Hongzhou turned around and noticed that Lanqin was lost in thought. He smiled and brought a piece of pastry to Lanqin's lips, saying, "Your Highness, please try a piece. Have you eaten any more...?"

Lanqin's heart skipped a beat, as if she had returned to her childhood, to the time when Hongli would bring food to her lips. A slight pang of sadness welled up in Lanqin's heart. She reached out and took the pastry, smiling, "Mmm...you have some too..."

Hongzhou, unaware of Lanqin's thoughts, simply said contentedly, "The pastries at Changchun Palace are the best..."

Lanqin suddenly thought of marriage, so she interrupted Hongzhou and tentatively asked, "Hongzhou, I am going to choose a good marriage for you. What do you think?"

Hongzhou's mouth was full of pastries, and he was so startled by Lanqin's words that he almost choked and coughed a few times.

Baoqin quickly poured water, and Lanqin gently patted Hongzhou's back, saying hurriedly, "Slow down, slow down...you child, why aren't you careful when you eat..."

Hongzhou recovered and looked at Lanqin with a look of horror: "Your Majesty, what did you just say?"

Lanqin smiled and said, "I'll find you a good match. You're not getting any younger, and Hongli is getting married soon. You should hurry up and find someone to marry you..."

Hongzhou waved his hands anxiously and cried out, "No, Your Majesty, I'm still young. I want to stay in the palace and spend more time with my mother and wet nurse. I'm not in a hurry to get married..."

Lanqin knew that Hongzhou couldn't let go of Xueying, so he naturally wouldn't agree. She felt even more sorry for him and said, "You and Hongli aren't that much younger. Besides, Hongli was engaged before getting married..."

Hongzhou was in a dilemma and wanted to refuse, but Lanqin continued before he could speak, "I don't want you to get married and leave the palace immediately. I just want to arrange a marriage for you first, and then hold the ceremony when the time comes..."

Hongzhou still frowned, stammering, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but Hongzhou only wants to study hard now so that he can make a name for himself in the future. I really don't want romantic feelings to interfere with my studies..."

Lanqin was speechless. This reason was perfect, but Lanqin had already made up her mind, so she comforted her, "You silly child, everyone says to settle down and start a career, which means you should get married first and then start a career. Besides, these two things are not contradictory..."

Hongzhou was speechless. Lanqin smiled and said, "I've thought of everything for you. This time, you'd better choose carefully. I will give you a list of all the daughters of noble families in the capital. You can choose to your heart's content. After you've made your selection, I will hold a matchmaking banquet for you, where you can compare them one by one..."

Hongzhou was almost bewildered by what he was being told, and asked in confusion, "A blind date?"

Lanqin waved her hand and said quickly, "It's just giving you a chance to get to know the other person beforehand... Don't worry, I'll arrange everything. You just need to choose the one you like..."

Hongzhou was still somewhat hesitant, so Lanqin had no choice but to persuade him. She lowered her eyes and said, "Look at your brothers, they're all married, and some even have children. Your mother and I are hoping that you can also get married soon, so that you can have a grandson or granddaughter. That way, all the hard work your mother and I have put into you will not have been in vain..."

After Lanqin finished speaking, she looked at Hongzhou expectantly, and Hongzhou was immediately at a loss.

Lanqin continued, "I will follow your wishes in everything and will never force you. Perhaps you will meet the person you are destined for..." Lanqin paid special attention to the words "destined for," which could also be seen as a reminder to Hongzhou that Xueying and she were destined to be apart.

Seeing that Lanqin was reasoning with him and appealing to his emotions, and was also very enthusiastic, Hongzhou found it difficult to refuse and could only reluctantly agree...