Mu Xuan looked at Mu Yang and shook her head, saying meaningfully: “Who can be certain about matters of the heart? Yang, do you remember Li Yuantao from the north of the city?”

Hearing the name Li Yuantao, Mu Yang seemed to freeze. He certainly knew her – a commoner woman who topped the imperial exams and married the son of a high official.

At first, the couple was harmonious, but later the husband failed to maintain his male virtues. In the end, after Li Yuantao divorced him, she ended up ruined. The main reason was persecution from her husband’s family. She lost her official position and was obstructed everywhere, passing away in depression after just a few years.

Mu Xuan continued: “Moreover, we are just honest and simple merchants who only know how to do business and make money. We have no power to rely on. If something really happens in the future, we won’t be able to help Yuner.”

“Although marrying into the royal family is a great thing for others, naturally leading to rapid advancement and official success, for your Elder Sister Yuner, I understand her – she doesn’t like being in the imperial court, so it’s clearly of no use.”

“Yuner’s parents have passed away, and now she’s alone in the capital. I had hoped last time when you brought her back to Jinling Prefecture that she would start a family here. Who knew… Now she’s brought Young Master Su. I’m afraid Jingyuan won’t be able to bear it, after all, he’s been waiting for your Elder Sister Yuner all this time.”

At the mention of Tang Jingyuan, Mu Yang slowly spoke: “Actually… just now at the ferry, this Brother Jingyuan was returning from visiting relatives in the north and took the same passenger ship as Elder Sister Yuner. The three of them have already met.”

Ye Cen frowned slightly: “They’ve already met? This… Jingyuan must be heartbroken.”

Tang Mansion.

At this moment, He Mingcheng wore a worried expression as he was feeding the fish in the pond.

After a while, He Mingcheng stared blankly at the swimming fish and asked: “Yuan Xiu, is the young master returning to the mansion today?”

Yuan Xiu replied: “Young master has just returned and is in his bedroom. However, the young master seems to be in a bad mood.”

He Mingcheng’s hand holding the fish food stopped in mid-air as he worriedly asked: “Bad mood? Why is that? Is he feeling unwell?”

Yuan Xiu continued: “I heard from the servants that on the passenger ship the young master took back, he encountered Miss Lu and Young Master Su.”

He Mingcheng’s brows furrowed, a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, then suddenly cleared up. “It’s Shopkeeper Mu’s birthday at the end of this month. Miss Lu must have come to celebrate. I also know a little about Miss Lu and Young Master Su’s affair.”

“I just didn’t expect Miss Lu to really form a connection with the royal family. This time she brought Young Master Su to Jinling Prefecture and even ran into Jingyuan. No wonder the child is upset.”

“But Jingyuan is quite stubborn. He’s been thinking about Miss Lu all this time, turning down many good marriage proposals for her sake. Seeing how much he likes Miss Lu, Madam Mu and I were planning to try matchmaking these two kids again.”

“Who would have thought… Miss Lu sent a letter saying she’s already engaged to Young Master Su. As a father, I’m helpless. Now the child should completely give up on Miss Lu.”

Thinking of this, He Mingcheng’s heart was quite delighted. The corners of his mouth couldn’t help but turn upward as he hurriedly put down the fish food and said: “Let’s go see him, and bring along the new list of names I’ve prepared these days.”

When it was almost time for dinner, Lu Yuner and Su Qingwan went to the Mu mansion and met with Mr. and Mrs. Mu. Ye Cen took Su Qingwan to admire the scenery in the back garden and have a private chat about men’s matters.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuner and Mu Xuan were drinking tea and chatting in the pavilion across from them.

Mu Xuan looked at the figure in the distance, her eyes gradually narrowing, her brows revealing a hint of seriousness. “Yuner, have you thought through your marriage to Young Master Su? This Young Master Su is the son of Princess Yun, his status is quite extraordinary. Once you form a connection with the royal family, the path ahead won’t be easy.”

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Lu Yuner looked towards that familiar figure, the corners of her mouth curling into a faint smile, her clear and transparent eyes calm and determined. “This news of my engagement may have been sudden for Aunt, but please rest assured, I understand the feelings between Young Master Su and myself the best.”

“Young Master Su is very good, he treats me well, needless to say. Aunt, you know me, I always think things through carefully and won’t act rashly, nor will I regret it. You and Uncle can set your minds at ease.”

“If that’s the case, your uncle and I are naturally happy for you.” Mu Xuan turned to look at Lu Yuner, “However, I heard you met Jingyuan?”

Lu Yuner’s eyes flickered as she nodded to her, “Yes.”

Mu Xuan hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully: “Jingyuan is a good child. After all this time, he still hasn’t let go of you. He’s turned down many good marriage proposals for your sake. Now that you’re about to get married, it’s only right that you should talk to him properly.”

Lu Yuner slightly lowered her eyes, “Yes.”

Compared to the serious conversation here, the laughter and chatter in the distance seemed particularly relaxed.

Amidst the cheerful conversation, the corners of Ye Cen’s eyes and brows were tinged with a faint smile as she carefully observed this Young Master Su. The young man’s figure was like bamboo, his eyes clear and transparent, clean and beautiful, like a lotus emerging from water, delicate and charming yet cool and aloof, exuding a faint air of nobility and innocence.

His appearance was truly exquisite and handsome. In his speech, there was no trace of the arrogance typical of young ladies and gentlemen from noble families. Instead, his manners and conduct radiated obedience and modesty.

In this brief interaction, she found herself more and more satisfied.

Ye Cen called out with a smile: “Qingwan, once you marry Yuner, we’ll be family. If she doesn’t treat you well, you can tell Uncle, and Uncle will support you.”

Receiving Uncle’s approval and protection, Su Qingwan felt completely at ease. A momentary blush of embarrassment rose to his face: “Thank you, Uncle. But Elder Sister Yuner really treats me very well. Uncle can rest assured.”

Ye Cen said: “I was a bit worried before, but now seeing how affectionate you two are together, I’m completely at ease. However… for a couple to live together, you need to be down-to-earth. You need to support each other to go the distance.”

Su Qingwan nodded seriously: “Yes, Qingwan will heed Uncle’s teachings.”

Ye Cen glanced at Mu Yang, then beckoned to Su Qingwan, “Come here, Uncle has a gift for you.”