In a few days it will be the old lady's birthday. Since it is not a big birthday celebration, she did not plan to make a big fuss. She just invited relatives and some close friends to have a meal and watch a few operas. When she heard that Xu Rao had sent someone to deliver birthday gifts to her, the old lady was very happy and quickly sent someone in to report.

The old woman Zhang Zhaozhi found had also lived in the capital a few years earlier. Later, she went south with the Zhang family and was recently sent here by the Zhang family to tidy up the old Zhang family residence in preparation for the Zhang family's return.

Upon receiving the task of delivering birthday gifts to the Xu family, the old woman carefully reviewed the etiquette of prominent families, tidied herself up neatly, and then arrived at the Xu family with the gifts and letter.

After kowtowing to the old lady, he handed her the gift list and letter, and said with a smile, "My dear in-law, this is a birthday gift that my son-in-law asked our third master's caravan to send from Hexi. My son-in-law said that no matter who comes to deliver the gift, they must kowtow to the birthday celebrant on behalf of their family of four, as if they have come to celebrate your birthday."

Upon hearing this, the old lady said happily, "Oh, thank you so much, son-in-law. It's been three years since they left. The border is harsh and cold; I wonder how they are doing."

The old woman said with a smile, "Our third master said he went to Hexi. My aunt and son-in-law are doing very well there. They live in good houses and eat well. They also said that the eldest young master and the ninth young lady have grown taller."

This old woman was very eloquent and good at talking. The old lady kept talking to her for a long time before she finally instructed her maid to give her a small purse and then sent her away.

The old lady still had a lot of affection for Xu Rao. Although Xu Rao was an illegitimate son in the household, he was still her own grandson.

After the old lady waited for the Zhang family's servant to leave, she ignored the gifts and opened the letter first.

After the old lady's attendant, Granny Shen, returned with the person, she saw the old lady sitting thoughtfully at the kang table. Granny Shen served her a cup of tea and looked at her with some concern.

The old lady looked at Granny Shen and said, "Our third master wants to arrange a marriage for the eldest son. He wrote to me to tell me that it's the second daughter of the registrar of Hexi County."