Chapter 537: 537: Apologizing with a Smile

“Please come in,” Qiao Xiaomai tilted her body, inviting Zhang Family and Zhu Hongyun inside.

As they sat down under the willow tree, she washed a few peaches and placed them on the table. The large, pinkish-white peaches looked quite appetizing. Xiaomai smiled and said, “Please try some. These were a gift from His Highness Wei yesterday. He brought them from the Capital City. They’re very sweet.”

His Highness Wei.

Upon hearing these four words, both Zhang Family and Zhu Hongyun revealed a moment of respect in their gaze towards the peaches.

“Xiaomai, are you close with His Highness Wei?” Zhang Family carefully picks up a peach. The fruit felt soft as she cautiously peeled it, making conversation.

Zhu Hongyun too reached out for one, and silently began peeling and eating.

Xiaomai laughed, “Somewhat. His Highness Wei has a love for fine food. He doesn’t mind my humble culinary skills so we often see each other.”

“You are being too modest. Your cooking skills are top-notch!” Zhang Family gave Xiaomai a thumbs-up.

Xiaomai chuckled, her eyes then shifted to the pieces of cloth on the table. Pretending to know nothing, she asked with a hint of confusion, “What are these for, Auntie?”

“Uh…” Zhang Family paused the peeling and hesitantly asked, “You’ve turned fifteen this year, haven’t you?”

“In a month,” said Xiaomai.

“That’s not young anymore. Back in our hometown, you would be of marriageable age.” Zhang Family circled around the polite conversation, her face flushing red. Unable to articulate her thoughts, she decided to be directly straightforward.

“Among the youth around here, capable of matching you, suitable for you, could only be my son, Sanlang.”

Upon hearing this, Xiaomai’s smile faded slightly.

She did not respond, her bright eyes simply stared quietly at Zhang Family.

The peach in Zhang Family’s hand was fully peeled, but under Xiaomai’s gaze, she didn’t dare to eat it.

Reminded of her previous inappropriate attitude, Zhang Family began to feel flustered. Shifting her gaze, she avoided eye contact with Xiaomai, “Even though my family has fallen, Sanlang is a fine man. When choosing a husband, one should not solely consider family background, but also the man’s ambition.”

“Sanlang is indeed ambitious. He studies every day and also hunts in the mountains. He presents himself well and is good at heart.”

“Auntie is just speaking the truth. Look, If you think he’s suitable, shall we decide on this marriage?”

Xiaomai looked at Zhang Family, waiting until she was done speaking before her lips turned up into a smile, her face undeniably polite, “Auntie, Sanlang is excellent, I am aware. However, marriage is a big deal, we need to consider all factors.”

Zhang Family pondered over these words, dissecting each word then assembled them. After a while, she finally understood that Xiaomai was acknowledging Sanlang’s qualities.

But she needs to consider other factors.

What could these other factors be?

After some thought, she carefully ventured, “Xiaomai, even though my family are descendants of some king, the senior emperor said that our future will not be affected. We will just be an ordinary family, just like the rest, living a peaceful common life.”

Upon hearing this, Xiaomai still wore the same polite smile.

Zhang Family couldn’t help but exchange a glance with Zhu Hongyun, wondering what else needs to be taken into consideration?