The young master of the Xiao family had been infatuated with Jiang Dashi in his youth, but as time passed, that passion gradually faded away. The young master became more and more dignified and gentle in front of others. Everyone praised the young master for being virtuous and generous, except for the three maids who followed her, including Da Yingtou, who understood that since Yu Niangs passing, and especially after Master Jiang was willing to take Da Yingtou by his side, her heart had died towards him.

  Madam Jiang has been harboring less hatred towards Yu Niang over the past few years than she had imagined. In her heart, Madam Jiang believes that her husband is the best and most capable person in the world. Now, when she mentions the troubles of the two young ladies, she cant help but smile and say: "Husband, let the young lady do as you wish. There will be a good marriage arranged for her." These words touched a sore spot in Madam Jiangs heart, and she spoke softly: "I dont expect her to follow my example in matters of marriage; I only hope that the person she marries is one who makes her happy. Even if they face hardships in the future, at least her heart will be at peace."

  She thought of her own daughter, and a hint of sadness dissipated as she smiled at Mrs. Xiaojiang: "Why should I worry about her for nothing? That troublemaker is too opinionated." The two women chatted enthusiastically when a soft, melodious voice came from outside the room: "Mother, its lucky that I told the servants waiting outside not to let them come in and report. Otherwise, you wouldnt have been able to say behind my back that Im a troublemaker with Mrs. Xiaojiang." Mrs. Xiaojiang listened to the clear, bird-like voice, smiled, and stood up to wait by the side.

  Hong Yiru walked into the room alone, her eyes fell on Xiao Jiangs house, and she smiled as she approached: "Xiao Jiangs mother, can you help me speak a few nice words in front of my mother?" Xiao Jiangs house couldnt help but laugh and said: "Young lady, I do anything or say anything, its impossible to deceive the master and the two ladies."

  Mrs. Jiang Dashao suppressed the joyful smile in her eyes and said to her, "You still dont pull your little Jiang mom over to sit down, she heard your voice and hurriedly stood up to welcome you." Jiang Wanyi heard this and leaned in close to Little Jiangs mom saying, "Little Jiangs mom, did you tell mother about me going to Third Misss place?" Little Jiangs mom nodded calmly towards her.

  Jiang Wan-yi saw Xiao Jiangs calm expression and knew that Yue Xiu hadnt misjudged her. However, seeing things from Xiao Jiangs perspective was always better than others, she would help herself out of trouble. Jiang Wan-yi thought about her loyalty to her mother and couldnt resist teasing her a bit. She deliberately let out a deep sigh, reached out to pull Xiao Jiang down, pressed on her shoulder, shook her head and said: "Xiao Jiang mom, from now on you dont have to be so loyal to my mother. You should remember to take care of me more, when I get married in the future, you can go with me as a dowry."

  Madam Jiang heard this and let out a soft pfft of laughter, scolding in anger: "Shameless. Can you say such things with a straight face? Luckily, the young lady from the Jiang family is not an outsider. Dont think too much about it, I dont want her to follow me through another door, just when were finally going to live a peaceful life. Shes loyal and honest by nature, so lets leave her by my side for me to take care of."

  Listening to the conversation between the mother and daughter, she understood that they were talking about their innermost thoughts. She heard that Mrs. Jiang had already made arrangements for her familys future. With a grateful and tearful expression, she couldnt take her eyes off Mrs. Jiang. Jiang Wan-yi looked at Xiao Jiangs expression and thought of what her mother had said two days ago: "Besides Moon-hsiu and Moon-yin, you should also add a few more people around you."

  Its best if someone like Xiao Jiang has such a temperament, although she may not be clever enough, but she excels in being loyal and devoted to me. Just this one point makes her better than those who are cunning. At least when Im doing things, thinking that theres someone reliable by my side makes me feel at ease." Jiang Wan Yi smiled and glanced at Xiao Jiang, saying to Madam Jiang: "Mother, I wont compete with you for Xiao Jiangs mother, later on Ill choose a few good people myself, and let you envy them."

  Xiao Jiangs family heard this and laughed as she stood up, saying to Madame Jiang Da Shao and Jiang Wan Yi: "Master, young miss, you talk, Ill go take a look." Madame Jiang Da Shao nodded at her, but Jiang Wan Yi deliberately pulled on her sleeves a couple of times before letting go and saying: "Xiao Jiang Mama is telling tales about me in front of Mother, now its not good to keep me company for a while." Xiao Jiangs family heard this and suppressed her smile, nodding and saying: "Yes, Im afraid the young miss will get angry, now Ill go out for a stroll, and when the young miss is no longer angry, Ill come back to listen to your orders."

  After the Jiang family left, Madame Jiangs face sank as she looked at her daughter and said: "Wanyi, tell me what happened today? Why did you go to that damp courtyard on this eve of the new year? You mustnt bring back a damp smell. Fortunately, only the young lady from the Jiang family saw it, and she took a look around without anyone else noticing. Otherwise, if our ancestors found out, they would be greatly disappointed in you."

  Jiang Wan-yi lowered her head slightly and leaned in close to Madame Jiang, saying softly: "Mother, I once heard someone say that so-and-so was handsome, but when I finally saw him, I realized others had exaggerated. A while back, in a letter from home, it mentioned the matter of Lian Siye and that fool. At the time, I thought Lian Siye had some reputation outside, probably because outsiders were intentionally exaggerating. Back then, I thought to myself that the fool was just right for him.

  But today, when I saw him, I found that apart from his name, he was quite handsome and had a smile on his face when talking to people." Jiang Wans small face slowly turned red as she spoke. Madam Jiang looked at her daughters expression and couldnt help but sigh inwardly. Her own daughter was perfect in every way, but when it came to marriage, there were twists and turns everywhere. Those with lower social status couldnt pass the test of their elders. And those with higher social status didnt have any suitable young men of the right age.

  There are three legitimate sons in the Wang family, but unfortunately, the eldest is already engaged and will get married this year. The second son has also been betrothed since childhood and is just waiting for them to come of age before getting married. The youngest one has not been betrothed, but he is two years younger than their own daughter, so he is not a suitable match either. Lian Zi Mo, the young man, had already caught the attention of Madam Jiang. Unfortunately, his birth mother was only a concubine, and he is somewhat unsuitable for their own daughter.

  Jiang Wan-yi looked up at her mothers expression, seeing that there was no obvious anger on her face, and suddenly felt relieved. She thought for a moment and carefully probed: "Mother, I took a look at the gifts he sent to Dazi, theyre all not very good stuff. It seems that he cant disobey his stepmothers orders either. I was just curious for a moment, wanting to see if Dazi has become smarter? I strolled over there and happened to come in and take a look around. As it turned out, Dazi is still Dazi."

  Madam Jiang couldnt help but sigh inwardly when she heard this, thinking that her own daughter was obviously fond of the fourth young master of the Lian family, yet still tried to cover it up in front of her. She thought that since her daughter was still young and at an age where she was prone to infatuations, she would probably forget about him after a few days.

  She smiled and said, "In these years, she has been quiet and obedient, listening and speaking. When you go out, dont call her a fool, you sisters will influence each other in marriage. You wont go to see her again, and let the old ancestors and family members know, everyone will not be happy at that time." Jiang Wan Yi nodded obediently and said, "Yes, I wont go again."

  A friend recommended a novel called "Anfu Zunrong", which tells the story of a woman who travels back in time to ancient times and lives a life of wealth and honor.