Yinhua was both ashamed and shocked upon hearing this.

I always felt that she was a bit too good for any of them.

She had thought that she would only marry an ordinary farmer in the village.

Grandma Ye looked at her and said, "We've inquired about these families very carefully, and so far, their character seems fine."

Yinhua was unsure: "Which one does Grandma think is better...?"

Grandma Ye said, "They're all quite good. After all, we spent a long time choosing them. Those from wealthy families have their advantages, and those from average families have theirs. Anyway, you won't have a bad life after you marry into one of them."

Yinhua then looked at Erquan: "What do you think, Father?"

Ye Erquan was even more confused: "You make the decision yourself."

Grandma Ye: "Think carefully about what kind of life you want to live."

Yinhua nodded: "I... I'll think about it for a few days."

"good."

Watching Yinhua's departing figure, Old Lady Ye sighed softly. Yinhua was a thoughtful person, and she dared not make decisions for her.

From a group of people interested in marriage, one was chosen from each type: wealthy merchants, noble families, officials, and small business owners. If only small business owners were chosen for her, she might feel looked down upon.

Yinhua was feeling confused, so she decided to go out for a walk.

As soon as she stepped out the gate, she saw Madam Wei rush over and grab her, saying, "Yinhua... I heard your grandmother has arranged a marriage for you! You must marry a nobleman's son! You must!"

Matchmakers have been coming to the door lately, so Mrs. Wei knows that Old Lady Ye is trying to find a husband for Yinhua.

Later, she spent a full two hundred coins to find out from the matchmaker's family which families Yinhua was going to marry.

Mr. Wei was thrilled by what he heard.

Wei's face was gaunt; she clutched the silver flower tightly, as if grasping at the last straw.

“Yinhua, your father is a heartless man, your brother is ruined! Your nephew is an idiot... Your mother can only rely on you now.”

"The eldest son's family was originally the same as ours. You and Jinhua shared a room since you were little and even went to school together. You were originally the same..."

"But now, Ye Xuan has become the top scholar in the imperial examination, and even Jin Hua has married a wealthy merchant and a scholar... Why is that!"

Wei is now in despair.

Although they have no worries about food and drink, it's as if they live in an abyss.

"Waaah... Yinhua, you must live up to your potential! You must make your mother proud! Once you marry into a noble family, you'll be on a higher branch! Even if you can't compare to Jin'er or Huan'er, surely you can at least surpass Jinhua! You must at least outshine Jinhua and prove yourself!"

Yinhua looked at Wei Shi's seemingly deranged appearance, her face turning ashen.

At this moment, one of Ye Daquan's old women rushed out and shoved Wei Shi aside, saying, "Get out of the way, don't hurt my young lady."

As he spoke, he escorted Yinhua home.

Yinhua turned around and saw Wei sitting on the ground, patting her leg and crying, shouting that she would rather not steam buns than lose face.

She understands her mother perfectly!

Because they can't get it, they hysterically want to keep moving forward.

Even though her mother had candles, she could only have candles; but she wanted the moon in the sky.

She climbed desperately, tilting her head back and staring intently at the moon in the sky, jumping with all her might.

She climbed to the top of the peak, trying desperately to reach it, but fell and shattered.

It keeps looping.

Even though her life has surpassed that of many people, even though she eats lavishly every day, dressed in fine clothes and enjoying a life of luxury.

But as long as the moon is in the sky, she will yearn for it, but when she cannot have it, she will feel excruciating pain, weeping, torment, madness, and collapse! And so the cycle continues!

She doesn't want to become like her.

Back in her room, Yinhua pondered her marriage plans.

Wealthy merchants, sons of officials, heirs of noble families, small business owners...

She remembered what she had learned in the Shen family.

She knew why even sons of officials and noble families were eager to marry her; it was simply because they coveted the power of her aunt and uncle.

Throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty, everyone wanted to curry favor with the Imperial Tutor and the Marquis of Dingguo, but unfortunately, they had no way to do so.

And I am that ladder!

Her personality, appearance, and ability to be a good matriarch are all irrelevant.

Besides, she's not bad looking, and being timid makes her easier to talk to.

Marrying her would make him the Imperial Tutor's nephew-in-law, thus establishing a connection with the Shen family.

Even if they don't get a real promotion or title, they can use this identity to enter the Shen family's circle, ensuring the stability of their family's official position or to obtain something else.

Of course, what Grandma said is right.

Regardless of whether others are taking advantage of her or what their reasons are for valuing her, as long as she marries into the family, she will live a good life.

When they were taking classes at the Shen family home, the female teacher told them that marriage was actually an exchange of interests.

A ladder also has its value.

As long as my aunt and uncle remain in power, I can live a stable life.

Then all those years of resentment can finally take flight.

But she remembered what Huan'er and Grandma had told her last time. She also remembered a banquet many years ago, though she couldn't recall which one.

Back then, Sister Man, Jin Hua, Xiao Yan, Jin'er, and Huan'er were all gathered in the room talking, while I sat to the side, unable to get a word in edgewise, and could only sit there awkwardly smiling.

She's in that circle, yet it seems like she isn't.

If she had chosen a government official, a noble family, or a wealthy merchant family, she would likely have lived this kind of life.

They live a life of high status, yet feel so inferior that they can't fit in.

She clearly occupies that position, and her family treats her with great respect, but because of her cautious and timid nature, she can't establish herself properly.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!