The cousin's family is extremely wealthy; she deserves to be a concubine.

The two, mistress and servant, were having a great time when Chunyan suddenly spoke up, "Miss, why don't I see anyone else?"

Hua Sirong looked around and realized that they were indeed alone.

Just as Chunyan was about to lead Hua Sirong off aimlessly, Hua Sirong grabbed her hand and stopped her, saying, "Follow the footprints we came in. We're not familiar with the Jiang residence, and it wouldn't be good if we accidentally wandered into some random place."

The safest approach is to return the way you came.

Chunyan knew she couldn't outthink Hua Sirong, so she just needed to obey her orders.

The master and servant had only taken a few steps when they suddenly heard a male voice call out, "Wait."

Hua Sirong was shocked, and Chunyan, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, stood in front of Hua Sirong to shield her.

"Uncle Jiang?" Hua Sirong was the first to recognize the person.

After bowing, Hua Sirong explained that she was lost and asked Master Jiang for directions.

Mr. Jiang smiled and nodded, but instead of giving directions, he inquired about Hua Sirong's recent situation.

"There have been many rumors about you in the capital recently, and I don't know how you are doing at the Marquis's residence. It just so happens that the plum blossoms at the manor are in full bloom this winter, and we are going to hold a plum blossom appreciation banquet, so I asked my mother to send you an invitation."

"I thought that with the invitation from the Jiang family, the rumors in the capital would have been dispelled, but who knew that you would suffer such injustice right under my nose today."

How can I face your father in the afterlife with this?

Hua Sirong bowed again, "Uncle Jiang, thank you for your concern. It has already been a great help for me to come to your residence for the banquet today. As for the matter of being wronged at your residence, it is completely unfounded. Uncle Jiang, please do not think too much about it."

Seeing that Hua Sirong was trying to avoid suspicion, Mr. Jiang knew that it was inconvenient for him to stay with her for long. He said, "Don't worry, even if the rumors in the capital are unfavorable to you, your uncle is here to support you."

I recently heard that your aunt is busy with your wedding arrangements, but I don't know which family she has chosen.

"My dear niece Rong, please remember, once you've chosen someone, be sure to let your uncle know. That way, I can meet him privately and see if he's good enough for you."

"Also, what you said to that noble lady today was very good. If you encounter her again in the future, don't wrong yourself, and don't think of yourself as a child without any support."

Hua Sirong felt embarrassed. She had previously used Uncle Jiang's name to intimidate people at the waterside pavilion, but now she had run into the real deal.

It was so embarrassing that I could practically smell the plum blossoms all over my shoes.

There was also the matter of choosing a future husband; unexpectedly, Uncle Jiang was also paying attention to it in private.

With this in mind, Hua Sirong felt a little closer to Master Jiang.

"My aunt gave me a list of several promising young men the other day, but I haven't made a choice yet. Once my niece has someone in mind, I'll definitely need your help to select the best one."

Mr. Jiang rubbed his hands together excitedly, "Good, good, Uncle is waiting to prepare your dowry."

Hearing voices not far away, Master Jiang quickly pointed out the way to the plum garden to Hua Sirong and her companion.

"Niece, please slow down. There are many women over there, and it's inconvenient for your uncle to follow. In the future, if there's anything, just send someone to the Jiang residence to deliver a message to me."

After Hua Sirong thanked them, the two women, mistress and servant, helped each other and quickly left.

Even after everyone else had disappeared from sight, Master Jiang remained standing motionless under the plum tree.

"Uncle, I never imagined you would hide deep in the plum grove, gazing at the plum blossoms with longing. Such an elegant thing is not something you would do, Uncle!"

Distracted, Master Jiang looked at the person and quickly bowed, "Second Prince, why aren't you in the warm pavilion? What brings you to the plum grove?"

The Second Prince, Pei Enhan, helped Master Jiang up. "Which lady was my uncle talking to just now? Am I about to have a new aunt?"

Master Jiang felt his ears tingle. “Stop, stop! That’s not your aunt, that’s my adopted niece. Your Highness, please don’t talk nonsense and frighten her.”

Pei Enhan had naturally inquired about the case, but he was unaware that his uncle was so protective of that woman.

"I just happened to overhear you talking to that girl about marriage. I thought my uncle had finally found love, but it turns out I'm going to be the father who has to give away the good cabbage."

Upon hearing Pei Enhan's analogy, Master Jiang's face lit up with a smile. "Her father saved my life, so it seems reasonable for me to send her off in marriage in her father's name."

Seeing his uncle's earnest words, Pei Enhan jokingly started to act as matchmaker, "I wonder what kind of family Uncle wants to find for that Miss Hua?"

I have quite a few single young men under my command, each one skilled in both literature and martial arts; you might want to consider them, Uncle.”

Master Jiang looked Pei Enhan up and down. "What mischief are you up to now? Just say it."

Pei Enhan touched his nose and awkwardly leaned close to Master Jiang's forehead. "Recently, in court, my nephew contradicted Father Emperor twice. In a fit of anger, Father Emperor withheld my salary until the year after next."

My nephew's short on cash lately, and he has a house full of women to support. Why don't you spare a little for me, little uncle?

Master Jiang knew his nephew's habits well. Seeing him acting shamelessly and trying to get close to him, he was happy to use his large hand to pry open that big forehead.

"Get lost! You, a prince, have the nerve to complain about being poor in front of me?"

"You've grown up, have you lived off that meager salary? Don't pretend in front of me."

Pei Enhan blinked his almond-shaped eyes, which looked just like his sister who had died young. Old Master Jiang sighed and said, "Alright, I'll have someone bring you some pocket money later."

Pei Enhan seemed to hear heavenly music, "Thank you, Uncle."

Seeing Pei Enhan's fawning behavior, Master Jiang couldn't bear to look at him. He couldn't help but roar at the spot where Pei Enhan had just come from, "Jiang Huaiji! You come out here right now!"

As if he knew he had been exposed, Pei Enhan shouted, "I'm going first," and disappeared into the plum grove.

Jiang Huaiji suddenly appeared out of nowhere, standing in front of Master Jiang with his head drooping.

"You've gotten quite the audacity, haven't you? You managed to get the Second Prince to come to me and swindle money from me! And you even gave him advice. I just love watching the younger generation act all cute and charming?"

Jiang Huaiji flashed his almond-shaped eyes, making Old Master Jiang feel a heart attack. "Get out, get out! I get annoyed just seeing you two debt collectors."

I was originally planning to find you a wife, but seeing you like this, I truly feel you're not good enough for a fine girl.

Jiang Huaiji's eyes flashed, "I'd be lucky to live a long and peaceful life, why would I need to get married?"

Upon hearing this, Master Jiang's expression changed instantly. He stared in the direction where Pei Enhan had disappeared and fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

“Ji-ge’er, sometimes I really regret bringing you back to the Jiang family and giving you the opportunity to get to know the Second Prince.”

Jiang Huaiji gave a sarcastic smile. "Blood ties are such a magical thing."

The Second Prince has countless advisors and many young men who have tried to curry favor with him, but only I managed to gain his favor the moment I did.

Master Jiang's expression was grim, his words carrying a veiled warning: "Ji-ge'er, you need to recognize your place."