Ye Yuan stroked his beard and frowned, saying, "This is too strange. It shouldn’t be. Ah Zhi is soft and lovely, much prettier than the so-called Four Beauties of the Capital now. You should take Ah Zhi to the mansions of those aristocratic ladies more often, so they can see her beauty. It would be twice the effort for half the result."

Shen Chen picked up the teacup, remained silent, and gently sipped the oolong green tea.

The Ye Family retorted, "Who said I didn’t take her? In the previous two years, I could still persuade her once or twice, taking her to visit some friendly official wives, and at the same time keeping an eye out for her ideal groom. Even when I threatened her with her allowance afterwards, she refused to go again, saying she felt like she was being watched like a monkey at those places. What can I do?"

Speaking of this, she also had a headache.

It’s already mid-year, and from the beginning of the year to mid-year, there’s not a single proposal.

Before the elder daughter was married off, matchmakers were constantly visiting; we couldn’t even entertain them all. The younger daughter is not less beautiful than the elder one, just a bit wilder. Could it be because of her personality?

After finishing his meal, Xun Yin washed his hands in the copper basin and wiped the water stains with a cloth. He suggested, "Xiao Chen is gifted and has extraordinary talents. In my years of observation, he is no less than others. Although his family background can’t match the Ye Mansion now, he did earn the top rank in the beginner’s exam, and his future is limitless. With proper nurturing, he is sure to become a talented individual. I believe his future official position will be higher than my junior’s."

To have a position higher than his junior, Ye Yuan is the First Grade Minister of Rites, and there aren’t many with higher official rankings than him.

Why is he praising Xiao Chen so much?

The Ye Family had already guessed what he was about to say next.

Indeed.

"Why not let Xiao Chen and Ah Zhi try? The two of them have been close since childhood and are familiar with each other’s backgrounds. Ah Zhi can throw tantrums, and he still indulges her, indicating he has a good temper."

The hall was filled with an uproar.

Huanhuan, having finished her breakfast and not yet gone to the side hall to find Ah Zhi, was focused on the matter of her marriage. When Uncle Xun suggested Xiao Chen, she glanced at him surreptitiously with her bright eyes. His refined and stern profile remained unchanged, showing no expression of joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness.

This, Xiao Chen and Ah Zhi as a couple?

After careful thought, she nodded. It seemed like a good idea, and she would secretly ask Ah Zhi what she thought later.

Feng Liuli, well-read before coming of age and open-minded, agreed, "Xiao Chen’s status may not match the Ye Mansion now, but in time, he is sure to achieve great things. I know the sons of aristocratic families in the Capital, who are well-matched with Ah Zhi. Their family conditions are excellent and not achievable in a short time, but for a lasting relationship, what matters is stability."

The Ye Family exchanged a glance.

Then, after thinking for a moment, the Ye Family looked at Shen Chen, who was sitting to the side, and asked, "Xiao Chen, you grew up in the Ye Mansion. When you were young, Ah Zhi was a bit mischievous and bullied you. You also know her spoiled temperament has changed a lot. Are you willing?"

She had watched Xiao Chen grow up, and though he was a bit reserved, there was nothing to say about his care for the younger daughter. There wasn’t a day her daughter complained about him.

You should know, anyone daring to offend the younger daughter would get a long lecture before she would let it go.

Last year, she personally went to Dragon Tiger Mountain to bring Xiao Chen back, which shows she has feelings.

But, what is Xiao Chen thinking?

Everyone in the hall looked at Shen Chen with curious eyes.

Shen Chen’s heart was pounding fiercely. He remained expressionless and swallowed a trace of bitterness, softly saying, "I have no father or mother, no possessions. Ah Zhi marrying me would be unfair to her."