In the main hall, the gorgeous chime clock struck seven times, the crisp sound echoed in the air, and the light reflected by the crystal chandelier danced on the silver tableware, making it almost impossible to open your eyes. Everyone took their seats one by one, and the atmosphere seemed harmonious on the surface. However, under this seemingly peaceful atmosphere, there was a subtle undercurrent.

The aunt wore a dark purple brocade cheongsam on purpose that day. The fabric shone with a dark luster under the light. The intricate peony and twig pattern was embroidered with gold thread, and every stitch and every thread was deliberate. She picked up the teacup and gently skimmed the foam with the cup lid. The bright red nail polish on her nails was particularly dazzling against the tea soup.

"Master," she deliberately dragged out her voice, "Yu Ming is a naive child. He has been guarding the dock for three days and three nights. His eyes are bleeding, but he still refuses to come out for a rest." As she spoke, she glanced at Zheng Yu Heng and a faint sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth.

The maid brought a dish of candied fruit at the right time, and the concubine personally held it in front of Zheng Shaoqi with a flattering smile on her face: "Master, Yu Ming knows that you like to eat this, so I carefully selected it and brought it here."

Zheng Wanqing lowered her eyes to hide the sarcasm in her eyes. The concubine's behavior was clearly showing off her son Zheng Yuming, while also secretly mocking her brother Zheng Yuheng.

The third concubine chuckled at the right time, breaking the delicate atmosphere: "Sister, what are you talking about? Our Yuheng is in the hospital saving the dying and the wounded. Didn't he save the young master of the Customs Supervisor's family the day before yesterday?"

She was wearing a light blue satin dress, the color was light and elegant, but it could not hide the sadness in her eyes. Her hair was neatly combed into a bun, with a silver hairpin inserted in it, which shone with a cool light under the light. Her face was well maintained, but the years still left a faint trace of gray in the corners of her eyes.

Ye Qiulan glanced at her with a hint of displeasure in her eyes, and said softly: "Don't talk while eating." Her voice was not loud, but it silenced the Third Aunt immediately.

"Sister, I'm sorry for talking too much." The third concubine immediately stopped smiling and attentively picked up a piece of meat for Zheng Shaoqi, her movements were skillful and natural. She raised her head slightly and glanced at him several times, wanting to say something but not saying it.

Zheng Shaoqi put down the wine glass in his hand, and the glass made a crisp sound when it hit the table. He looked calm but with unquestionable majesty: "If you have something to say, just say it."

"Master, our Qingyi has reached the age to get married. Look, this child is very pretty and has a good temper." As she said this, she gently patted the hand of her daughter Zheng Qingyi beside her.

Ten-year-old Zheng Qingyi wore a lilac-colored slanted-collared shirt, with three-quarter sleeves revealing a section of her snow-white wrists. The color of the shirt was like a lotus flower just blooming in a lotus pond, elegant and pure. A silver chain hung down her flat chest, and a jade peace buckle on the chain swayed gently with her breathing. She was shy and timid, with a faint blush on her fair face, and every move showed the gentleness and dignity of an old-fashioned woman. She folded her hands on her knees, sat upright, and listened to her mother quietly.

"Although Marshal Xie's parents are gone, the elders of the Xie family value offspring the most." The third concubine looked at Zheng Wanqing meaningfully, "I asked Master Zhang of the Yun Temple to read Qingyi's horoscope..."

When Zheng Qingyi heard her mother's words, the tips of her ears instantly turned red like ripe cherries, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the corners of her clothes.

"Bang!" Zheng Yuheng stood up suddenly, and the chair behind him fell to the ground. He opened his eyes wide and glared at the third concubine: "Third concubine, be careful with your words!" He was so angry that his chest heaved violently and his hands clenched into fists.

Ye Qiulan also frowned, with a reproachful tone: "Zhang, you... Qingyi is just how old."

"She'll be sixteen in a few days." The third concubine said slowly, as if the proposal just now was just a common thing. "If it were you, I would say that instead of asking the Xie family to find an outsider, it would be better... After all, she's a family member, so it's better to have someone to take care of her."

"Nonsense!" Zheng Shaoqi slammed his ivory chopsticks on the table. The sound was particularly loud in the silent hall. "It is not our turn to interfere in the affairs of the Xie family."