A few days later, sure enough, someone came to propose marriage. The Duchess was very open-minded and not the kind of person who was old-fashioned and rigid.

She explained everything to Xiaoli so that she could choose.

Guo Fuyue was also looking at potential partners at the same time, so the Duchess took the two women with her and taught them how to manage the household and keep accounts, which was no different from what she had done.

She would also tell them about many underworld activities within the inner palace, which greatly benefited them.

"Ah Li, I've selected a few people, what do you think?"

Xiaoli hasn't moved out yet because she sees that her aunt is really thinking about her. She's reached marriageable age and should indeed be looking for a partner. With her aunt making the decision, it couldn't be better.

Xiao Li looked at the booklet carefully; it was hard to make a judgment without seeing the person in person.

The Duchess also felt that Xiaoli should be allowed to see more people, so she suggested that...

“In a few days, your little cousin will be on leave. Let him host a lotus-viewing banquet. When he does, have all these people come, and you can take a closer look.”

Xiao Li agreed.

On the day of the banquet, Guo Siyu invited a few close friends to the gathering, and the group of seven or eight people enjoyed themselves.

The Duke's mansion has a large garden with a round lake filled with lotus flowers. Several people sat around it, playing drinking games and admiring the lotus flowers.

There were other people barbecuing nearby, constantly bringing over freshly grilled snacks.

A man dressed in black is holding a string of venison.

"The taste is good, but the idea is even better; it's unique."

Guo Siyu quickly chimed in, "That's exactly the idea my cousin came up with. This way, the roasted venison is tender, juicy, and not greasy."

A man in black robes standing nearby, who seemed uninterested, lifted his eyelids slightly; this was quite interesting.

Guo Siyu then picked up the plum wine next to him. "Come on, everyone, have a taste. This was also brewed by my cousin. Please try it and see how it tastes."

The man in black picked up his wine cup and took a sip; it tasted quite good.

He didn't want to come, but his stepmother insisted that he come, and even his father forced him to come, so he came.

He thought it was just a formality, but the barbecue and wine suited his taste, so he paid more attention to them.

He glanced around discreetly; he had attended many such matchmaking events and had gained experience.

Right now, the ladies are probably peeking from some corner.

When he looked towards the pavilion, he saw people moving around there. His eyesight was amazing, and he quickly locked onto Xiao Li.

Interesting, this girl is actually a martial arts practitioner.

A smile involuntarily crept onto his lips; he was becoming somewhat interested.

Xiao Li suddenly felt like she was being watched. She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and looked towards the lake.

He saw a man in black robes raising his cup and smiling at him; it seemed to be him.

Just as he saw through Xiao Li, Xiao Li also realized that among all the people present, this person's aura was the most unfathomable, clearly indicating that he was a highly skilled martial artist.

Xiao Li pursed her lips; this person was quite interesting.

"Ah Li, which young master have you taken a liking to?"

Guo Fuyue covered her mouth and laughed. Her marriage had already been arranged before; it was to the second son of the Princess of Shun'an.

Both families were very satisfied with the marriage, and Guo Fuyue had grown up with the other family; they were childhood sweethearts.

He's here today too; he's the one wearing a blue shirt and a jade crown.

Xiao Li joked, "Sister, you should focus more on your own family and stop paying attention to me."

Guo Fuyue became shy and stopped teasing Xiaoli.

That evening, her aunt came to ask and mentioned the names of several people. Only then did Xiaoli learn that the man in black was named Zhuang Yongxuan.

He was the legitimate son of the Vice Minister of Works, and the only legitimate son present. However, because his mother died early and his stepmother was in charge of the household, he was the least favored among them.

The Duchess noticed Xiao Li's attention to Zhuang Yongxuan and was somewhat surprised.

She had met Zhuang Yongxuan, and she felt he wasn't the best choice.

There are women with better family backgrounds than him, and women with more handsome appearances than him. His only advantage is that he is relatively quiet and composed.

The Duchess stood up. "Ali, take your time to think it over. We'll discuss it again when we propose marriage in a few days."

Xiao Li nodded and agreed.

Although she was skilled in martial arts, she never intended to be alone, and besides, the world did not allow her to choose.

Xiao Li compared the men, but the image of Zhuang Yongxuan raising his glass and smiling kept appearing in her mind.

Zhuang Yongxuan was also thinking. This woman seemed to be no ordinary person. She had an extraordinary demeanor, was calm and generous, and did not show any shyness when he raised his glass. She was quite bold.

He wondered if she could remain this calm when her stepmother made things difficult for her. He was somewhat willing to do so.

When he returned home and his stepmother, Madam Yu, asked about it, he agreed. Madam Yu was overjoyed and quickly had people prepare to go to the Duke's mansion to propose marriage.