Er Gouzi was quick-witted, and diligent to boot; if he had any interest in Chen'er, those two would make a decent match. Given Chen'er’s temperament, marrying into just any family would likely prove untenable for the in-laws. One couldn't exactly send a massive dowry over for her to squander, and even if they could, would the mother-in-law tolerate her? Assuredly not. But with Er Gouzi nearby, her own parents could still look after her, which was better than most situations.

However, this was just Lin He musing idly when bored. Chen'er’s marriage was not an urgent matter right now, and ultimately, it should be her own choice. She wasn't like Da Bao; she didn't need to factor the family's needs too heavily into her decision—as long as she was happy later on, that was enough.

Time flew quickly, and it was nearly the end of May, a period when everyone was intensely busy preparing for the farming season—fertilizing, weeding, and so forth. Lin He’s family had acquired more fields over the past couple of years, and they had hired several more laborers, completely filling the spare courtyard. Lin He’s household affairs were managed by these long-term workers, with Er Niu and Old Man Qin overseeing things; essentially, Lin He and the others had little to do.

One day, finding herself with some free time, Lin He watched Chen’er trying to cut fabric in the small courtyard. This Chen'er was truly incorrigibly clumsy. After months of learning to cut cloth, she still didn't know where to begin, and the pieces she managed were all uneven scraps. It was clear Chen'er hadn't put her heart into it. Zi Xi and Zi Huan, Chen'er’s maids, clearly hadn't been strict enough with her training. Lin He had initially stated that Chen'er should be able to make a simple garment on her own before the Mid-Autumn Festival, but at this rate, Chen'er probably couldn't even sew a sleeve. With no other choice, Lin He had to step in and supervise personally.

Yet, supervising firsthand made Lin He understand the difficulties Zi Huan and Zi Xi faced. Chen'er simply couldn't wrap her mind around the task, and on top of that, she lacked focus. The slightest sound or movement would immediately draw her gaze elsewhere. Even Lin He started to feel discouraged. Finally, having no recourse, she handed the supervision over to Zi Yu and retreated to the main courtyard for tea and a rest. Mother Huang, who was nearby, also lamented how hard it was to teach this girl Chen'er; despite so many people instructing her, she seemed incapable of learning. She recalled how Lin He, when learning needlework, had needed hardly any teaching and had even earned money for the family through embroidery. If they depended on Chen'er for income, the whole family would starve.

As Lin He and Mother Huang were talking, they saw Madam Zhao enter, accompanied by Tao Hua and Chun'er. Mother Huang and Lin He quickly rose to welcome Madam Zhao in. Lin He hadn't seen Tao Hua and Chun'er in a while. Chun'er was still the same, blushing easily and appearing shy around people. Tao Hua, however, greeted Lin He sweetly.

Seeing Chen'er on the side, Madam Zhao chuckled, "Chen'er, learning to sew clothes? Good. A girl needs to learn this at her age; in a few more years, she'll be making clothes for her husband's family."

"Ah, don't even mention it," Mother Huang replied with a helpless laugh. "Clumsy hands and feet. I've been teaching her for days, and she still doesn't handle scissors quite right. I don't know what to do with her."

"Take it slow. With so many people teaching her, she’ll eventually learn. Don't rush things," Madam Zhao advised.

Mother Huang nodded. "I suppose I have no choice. This child is truly vexing."

"Tao Hua and Chun'er, go over there and watch Chen'er sew. Teach her a bit and let the maids rest for a while," Madam Zhao directed.

Tao Hua and Chun'er obediently walked toward Chen'er. Once they were gone, Madam Zhao lowered her voice. "Second daughter-in-law, what about these two girls? The busy farming season is almost upon us. Chun'er told me yesterday she needs to go back; her parents need her help with the fieldwork."

"Mother, perhaps we should let them go back first. As for Da Bao, I have no control over him. He flatly refuses to agree to marriage, and I can’t force him, can I? He won't even come home now," Mother Huang replied.

"These two girls are quite promising. If they go back now and Da Bao still hasn't settled down, won't that be a pity? Look at Tao Hua—her family background is decent, she’s lovely, and she speaks sweetly. She doesn't seem like a village girl at all. As a daughter-in-law for your family, she’d be perfect. Are you really just going to let them leave like this?" Madam Zhao pressed again.

"I also favor Tao Hua, but Da Bao isn't interested. There's nothing I can do, Mother. You see my predicament," Mother Huang sighed.

"In my opinion, since Da Bao doesn't even need to be present for the engagement, you and Er Niu should just go to her parents' house and settle the match directly. By the time Da Bao returns, it will already be decided. I don't care if he raises a fuss," Madam Zhao offered a plan.

"Mother, isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Mother Huang disagreed slightly.

"What's inappropriate about it? Haven't the parents always decided their children's marriages? Do you think parents would harm their own sons?" Madam Zhao countered.

"Mother, this…" Mother Huang hesitated.

Lin He, watching from the side, hadn't intended to interrupt, but seeing her mother waver, she knew if Grandmother kept pushing, Mother would surely agree. Lin He spoke up, "Grandmother, my mother is also helpless. Father promised Big Brother he wouldn't force him into marriage within the year. We can discuss it after a year passes."

"What kind of talk is that? Why can't he marry for a whole year?" Madam Zhao asked, confused.

"It's not entirely clear. Big Brother said the pastry shop in town is desperately short of help right now, and he can't get away. Once this year is over, he’ll have time to discuss these matters." Only Lin He and Er Niu knew the truth about Da Bao, so Lin He quickly fabricated a reason, ensuring Madam Zhao wouldn't learn the real situation.

"Yes, Mother, your husband did promise that. See, we can't say much more. As for Tao Hua and Chun'er, Mother, I will find a time to send them back, and I'll have the child's father prepare some gifts to send with you. How does that sound?" Mother Huang seized the opening.

"If that’s the case, there's no choice then. I don't know if the girl will still be waiting next year. We’ll have to send them back for now. Thankfully, when I invited them here, I never made it explicit what their purpose was—just that they were staying for a while. You prepare some nice gifts and send them off in a couple of days."

"Yes, Mother, thank you for taking the trouble. You've been running around over Da Bao's marriage matters, and we truly feel bad about it," Mother Huang said.

"Don't mention it. Da Bao is my grandson too, and I worry about his marriage just as much. If you can persuade Da Bao, urge him to settle things sooner," Madam Zhao waved her hand dismissively.

Mother Huang glanced over at Tao Hua and Chun'er, who were watching Chen'er sew embroidery, and sighed with regret. "Mother, I understand. I'll prepare some things for them to take back later."