Mistress Huang, hearing Er Niu’s words, knew he was trying to amuse her, and she laughed, saying, “Look what you’re saying. With so many sons in our family, what need do we have for a live-in son-in-law? Besides, how many of those who marry in turn out to be decent people? You, my dear, have spoiled our Chen’er so thoroughly that she turned out this way. When she was little, I wanted to teach her things, but you said she was too young and let her be. Now, it’s too late to teach her anything properly.”

Er Niu chuckled along with her, and Lin He also managed a faint smile. Seeing her parents like this, Lin He recalled what Zi Yu had told her: even though their family wasn't as wealthy as the grand households, her parents shared a deep affection, one that had remained unchanged for decades.

Since Lin He arrived here at the age of seven, and now she was thirteen, she had witnessed quite a few ups and downs in the family, yet her parents had truly never argued. Forget arguing—they had never even raised their voices in anger. This held true whether the family was poor or prosperous. What kind of feeling was this? Perhaps it shouldn't even be called a simple feeling; it was an emotion so profound it seemed woven into the very blood that connected them. If she could one day possess such a bond, she would willingly endure any hardship.

As this thought crossed her mind, Wen Ningxuan’s image surfaced. She wondered if she and Wen Ningxuan could ever achieve that kind of understanding, that kind of deep connection. If they could, she would willingly follow him through every trial, dedicating herself to supporting him and raising children, no matter the difficulty, as long as he remained by her side.

Lost in the contemplation of such devotion, a smile bloomed on Lin He’s face. Mistress Huang noticed and spoke, “He’er, you’re smiling just like your father. I was talking about Chen’er, didn’t you hear me?”

“I heard, Mother. I will spend more time with Chen’er from now on and teach her more. Don’t worry too much,” Lin He replied.

Mistress Huang nodded, then seemed to suddenly recall something, asking, “Husband, didn’t you say we needed to buy some more fields to serve as dowries for our two girls? Have you found anything suitable?”

“There are some options, yes, but they are quite far, in the neighboring villages. If we buy them now, we don't have enough hands to manage the land. Our current laborers are already stretched thin. I’ve been debating whether to proceed with the purchase,” Er Niu explained.

“Chen’er, what do you think? This land is meant for you and your sister. What’s your take on the distance?” Mistress Huang asked Lin He.

Lin He felt that whether it was designated as her dowry didn't truly matter to her. She had already made plans for herself; after all, she possessed certain capabilities. With Uncle Wen’s Cai Die Xuan shops expanding, the production capacity for their goods was strained. She had already implemented daily limits on their more expensive items, yet demand still outstripped supply. The commissions from these items alone amounted to a considerable sum each month. If she married out, she planned to leave the majority of this income to the family, keeping only a small portion for herself. Her monthly earnings were substantial.

Coupled with the few shops she already held in Qinghe County, which Father and Eldest Brother had given her, she felt that in a few years, she could acquire more suitable assets. When it came time to marry, she could afford valuable jewelry. Since she had her own income, the remaining brothers would still benefit greatly from the commissions. It was only Chen’er for whom Lin He wished to secure more—she didn't know what kind of family Chen’er would marry into, but regardless, acquiring more landed property was always a sound foundation, ensuring Chen’er’s security wherever she went.

Normally, Chen’er wouldn't need such haste for a few more years, but Da Bao was growing up. Once the family brought in a sister-in-law, things wouldn't remain as simple as they were now. It would be best to acquire as many useful assets as possible while the opportunity was ripe.

Hearing that suitable land was available, Lin He felt they should proceed. “Father, we should buy that property. I won’t take it as my dowry; let it all be kept for Chen’er. If it’s far, it’s far. We can build a small residence there and hire a few people to oversee the fields. When Chen’er marries, we can send everything to her then.”

“Yes, that could work too. Many wealthy families do things that way. Why didn't I think of that?” Er Niu exclaimed.

“In that case, go ahead and buy it. If you find more suitable parcels, purchase several. After all, keeping the money idle at home serves no purpose, and we can’t spend that much anyway,” Mistress Huang urged Er Niu.

Hearing his wife, Er Niu immediately called for Chang Geng and headed out. Only Mistress Huang and Lin He remained in the courtyard. Mistress Huang seemed lost in thought and remained silent for a long time. Lin He didn't disturb her, picking up the clothes Mistress Huang had laid aside, meant for Da Xiong and the others, and resumed sewing.

After a while, Mistress Huang spoke, “He’er, your parents know everything you’ve done for this family over the years. It is only right that we provide things for you; do not refuse. This is our way of showing our hearts. We know you are sensible, but a girl’s dowry is her reputation when she marries; it cannot be skimped on. Especially in a family like Ningxuan’s, there will surely be many wealthy daughters-in-law. If your dowry is too meager, people will laugh. Though you earn money yourself, what others see are the tangible assets presented. From now on, keep what you earn for yourself after setting aside a generous portion for the family. Buy whatever you fancy; sometimes we don't think of these things, and you have to take the initiative.”

Hearing her mother’s words, Lin He felt a prickle of emotion, nearly bringing tears to her eyes. Partly, she was deeply moved that her parents thought so much of her future; partly, she felt a bittersweet pang, realizing she had truly grown up and reached an age where such concerns were paramount.

Lin He told Mistress Huang, “Mother, I know you and Father would never treat me unfairly. From now on, whatever you decide to acquire for the family, I will accept. As for the profits from the ointment workshop, I will give the larger share to the family every month, keeping only the smaller portion for myself. I don't need much, but the family has many expenses—Eldest Brother needs to marry, Chen’er needs a dowry, and the three younger ones are still small; they will require much spending in the future. You should hold onto these funds.”

“He’er, that won’t do. You manage all those things yourself, how can you…”

Before Mistress Huang could finish, Lin He interrupted, “Mother, let it be settled. But you must manage these funds personally from now on. Consider that Eldest Brother now has the pastry shop; that shop will fall under his management, along with the family’s land assets. As for this cash, consider it what I leave for the family, and you can divide it equally among them later. The younger ones will need money too—Xiao Bao needs to study, and if Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong decide to pursue learning, it will cost a great deal. Eldest Brother is about to marry. No matter how good or filial his wife is, only give her what is rightfully hers. Whatever the amount of this money, never let her know about it.”