"Oh, what a young girl! What kind of talk do you have?"

Second Madam Lou scolded her, but she couldn't help but smile. "I was wondering, why haven't you come yet? It's already the fifth day of the new year.

Your father is shy. Although we're fellow disciples, we're now superiors and subordinates. If he doesn't come, it's okay for us to take the initiative and pay him a visit..."

Lingshuang, however, was different from them. She was focused solely on her marriage.

"He's here to celebrate his New Year's Eve. What's it got to do with us? I don't need to see him."

She stood up to leave, but Xianyue held her back, pinning her to her seat.

Compared to her anxiety about the Zhao family, Second Madam Lou, though she often scolded them for making fun of Cheng Yun's "Lord of the Bamboo," was actually quite confident about her future son-in-law. Even her tone was quite arrogant.

"Meet! Why not?

We're family friends. Our two families have been friends since Cheng Yun was still a baby. We've watched him grow up. As scholars would say, this is a close relationship.

Cheng Yun almost acknowledged me as his godmother. Why would he avoid suspicion? Not just Lingshuang, but all three of you go. Let's meet each other and spend the afternoon chatting."

She acted immediately, urging the three sisters to change into their attire for the reception. She also chose a deep red, long-sleeved gown with a python pattern, smoothed her peony bun, and donned a full set of gold and ruby eadpieces. Looking very impressive, she took the three sisters to meet the guests.

Sure enough, Madam Cheng had been waiting in the main hall with Cheng Yun for a long time. Old Madam Lou was personally receiving them, accompanied by Third Lady Lou, who sat at the table of honor.

On seeing them arrive, they quickly stood up and exchanged greetings. The housekeeper set off firecrackers, adding to the lively atmosphere.

"Logically, we're sisters, and I should have come to see you long ago. It's a shame I've been so busy this New Year, and so many things have held me back. Don't blame me, sister..." Mrs. Cheng, who loved to joke, laughed as she bowed.

"Of course not! You're rushing over to pay New Year's greetings on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. It's such a show of filial piety. I love you so much..." Second Madam Lou immediately started joking too, reaching out to touch her face.

"Ha, don't be so proud. You're only benefiting from the old lady's kindness this year. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to pay you New Year's greetings on the fifth day of the first lunar month."

Madam Cheng, unfazed, tugged at Second Lady Lou's dress, jokingly saying, "Look at you, dressed so festively! If I didn't know your age, I'd have thought you were some newlywed.

You're so dignified! Your daughter's marriageable age is almost here, and you've taken so long to get dressed. I've even had two cups of tea waiting..."

Amidst the lively chatter, Cheng Jun stood elegantly behind them, his hands hanging down. These days, scholars all wore colorful robes, which only accentuated his slender figure, handsome features, and naturally good temper.

He was polite. The room was filled with women, so he didn't dare glance at anything else. He only stole a glance at Ling Shuang. His eyes met hers, and he blushed with embarrassment.

The two hadn't seen each other in five or six years. Although they had grown up, they still saw traces of their childhood.

They met in Yangzhou. Cheng Yun's father and Mr. Lou Sanye were both Jinshi (imperial scholar) graduates from the same imperial examination. Both were exiled to Yangzhou and served in the same government office, even living next door to each other.

They grew up together as children. Cheng Yun was the Cheng family's only son, only half a year older than Ling Shuang.

As a child, Ling Shuang was much more playful than the boys, with a strong personality and a bit of a bully, leading the group everywhere. Cheng Yun, with his gentle personality, was often bullied by her.

But when she was nice, she was truly kind. She only bullied Cheng Yun herself. When others teased him about being spoiled, she would stand up for him.

She would also play with him, climbing trees to catch birds, fishing in the river, and taking boats to pick lotus pods. She would lie on the bow of the boat, covering her face with lotus leaves as she slept, as if she had been asleep forever.

Six years ago, Cheng Yun's father was promoted and left Yangzhou, returning to the capital. They were only in their teens at the time, and Cheng Yun was heartbroken.

Madam Cheng and Second Lady Lou were close friends, often sending gifts from the capital. The two fathers also exchanged letters.

Cheng Jun followed suit, rambling on about his experiences in the capital. Later, as he grew older, he felt it was inconvenient to keep using his real name.

He began calling himself "Lord of the Bamboo," and Lingshuang "Guest under the Forest." His letters were all about poetry and reading.

One day, Xianyue caught a glimpse of him, and after a few jokes, the nickname "Lord of the Bamboo" spread, becoming a household nickname.

Although they weren't engaged, the adults, seeing the situation, had already assumed they were a couple, and an engagement was only a matter of time.

Even Second Lady Lou herself lamented that of her daughters, Lingshuang had the most eccentric personality, completely unlike a girl. She acted recklessly and lawlessly, and she'd done plenty of things, like the one that had recently broken into the ancestral hall.

In any other family, she'd be worried about not being able to marry, but this child was blessed with Cheng Yun, a perfect match for her.

Besides, they're family acquaintances, so she doesn't have to worry about Madam Cheng restricting her if she marries him.

It's truly providential.Therefore, she wasn't as strict with Ling Shuang as she was with Qingyun and Xianyue. She knew she had a stable home, so it was okay for her to let off some steam now and then, as long as she didn't cause any major trouble.

Sure enough, today, after exchanging pleasantries, Madam Cheng immediately looked at the four girls. She first took Qingyun and Xianyue to look at them, praising them, and finally, she took Ling Shuang and said with a smile, "This is Ling Shuang, right? You've truly grown into a beauty.

Remember Aunt Cheng? When I was little, I carried you everywhere. Whenever anyone asked, I'd say she was my daughter. Aunt Cheng had always wanted a daughter. If only I could have one as pretty and sensible as you, that would be perfect."

"How could I be sensible? I'm still as playful as ever. I don't even call out to anyone I see," Second Madam Lou said modestly. Ling Shuang remained respectful in front of others, bowing obediently and saying, "Aunt Cheng, Happy New Year! I wish you all the best."

Madam Cheng smiled and looked her over. Cheng Jun, standing behind her, was embarrassed and didn't know what to do.

Madam Cheng tugged on his arm, and he emerged. His ears flushed red, he saluted everyone and even greeted Ling Shuang. Everyone burst into laughter, and even Xianyue was practically limp.

"Why isn't Third Brother Cheng here?" Second Madam Lou asked.

"He went out to pay New Year's greetings. The hunting grounds will open in a few days, and all those officials in Beijing will be attending.

They're all talented young men. Although we don't have a daughter, it's still fun to join in the fun. Someone like Second Brother Lou, with a daughter, naturally wants to go," Madam Cheng said with a smile.

"No, I was talking about him today. He's been back in Beijing for half a month, and I still don't hear a word. He's lost contact with all his old friends, teachers, and friends. He has no idea what's going on outside, or what banquets are being held. If not for himself, he should at least consider his daughter..." Second Madam Lou complained.

"That's easy. Second Brother Lou is a scholar, not very sociable. From now on, if he needs anything, he can just go with our man."

As they were talking, Second Master Lou returned, and everyone exchanged greetings once more.

Master Lou, holding his pipe, studied Cheng Yun for a moment, then said with a smile, "Have you made any progress in your studies, Yun?"

"You just passed the imperial examination. Why are you still looking at this year's list?"

Mrs. Cheng smiled, looking at Cheng Yun as if remembering something.

Cheng Yun's face flushed. Madam Cheng nudged him, and he finally pulled something out of his sleeve. It was a scroll of essays, which he presented to Master Lou with both hands: "Some homework, please, Uncle Lou, proofread it."

Mrs. Lou, seeing they were talking about essays, took Madam Cheng to the side hall for tea.

Qingyun and Xianyue left first, only to find Lingshuang following them.

"Why don't you talk more with your Zhuzhongjun..." Xianyue laughed at her.

"If you're not afraid of a fight, go ahead and joke around," Ling Shuang threatened her. "I wonder if you'll even want to sleep tonight."

"How can this be a joke? This is serious business," Xian Yue said with a smile. "I think Cheng Jun has really blossomed. Pretty, though a little shy. Tao Ran, what do you think of Young Master Cheng compared to Zhao Jing?"

Not only Ling Shuang, but Qing Yun also blushed. "You never say a word of truth."

But despite her annoyance, Qing Yun stayed put, clearly wanting to hear Tao Ran's opinion. The three of them, all living in seclusion, had never actually met Zhao Jing. They had only heard of his great reputation, but they were also worried that the Zhao family's wealth might breed a frivolous young man.

"Hey, this isn't Cheng Yun's..."

"Yes," Ling Shuang said calmly.

As soon as Cheng Yun left, she went to her father's house to retrieve Cheng Yun's homework. The Cheng family had high hopes for Cheng Yun, and the teachers they hired were all excellent, with beautiful handwriting, reflecting the person's personality. They also exchanged letters, so Xianyue recognized him immediately.

"Hey, Dad really indulges you. I'm showing you everything." Xianyue said coquettishly, "Alright, Mom loves Qingyun, Dad loves you, and no one wants me anymore."

Ling Shuang ignored her, so Xianyue had to lean over to the side and examine it for a while, unable to make out anything. "How's the article? Is there a top scholar's wife who can write it for you?"

"Not bad, but a little pedantic." Ling Shuang put the article aside and said calmly, "He's always been a bit clueless."

Xian Yue sensed her mood. After taking off her shoes and climbing into bed and turning off the lights, as they slept side by side, she put her arm around Ling Shuang's shoulders and asked, "Third Brother, I'm going to ask you something serious. Answer me honestly: Do you like Cheng Jun or not?"

"What if I like him? What if I don't?" Ling Shuang's interest was completely drained.

"That's right. If you like Cheng Yun, I'll take care of Yuzhu and Bizhu for you, and you can marry into the Cheng family safely.

If you don't like her, just abandon Cheng Yun. I'll take care of your parents, and you can happily go find your ideal husband. There are so many princes and nobles in the capital, you won't have trouble finding one you're willing to marry."

"After all, you have to get married eventually?" Ling Shuang said calmly. "Why should women marry into other families while men can live peacefully in their own homes forever?"

"It's okay if you don't marry? Then you can find a son-in-law. Dad loves you so much, so it's not impossible."

"If I find a son-in-law, what about Tanxue? Will she get married?" Ling Shuang asked.

Xianyue was stunned for a moment.

"Then I really don't understand what you're going to do. This doesn't work, and that doesn't work. Are you going to cut your hair and become a nun?"

"I'd love to be a nun, but I'm afraid Mother would kill me," Ling Shuang said.

"Stop joking." Xianyue thought she was joking, patted her hands, and said, "Stop talking nonsense, go to sleep quickly, you have to go to the Spring Festival banquet at Princess Wen's house tomorrow."