Not only did the Minister couple not inform Ye Lin, even Ye Zhi herself was kept in the dark. Ever since her mother announced her engagement, her gloomy mood lingered, and her almond eyes secretly glanced at the Little Traitor, meeting the gentle gaze in his phoenix eyes.

She pretended to nonchalantly look elsewhere, avoiding the chance of eye contact.

Her heart pounded fiercely.

The night was slightly dark, with a round moon unknowingly rising to the sky. As night exchanged with day, a natural indigo blue appeared between the distant mountains and the river.

In the hall, the voices of blessings were endless.

Finally, Ye Zhi, wearing a long gown adorned with a gold-threaded button and peony pattern in Shu pink, suddenly stood up.

As one of the concerned parties, this action drew attention, and countless gazes gathered upon her.

Nervously, she twisted a begonia embroidered handkerchief in her hands. Her voice trembled slightly: "Mother, why wasn’t this matter told to me in advance?"

The room fell completely silent.

Everyone assumed Ah Zhi knew and merely kept it tightly hidden from all.

Yet, this sentence, like a massive stone thrown into a river, stirred turbulent waves.

The elegant and charming Ye Family matriarch walked towards her youngest daughter with a radiant smile, her Shu brocade and cloud-patterned skirt gently swaying, exuding grandeur.

Upon reaching her youngest daughter, she touched her hair bun tenderly and said kindly:

"Child, your mother was just giving you a surprise. You’ve grown up alongside Xiao Chen, and your affections have not gone unnoticed. Besides, parental decisions through matchmakers are all for your own good."

Ye Zhi could easily hear the non-negotiable tone in her mother’s words, nodded, and caught sight of the Little Traitor’s abnormal demeanor out of the corner of her eye. Was it due to her recent questioning?

Upon further thought, marrying the Little Traitor might not be so bad. Perhaps only he would despise her.

Her delicate face blushed slightly like a lotus in early bloom, bashfully saying, "Yes, it’s quite a surprise. I do like Xiao Chen, just that it’s a bit too sudden."

The subtle awkwardness vanished, everyone assuming Ah Zhi didn’t like Xiao Chen, only to realize it was shyness.

Consequently, they returned to chatting amongst themselves, the atmosphere lively and cheerful.

Changzhou and the Eldest Prince rushed over to congratulate Shen Chen, the three scholars engaging in a lively conversation.

Ye Family matriarch took a seat at her youngest daughter’s table, simultaneously letting out a sigh of relief, instructing her daughter, "You’ve always just cared about playing outside. Tomorrow, go to the accounting room and learn to manage the household, to avoid future management pitfalls."

Uh, managing the household?

Isn’t it too early...

Ye Zhi chuckled dryly, "Mother, Xiao Chen probably won’t let me handle the accounts. I believe in him. He will earn lots of silver in the future. It wouldn’t be good if I squander all his money."

Qinglian’s bright eyes flashed with confusion: "His money is yours. As his wife, isn’t managing the accounts normal? I believe Ah Zhi wouldn’t squander Xiao Chen’s money."

"Qinglian, you don’t understand. Men having three or four concubines is quite normal. The estate’s silver must be distributed among the concubines of various courtyards, and the household’s revenues need to be checked. I see Uncle Xun, who handles accounts, is very busy. I might as well hire an accountant too."

Ye Zhi’s sweet, tender voice was clear to everyone.

Everyone was taken aback, not yet married, she was already planning her husband’s future concubines, showing great audacity...

Shen Chen felt his temples pounding heavily.

This was not the end...

A pitiful and cautious voice came, "Mother, have you and Xiao Chen decided if I am to be his wife or concubine?"