Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi welcomed Shen Liu at the front gate and escorted him into the front hall to sit. Today, the Lian Family invited only Shen Liu, and Shen Liu arrived alone with a few attendants; even Lian Shenqian was not brought along. Once seated in the hall, both sides exchanged pleasantries as the attendants served tea and fruit.

Because Shen Liu was different from others, Lian Shouxin sent someone to inform the backyard. Soon, Lian Manman and Lady Zhang were both dressed and came out to pay their respects to Shen Liu.

Shen Liu wore an indigo robe with silver patterns today, with a jade belt around his waist. He did not accept Lady Zhang’s salute but stood up politely to refuse.

Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, and Lady Zhang were somewhat surprised privately. Shen Liu, being a guest today, seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood, with a particularly gentle demeanor. This wasn’t unusual since Shen Liu had always been kind to them. The strange thing was that Shen Liu, in terms of etiquette today, presented himself very humbly.

Wu Lang, being more perceptive, recalled that when they welcomed Shen Liu earlier, Shen Liu had also not accepted Lian Shouxin’s salute. Although Shen Liu has always been courteous to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, it was the first time he completely refused to accept their greetings.

There must be a reason for Shen Liu’s behavior. Wu Lang instinctively glanced quickly at Lian Manman, vaguely guessing something in his mind.

Lian Manman knew in her heart that Shen Liu’s visit today, ostensibly to attend a drinking party and watch a play, was actually about proposing marriage to Lian Shouxin. Naturally, she did not stay long in the front hall, and after the salute, she returned to the backyard, sitting in Lady Zhang’s room, focusing on organizing the banquet.

"Did Master Shen Liu encounter some joyous event?" Lady Zhang suddenly said.

"What?" Lian Manman was startled.

"I noticed Master Shen Liu’s complexion is quite different from usual today. He must have encountered some great happiness. It’s obvious at a glance." Lady Zhang explained.

"Oh." Lian Manman thought that if Lady Zhang could see this, then certainly others had noticed as well. Master Shen Liu, usually a person who does not show his emotions, now seemed to have joy radiating from within.

"I just wonder what joyous event it is." Lady Zhang seemed genuinely curious and continued speaking to Lian Manman, "Manman, have you heard any news?"

Lady Zhang’s words made Lian Manman a bit cautious, causing a slight discomfort on her face.

"I mean, you’re more perceptive than I am. If there’s something I can’t see, you should be able to notice the signals." Lady Zhang said.

"Oh." Lian Manman responded ambiguously and didn’t say much.

Lady Zhang was somewhat puzzled by her daughter’s distraction today, when Lian Shouxin sent someone over again.

"Master says, please invite Madame to the front to have a word." The little maid reported.

"For me to come to the front, did he say what it was about?" Lady Zhang asked. Such an occurrence hadn’t happened in their family before. Even when discussing matters, they would usually call Lian Manman as well.

"Nothing specific was said,... the maid was at the Second Gate to deliver the message." The little maid said.

"Mother, you should go then. I’ll handle things here." Lian Manman said.

"Alright." Lady Zhang said, and stood up, taking several maids with her to the front.

Soon, Lady Zhang returned.

Seeing Lady Zhang’s expression, Lian Manman knew that Shen Liu had already mentioned the proposal.

Lady Zhang’s face was slightly flushed, her steps a bit unsteady, and her hands trembled slightly. Lian Manman had seen Lady Zhang like this before and knew she was nervous. Lady Zhang had shown this expression during Lian Zhizhi’s marriage, when Lian Shouxin got his government position, when Wu Lang passed the exam, and when Xiao Qi became a scholar.

"Manman, your father just told me that Master... Master Shen Liu... came to propose." Lady Zhang sat down after entering the room, took a breath, and immediately dismissed the attendants in the room before speaking to Lian Manman.

"Oh..."

"Master Shen Liu wants to marry you..." Lady Zhang continued.

"Oh..." Lian Manman responded again, lowering her head slightly.

Lady Zhang observed Lian Manman for a while. Although she was not particularly astute, she vaguely guessed something from Lian Manman’s attitude at this moment.

"Your father called me over, told me this, and asked me to return to you and see if you agree." Lady Zhang said.

"Master Shen Liu proposed, but my father didn’t agree?" Lian Manman was slightly surprised, lifting her head to ask.

"Master Shen Liu proposed, but your father didn’t agree yet. Isn’t it necessary to first ask for your opinion?" Lady Zhang explained. This matter was something the couple had long promised to their children, and even though the one proposing was Shen Liu, they still wanted to hear Lian Manman’s own opinion first. "This is a lifelong decision for you, how can your father and I make it without your approval? You need to decide for yourself... We’ve said this before, all the siblings were given this choice."