"Yes, the Second Young Master has opened quite a large shop over there and has been staying there recently. We were also entertained by the Second Young Master during the few days we spent there. When he returns next time, please invite him and Xiao Mo to visit us at home." Er Niu was saying this to He'er.

Madam Huang clearly had many questions. Looking at Lin He, Lin He simply nodded without elaborating. Er Niu then said, "Wife, prepare the meal early. We've traveled a long way and are tired. We can discuss everything else tomorrow; rest early tonight."

Madam Huang acknowledged this and left with Lin He. As soon as they were outside, Chen'er, Xiao Bao, and the other youngsters rushed over, bombarding Lin He with questions—why the Eldest Young Master hadn't returned, if the place was fun, and so on. Lin He laughed, letting them surround her, and led the little ones into the courtyard, chatting and laughing with them. Chen'er remarked, "Big Sister, it's been so quiet at home these past few days since you left. Now that you're back, the house feels lively again."

"Indeed, Miss. Young Miss Chen'er has been asking every day when you would return. She said next time you go out, she must go with you, or it's too dull staying home," Zi Qing added with a smiling face.

"You mischievous girl, you're this old and still so fond of playing. You need to rein in that nature, or you’ll never find a good husband later on," Lin He teased Chen'er.

"Big Sister hasn't even married yet, why are you talking about me? If I don't marry in the future, I'll just stay home my whole life. Xiao Bao says if I don't marry, he'll support me forever, and even if he becomes an official later, he'll take me with him," Chen'er pouted.

"That's right, Big Sister, Second Sister, don't worry. If you can't get married later, I'll take care of you both for life. Rest assured!" Xiao Bao declared, thumping his chest with great loyalty.

"Hey, what are you saying? About taking care of your two sisters for life if they don't marry? You're cursing your two sisters to remain unwed! Really, such childish talk. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at if you say that outside?" Madam Huang scolded from the side upon hearing this.

Lin He smiled, patting Xiao Bao’s head, "If you want to take care of Big Sister and Second Sister for a lifetime, Xiao Bao must study hard. Once Xiao Bao makes something of himself later, he can naturally take care of the family. Not just Big Sister and Second Sister, but your two younger brothers—that will all be Xiao Bao’s responsibility in the future."

Xiao Bao nodded vigorously. Lin He looked at him, recalling the little rascal who used to cause mischief around the house in previous years. Time truly flies. Xiao Bao has grown from an ignorant child into someone who understands responsibility. It seems studying truly helps people understand matters sooner.

"Um, Xiao Bao, is studying hard tiring? Are you getting along well with your classmates at school? Is there anything you want? Shall I bring it back for you next time Sister goes to town?" Lin He asked Xiao Bao.

"It's not tiring. The classmates at the academy are easy to get along with. The teacher even told me to work hard so I can try for the County Examination the year after next. Next time Sister goes out, just bring back some nice books for me. The teacher said reading more broadens one's experience, and that I shouldn't just memorize the texts by rote; if I have time, I should read some other books," Xiao Bao replied.

Lin He nodded, finding Xiao Bao’s teacher somewhat unexpected. Most tutors in this era are quite pedantic, only demanding students memorize textbook facts for the sake of exams. This teacher is rather unique, encouraging them to read extracurricular books; he must be an unusual man.

While the youngsters chatted in the courtyard, Lin He told them many stories about her travels outside. The little ones, along with the household maids, listened with rapt attention. Madam Huang, meanwhile, was organizing things from the carriage with Cai Qing. Madam Huang found it rather strange. The last time Lin He returned, she brought back a cartload of goods, saying most of it was bought by the Second Young Master. How is it that this time, the Second Young Master had her man bring back so much again? Although Uncle Wen sends things every year, the Second Young Master isn't that familiar with the family. Why would he send so many things repeatedly? She decided she must ask the children's father tonight what was going on.

After dinner that evening, Lin He and the others retired to their rooms early to rest. Madam Huang and Er Niu talked about these matters in bed. Madam Huang also inquired about the Second Young Master. Er Niu didn't elaborate much, only saying that the Second Young Master was quite familiar with He'er and the others, which is why he sent these things. He also warned her not to keep bringing up He'er and Xiao Mo together so often, as Xiao Mo and the others are still young, and it wouldn't be good if others overheard.

Madam Huang wasn't foolish. She caught a different implication in Er Niu’s words and asked, "Could it be that He'er fancies the Second Young Master?"

"Don't speak such nonsense. Our He'er is a girl; if people hear such talk, it will ruin her reputation. Just stop worrying needlessly. The children know what they are doing regarding their own affairs. If outsiders hear these words, who knows what sort of tales they will spin?" Er Niu replied.

"I know that. I am He'er’s own mother; I understand better than you how important a woman's reputation is. But you must tell me what this Second Young Master is like. How old is he? And regarding Xiao Mo..." Madam Huang was clearly taking an interest in this Second Young Master.

Er Niu only said a few simple sentences before falling asleep in bed, utterly exhausted from the journey. Madam Huang, however, showed a smile on her face. She had originally hoped Xiao Mo would become her son-in-law, but hearing that the Second Young Master is even better than Xiao Mo sounds excellent. It would be no loss for her He'er to marry such a fine man. Although she hadn't seen him in person, if her husband says he is good, he must be good.

When Lin He awoke early the next morning, she immediately felt that her mother, Madam Huang, seemed different from usual. Her mother kept gazing at her distractedly, then would smile to herself, sometimes showing happiness and sometimes looking troubled. Anyone unfamiliar might think she was possessed. However, Lin He guessed that her mother had learned about Wen Ningxuan’s situation and decided not to bother her, letting her fuss on her own.

Er Niu got up early and headed to the fields, saying he hadn't checked on things there for so long and didn't know the status. It was nearly May, and the busy farming season was approaching soon. This period was crucial; if the crops weren't managed well, the yield would suffer.

Not long after Er Niu left, Hong Xia, Hong Yun, and Madam Zhou arrived, saying they hadn't seen Lin He in ages. Now that Lin He was back, they brought their children along to join the fun. Last time Lin He returned, she only stayed for two days, and they didn't have time to visit. Counting from then until now, it had indeed been about a month. Lin He welcomed the group inside. All the children had come this time, even Xiao Shan, who rarely visited. Seeing Xiao Shan's family, Lin He felt a pang of guilt.