan to take a look yourself?"

Which mother-in-law could be as carefree as her?

She didn’t even take a glance, leaving the decision to this elder sister-in-law.

"Your judgment is better than mine, looking at Lingling as a daughter-in-law, I trust you," said Mrs. Xu, praising both aunt and niece of the family: "Your choice surely can’t be wrong."

"You, oh you..."

Just then, the doorman announced the arrival of the official matchmaker.

"Invite them in."

Mrs. Xu could roughly guess the reason.

Indeed, it was Nanny Chen, the matchmaker.

"Congratulations, First Madam, Second Madam," Nanny Chen beamed, "Your honorable household is about to have double happiness."

"Oh, what do you mean by double happiness?"

"Firstly, congratulations to Mr. Chunning for ranking second in the exam; secondly, congratulations to First Madam for soon having a great son-in-law."

Indeed, Nanny Chen was entrusted by Zhu Mansion, arranging a match for Zhu Haodong.

"Mrs. Zhu said, although Fourth Young Master Zhu is a concubine’s son, he was raised under her name and was personally taught by her."

They say matchmakers have a way with words, but everything Granny Chen said was true, as Zhu Lingling knew Zhu Haodong’s situation clearly, without embellishment.

Zhu Haodong’s intention to marry Chunyan was well known before leaving the scene.

Chunyan, finally encountered her major life event.

The marriage between the Xiao and Zhu families was quickly arranged, with three letters and six ceremonies, and a date set.

Meanwhile, at the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Minghua frowned at his bookish older brother.

"Aren’t you good at studying? Why are you so wimpy when it comes to marriage proposals? You’re waiting for mother to come to the capital before proposing, aren’t you afraid a good girl will be snatched away?"

"Proposals should be made by elders to appear formal," Zhao Minglang said, "I can’t possibly go to propose myself, can I?"

"Then have some skills, don’t hover before me, asking how to win the heart of your desired lady!"

"In this matter, I am indeed less competent than you, I am sincerely asking for advice," Zhao Minglang felt a bit anxious, "I’m not sure if the girl is willing to be my wife."

All this talk about a mutual interest, yet it seemed only one-sided!

"Then go meet the girl."

Zhao Minghua was curious, "You’ve always kept it quiet, can you tell me now, which family’s young lady is it?"

"From the Qiu Mansion, Miss Qiu Yan."

Zhao Minghua nodded, his elder brother had always been bold enough.

Previously, the Zhao family was just a Medical Family, even with the title of Imperial Merchant, they were still mere traders, unworthy of the Qiu family.

But now, the Zhao family produced a Champion Scholar, and not only were they worthy of the Qiu family, but even the Royal Family would be suitable.

"Right, Champion Scholar, you should hurry to propose, I heard there are two suitable daughters from the late emperor waiting for marriage, if you get chosen as Prince Consort, you’re done for."

As expected, Zhao Minghua’s teasing earned a roll of the eyes from his brother.

"I’m serious, why don’t you believe me?"

"The late emperor’s two daughters are still in mourning, can they choose a Prince Consort?"

Zhao Minghua... must admit, sometimes bookworms are indeed quite smart. He quickly spotted that point.

"The princess can’t select a Prince Consort, but there are many high-ranking officials in the Capital with legitimate, concubine, or adopted daughters, are you sure you won’t get noticed by them?"

Zhao Minglang frowned, that was indeed a risk.

For instance, during the morning court session today, he was pulled aside by the Left Minister and questioned extensively.

In fact, he was asked if he had a wife.

"I said I have a fiancée, just waiting to get married after success in the national exam."

"You’re formidable."

Now, hurry to your fiancée’s home and propose.

"But mother hasn’t arrived at the Capital yet."

"Can’t you go first yourself?"

Zhao Minghua was at a loss, his brother being so rigid in matters, could Miss Qiu really find him appealing?