Shen Xiang shook his head sorrowfully, unable to utter a single word for a moment.

How should she respond to this? Should she tell Mingxi that in order to survive and avoid being bullied by others, she must please the Sixth Prince?

The young master of the illustrious prefectural government actually has to rely on others in order to live like a human being.

No matter what, Shen Xiang couldn't bring himself to say these words.

"Even Auntie Lianxiang thinks... Xier must gain the favor of the Sixth Prince, right?"

Ming Xi unwillingly asked, stepping back and shaking her head: "I hate that Sixth Prince... I hate him... hate him..."

After he finished speaking, he turned around and quickly rushed towards the door, as if fleeing from something.

Shen Xiang watched his departing figure, afraid that something might happen to him. In a hurry, she chased after him, but her legs were slow and unsteady. By the time she caught up to the courtyard gate, Ming Xi had already disappeared.

Ming Xi ran out of Ming Fu in a hurry, wandering aimlessly through the streets and alleyways. Traces of fresh tears stained his face, making others shy away from him as they saw his dirty appearance and tattered clothes.

And yet he seemed to have lost his senses, staring at the bustling streets with dull eyes, and then squatting down in a daze.

He could endure the scolding of the servants, and he would also listen to the "guidance" of Qin Mama.

But now, even Madame Xiang, his mother-in-law, wants him to please that Sixth Prince... It feels like there's a heavy stone pressing down on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe.

"Tsk...you little beggar, coming here asking for food? Useless! Get lost...!"

Mingxi was curling up against the wall, when suddenly there was cursing nearby, and then he felt a pain on his shoulder.

Did you hear? Don't just squat here, it's bad for our restaurant business.

The shopkeeper raised his hand and made a slapping motion.

Mingxi's eyes were filled with panic. She hurriedly stood up and stuffed her frozen, purplish hands into her tattered coat, quickly walking away.

Staring at the bustling crowd, listening to the vendors' cries, and the singing from the nearby attic.

It seems like everyone has a place to belong, even that stray dog with a brownish-yellow fur by the road, someone feeds it a small piece of bun.

They all have someone who likes them, but he has nothing.

Unconsciously, Mingxi walked to the temple at the end of the imperial city. He lifted his swollen eyes and saw that the temple was surrounded by people.

Men, women, young and old, all dressed up beautifully, were gathered under the tree adorned with red silk, praying.

Mingxi looked on curiously as a young girl, who appeared to be rather young, hung a red card on a branch. With her hands clasped together, she muttered something. He took a few steps closer and finally heard her chanting the words "lovers".

"Lovers..."

Mingxi repeated in confusion, with doubt overflowing in her eyes.

"Idiot, still don't understand?"

Suddenly, laughter came from behind. Ming Xi turned around and lowered his head to take a look. The little child holding a candied hawthorn skewer was smiling at him.

"The red sign, called the Marriage Fate Plaque, is obtained from the temple. This girl must have someone she's interested in."

The little child blinked their eyes and continued to lower their head to lick the sugar-coated hawthorn stick.

"Love interest?" Ming Xi furrowed her brow, still not understanding.

The little child glared at him and said, "You're such a fool."

Mingxi, feeling somewhat inferior, lowered her head and murmured, "I... I'm not stupid..."

The little child quickly finished devouring the remaining candy, threw the bamboo stick to the side, and clapped their hands. "The person you like, that's your crush."

He reached into his collar and pulled out several red cards, flashing a mysterious smile towards Ming Xi, "Freshly obtained, still hot... Do you want them?"

Seeing his exaggerated expression, Ming Xi took a step back and said, "I... don't have any money..."

The little kid's face changed in an instant: "No money? If there's no money, why should I even bother talking to you?"

After he finished speaking, he was about to put away the marriage petition, but when he saw the hopeful glimmer in Mingxi's eyes, he suddenly changed his mind.