Send a message to Erniu, but it would still take several days for him to arrive. Wen Ningxuan urged them not to dwell on anything during these days and advised them to stay in Qinghe County for a while. Since Xiaomo was here as well, they wouldn't be left with nothing to do. Indeed, Wen Ningnuan had his own matters to attend to. He accompanied Lin He in their official affairs but still went out early and returned late to oversee the Peacock Pavilion. It was evident that Wen Ningxuan was a man who approached every task with utmost dedication, unlike typical rich young men who set lofty goals yet accomplish nothing themselves. Daban found Wen Ningxuan more suitable for Lin He than Xiaomo, complimenting his sister's discerning taste.

Xiaomo, thirteen years old, still retained the carefree nature of childhood. Some days he'd sleep until midday before getting up, other days he'd be discussing where to go or what to buy, displaying no awareness of worldly hardships. When Daban questioned him, Xiaomo simply said household matters were his father's responsibility and he preferred not to exhaust himself daily like a fool. He firmly believed someone should be a wastrel in the family to drain their wealth gradually. At this Lin He and Daban exchanged amused glances, though considering Wen family traditions, it was indeed too early for Xiaomo to shoulder responsibilities - thirteen remained an age of playfulness.

Lin He realized this contrast between rich children and those from humble backgrounds. When she was thirteen, mornings were dedicated to studying while afternoons saw her working at the shop to support their home. Looking around, many boys his age in her hometown already bore the burden as family laborers. Xiaomo still seemed like a child who hadn't grown up yet, these differences clearly shaped by upbringing.

Originally, both Xiaomo and Ningruo planned to leave after several days of play, but upon seeing Lin He's arrival, Xiaomo declared he'd wait until their group departed together rather than go ahead. Ningruo also extended her stay in Qinghe County. Wen Ningxuan couldn't very well send them away so let them remain a few more days for the journey home to be safer.

Xiaomo ensured no one felt bored with constant suggestions to keep things lively. As he spent more time with Lin He's group, Ningruo naturally joined their circle frequently as well. Describing Ningruo was tricky - she possessed striking beauty and initially appeared gentle, refined, and poised. Though somewhat reserved in forming deep connections, she wasn't difficult company once familiarized. At first, Lin He sensed something odd about Ningruo's personality that felt unsettlingly like a case of dissociative identity disorder. Whenever with their group, Ningruo presented as the perfect lady - silent yet never inappropriate, every word and action meticulously calculated to avoid mistakes. This made Lin He feel they were worlds apart; despite only being fourteen, Ningruo's maturity far surpassed typical teenagers' expectations.

Lin He initially attributed this to precociousness of the era. But when around Wen Ningxuan and Xiaomo, Ningruo transformed into a sweet little girl with soft, childlike speech patterns, constantly calling "Xuan Brother" in an endearing way that left Ziyu wondering why Wen Ningxuan now trailed by an eight-year-old. Though Lin He had no romantic experience, her thirty-year-old soul recognized this contradictory behavior as clear evidence of Ningruo's affection for Wen Ningxuan.

Women expressed love through various means naturally, and their interactions confirmed Ningruo sensed something between Lin He and Wen Ningxuan. Her offhand remarks were clearly directed at Lin He. The messages always implied Lin He wasn't suitable for Wen Ningxuan from any perspective, hinting Wen family would never accept such a union while urging resignation through subtle suggestions. Though veiled, these implications were discernible.

Lin He chose to feign ignorance, maintaining her usual routine of chatting with Ningruo and shopping with maidservants - there was no reason for unnecessary entanglements. Matters between herself and Wen Ningxuan required no external explanations. Whether the Wen family accepted her or not would be Wen's responsibility to resolve. Regarding Wen's potential feelings for Ningruo, Lin He remained confident in his character. From brief acquaintance, she knew men like Wen didn't fall in love lightly but once committed, their hearts never wavered. If Wen showed interest in Ningruo, there'd simply be no place left for her - though unaware of this reality, Ningruo continued with futile attempts at subtle persuasion.

Meanwhile, Lin He and Daban used the waiting period to explore Qinghe County thoroughly. She purchased various seeds unavailable back home - watermelon, grapes, and other exotic fruits unaffordable by common folk along with vegetable varieties for future cultivation.

Their wait proved lengthy but finally on the eighth day's afternoon Erniu arrived at last. Wen Ningxuan had expedited delivery through fast riders or else it would have taken several more days. Since Erniu couldn't ride, his carriage speed paled against horses. When reaching the inn, he immediately grasped Daban's arm, breathless from travel: "Daban, you sent for me - is that truly your third uncle we're after? Take me to see him now!"

Lin He smiled gently: "Father, there's no need for such urgency even if skies are dark and shops closed. You've traveled far today; rest tonight. We'll visit tomorrow morning when daylight makes things clearer. With the person still present, what's there to fear?"

With a meaningful glance at Daban, she knew preparations must be made before father confronted his uncle. After all, without prior explanation of circumstances, unprepared emotions might erupt. Daban advised similarly: "Father, you've traveled days by carriage alone. Rest tonight - Xiaomo and the young master have prepared something special to welcome you home. We'll visit tomorrow."