After returning from Chun'er's room, Lin He went to Madam Huang's quarters to inquire about her plans for Chun'er and Taohua, feeling that some decision needed to be made. Madam Huang was also feeling vexed. Her original intention was to keep Dabao at home, believing that both girls were quite suitable and Dabao would likely take a liking to one of them. However, when she finally asked Dabao, he stated plainly that neither was a match. He said that if his mother liked them, they could stay for a while, but if she didn't, they should be sent away immediately, which put Madam Huang in a difficult position.

Dabao was certainly grown now. At the time she married Er Niu, Madam Huang had suffered much mistreatment due to her mother-in-law's dislike, and for many years after their marriage, her mother-in-law had continued to make things difficult for her. Yet, looking back now, she felt that her persistence then had been worthwhile. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, she was unwilling to force Dabao's hand. She truly hoped Dabao would not follow the path she had taken. Dabao had listened to her these past couple of days, staying home and interacting with the two girls, but since he maintained that neither was suitable, she had no recourse.

Madam Huang looked at He'er, speaking with frustration, "He'er, what should we do? These two girls are relatives from your paternal grandmother's side. If we send both back and Dabao himself has no prospects yet, I fear it will be hard to explain to your grandmother. As for the two girls, it's less of an issue; they were supposedly just visiting relatives."

Indeed, this matter involved the grandmother’s side, making it a genuine headache. Lin He pondered for a moment before saying, "Mother, perhaps you should handle it as you see fit. If Grandmother visits in the next few days, perhaps you can drop a hint to her, mentioning that Elder Brother seems reluctant about these two girls, but don't close the door entirely. As for Chun'er, she seems more amenable; I sounded her out, and I think she might want to return home in a few days. If she comes to you about it, you can take the opportunity to send her back. However, I think Chun'er is quite good at labor, and she is very kind to Chen'er and the others. Chun'er's family situation is also difficult; perhaps we could help them out. If it’s appropriate, ask her if she’d be willing to stay and work for us; if so, keep her and put her under Zi Qing's supervision. If things become complicated, you can send her back first and address it later. As for Taohua, you decide; Elder Brother certainly seems unwilling to have her."

"I actually think Taohua is quite lovely. Why don't we have He'er keep Taohua on for work too? Sending Chun'er away while keeping Taohua might not seem right, and Taohua is a good person too," Madam Huang suggested.

"Mother, does Taohua look like someone who enjoys working? It would be a miracle if she didn't need waiting on. If you like Taohua, you can keep her around to keep you company for a while, but as for actual labor, forget it. Regarding keeping Chun'er, if you feel it's difficult to bring up with Grandmother, you can tell her, and when they send Chun'er home, they can mention it to Chun'er's parents. But make it clear that the position offered is for work, not as a relative visiting. Though, perhaps it's better not to mention it now and just let it be—you decide what's best." Lin He explained the situation clearly to Madam Huang.

Madam Huang felt this arrangement was acceptable; at least if she couldn't become a daughter-in-law, they could still help the girl Chun'er. After all, she was related to the elder family. Madam Huang paused, then added, "He'er, have you packed the things for your trip tomorrow? Take care of yourselves on the road. Let Dabao handle anything that comes up; you are a young woman, don't put yourself out in public, do you understand?"

Lin He nodded. After Madam Huang gave a few more instructions, she sent Lin He back to rest early, mentioning they needed to leave at first light the next morning.

The following morning, Dabao and Lin He set off with Ziyu and two of the household guards. The journey took nearly six days. Dabao was mindful of his sister's comfort, so he didn't rush the pace; after all, the trip wasn't urgent. Dabao had spent the last few years managing the pastry shop and rarely went out. This was his first long journey in years, and he naturally felt a touch of novelty, which caused some delay.

On the afternoon of the sixth day, Lin He and Dabao arrived at Qinghe County and checked into the same inn where Wen Ningxuan was staying. Since their arrival was somewhat sudden, they hadn't managed to notify Wen Ningxuan. Lin He sent Ziyu to inquire, and indeed, Wen Ningxuan was still at the inn, though the waiter mentioned they rarely saw him, only that he came for hot water very late at night.

Lin He guessed that Wen Ningxuan must be buried under work there. The last time she mentioned finding people to look after him, Wen Ningxuan had merely paid her a perfunctory agreement; he certainly hadn't arranged for anyone to come. Thinking this, Lin He called Zi Yu to go out with her to buy some nourishing ingredients, planning to stew something for Wen Ningxuan's recovery.

Lin He prepared the ingredients, set them on the inn's hearth over a low flame to simmer slowly, and asked Ziyu to watch the fire from time to time. Having traveled for so long, she was genuinely tired and went to the room for a nap. She didn't know how long she slept. When Lin He woke, it was already dark, likely around seven or eight in the evening. The room was empty; she assumed Ziyu was still watching the fire. Lin He got up, washed, and then went to Dabao's room to knock. Dabao must have been asleep too, as his reply sounded hoarse—she must have woken him. Lin He waited by the door for a moment, and then Dabao came out.

Lin He asked Dabao to eat with her before retiring for the night. Tomorrow, they could visit Yin Ruoxuan to see if the person was indeed who they suspected. They had been traveling for many days, and the food on the road hadn't been good. A proper meal tonight and a good night's rest would be best.

Lin He went to the kitchen. Ziyu was indeed beside the hearth watching the fire, likely tired, dozing lightly on a low stool beside the stove. She startled awake at the sound of footsteps. Lin He smiled and said, "Ziyu, go eat something and get to bed early."

"No need, Miss. I only dozed off for a moment just now; I'm much better and not sleepy. Are you and Young Master ready to eat? I'll have the waiter prepare; you go ahead. I’ll leave this simmering here. I told the waiter that if Second Young Master returns, they should notify us immediately," Ziyu said while glancing at the fire on the stove.

Lin He nodded, then led Ziyu toward the front hall. Lin He and Dabao ordered a few simple dishes. After eating, they agreed that tomorrow, they would first go to Yin Ruoxuan's place to check on that Zeng Weiliang and see if he was indeed their third uncle, and only then discuss other matters.

As Dabao and Lin He turned to return to their rooms after finishing their meal, they saw Wen Ningxuan walking in from outside. Ziyu happily exclaimed, "Second Young Master!"

When Wen Ningxuan entered, he also spotted Lin He, and his eyes immediately lit up with surprise. He quickly walked toward Lin He and Dabao, saying aloud, "He'er, Dabao, what brings you here?"

Dabao was just about to reply when a young girl's voice called out from behind him, "Brother Xuan, who is that?"