Upon hearing this, Chang Yue's heart tightened instantly, filled with tension and confusion. Out of girlish shyness, she dared not ask further. Su Yushan asked curiously:

“Why is it inappropriate? They are about the same age and both Han Chinese. I think they are quite well-matched. Does Demin have some bad habits? Is he not worthy of being entrusted with something?”

But Hongli said, "Demin has no problem, but his family has been arranging blind dates for him. A few days ago, I heard from Li Yu that his family has taken a liking to a girl, and Demin has no objection. It seems that they are already preparing to get engaged."

Oh? What a coincidence! Demin is getting engaged? Su Yushan immediately looked at Chang Yue, but seeing her gloomy expression and apparent disappointment, Su Yushan decided to try again for her.

“You know Demin’s personality best. He’s clueless about romance. Marriage is just a formality for him. He won’t refuse anyone you propose to him. Maybe his family has their eye on that girl, but he might not actually like her. He’s only reluctantly agreeing because of his family’s authority. Why don’t you ask him again and see what he thinks?”

Chang Yue, however, was unwilling to force the issue, feeling that it was inappropriate to do so. "They are about to get engaged, so let's not break up their marriage! This servant doesn't care."

“I didn’t say I wanted to break them up, I just asked Fourth Master to ask. If Demin also likes that girl, then so be it. If he doesn’t like her, Fourth Master can arrange another marriage for him, and I don’t think he will refuse.”

In Su Yushan's view, if you like someone, you should try your best. Even if you don't succeed in the end, at least you tried and won't have any regrets.

Chang Yue did harbor a sliver of hope in her heart, and after hesitating for a moment, she acquiesced, "Everything is up to the Princess and the Fourth Prince to decide."

Hongli was too lazy to meddle in other people's business, but since it was Yushan's wish, he would help her out.

When he had a free moment, he called Demin into his study and casually asked, "Has your marriage been arranged yet? If not, I'll introduce you to a good girl."

Demin cupped his hands in thanks and replied, "Thank you, Fourth Master, but my marriage is already arranged."

"Oh? What do you think of that girl? Do you like her?"

"I've only met her once, so I can't say whether I like her or not, but I just think she's one of the more pleasing to the eye I've ever met."

Just because he finds her pleasing to the eye? He's so casual! Hongli shook his head and sighed with a smile, "Since you want to get engaged, then I won't worry about it."

Having received instructions from his master early in the morning, Li Yu deliberately spoke up, "May I ask if you dare to ask, Fourth Master, which young lady did you originally intend to betroth to Demin?"

Hongli then said, "Chang Yue, the maidservant beside Yu Shan."

Li Yu then asked Demin, "Which of the girls you've chosen, Chang Yue or the other, is more pleasing to the eye?"

Demin didn't have any particular feelings about women. "Everything is fine. I am very grateful for Fourth Master's kindness. However, my mother has already found a matchmaker and said that she will formally propose marriage in three days. It seems inappropriate for me to go back on my word."

Demin's attitude was unclear. Hongli could have forced the marriage, but Yushan had instructed that as long as Demin did not agree, he could not force her, since she did not want to deliberately break up other people's marriages.

Since Demin currently showed no intention of choosing Changyue, Hongli stopped interfering and let him get engaged to someone else.

Upon learning the result, Su Yushan felt quite disappointed and sighed apologetically:

“I had originally planned to match you two up, but your mother fell and injured her back, and has been bedridden ever since. I saw that you were worried about your mother’s condition, so I didn’t bring it up. Now that your mother’s condition has improved and she can get out of bed and walk around, I was thinking of helping you make arrangements, but I didn’t expect Demin to be engaged.”

Even though they weren't officially engaged, Demin didn't choose her, which proved that he didn't have feelings for her. Although Changyue felt regret, she also felt that this might have been destined.

"I am very grateful for Your Highness's kindness, but alas, we are not destined to be together. It is fate, and I cannot blame anyone. I am fine, Your Highness, please do not worry."

Yunfang chimed in, "It's just a man! It's no big deal if you miss out. There are plenty of good men in the world. I heard from Li Yu that there are quite a few guards in our household who are interested in Sister Changyue!"

Su Yushan emphasized, "There are indeed many people who like Chang Yue, but they have to be reliable."

Yunfang smiled and said, "I asked Li Yu which guard was the most reliable, and he said that Yun Song was the most reliable. He has no ulterior motives and doesn't frequent brothels."

"Yun Song? You mean the new guard?"

The guards who had been protecting Huatang Pavilion had let Eunuch Xu in without permission, which enraged Hongli. He dismissed them and replaced them with several new guards. Changyue recognized Yunsong because he was very talkative; every time she came in or out, he would call her "sister," his words were always very sweet.

"He seems to be a year younger than me, practically my younger brother, so it's not appropriate!"

Upon hearing Yunfang's mention, Su Yushan then remembered the guard outside her courtyard. Unlike Demin, he wasn't tall, but he was quite handsome.

In the past, she only thought about Chang Yue's feelings for De Min and didn't pay attention to anyone else. Now that this red thread of fate has broken, Yu Shan should consider whether there are other suitable people in the household for Chang Yue.

"Being a year younger is fine; the key is to look at the person's character and whether you like them."

Chang Yue's heart was set on De Min, but she was too shy and never dared to express it. De Min was also a blockhead, so the two of them never made any progress.

Now that her dream was shattered, Chang Yue didn't say anything on the surface, but she couldn't help feeling a little lost. She had no time to think about anything else.

"Please forgive me, Your Highness, but I don't want to think about matters of the heart for the time being."

Su Yushan understood her feelings and didn't insist. "Alright, let's talk about it later, no rush."

Three days later, Demin was formally engaged. Changyue was depressed, and Li Yu privately reminded Yunsong...

“Our Princess Su was planning to arrange a marriage for Chang Yue. She originally had her eye on De Min, but De Min was already engaged, and now Chang Yue’s marriage has been put on hold. This is a great opportunity, so you should seize it.”

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!