Talented girl wants to marry?

Luo Nian assisted the elderly lady in taking her seat on the prominent chair in the hall. The elderly lady, smiling, nodded at everyone and said, "Thank you all for coming. Please, have a seat."

Before anyone could settle down, a family member hurriedly entered, saying, "Reporting to the honored guests, the Emperor has bestowed a birthday couplet—"

Before he could finish, a high-pitched voice at the door began singing, "Madam Luo's grand birthday, Emperor's congratulations, ten Eastern pearls, one hundred gold taels, and a thousand pieces of silk."

A young eunuch in a yellow robe, holding the imperial edict, entered the hall. The Luo family members quickly knelt down, expressing their gratitude loudly, "Thank you for the Emperor's grace."

The young eunuch positioned himself at the front of the hall and announced, "For this edict, the Emperor specifically instructed not to kneel on the occasion of the venerable elder's 70th birthday. Today, Madam is blessed with seventy years of life, a great fortune bestowed upon our Great China. The Emperor personally wrote a birthday couplet, which is presented to the venerable elder."

Receiving a couplet from the Emperor was a significant honor, and the people in the hall couldn't help but admire. Luo Min raised the couplet high, revealing golden characters: "Crane extends life for a thousand years, pine's age remains youthful through all eternity."

Luo Min quickly ordered it to be framed and hung, thanking the young eunuch. Only then did everyone dare to take their seats. The generous gifts and the Emperor's couplet made the elderly lady glow with happiness.

Approaching the elderly lady, Luo Min knelt and respectfully said, "Child wishes Mother good health and a long life, with blessings flowing endlessly."

His children, Hai Ning and Luo Yuan, knelt behind their father, expressing, "Grandson wishes Grandmother everlasting youth and a crane's life for a thousand years." The elderly lady joyfully nodded and exclaimed, "Children, please rise."

In ancient times, the ritual of offering birthday wishes was meticulous. After Luo Min and his children paid their respects, it was the turn of the guests. Madam Luo's 70th birthday was a significant occasion, attracting numerous flattering individuals. The order of offering wishes was based on official ranks. Cheng De, with a dark complexion, took the lead.

In the hall, everyone paid their respects, but the Lord Prefect of Jinling, Hou Yuebai, remained seated. He wore a smile, and Lin Wanrong, who had observed their interactions, found it amusing. The guests included the Prefect of Jinling, a high-ranking official who seemed to be in good spirits.

At the top table, with the Xiao family having no official status, Xiao Yuruo naturally took a meek position. Until the young lady finished paying her respects, Hou Yuebai finally stood up, approached the elderly lady, and respectfully bowed, "Yuebai, on behalf of my father, offers heartfelt wishes for the venerable elder's health, longevity, and prosperity, enduring for generations."

Others bowed in place, but Hou Yuebai walked up to kowtow, a gesture to please Luo Nian.

The elderly lady smiled and said, "Young Master Yuebai, you're too polite. Min, help Young Master Yuebai up." Luo Min, representing his mother, assisted Hou Yuebai, saying, "Nephew, please rise."

Hou Yuebai stood up and said, "I heard that the venerable elder appreciates couplets. Today, on this auspicious occasion, I dare to suggest writing a couplet to express my admiration for the elder's wisdom."

The crowd cheered upon hearing this, understanding that Hou's family intended to conclude the event with a couplet. As most guests were literati, the interest in poetry and couplets was high.

The elderly lady seemed interested, "In that case, young master, please write one. Let this old lady appreciate it." Her words hinted at a refined background, and it was evident that she had cultivated the talents of Luo Min and Luo Nian.

With materials prepared by the attendants, Hou Yuebai paid respects to the elderly lady and glanced at Luo Nian. After a moment's contemplation, he picked up the brush and wrote, "From ancient times, celebrating the rarity of reaching old age, today marks the beginning of joyful remaining years."

This couplet subtly conveyed the significance of reaching an advanced age, impressing the elderly lady. She nodded approvingly, "Young master, your talent is truly admirable. This old lady is sincerely grateful for your couplet today."

Luo Nian, having overheard the conversation, smiled and whispered something to the elderly lady, making her burst into laughter. She then said, "Young master, although I'm just a woman, I also have some skill in couplets. Since you have this interest today, let me propose an upper couplet for everyone's enjoyment."

The concept of the elderly lady proposing a couplet to celebrate her birthday intrigued the guests. The hall buzzed with excitement. While the elderly lady didn't reveal her intentions, there was much speculation. Luo Nian hadn't considered the matter of choosing a son-in-law yet, feeling a mix of shyness and urgency. However, she couldn't help glancing at Lin Wanrong.

After a moment of contemplation, the elderly lady smiled and said, "Today, as you all celebrate my birthday, let my granddaughter, Ninger, also propose a few themes for the young gentlemen here to discuss. What do you think?"

Although the elderly lady's words were discreet, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel that there was a hint of matchmaking involved. He found it somewhat common but distasteful.

Luo Nian, unexpectedly facing this situation, blushed and couldn't help but act coy, "Grandmother..."

The elderly lady patted her hand, "Ninger, you just focus on proposing the themes. Everything else, let your grandmother handle." The words, while not explicitly stating the matchmaking intentions, left room for much speculation. The hall became lively as everyone realized the potential significance of Ninger's proposed themes. The majority of the young gentlemen present were eager to please the elderly lady and Miss Luo.

Observing the unfolding scene, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but find it amusing. The elderly lady's birthday celebration had unexpectedly turned into a subtle stage for potential matchmaking. As everyone pondered the possible themes, Hou Yuebai, who had just presented a couplet, wore a regretful expression. He was likely aware that this event might have significant implications for his future.

The elderly lady, after some thought, chuckled and said, "Ninger, since everyone is here to celebrate my birthday, let me propose an upper couplet for today—'Radiant sun and moon, only the benevolent enjoy longevity.'"

The guests, realizing the potential romantic undertones, erupted in excitement. Hou Yuebai, feeling a bit chagrined, was comforted by the fact that he had presented a couplet earlier. However, the situation had taken an unexpected turn.

Lin Wanrong, witnessing the unfolding events, hesitated. While he had no interest in romantic entanglements, he felt a sense of responsibility to ensure that things didn't escalate. However, he wasn't sure if he

 should intervene, given the delicate nature of the situation.