I served as Li Bai's page.

After the reunion dinner, Madam Meng said she wanted to rest for a while and asked Young Master Meng to accompany her to her room.

I called Li Bai and we went to the Meng family garden, where we strolled slowly along the pond.

"Young Master, I need to tell you something, and you must do as I say."

"What's the matter? Why are you so serious? As long as it's not illegal, I'll agree to anything."

"Young Master, Old Madam Meng wants to act as a matchmaker for you. You must agree and not offend her."

"I can't agree to that. I will never marry anyone but Xiaofeng in this lifetime. It's just a pity that Xiaofeng and I were deeply in love but our fate was short-lived; she left me, so I will never get married in this lifetime."

"How can you think like that? Let bygones be bygones. You have to look forward. Besides continuing the Li family line, you also need to achieve fame and bring honor to your ancestors. You also promised Yueyuan that you would build her a boudoir. You can't do it all by yourself. You need to settle down and have a place to live before you can achieve your goals," I said earnestly.

"How do you know that just because I've married a wife, she'll definitely be able to help me?" Li Bai looked at me with a skeptical gaze.

"No matter what, you have to promise the old lady. Do you hear me? You can't say no," I emphasized.

While I was talking to Li Bai, Prefect Meng sent someone to invite Li Bai to his study. Fearing that Li Bai would mess things up, I went along.

We arrived at the study, where Master Meng, Madam Meng, and Young Master Meng were already seated.

As soon as Li Bai entered the study, Master Meng and his wife smiled and stared straight at him.

"Come, Young Master Li, sit beside me and let me take a good look at you." Li Bai obediently walked over and sat down next to Old Madam Meng. "What a handsome young man! The more I look at him, the more I like him."

"Brother Taibai, Mother wants to act as the matchmaker and tie the knot for you. I wonder if you have any thoughts about getting married?" Meng Shaofu said.

I quickly interjected, "Yes, my young master has some, but he's too embarrassed to say so. Thank you, Madam."

Li Bai blushed and lowered his head in perfect compliance.

"This young lady is my husband's eldest sister's daughter. She comes from a distinguished family; she is the granddaughter of the late Prime Minister Xu Yushi of Anlu, and the eldest daughter of the Xu family. She is looking for a young man of both virtue and talent to be her husband. I wonder what Mr. Li thinks?" the old lady said.

Meng Shaofu said, "My cousin is also a well-educated and refined person. She has been well-versed in the classics since childhood and is skilled in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She is also gentle and graceful. She has not found a suitable partner all these years, but I think she and Brother Taibai are a perfect match and would be an ideal couple."

Li Bai said, "With her excellent qualities, she could find anyone she wanted; why would she choose someone like me, a wanderer from place to place?"

"Wouldn't you settle down after getting married? Young Master Li is exceptionally talented and renowned, with a bright future ahead of him. My brother-in-law and sister will surely adore you," said Master Meng.

"Yes, having a home will bring stability, and my young master agrees." I was really afraid that Li Bai would refuse outright.

"I asked my son to write a letter to his aunt's family. When you arrive at the Xu residence in Anlu, give this letter to my son's aunt. She will understand," the old lady said.

"I'll write it right away." Meng Shaofu stood up, walked to the desk, picked up his pen, and began to write the letter.

"Thank you, Master Meng and Madam, for arranging this meeting for my young master." I said, tugging at Li Bai. Li Bai understood and stood up, bowing deeply to Master Meng and Madam, saying, "This junior is unworthy, but I am deeply grateful for your appreciation."

Old Madam Meng held Li Bai's hand and said, "Young Master Li, there's no need to be so polite. You have a bright future ahead of you; perhaps the Xu family will be doing you a disservice by marrying you."

Li Bai was very pleased to hear this and bowed deeply to the old lady once again: "Thank you for your kindness, Madam."

After staying in the study for a while, Mr. Meng and his wife got up and went back to their room.

After finishing the letter, Meng Shaofu folded it and handed it to Li Bai, saying, "Brother Taibai, keep this safe. Give it to my aunt when you arrive in Anlu. I've introduced your family and personal situation in the letter; my description is better than your own. Also, given your current situation, the Xu family might be able to help you. After all, the Xu family is a prominent local clan, with a vast collection of books and deep roots, which would be more beneficial for your future development. Moreover, they are extremely wealthy, which would be more helpful financially."

"Brother Meng, I am truly grateful for your thoughtful consideration. I will certainly do as you say, so that your and your family's concern for me will not have been in vain." After saying this, Li Bai bowed deeply to Meng Shaofu.

"Brother Taibai, there's no need for you to be so polite. Considering our many years of friendship, I should help you out. Besides, Brother Taibai is an outstanding person, and my cousin is fortunate to have this marriage," said Meng Shaofu.

After staying at the Meng residence for a while, Li Bai and I got up to say goodbye, and Prefect Meng ordered a carriage to take us back to the South Gate Inn.

As soon as I entered, Mu Mu ran over excitedly: "Uncle Yuehua, look at my red lantern!" She held up her small lantern for me to see, then pulled me to the doorway and pointed to the large lantern on the door, saying, "Look, there are bigger ones here too."

I patted Mumu's little head and said, "Mumu, do you know why we hang lanterns?"

"Mom said today is Chinese New Year."

"Yes, today is our traditional Chinese New Year. After this day, a new year begins. Mumu has grown another year older."

"Then I'll grow a year older every year, and before long, I'll be all grown up," Mu Mu said innocently, blinking her eyes.

Sister Qinglan came out and said to Mumu, "Stop bothering Uncle Yuehua, let him go and rest."

I took a red envelope out of my pocket and placed it in Mu Mu's hand: "Mu Mu, Happy New Year!"

"Uncle, Happy New Year!" Mu Mu excitedly ran up to Sister Qinglan with the red envelope, showing it off.

"Thank you, Yuehua," said Sister Qinglan.

Li Bai walked over: "I also want to give Mu Mu a red envelope."

"I prepared it for you a long time ago." I took out a red envelope and handed it to Li Bai.

Li Bai took the red envelope and called out to Mu Mu, "Little friend, look what this is! Give Uncle a New Year's greeting, and this is yours."

"Uncle, Happy New Year!" Mu Mu bowed to Li Bai and raised her hands. Li Bai then placed the red envelope in Mu Xiu's hand.

Li Bai spoke with Sister Qinglan and Brother Achao for a while, then went upstairs. I followed him, intending to sneak back to my room, but I heard Li Bai say seriously, "Yuehua, come in, I have something to tell you."

"What's wrong, young master?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"From now on, mind your own business. Just focus on your studies and don't meddle in my life."

I pulled out three banknotes: "Here, this is for living expenses. You can handle it. That's all. We haven't paid the rent yet."

"I don't manage the money, you manage it. I'll do whatever I say. Go to sleep."

After Li Bai finished speaking domineeringly, he tried to kick me out of the room. I was more than happy to oblige, so I dashed into my own room, closed the door, and secretly smiled.