Lin He looked at the maid with newfound respect after her words. This girl usually chattered incessantly, constantly buzzing in Lin He's ear. Since they were close in age and shared an open disposition, Ziyu spent more time with Lin He than Ziqing did and was naturally more affectionate. Lin He had always felt much older than them and thus treated Ziyu like a mere child. She hadn't realized the young girl had grown up, developing her own thoughts and convictions.

Lin He wondered aloud, asking Ziyu, "Why do you say that? Aren't many maids eager to become concubines or secondary wives? At least then they are masters of their own fate, no longer servants. What's wrong with that?"

Ziyu replied, "Others are others; I don't like that path. Doesn't Miss often write those phrases about wishing for one heart to be pledged, and never parting until their hair is white? I heard Miss explain it, and I also feel that kind of affection is wonderful. Besides, I saw how well the Master and the Master's wife—the Elder Couple—get along. Back when I was at the Wen residence, though they had money, I felt many people there were unhappy."

"Hmm, you two sisters are quite thoughtful. Don't worry, you have followed me for so many years. Although it's nominally a master-servant relationship, privately, I treat you both as sisters. I will certainly not treat your marriages lightly in the future; I won't interfere with whatever you wish. If you find someone you care for, you can tell me, and I will ensure you are married off with honor," Lin He told Ziyu.

"Miss, I don't want to marry. I want to stay by your side forever. Wherever you go, I will go," Ziyu finally said, looking somewhat shy.

Lin He smiled mischievously. "Weren't you just saying how wonderful the Second Young Master is? I thought you liked him?"

"It’s not liking, it’s respect, Miss. You really are teasing me all the time," Ziyu laughed along with Lin He.

Lin He smiled, gazing into the distance, pondering what Ziyu had said about Wen Ningxuan. Every time she saw him, he appeared so distant and cold. She had always assumed that a young master like Wen Ningxuan must have grown up in effortless comfort, without a worry about food or clothing. She hadn't known his life was not as idyllic as she imagined. No wonder his temperament was so cool.

Ziyu watched Lin He fall silent, blinking her eyes. "Miss, I've been thinking. You aren't getting any younger. In another year or two, the Master's wife will surely start looking for a match for you. You are so beautiful and clever; ordinary people are hardly worthy of you. If you were matched with a mere farming family, it would be such a waste. Look, the Second Young Master’s family background is quite suitable. They are primarily merchants, and our family is similar—that would be a good match in terms of status."

Ziyu’s words contained some exaggeration, but some points were certainly valid. Lin He was thirteen now; people her age were usually betrothed before fifteen. Once she reached the age of majority, marriage would become the immediate focus. Indeed, after Da Bao’s marriage, her mother would likely start arranging things for her within the next couple of years. In her past life, Lin He had always longed to find someone who loved her and whom she could love in return, but she never found that person before she died. Here, Lin He still wished to adhere to that principle, but achieving it in this era would be quite difficult. Could Wen Ningxuan be that worthy partner?

Lin He sighed as she thought it over. "Ziyu, some of what you said is indeed true. Setting aside whether I’m willing, the Wen family is large and wealthy. Do you think they would accept someone from a small household like ours? Moreover, even if they did, how many people in such a grand family would accept my own requirements? Besides, the Second Young Master has only exchanged a few words with me; there’s nothing special about it. Don't overthink things. First, help me think about what your Second Young Master likes."

"Oh, Miss, are you planning to send something to the Second Young Master?" Ziyu asked.

"Yes. He has a birthday in a few days, and he requested something I made personally. It can't be something I’ve sent to their family before," Lin He explained.

"Miss, why don't you sew him a set of clothes? The clothes you make are so beautiful; the Second Young Master will surely love them," Ziyu suggested.

"No, clothes aren't something to give away carelessly. Besides, I don't know what style he prefers. Let's pick something else." Lin He tapped her forehead lightly.

"Then that makes it a bit difficult. If we can't give clothes, then definitely not a sachet. How about one of the pens you are using now?" Ziyu offered another idea.

Lin He recalled the writing tools she currently used—charcoal made from burnt twigs, wrapped casually in cloth for writing. This was because she was still clumsy with a proper brush. Would the Second Young Master ever use such a thing? Lin He shook her head.

Lost in thought, Lin He drifted off to sleep in her chair. Ziyu, seeing her discomfort, retrieved a small pillow and a thin blanket from the room to cover her. Lin He was startled awake and found it difficult to sleep again, still vexed over what to give Wen Ningxuan. Lin He shifted, and the small pillow tumbled from the chair. As she picked it up, she saw her own little pillow and smiled. She knew exactly what to give Wen Ningxuan—something he certainly had never seen before.

Lin He called out to Ziyu, "Ziyu, quickly! I know what to give him now. I'll give him a duck-down pillow just like this one."

"Miss, who gives a pillow as a gift?" Ziyu asked, amused.

"That's what I'll give. Do you know how important a pillow is? A person spends several hours a day relying on it. If one sleeps comfortably, they are naturally more energetic and in a better mood. I've decided on this. Go call Uncle Chang Geng; I need him for something." Lin He sounded excited.

Ziyu became excited too. If Miss said so, it must be right. She hurried off to fetch Chang Geng. Lin He asked him to go back and retrieve all the duck down she had stored in the house. She mentioned that Chen'er knew the location; she had packed it away in oil-paper bags and instructed him to bring the entire bag over.

Over the years, Lin He’s family had raised many ducks, and they ate duck frequently. Every time they plucked the feathers, Lin He diligently collected them, sterilizing them and removing any odor before drying and storing them. Originally, Lin He had planned to collect enough to make small quilts for the two young ones, Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong. Making quilts might take too long, but a pillow was feasible. Since Wen Ningxuan needed a gift and she was stumped, this item was perfect.