"You are already sixteen years old. It's a pity that you have no parents and no one to arrange your wedding for you." The old lady sighed.

Xu Wanruo quickly stood up and bowed: "Wan'er is fortunate to have the old lady's kindness and taking me in. I am already extremely grateful. Wan'er is willing to stay with the old lady for the rest of her life."

The old lady smiled kindly and said, "It was Xian'er who took you in. Why should you be grateful to me?"

The Xu and Xie families were relatives, but in reality, they had nothing to do with each other. The Xie family came to ask for money like this all year round. There were countless so-called poor relatives, and at most they would give them a little money and leave. They had no chance to see the old lady at all.

If Xie Xianyu hadn't stepped forward to take her in, how would the Xie family have found a place for her to stay?

Wanruo's obedient eyes were filled with gratitude: "My eldest cousin is so kind. If it weren't for you taking me in, I don't know what kind of situation I would be in. I will always remember this kindness in my heart and am deeply grateful."

Xie Xianyu's voice was calm and even, "It's just a small favor. Thank you for your kindness, cousin."

Xie Xiuzhu looked at her with disdain and snorted in a neutral tone.

Seeing them being so friendly and respectful to each other, the old lady nodded with satisfaction.

"Wan'er is a sensible and good child, but why wouldn't she marry? Besides, the spring imperial examination, which takes place every three years, is coming up soon, and many candidates will be traveling to Beijing to take the exam. If I pick among them, I might find a good candidate. If she passes, she'll have a bright future. I'll have someone keep an eye out for her later."

Wanruo raised her eyes in a daze, looking at the old lady's kind smile, her eyes flashed slightly, and a bit of longing was inadvertently revealed in her eyes.

Suddenly she felt a cold light falling on her, and she lowered her eyes in panic.

The old lady thought she was just shy, so she didn't bring it up again. She just told the third lady, "Please pay attention to Wan'er."

The Third Lady smiled, but Ying Yi replied perfunctorily, "Yes."

Giving a lowly relative a place to stay when she comes to seek refuge is already a favor, but why worry about her marriage?

Do you really think of yourself as the daughter of the Xie family?

Xie Xianyu suddenly stood up, his voice still calm, "Grandma, I'm going to go back and change my clothes first."

"Go, go! You've been tired from the journey, so take a good rest."

"yes."

Xie Xianyu bowed, then turned around and strode out.

When she passed by Wan Ruo, she saw a few spots of mud on the hem of his clothes. He always liked cleanliness. What big thing was there that made him rush back in such a hurry?

Xie Xianyu was tired, and the old lady was also tired. She waved her hand and said, "Let's all go."

Everyone stood up and saluted, then dispersed.

Wanruo walked out of Shou'an Hall and prepared to go back to her own small courtyard.

A year ago, she brought her brother to the Xie family for refuge. The Xie family took them in, and the old lady decided to give her a small courtyard near the West Garden to live in. The courtyard was in a remote location and had only two houses, but Xu Wanruo was very satisfied.

At least living in the Xie family, she and her brother can avoid bullying.

Therefore, over the past year, she has devoted all her efforts to serving the old lady and has been careful in dealing with the Xie family in order to maintain this rare peaceful life.

She paced slowly, the old lady's words ringing in her ears.

"Wan'er is sixteen years old, it's time for her to get married."

"If there are any suitable candidates among the candidates taking the exam this year, I will keep an eye out for you."

If I could get married, if I could marry off with dignity...

"Cousin."

A familiar voice sounded, startling her and quickly coming back to her senses. She cleared her mind and smiled, "Qing'an, what's wrong?"

Qing'an lowered his voice and said, "The eldest master asked me to invite my cousin over."

Wanruo's smile froze for a moment, then quickly recovered: "I understand."