Ziyu smiled and led Chun'er over to the guest rooms in the West Wing. Lin He watched as Taohua chatted with Er Niu and Madam Huang in the courtyard, clearly delighting them. Er Niu and Madam Zhao were particularly amused. Taohua was already quite pretty, and her smile made her even more charming, truly winning people over.

Lin He knew some people possessed natural beauty and sweet words that instantly charmed others, making them universally liked. However, Lin He found Taohua’s demeanor felt somewhat artificial, as if she had been putting on a show since stepping off the carriage, striving to capture everyone's attention. In contrast, Chun'er seemed more practical, accustomed to handling things herself and perhaps uncomfortable being waited on. She hesitated to trouble others, even for minor tasks like unpacking a bundle.

Seeing Taohua still laughing happily with her parents, Lin He walked towards the West Wing. As she neared the guest room door, she overheard Ziyu speaking: "Miss Chun'er, this is our task; I'll handle it. You should go to the front yard and chat with the young mistress and master."

"No need. I'm not very good at talking anyway. I’ll help you tidy up here; two people will be faster. Besides, I’m used to doing chores at home," Chun'er replied softly.

"Miss Chun'er has to do these things at home too? What kind of household do you have? Why have I never seen you visit here before?" Ziyu inquired.

"I am the eldest at home, with two younger sisters, and the youngest is my brother. Father and Mother work in the fields every day. When the fields aren't too busy, I take care of the housework, look after my younger siblings, and do some embroidery in my spare time," Chun'er explained.

"Are you from the same village as Miss Taohua?"

"Sort of. Their family moved to town a few years ago, and they don't come back often now. It's been quite a while since I last saw her."

Hearing this, Lin He walked into the room and asked, "Ziyu, are the things all put away?"

Upon seeing Lin He enter, Chun'er offered a faint smile and called out, "You must be Sister He'er. I just heard Great-Aunt call you that."

Lin He nodded with a smile and said, "Sister Chun'er, let Ziyu handle these matters. I'll take you around the estate. Since you'll be staying here for a few days, it’s good for you to know your way around."

Chun'er nodded and followed Lin He out into the courtyard. As they walked, Lin He asked, "Sister Chun'er, why haven't I ever seen you visit Grandma's house before?"

"This is the first time I've been this far from home. There is a lot to do there, and I couldn't easily leave. I actually planned not to come, but Mother said since Great-Aunt came to fetch us, it would be impolite not to."

Lin He showed Chun'er around the property, instructing her to ask any of the maids if she needed anything and not to be shy. As Chun'er grew more comfortable with Lin He, she began to talk more. "Sister He'er, your house is truly vast. This is the first time I've seen a home this large."

Lin He chatted with Chun'er for a while. Chun'er's character proved to be as honest as her outward appearance suggested. She was indeed unpracticed at smooth conversation, speaking exactly what she thought without artifice or attempt to please. Yet, Lin He found her likable. Still, Lin He mused, it was far too early to consider her a potential wife for Dabao.

That evening, Chun'er and Taohua went to bed early. Lin He's family chatted under the oil lamp. Madam Huang said with a beaming smile, "Husband, what do you think of these two girls? I find Taohua to be a good girl—pretty and articulate. I think she would be quite suitable for our Dabao."

Er Niu, being a man, naturally didn't focus much on such matters, merely smiling and agreeing, "Yes, she seems fine."

Lin He observed her parents without speaking. Everyone initially judged based on outward appearances. They had only been there for less than half a day; it was impossible to truly say who was better. Such was the truth of knowing a person's face but not their heart.

Meanwhile, Taohua and Chun'er shared a room. Taohua said to Chun'er, "Chun'er, look how wealthy Uncle's family is. Their house is so enormous! Did you see the silk Lin He is wearing? It must be top-grade. And the ornaments in Chen'er's hair must have cost a fortune! I had no idea we had such a wealthy uncle living in the countryside. I wish my mother had sent me sooner."

Chun'er didn't quite grasp Taohua’s meaning about fine cloth, nor did she know about Chen'er's ornaments. But she understood that Uncle's house was large and agreed, "Yes, the house is very big."

"I wonder what Cousin looks like. But judging by Xiaobao and Da Xiong, Cousin must be quite handsome. It would be wonderful if I could live here forever," Taohua sighed, lying on the bed.

"Live here forever? You won't go back? They are just distant relatives; how could they let you stay permanently?" Chun'er asked, puzzled.

Before leaving, Taohua’s mother had told her that Great-Aunt likely came to select a bride for the young master of the family, urging her to behave well. In the future, she could be the main daughter-in-law. Although the uncle lived in the countryside, his estate was no less prosperous than those in town—they were significant landlords. If she married in, she could enjoy the life of a young mistress.

Seeing Chun'er arrive alongside her, Taohua naturally understood the unspoken purpose. With Chun'er saying that, Taohua realized Chun'er was entirely unaware of why they were invited. Frankly, Taohua held Chun'er in slight contempt. In her eyes, Chun'er was clumsy, dark-skinned, and provincial. She hadn't paid Chun'er any mind this trip. Yet, she also felt Chun'er's presence was beneficial; with Chun'er as a foil, her own virtues would shine brighter.

Hearing Chun'er's naive question, Taohua didn't answer directly but smiled softly and whispered, "Of course, I will go back. But not for long before I return again."

Chun'er, seeing Taohua seem to be talking to herself, offered no reply, neatly folded the quilt on the bed, and slipped under the covers, soon falling asleep. Taohua, however, remained sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on the objects in the room, filled with resolute determination.

The next morning, both Taohua and Chun'er were up early. As soon as Chun'er dressed, she went out to the courtyard and quickly joined Ziyu and the others who were busy working. By the time Lin He's family woke up, Chun'er had already been helping for quite some time. Taohua was dressed even more attractively today than yesterday, wearing a new outfit: a pale red thin padded jacket over a light yellow ru skirt, making her look like a young lady from a noble house. She greeted Lin He's family sweetly, and upon seeing Madam Huang embroidering in the yard, she pulled up a stool, sat beside her, and engaged her in conversation.