I relied on a system to prolong my life in ancient times.

Chapter 295 Xiao Sibo Proposes Marriage

"Sister, you tell me."

"It's like this, I remember your fourth grandson isn't married yet, is he?"

"Yes, our fourth grandson is indeed not married yet. Little sister, are you trying to play matchmaker for my Sibo?" Grandma Xiao's eyes lit up immediately. She couldn't persuade her second grandson, Sizhe, and had given up on that idea.

Sibo is nineteen this year, so it's worth a try.

"Yes, dear sister, I won't lie to you. I have a granddaughter who is sixteen years old. Her parents passed away early, and she has no relatives. So I took her in and took care of her myself. Now she's reached marriageable age. She's pitiful. I know your family is harmonious, so I've come here with my bare hands to see if our two families can arrange a marriage." Old Madam Qiao said somewhat embarrassedly.

After all, although she dotes on her granddaughter Yan Yan, and her uncles treat Yan Yan like their own daughter, in the eyes of outsiders, Yan Yan is still an orphan with no family to rely on, and many people would not choose Yan Yan as their daughter-in-law.

The reason she valued the Xiao family was also for her own selfish reasons. Firstly, the Xiao family lived close by, right next door, so they could help each other out if anything happened. Secondly, she had observed the Xiao family for a long time and found that the family was harmonious and there were no shady dealings between large families. The three wives of the Xiao family were all kind and would not mistreat their daughters-in-law. Such a family was very suitable for Yan Yan.

"Then why do you value my fourth grandson so much? My second grandson isn't even engaged yet." It wasn't that Old Mrs. Xiao looked down on Xiao Sibo; in her eyes, all her grandsons were outstanding. But she also knew that in other people's eyes, Xiao Sizhe was the more outstanding one, already a sixth-rank official at such a young age.

“Sister, your Sizhe is naturally outstanding, but my granddaughter is not suited to be an official’s wife. Perhaps because her parents have passed away, she feels like she is living under someone else’s roof, and her personality is a bit dull. She likes music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I know that your Sibo also likes calligraphy and painting, and I thought the two children would get along better.”

Of course she had thought about Xiao Sizhe. She had her eye on him when he became the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination. However, Xiao Sizhe's future was destined to be extraordinary. Her own Yan Yan was too naive. If she married Xiao Sizhe, she would probably be completely controlled by him.

Another point is that Xiao Sizhe is the eldest son of the second branch of the Xiao family. When the Xiao family divides its assets in the future, Xiao Sizhe's wife will naturally be the eldest daughter-in-law of the second branch. Yan Yan is only interested in books and paintings and is not good at managing the household.

After much consideration, she chose Xiao Sibo, the fourth son of the Xiao family, who was compatible with Yan Yan. Being a carefree second wife would be fine, without having to worry about too many things.

“Little sister, you’re absolutely right. My fourth son loves calligraphy and painting, and he’s been learning from his master every day.”

"Your child does seem to be a good match for Xiao Si, but in our family, we always respect our children's opinions. This marriage is something Xiao Si has to agree to, so I can't give you an answer."

When Madam Qiao heard what Granny Xiao said, she knew that the matter was progressing well, and immediately smiled and said, "Sister, I understand. I was thinking of bringing my daughter Yan Yan along another day so that the two children can meet. If it works out, we can talk about it. If not, it's okay."

Moreover, this matter depends on Yan Yan's willingness. She thinks highly of the Xiao family, but she will also respect Yan Yan's wishes. If Yan Yan is not willing, they can look at other potential partners.

“Alright, I’ll let my little Si know first. You go home and tell your granddaughter too. If there are no problems, have someone pass on the message that we should let the two children meet,” said Old Man Xiao.

"Alright, then, old sister, I won't bother you any longer. I'll be going now. Wait for my news." Old Madam Qiao stood up and said goodbye to Old Lady Xiao.

"Hey, little sister, take care."

After Madam Qiao left, Xiao Siyue finally spoke up: "Grandma, have you met Madam Qiao's granddaughter?"

"No, I've only heard about it." Old Mrs. Xiao took a sip of tea to moisten her throat.

"Are you really going to have your fourth brother's fortune told?" Xiao Siyue asked curiously.

"Yes, your fourth brother isn't young anymore. We used to see him often, but now he spends all his time studying with his master and he's almost become a fool. If we don't find him a wife soon, he'll end up like your second brother." Old Mrs. Xiao was really resentful about Xiao Sizhe's reluctance to get married.

"Lanyu, Lanxin, you two go and invite the Second Madam and the Fourth Young Master over, and also invite the Second Master over," Old Madam Xiao instructed. Since they were going to arrange a marriage for Xiao Sibo, his parents, the second wife and her husband, naturally needed to know as well.

After waiting for a while, Uncle Xiao, Aunt Xiao, and Xiao Sibo arrived together.

"Father, Mother," "Grandpa, Grandma"

"Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Fourth Brother."

"Yue'er is here too?" Second Aunt asked when she saw Xiao Siyue.

"Second Aunt, I've come to talk to Grandma."

"Mother, what brings you here?" Xiao Qili, the second uncle of the Xiao family, asked.

"Today, Old Madam Qiao next door..." Old Mrs. Xiao recounted the events.

"Although this girl's parents have both passed away, the Qiao family treats her like their own daughter. Don't think that her family background is bad. I heard that the girl's family used to be a scholarly family, so the child must be quite good as well."

“Mother, look at what you’re saying. We don’t look at family background when choosing a daughter-in-law. As long as the girl is good, that’s enough.” I might have thought that way before, but now that I’m in the capital and have seen more of the world, I know that a girl from a good family isn’t necessarily a good one. You might even end up marrying a troublemaker.

Besides, this girl is no slouch. The old master of the Qiao family is now a second-rank official, and the Qiao family's sons are not ordinary people either; they all hold official positions.

"Okay, as long as you have no objections."

"Mom, when do you want to see it?" Second Aunt asked happily. She couldn't wait for her son to get married. She was so worried about her eldest son's marriage. Now that she couldn't count on her eldest son, her youngest son would do.

"Why are you in such a hurry? You should ask Sibo what he thinks first." Old Mrs. Xiao glanced at her second daughter-in-law. She was anxious too, but she couldn't ignore her grandson's wishes just because she was anxious.

“Yes, yes, Sibo, what do you mean? We’re not saying we have to go straight to it. You can think about it first. It’s okay if it doesn’t work out.” Second Aunt said to her son, trying not to put pressure on him.

"Grandma, I'll listen to you and Mom." Xiao Sibao wasn't as resistant to getting married as Xiao Sizhe was, and his family hadn't said it had to happen, so it wouldn't hurt to see how it went.

"Okay, then Grandma will make the arrangements. You can see the girl then," Old Mrs. Xiao said happily.

"Okay, I'll listen to Grandma."

"Good, good, he's really my good grandson."