"How is Yu'er? Hasn't she only been married for a short time? Has something happened?" Da Bao asked.

"I heard it from your uncle. When Yu'er returned for her three-day visit home, they said her in-laws confiscated everything she brought with her as dowry, even the money she kept hidden away. Luckily, the dowry we provided was decent, so the mother-in-law didn't say too much, otherwise, who knows what she would have complained about. Furthermore, the day after Yu'er moved in, her mother-in-law immediately sent her to work in the fields, saying all household chores would be her sole responsibility from now on. When Yu'er came back, she was crying so hard it would break anyone's heart. After her return visit, your uncle was so angry he nearly laid hands on your aunt again, but there was simply nothing they could do," Er Niu said with a touch of helplessness.

"That's why, He'er, your father hopes you marry well, hopes the person you choose is your true match. I don't care what the Wen family is like, but as long as the Second Young Master treats you well and can shield you from the world, I won't press further. You need to think this through carefully yourself,"

Er Niu rarely spoke such profound wisdom to Lin He and the others. It was likely the situation with Third Uncle and Yu'er had jolted him into saying these things. Still, Father's words held truth; right now, it was hard for any new daughter-in-law to be accommodated by her in-laws, but as long as one's own man could stand up for her, life could still be managed.

Lin He remained silent. In truth, things hadn't reached the point of final commitment with Wen Ningxuan, but she knew it was useless trying to explain that to Father, so she kept quiet.

It was Da Bao who spoke up. "Father, rest assured. I believe the Second Young Master is a good man. The Cai Die Xuan in this county is enormous, even larger than the Yin Ruo Xuan we saw today. That shop belongs entirely to the Second Young Master, and he built everything himself, brick by brick. During our stay here these past few days, he hasn't stopped being busy at the shop. The Second Young Master is definitely a good match."

"That puts my mind at ease then. I also trust that our He'er is smart and discerning; the person she chooses won't be wrong. I'm no longer worried about He'er. As for you, Da Bao, what are your intentions? Your mother nags about this matter daily; we genuinely worry." Er Niu smoothly shifted the topic to Da Bao.

"Yes, Big Brother, if you have any trouble, tell us. I know there is someone in your heart; otherwise, you wouldn't have had that reaction when Taohua and Chun'er were staying with us. Tell us what's truly going on while Mother is away," Lin He urged gently.

Er Niu hadn't known about this matter and was somewhat surprised by Lin He's suggestion, but he didn't say much, simply watching Da Bao, waiting for him to speak. Da Bao was initially reluctant, but eventually, unable to withstand the combined persuasion of Er Niu and Lin He, he revealed the difficulty he was facing.

It turned out that the woman Da Bao favored was a young lady he met when he opened his pastry shop in town. She frequented his shop, buying things regularly, and over time, they naturally grew acquainted, developing feelings for each other. However, the young lady's father was a scholar, and she was his only daughter. Upon learning about her relationship with Da Bao, he vehemently opposed it, insisting his daughter must marry a scholar, not a merchant. If Da Bao wished to marry his daughter, he would have to live in the scholar’s household (marry into the family) and completely sever ties with his own family, living under the scholar's roof thereafter.

Lin He found the situation both absurd and laughable upon hearing this. What kind of ridiculous reasoning was this? Was the gulf between scholars and merchants truly so vast that marriage itself was dictated by such rigid social boundaries? This father was excessively pedantic; to tear apart a loving couple for such a reason seemed grossly excessive.

Er Niu, who had been silent at first, finally spoke up softly, "Da Bao, if that is the case, you should break it off with that girl. Our family is straightforwardly in trade, and you will never become a scholar; that much is unchangeable. Since that man refuses to accept you, why drag it out? Dragging it out only hurts her and yourself. It's better to end it sooner."

Although Lin He didn't entirely agree with Er Niu's suggestion, she recognized the logic. Some differences simply couldn't be overcome, and lingering wasn't a solution. However, Lin He felt Da Bao should try to fight for it, depending entirely on the girl's stance. If the girl was determined to marry Da Bao, there was always a way, even elopement. Once that happened, her parents would have no recourse. But this wasn't a matter that could be settled in a day or two, and since the girl hadn't made up her mind, perhaps she couldn't. Yet, Da Bao clearly hadn't given up.

Lin He pondered for a moment and then said, "Big Brother, how about this: when we return, find that girl and speak to her plainly. See what her final attitude is. If she echoes her father, insisting on the condition that you marry into her family, then you must cut ties. You know that's impossible—not only would Father disagree, but perhaps the entire Old Lin clan would object. If the girl is willing to leave with you, our family will certainly treat her well, without question. How long do you plan to let this situation linger?"

"Yes, He'er's idea is good. Da Bao, I won't tell your mother for now. Once you've sorted things out, tell your mother yourself. We won't push you. After you've clarified matters with this girl, if it works out, we agree to whatever date you set for the wedding. If it ends, we won't force you to choose either Taohua or Chun'er immediately; we'll give you a year to choose for yourself. If you find no suitable match by then, you'll listen to us," Er Niu added.

Lin He felt Father's words were incredibly reasonable. For a father of this era, he was remarkably open-minded, granting his children the right to choose. This way, Da Bao's feelings regarding his own affection finally had a proper resolution.

Da Bao nodded in agreement with his father’s terms.

"Since that's settled, tomorrow you two take me to see the shops you bought. The day after, we set off home. We can't be away from home for too long. I left in a hurry and only instructed Old Man Qin to look after things, but there is a lot to manage at home, and Old Man Qin can't oversee everything alone," Er Niu stated.

Da Bao and Lin He both nodded. Since the necessary arrangements had been made, returning sooner was better; the household needed someone there, and Da Bao needed to get back to manage the pastry shop soon.

The next morning, Wen Ningxuan waited for them to have breakfast together. They didn't bring up the matter concerning Zeng Weiliang, and they didn't ask; presumably, it hadn't ended happily. Xiao Mo wasn't very clear on the details and also refrained from asking.

After breakfast, Xiao Mo said, "Uncle Lin, how about I accompany you for a stroll around the streets? You have many things to manage at home, so it's rare for you to get out. Why not enjoy a few days here before we head back?"