How many matters. Talking and laughing.

"In theory, Xiao Yi was born into nobility as a royal descendant, naturally distinguished, but reality was quite different.

Tai'an City was the capital of the Great Zhou, where the aristocrats were numerous; you couldn't stop someone in the city without encountering someone of high rank.

Furthermore, over these years since Xiao Yi's grandfather, Xiao Pojun, had passed away, the Xiao family had declined considerably. In Tai'an City, they were no longer at the top, their influence waning.

Nevertheless, even with these setbacks, Xiao Yi was born in a position most could only dream of touching in their lifetimes. As long as he stayed clear of conflicts, he could lead a carefree life.

This time, Xiao Yi's return to the capital held two primary objectives.

First, to celebrate his grandmother, the venerable Lady Xiao's ninetieth birthday. Second, to discuss marriage proposals.

Lady Xiao's reputation was known throughout Tai'an City; she had even followed her husband, General Xiao Pojun, onto the battlefield, displaying as much valor as any man. After General Xiao's passing, it was largely her presence that preserved the Xiao family's status.

Xiao Yi held deep respect for Lady Xiao, recognizing her as an extraordinary woman. Throughout the years, despite his absence from Tai'an City due to his cultivation since the age of seven or eight, they exchanged letters and kept in touch, her inquiries warm and caring. She had shed many tears in secret, fearing for his well-being.

Now that Xiao Yi had achieved success in his cultivation, it was only natural for him to return.

As for the marriage proposal, in a previous era, the Duke of Jiang, Jiang Shentong, had a close friendship with Xiao Yi's grandfather, General Xiao Pojun. They had arranged a marriage, but due to both parties having sons, the plan had been shelved.

In the year of Zhen Guan, when General Xiao was critically ill, Duke Jiang, still cherishing the old friendship, once again proposed a marriage pact. Their eldest sons would be married to each other. General Xiao readily agreed.

At that time, Duke Jiang's eldest son, Jiang Ancheng, already had three sons, and his wife, Lady Jiang, was already several months pregnant. Meanwhile, Xiao Yuntian, Xiao Yi's father, was well-known but still unmarried.

Subsequently, Lady Jiang gave birth to a daughter, Jiang Qiongyao, who was almost three years older than Xiao Yi. Jiang Qiongyao's name had become well-known in recent years, even reaching Xiao Yi's ears in Qingping County, where he resided in his ancestral home.

From a young age, her extraordinary beauty had led the Mistress of the Taiyin Palace to personally take her as a disciple. From there, she soared to prominence, entering the Sea and Mountain Realm at the age of ten and achieving the Fuyao Realm at nineteen. Wielding the legendary Ice Crystal Sword, she had become a renowned figure, earning the title of the Ice Crystal Sword Immortal, a prominent prodigy in the world.

However, despite their families' ties, the Jiangs hadn't dishonored or looked down on the Xiaos. Xiao Yi, compared to Jiang Qiongyao, seemed to pale in comparison in the eyes of the world.

So no matter what happened during this visit to Duke Jiang's mansion, Xiao Yi had his expectations.

Seeing Xiao Yi lost in thought, Biyuan reached for the teapot and poured him a cup of tea. She handed it to him while saying, "Young Master, are you troubled by Lady Jiang?"

Xiao Yi accepted the cup, took a sip, and wasn't surprised at Biyuan's words. After all, she had been with him for five or six years and knew most of his circumstances quite well.

Seeing Xiao Yi's silence, Biyuan blinked her big eyes and spoke with a hint of curiosity, "In my eyes, Young Master is like a celestial being from the heavens, a perfect match for Lady Jiang."

Xiao Yi's gaze shifted and he looked at Biyuan with an amused expression, making her blush and her eyes dart away.

"Master!"

Biyuan was blushing and a bit annoyed, saying, "Young Master, are you worried that Lady Jiang will no longer want me once you're married to her?"

Xiao Yi chuckled, put down the teacup, and rubbed Biyuan's head gently.

"How could I not want someone as beautiful as you, Biyuan? Besides, Jiang Qiongyao and I only have a tenuous connection. Whether we end up together is uncertain; maybe she won't even be interested in me."

Hearing this, Biyuan pouted, her lips curling, and she didn't want to pay any more attention to Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi didn't tease Biyuan further. Though he had known her for five or six years, she had grown up during that time and developed her own girlish sensibilities.

"Young Master, are you planning to marry Lady Jiang as soon as you return?"

Biyuan looked at Xiao Yi, curious about his intentions.

Xiao Yi shook his head with a wry smile, put down the teacup, and rubbed Biyuan's little head.

"I'm only seventeen, Biyuan. Let's talk about it in a few years."

"Really, Young Master?"

"Of course not."

Biyuan was annoyed by his answer, and her lips pouted as she said, "Young Master, no one could possibly not want you, especially compared to Lady Jiang."

"Haha, don't say that, Biyuan. If someone hears you, I might be in trouble."

Biyuan muttered under her breath, "That's true."

Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile.

In his previous life and this one, it was the first time he had discussed marriage. He felt a complex mixture of emotions.

Feeling fatigued from the long journey, Xiao Yi couldn't help but reminisce. He lifted the curtain, letting in the cool breeze.

It was February, the chill had yet to completely fade, but the breeze was gentle rather than biting. It refreshed the spirit, without stirring up any deeper emotions.

The young man driving the carriage noticed the change and turned to Xiao Yi, respectfully saying, "Young Master."

Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, saying, "No need to be so formal, Tie Feng."

Then he added, "We've been in the carriage for a while; let's enjoy the breeze."

Tie Feng understood Xiao Yi's character and didn't need to remain overly solemn. With a slight smile on his square face, he replied.

Xiao Yi, who was only seven or eight years old when he left with Tie Feng for Tai'an City, was now almost seventeen. Nearly a decade had passed, and he couldn't help but wonder if Tai'an City was still the same as he remembered.

Biyuan rolled her eyes at Xiao Yi, her hand reaching out to smooth his furrowed brow, saying in an annoyed tone, "Young Master, you're still young, why do you act like an old man, all serious and melancholic."

Xiao Yi grabbed Biyuan's small hand, smiling as he said, "Alright, let's not talk about this."

Biyuan, with blushing ears, withdrew her hand and turned away, feeling both shy and happy.

Seeing Xiao Yi remain silent for a long time, Biyuan turned back around, blinked her big eyes, and with a sweet voice, asked, "Young Master, are you worried about Lady Jiang?"

Xiao Yi, taking the cup, took a sip and wasn't surprised. After all, Biyuan had been with him for five or six years and was well aware of most of his circumstances.

Seeing Xiao Yi's silent contemplation, Biyuan blinked and asked curiously, "In my eyes, Young Master is like a celestial being from heaven, a perfect match for Lady Jiang."

Xiao Yi's gaze shifted as he looked at Biyuan with an amused expression, causing her cheeks to flush and her eyes to dart away.