Qin Xiaolin stood up, glanced at Li Xi, and looked into the distance. Sunlight shone on her face, casting a soft halo.

"I'm not busy, what's wrong?" he asked gently.

"It's nothing, it's just that my family has already prepared my coming-of-age ceremony, and I was wondering if Brother Qin would be able to come and attend," Shen Ruonan said shyly, her head lowered.

"Coming-of-age ceremony?" Qin Mo's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this term.

"Yes, my fifteenth birthday is coming soon. My family will hold a coming-of-age ceremony for me, and then I can get married." Shen Ruonan said, a shy smile on her face.

"I'll go as long as I'm not out," Qin Mo said with a smile.

"Really? That's great!" Shen Ruonan smiled with delight upon hearing this answer.

Watching the interaction between the two, Li Xi suddenly realized something and chuckled, "The three of you, sit down and have a good chat. It's the beginning of spring, so please serve tea and refreshments to our distinguished guests."

She was about to go see if her master and Headmaster Xu had arrived. "Please forgive me, I'll go to the door to greet the guests first. I'll punish myself with three drinks later."

"Brother Li, you're too kind. Don't worry, I'll make myself at home." Shen Xu then sat down.

After bowing in apology, Li Xi hurriedly walked towards the door.

She stood at the door, gazing into the distance, anticipating the arrival of her master and Headmaster Xu.

"Xiao Xi, you're becoming more and more sensible. You even know to wait for me at the door." Old Master Sun got off the carriage and happened to see his good disciple.

With the help of his servants, Xu Shanzhang got off the carriage.

Li Xi became a lackey, fawning over Headmaster Xu.

"Headmaster, your calligraphy is indeed vigorous and powerful, extraordinary. Just look at this plaque, it instantly exudes a magnificent aura."

"Haha, you kid, you've got your mouth all greased." Headmaster Xu chuckled and stroked his beard.

"Come on, let's go inside, and then we can talk."

"The party's over," Old Sun said irritably.

"Yes, yes, let's go inside and have a look around."

Song Yuan did not appear before the dignitaries today, after all, he had once been a bandit, and he was afraid that someone would recognize him.

To avoid causing trouble for Li Xi, he stayed in the martial arts training ground. The training ground was not yet completed, and he had nothing to do these past few days, so he had been working on building one so that Xiao Xi could practice martial arts.

The people in the kitchen were working up a storm, practically swinging spatulas around, before the meal finally started on time.

In the banquet hall, men and women were seated separately, separated by a screen. On the left were the male guests, chatting and laughing, and on the right were the female guests, beaming with smiles.

"Grandmother, so you know Young Master Li too." Shen Ruonan was shocked when she first saw Qin Xiaolin's grandmother. She never expected that the usually stern and unsmiling woman would appear in such a situation.

"Ruonan, you flatter me. This old woman is just greedy for good food. Ever since I tasted Ling'er's cooking, I haven't been able to forget it. So today I begged Xiao Lin to bring me here." The Duchess was a little embarrassed.

"Grandmother is too kind. Your genuine nature is truly rare. It's fortunate that Ruonan came today, so that I could have a chat with you."

She hadn't been to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion for a year or two. When she was little, her older brother often took her to play at the Duke's mansion. Later, when she grew up, her mother kept her at home to learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Meng Zhelan sat to the right of the Duchess. "Thank you all for coming today. Let me first offer you a toast." She raised her wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

The banquet began, with Meng Zhelan serving the female guests and maids busy serving dishes to the distinguished guests.

The atmosphere at the banquet gradually warmed up, with laughter and words of blessing rising and falling. The guests enjoyed the delicious food and chatted about interesting things from all over the world.

The scene in the men's section was quite different, with lively and engaging conversations.

"Headmaster Xu, I also wish to go to your academy. Ever since I tried it out at your training ground last time, I have never forgotten it." Shen Xu raised his cup to headmaster Xu in greeting.

"Young Master Shen is too kind. The Imperial Academy is the highest institution of learning in Jingyuan. Young Master Shen's future there is limitless."

“Brother Shen, Headmaster Xu is right. Perhaps you should discuss this with your father.” Qin Xiaolin, sitting to Li Xi’s left, casually replied.

“You’re right, maybe Father will agree. Come on, drink.” Shen Xu continued drinking.

The dishes that Ling'er made were delicious and visually appealing.

"Ling'er, where did you learn such excellent cooking skills? I think about this dish every day." The Duchess wished she could dine here every day.

"You flatter me, Duchess. Xiao Xi often gives me advice; she's got a lot of clever ideas. Please come visit often when you have time." Ling'er spoke of Li Xi with great pride.

The banquet lasted for an hour. All the food was completely eaten.

The people of Tingfeng Courtyard stood at the door to see the guests off.

"Madam Duchess, please come often when you have time." Meng Zhong bowed to her.

"Judge Meng, your children are all outstanding, each possessing unique skills," the Duchess said sincerely.

"Grandmother, let's go back," Qin Xiaolin stepped forward to support her. He just wanted to get back as soon as possible; Shen Ruonan often gazed at him with deep affection, and he simply couldn't resist.

"Alright, alright, my child, let's go back then." The Duchess had no choice but to return.

Shen Xu also left with Shen Ruonan.

Before long, only Old Master Sun and Headmaster Xu were left in the pavilion playing chess.

"Master, has that person confessed yet?" Li Xi asked anxiously, as this matter had a significant impact.

"Don't worry. Come back with me later and take a look." Old Sun placed the chess piece in his hand.

The old lady did not attend the banquet today because she was mostly asleep.

Meng Zhelan came to take the old lady's pulse morning, noon and night, and the blood stasis in her body was almost completely cleared, but she didn't know when she would regain her memory.

"Grain Rain, the old lady can have some food today. If she wakes up, give her some soup."

"Yes!" A feast was also set out in the kitchen today, with a variety of dishes, and she had just finished eating.

I need to talk to my father about this; I don't know what to do about the old lady's behavior.

On the way back to the Marquis's residence, Shen Ruonan stared blankly at a spot, a smile on her face.

"What makes you so happy? Did you talk about marriage with Brother Qin?" Shen Xu was overjoyed, wondering if he was about to become Qin Xiaolin's brother-in-law.

"No, it's just that I haven't seen Brother Qin in so long, and he's become even more handsome and dashing." Shen Ruonan was uninhibited in front of her brother.

She was born to the wife of a marquis, while Shen Xu was born to a concubine, but she did not look down on him because of this.

"Brother, do you think Brother Qin likes me? I feel like he's a bit cold towards me."

"Don't overthink it, I'll ask him properly next time..."

Li Yi has been following behind Headmaster Xu all day, as instructed by his sister to act as his attendant for half a day.

"Sister, today Headmaster Xu was playing chess with Grandpa Sun. He is truly a man of great talent; he can write poetry while playing chess."