Yang Mengchen went with the flow, "Grandma Qin, good; Sister Chu, good."

"Hey." Old Lady Qin and Sister Chu were very pleased.

"That's right, Grandma Qin, you fainted suddenly due to a deficiency in yin and excess in yang. Later, I'll write a prescription for you. Remember to take it on time. I'll also provide a few medicinal diet recipes for you. With careful nurturing for a period, you should be able to recover completely," Yang Mengchen said gently, "May I ask where Grandma Qin lives? I'll take you back home."

Old Lady Qin slightly lowered her eyelids, her face carrying a tinge of bitterness and helplessness.

Sister Chu sighed, "Ms. Yang might not know, but the old lady and I came to seek refuge with relatives. Alas, the relatives had already moved away, and we have very little money left. Furthermore, the old lady is... we still don't know what to do."

Gazing at them quietly for a moment, Yan Mengchen said with a smile, "If Grandma Qin doesn't mind, you could stay at my house for a while. You can make plans after you've recovered." Although they were dressed simply, their demeanor was extraordinary, especially Grandma Qin who had a hint of nobility between her brows and eyes, likely indicating a non-simple identity.

"Wouldn't that trouble Ms. Yang?" Old Lady Qin was slightly moved, "Would the elders in your family agree?"

Yang Mengchen smiled and said, "Please be assured, Grandma Qin, my family is kind-hearted, they will agree."

With this, the master and servant felt at ease and followed Yang Mengchen back to the Yang family home.

After hearing about Old Lady Qin and her maid's plight from Yang Mengchen, the Yang family all said they were welcome to stay as long as they liked. Madam Yang Zhou personally took the two to a room in the west wing, and Xiao Wanxue even arranged for two maids to serve them.

Under Yang Mengchen's treatment, Old Lady Qin gradually recovered, looking not only revitalized but also younger by several years, nourished by the warm and harmonious atmosphere.

By mid-November, Long Xuanmo returned to The Capital after eradicating the bandits in Changshan Prefecture, but by the end of the month, there was still no news of an imperial marriage decree, leaving the Yang family both relieved and somewhat worried.

One day, after lunch, Yang Chenghong called his brothers to his room to explain his plan.

"A marriage proposal?" The brothers looked at him in surprise.

"Our ninth sister is the pearl of the family; if Prince Chen marries her easily, it would make people undervalue her, and we would feel uncomfortable," Yang Chenghong said with a deeper meaning, "Moreover, it would also show the Emperor that ninth sister is unmatched in her elegance and beauty, and there are many who wish to marry her. It's not just about Prince Chen!"

The brothers had a sudden realization.

The Emperor disliked that their sister came from a peasant family and even blamed her for the faults of Prince Chen and Prince Jing, thinking that she and her family aspired for wealth and honor.

Little did he know that they would rather their sister marry an ordinary man and lead a simple and happy life than marry into the deceitful royal family.

Given that the relationship between their sister and Prince Chen was unclear, their open call for marriage proposals not only could trouble Prince Chen but also take the opportunity to test the Emperor's attitude. That would be much better than leaving the situation hanging in the air, undecided.

In a certain room in the west wing.

"Master, the Yang family brothers are discussing a public marriage proposal for Ms. Yang." Sister Chu had a very good impression of Yang Mengchen after their time together.

"Ms. Yang is a rare good child; it's just a pity for Kunkun..." Old Lady Qin sighed deeply, "Never mind, send someone to deliver a message to Momo right away. Also, I'll send another letter to Kunkun."

"You're not going back to persuade personally?"

"I want to see how Momo will win over Ms. Yang."

Seeing the curiosity and interest on her master's face, Sister Chu couldn't help but smile wryly: after so many years, her master hadn't changed his 'naughty' nature.

The next day, news spread that the brothers were going to hold a grand husband selection for their sister in six days, setting strict criteria, causing an immediate sensation.

Yang Mengchen was stunned when she heard the news, then her lips curved into a slight smile, her dark pupils shimmering like stars.

"Ms. Yang, the Prince is sincere about you, please give the Prince some more time, and he will surely obtain the imperial marriage decree."

Mengchen looked at Mo Mei, who was showing signs of urgency, but said nothing, continuing to bury her head in sorting through the materials.

The news had already been announced, and if she chose to intervene or retract, not only would she fail her brothers' deep intentions, but it would also damage the Yuang family's reputation, something she could never do, because in her heart, her family was more important than anything else.

Mo Mei wanted to persuade her further, but Hai Tang cast her a cold glance, and Lv Luo and Shan Cha promptly escorted Mo Mei out on either side.

On the morning of the husband selection, Mengchen returned home with Hai Tang and the others. Many young men in their twenties had already gathered at the front gate, looking at her as if she were a piece of delectable pastry, with shining eyes.

Seeing Mengchen come back, her brothers' gaze flickered with guilt and concern, for they had made decisions regarding her lifelong happiness without her consent.

"I understand that my brothers are looking out for me," Mengchen said with a smile. "I will go freshen up first, then come back shortly."

The brothers felt a weight lifted from their hearts.

After freshening up, Mengchen went to the living room on the first floor, where Yang Chenghong and Chen Siyuan were already present, a flash of complex emotion flitting through their eyes.

"Ninth sister, Brother Siyuan wishes to speak with you." Yang Chenghong gave Chen Siyuan an encouraging look before standing up and leaving.

Mengchen waved her hand, aware of what Chen Siyuan intended to say. She didn't wish for anyone other than herself to know his feelings, so as not to harm Chen Siyuan's dignity.

Sister Jin and the others then left the living room.

Looking intently and hesitating for a long time at the elegantly graceful and gentle Mengchen, Chen Siyuan finally spoke, "Ninth sister, I... I want to take care of you for a lifetime. I wonder if you would be willing?"

From the moment he first laid eyes on the newly born ninth sister, he had taken a liking to this soft and obedient girl, vowing silently to care and protect her well. Every time he heard her sweetly call him 'Brother Siyuan,' his heart felt sweeter than honey.

He had originally planned to marry her once she came of age, even if she turned out to be foolish or mentally slack, he would have cherished her all the same.

But his family was deceived into a marriage scheme. After finally annulling the arranged marriage, just as Mengchen began to regain her senses, before he could rejoice, she became ever more intelligent and capable, shining like the blazing sun growing brighter by the day, naturally drifting further away from him, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep up with her pace.

Not until Prince Chen fell in love with Mengchen, he knew that Prince Chen's love was genuine, and Mengchen also held Prince Chen in her heart. As long as Mengchen was happy and joyful, even if his heart ached, he was willing to bless her happiness.

He thought he could only silently guard Mengchen for the rest of his life. Yet, now there was this opportunity. He wanted to contend for it, even if the chance was slim, he didn't want to live with regret.

"Brother Siyuan." Whether it was the original host, or her, Chen Siyuan had always genuinely cared for and protected her. It was unknown whether the original host would have accepted Chen Siyuan, but Mengchen felt grateful towards him, and gratitude is not the same as affection: "I understand your feelings."

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