Upon entering the main room and passing the local screen, just as Xu Rong was about to appear before Madam Zhang and Madam Xiao, he released her hand.

The play doesn't need to be too full; eight-tenths is enough.

The fact that Madam Zhang's gaze dropped and then rose again at the opportune moment proved that she had seen it.

Xu Rong, suppressing the slight sweat on her palms—not knowing whether it was hers or Xiao Xin's—smiled and stepped forward to bow together.

Madam Zhang first sized up Xu Rong.

She still remembered the last time Xu Rong visited her; he was angry yet restrained, disagreeing with her suggestion but not rejecting it outright, leaving each other some face and room for maneuver. If Madam Xiao had possessed this kind of self-restraint, perhaps she wouldn't have ended up living such a life—

Madam Zhang paused for a moment, realizing that she had gone off on a tangent again. No matter how open-minded she was, she still couldn't help but worry about her own flesh and blood.

—Even as the years go by, she has less and less to worry about.

Madam Zhang composed herself and looked to the side again.

It feels a little unfamiliar.

Old Madam Zhang knew very little about this grandson, because like Xiao Shan, Madam Xiao rarely brought him along to meet people. Old Madam Zhang learned more from Madam Xiao about his stubbornness, aloofness, and irritability, among other strange and unpleasant traits.

But upon closer inspection now, it doesn't seem like it.

He was a clean-cut and spirited young man, and good-looking. If one had to find fault with him, it would be that his face was a bit cold, unlike Xu Rong next to him who was all smiles.

This is not a problem. Madam Zhang is not short of people who flatter her. Having seen the storms of life at her age, she can understand the simple truth that everyone has a different temperament.

"Good children, get up quickly." After reading it, Madam Zhang smiled and waved her hand, "Rong'er, come here to me."

Xu Rong went over, and at the same time, Old Madam Zhang reached out to the maid and took a square mother-of-pearl inlaid box from her hand. When Xu Rong came closer, she naturally handed it to her: "Here, you've owed me for so long. If I don't give it to you now, I'm afraid you'll complain to me even if you don't say it."

Since Madam Zhang spoke so frankly, Xu Rong didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the box with both hands—it was quite large and rather heavy. He curtsied and said with a smile, "Madam is too kind. I wouldn't dare to complain, but I've been waiting for this for a while now."

"Ha ha."

Madam Zhang laughed and pointed at her, "How dare you say such a witty remark!"

Xu Rong smiled and turned to the side, intending to hand the somewhat heavy box to the maid, but then realized something was wrong: Old Madam Zhang's place was very strict, and Bai Fu had not followed them in.

She was still somewhat affected by the lingering effects of the past, otherwise she wouldn't have acted this way.

Just as she was feeling slightly awkward, Xiao Xin stepped forward and silently took the box from her.

This scene caught the eye of Old Madam Zhang, and her eyes flickered. She then asked, "Xin'er, I heard that you've started studying diligently with your teacher these days?"

Xiao Xin replied, "Yes."

"It's clear that we made the right choice in marrying this daughter-in-law; she's become much more sensible since then," Old Madam Zhang said with a smile. She then instructed the maid, "Go and fetch a set of fine writing brushes and inkstones. It's rare for Xin-ge to come here, so we can't let him come empty-handed."

So, not long after, the maid returned, and the box Xiao Xin was carrying had increased from one to three.

Xu Rong remained empty-handed.

Madam Zhang glanced at him and then smiled again: "Xin-ge'er may have a cold face, but he's warm-hearted. He really knows how to care for people."

What makes a good husband? Isn't it someone who is considerate and understanding in daily life, and someone you can discuss things with when things happen? If a girl marries such a person, her life is considered pretty good.

Madam Zhang asked them to sit down, and then said to Madam Xiao, "Your eldest daughter is not young anymore, is she? I remember there is also your second daughter from the second branch of the family, who is only one year younger than your eldest daughter. It's about time she was of marriageable age. As her aunt, you should keep an eye out for good opportunities."

"..." Madam Xiao seemed a little uneasy. After a moment, she seemed to come to her senses and began to nitpick: "The second daughter is fine. But I really can't stand the eldest daughter. With a prince like her, I'm afraid she'll be picky about the fiefdom. Mother, you don't know how the Marquis and Madam Ruan—" In front of Xu Rong and Xiao Xin, Madam Xiao finally swallowed the word "bitch," "How high are their ambitions? They insist on only having legitimate children, saying they can't let the eldest daughter suffer the hardships of being a concubine's child. Ha, don't they think about it? Why would a perfectly good legitimate son want an illegitimate daughter like the eldest daughter!"

Xu Rong was a little surprised. She didn't know that Xiao Shan's marriage selection had such a step—no wonder Lord Xiao personally took charge and dragged it out without finding a suitable candidate.

Once this line is drawn, the number of candidates who can be excluded increases significantly. How many families are there that are similar in social standing to the Marquis of Changxing's family? How many legitimate sons are there? After excluding those who are already married, even if we don't consider their character or appearance, the remaining candidates are still very limited.

Besides, how could Xiao Shan not be picky?

"A legitimate son alone might not be enough. In my opinion, the best scenario would be to have a ready-made, titled son-in-law waiting there. The eldest daughter could marry into that family and become a lady, receiving an imperial title. That would be exactly what the Marquis wanted!" Madam Xiao said with a sneer. "I don't have that ability. Since they insist, let them wait. Maybe they can wait for ten or twenty years."

The maid beside Madam Zhang suppressed a laugh.

Madam Zhang couldn't laugh. She said irritably, "Here you go again. What's the point of saying these things?"

She was at her wits' end with this daughter. She felt sorry for her daughter's depressed life, but she couldn't teach her properly. She could only shake her head and say, "Let the Marquis think what he wants. Just do your job well—bring the two girls out to see the world and teach them manners. That's all."

It's wrong to use illness to pressure Xiao Shan; doing so would give others leverage against you.

Madam Xiao remained silent for a moment before reluctantly saying, "Mother, I understand."

After speaking, she glanced at Xu Rong. Xu Rong found that glance strange, as if she were scrutinizing her. Xu Rong didn't take it to heart and smiled naturally. But Old Madam Zhang saw it and felt a little uneasy—was she trying to make things difficult for someone again?

Even if we don't make things difficult, Madam Xiao's mouth is unforgiving. If she says something unpleasant again, the harmonious atmosphere we had just had will be ruined.

Madam Zhang looked at the young couple in front of her. They were both young and beautiful, and although it was obvious at a glance that they had different personalities, they were also a perfect match.

Having seen what they wanted to see, Madam Zhang didn't try to keep them any longer. She laughed and said, "It's lively today. Don't keep this old woman cooped up here. Why don't you go out and have some fun?"

Xu Rong readily agreed and took his leave from Xiao Xin.

After leaving the house, she looked at the box in Xiao Xin's hand.

She guessed that the gift from Madam Zhang was jewelry, but none of the gifts she had received from Madam Xiao or Chang Shuyin were this heavy or from such a large box.

Xiao Xin was glanced at by her, and when he realized what she meant, he lowered his head to turn the mechanism on the box.

Information about these kinds of organizations is generally traceable, and the gifts they give are not too complicated. He twisted it a couple of times and it opened, revealing a complete set of gilded gemstone jewelry inside.

Hairpins, earrings, rings, bracelets, and a heavy gold necklace.

The golden light was dazzling, and Xu Rong instantly wanted to cover her eyes: "It's so bright."

Madam Zhang really knows how to give gifts. Don't say that gold is vulgar; gold is the most effective at breaking people's hearts, and it is loved by young and old alike.

"Second Young Master, take a look at yours too."

Xiao Xin opened the second box, which contained a set of Huzhou brushes and a smaller one containing a Duan inkstone with bamboo branches carved around it, symbolizing a gentleman. It was clear at a glance that these were all high-quality items.

Xu Rong was very satisfied: "The old lady is truly generous and kind."

The maid who led them out walked to the side, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Xu Rong smiled – the words were originally meant for her.

As they chatted and unwrapped gifts, they gradually made their way back to the vicinity of the flower hall. The maid curtsied and took her leave. Just as Xu Rong was about to go inside, someone suddenly jumped out from behind the wall: "Sister!"

It was Xu Huazhang.

Xu Rong was startled and took two steps back to steady herself: "—You're here too? What are you doing here?"

Her two questions had different meanings. There were only so many wealthy and powerful families in the capital, so it wasn't surprising that Xu Huazhang could come. However, this flower hall was specifically for entertaining female relatives and was not the same as the hall for male guests.

Xu Huazhang laughed heartily: "Zhang Weiling sent me an invitation to a banquet. Sister, Zhang Weiling asked around and found out you were here. He brought me here, but you weren't here. I've been waiting for you for quite a while!"

It turns out the traitor was one of their own.

It's no wonder that these two spoiled brats get into all sorts of trouble when they're together.

Xu Rong asked him, "You've been waiting for me like this, is there something you need to talk to me about? Where is Young Master Zhang?"

With Zhang Weiling by his side, it's fine; leaving him here alone isn't appropriate. Xu Huazhang is also of marriageable age.

"When Madam Xiao saw him, she grabbed him and asked him all sorts of questions. He got impatient and ran away. Sister, don't worry, I didn't go in. Waiting outside for a bit won't hurt," Xu Huazhang cleverly stated.

Xu Rongcai nodded, but she didn't speak immediately because she saw Xu Huazhang reaching into his clothes and groping for something.

She looked at it for a while, and Xu Huazhang finally took his hand out, holding a crumpled piece of paper. He solemnly handed the paper to Xu Rong: "Sister, this is a letter that Bai Quan sent to you. He didn't know you were married, so he sent it back to our mansion. I wanted to give it to you right away, but Mother was afraid I would cause trouble, so she wouldn't let me go. She said I had to attend a banquet today, so it wouldn't be too late to give it to you then."

He winked again: "Mother wanted to peek at this, but I hid it and didn't let her see."

He always carried the letter with him, which is why it's crumpled up like this.

Xu Rong couldn't help but laugh: "Thank you so much."

She took it, unfolded it patiently and carefully, and then unsealed it.

She wasn't in a hurry because Bai Quan's contact information wasn't needed for the time being. He had been gone for several months without any news, and she hadn't mentioned it. She would only offer a few words of comfort when Bai Fu occasionally expressed concern.

Bai Fu was the most anxious one right now. Although she couldn't read, she stood on tiptoe and tried her best to look around. Xu Huazhang was also there. He had the courage to protect the letter in front of Madam Xu, but he was also curious and stuck his head over.

Only Xiao Xin remained calm and composed throughout, holding the three boxes with his back straight and his eyes fixed straight ahead.

"Wow--!"

Xu Rong didn't deliberately avoid people—she hadn't instructed Bai Quan to do anything significant, but Xu Huazhang caught a glimpse of something important and blurted out, "Sister, you asked Bai Quan to buy a house in Suzhou?"

Xu Rong's attention was focused on the letter, so she casually replied, "Mm."

"Why buy a house so far away?" Xu Huazhang asked, puzzled. "You're not going to live there. If you want to buy, why not buy one in Beijing?"

Bai Quan bought her a house with a small garden and running water in the yard.

This is not cheap.

While calculating in his mind, Xu Rong casually said, "Who said I wouldn't go and stay there?"

Xiao Xin suddenly looked at her.