The Ye Family cast a glance at their youngest daughter with a hint of reproach: "Speaking without considering rank, Xiao Chen is now the Right Minister, show him some respect."

She was not part of the officialdom, so she naturally did not share her husband’s empathy.

The bureaucratic world is full of deception, each step requires caution and care.

As a high-ranking official, every word and action is scrutinized, mishandling relationships can lead to significant problems.

Even someone as straightforward as Ye Yuan knows the need for caution, not to mention Xiao Chen, who grew up in the Ye Mansion, shouldn’t be openly criticized in front of so many people.

Changzhou was promoted from Sixth Rank Imperial Censor to Fifth Grade by Shen Chen, moving up one grade. He smiled and said, "Ah Zhi is straightforward—it’s alright."

Sitting next to him was Huanhuan.

She took a delicately crafted Furong Cake, savoring its floral aroma, neither too sweet nor greasy, and paired it with tea. Mmm, delicious.

At this moment, the Ye Family exchanged a glance with her goddaughter.

Lu He, catching the signal, feigned casualness and said, "Ah, Huanhuan’s wedding date is set for May. Why not seize the day and let Ah Zhi and Xiao Chen marry too—double happiness!"

Over the days since her youngest daughter’s return, the Ye Family initially held some reservations about Shen Chen, but then thought, at age sixteen, finding another reliable and well-matched gentleman would take time. Why not complete her youngest daughter’s engagement with Xiao Chen?

However, Ah Zhi was adamant against marriage, even though the Ye Family subtly probed, she clearly had feelings for Xiao Chen, yet refused to marry.

As the saying goes, three ignorant cobblers can outwit Zhuge Liang.

Today, everyone gathered to help persuade the youngest daughter, to see if there was any unresolved issue.

Huanhuan also understood today’s purpose, and after putting down her unfinished Furong Cake, she smiled brightly, saying, "That’s wonderful! To marry on the same day with Ah Zhi, I’d be delighted."

Changzhou, as usual, chimed in: "I’m delighted too."

His actions won Huanhuan’s admiration, and she lovingly fed him a piece of Furong Cake.

Ye Zhi: "..."

Is this a marriage rush? She felt conflicted inside, unable to pinpoint the source of her dilemma—she just wanted to delay!

Ye Yuan joined the persuasion squad: "Nowadays, Xiao Chen ranks highly on the Dragon and Tiger List, and after ten years, he has reached the Phoenix Pool. Such a perfect gentleman suits my daughter."

In the side hall, everyone began debating fervently.

How many tables to set, who to invite, wedding preparations...

Yet, the person concerned looked distressed, resting her chin on one hand, lost in thought.

The Ye Family, being closest to her, teased, "Why is the bride-to-be unhappy? Speak up and let your mother hear." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Her? Bride-to-be? Ye Zhi’s fair and delicate face showed little enthusiasm, she retorted petulantly, "Who said I want to marry? With Xiao Chen’s great achievements and infinite prospects, there are countless young and beautiful women in Daqing eager to attach themselves—it won’t be me. In the future, he’ll have a house full of concubines."

Ah, can she really have exclusive rights over the Little Traitor?

To marry or not to marry? To marry or not to marry? Or...

This really is a dilemma.

The Ye Family, being commercially astute, quickly understood the issue her daughter faced, and tentatively asked, "Are you worried that Xiao Chen will grow bored of old flames and prefer new ones?"

The peach-blossom-faced beauty said nothing.

The Ye Family continued, "Back then, when the Crown Prince wanted to take you as a concubine, I was naturally unwilling. It was Xiao Chen who sincerely promised repeatedly not to take mistresses or concubines, that I agreed to this marriage. Foolish child, would I harm you?"