A spring rain had just fallen, melting the remaining snow, and the sound of dripping water could be heard everywhere in the garden.

The little maidservant under the eaves ran along the corridor and hurried into the hall, bowing happily: "Old Madam, the eldest young master is back!"

The old lady sitting on the soft couch at the head of the room was dignified and elegant. She breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this and nodded repeatedly: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

Everyone in the hall also smiled.

The fifth girl, who was flirting with the old lady, said with a smile, "A few days ago, heavy snow blocked the mountains, preventing big brother from returning to Beijing. That's why he was delayed for an extra half month. I told you there wouldn't be any trouble. Grandma, you're worrying too much."

The old lady smiled and patted her hands: "I worry too much. When has Xian'er ever caused the family to worry?"

As they were talking, the thick door curtain was lifted by a maid, and a tall figure walked in. He was wearing a white fox fur cloak, tall and straight, with a handsome face like jade, but his clear eyes were filled with a hint of indifference, like the white snow on the top of a mountain, seemingly out of reach.

"Grandma, Mother." Xie Xianyu bowed.

The old lady smiled with satisfaction: "You have received the emperor's order to go to Jiangnan on a mission this time. You have been away for three months. You have worked hard. How are you doing?"

"Everything is fine. I have already returned to the palace to report to Your Majesty. However, I happened to encounter heavy snow on my way back, which blocked the roads and delayed me for a few days. I am sorry to have caused you so much worry."

"It's okay, it's okay. As long as you're okay."

The eldest lady smiled demurely, "This Jiangnan salt tax case is of great importance, yet Your Majesty has given me the responsibility, which shows your respect."

"Xian'er has never been a worry to me, except for this marriage..."

The eldest lady immediately said, "Many families have come to me and asked me to marry you. I have also selected a few. Xian'er is over 20 years old, so the wedding cannot be delayed any longer."

The Third Lady complimented him, "Xian'er is such a talent that all the ladies in the capital are eagerly watching him. Recently, the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion, the Chen Guogong Mansion, and even the Princess's Mansion have all sent invitations, all of which express their intention to propose marriage."

The Xie family is the head of a century-old family. As the eldest son of the Xie family's eldest son, Xie Xianyu is the undisputed heir of the Xie family.

Xie Xianyu did not disappoint. He was gifted and talented since childhood. When he was just twenty years old, he had already established a firm foothold in the court. This time, he even solved the long-standing salt tax case in Jiangnan.

His marriage is naturally very popular.

The old lady looked at Xie Xianyu and asked, "Do you have a favorite family?"

Xie Xianyu said calmly, "It's up to Grandmother and Mother to decide."

The old lady smiled and nodded. "Even so, you should still make a choice. Ask your mother to send the candidate to you later. This is the age of marriage, and you should always find someone who suits your heart."

"If big brother is too lazy to choose, I will help him choose! Anyway, there will be many banquets in the spring, and I will definitely help him to choose!" The fifth girl Xie Xiuzhu said immediately.

"You'd better forget it. Go find someone who shares your dislike. If she gets married, won't our family be in turmoil every day?"

The person who was speaking was waving a fan and smiling playfully.

"What nonsense are you talking about, uncle!" Xie Xiuzhu was so angry that she almost jumped up.

"Look, look, this girl has a terrible temper. When she gets married, if her husband is not satisfied, she might beat him up." Xie Zizhou clicked his tongue and shook his head.

The whole hall burst into laughter.

Xie Xianyu tilted his head slightly and glanced back. The person sitting in the corner was also looking at Xie Xiuzhu with a smile. He didn't look disappointed, nor did he look at him.

The old lady smiled and hugged Xie Xiuzhu: "Alright, alright, stop making fun of our Xiuzhu. She is still young. When she grows up and gets engaged, she will be stable."

The eldest lady smiled and shook her head: "Old lady, please don't spoil her. But speaking of it, it's time to pay attention to Xiuzhu's marriage. She is fourteen years old and will be a marriageable girl in a few years. It's time to choose a good family as soon as possible."

The old lady nodded: "Yes, not only Xiuzhu, but also Xiuyun and Xiulin, the two girls, should be selected..."

The old lady paused, then suddenly remembered something and looked up at the girl sitting quietly at the last seat.

She was wearing the plainest dress, unlike the girls of Xie family who wore red and green. There were only two silver hairpins in her hair. Her plain little face had almost no trace of makeup, but it could not hide her stunning beauty. She was conspicuous at first glance in the crowd.

"How old is Miss Wan?" the old lady asked suddenly.

Wanruo was stunned for a moment, then whispered, "I'm sixteen years old."