"Mother, you've done so much for this household..." Lin He’s words immediately caught in Madam Huang’s throat, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Seeing her mother like this, Lin He smiled. "Mother, why bring up such things? We are all family. Even if I grow up and marry out, this will always be my home. If my maiden home is good, it brings honor to me, no matter which in-laws’ house I marry into. Besides, it hasn't just been me working all these years; everyone in the family has done their utmost. I’m telling you this now only to settle things clearly beforehand, not to exclude a future sister-in-law or anyone. It’s just that we have many children, so settling these matters now is better than arguing over them later. Don’t you agree, Mother?"

"I understand, He'er. Your father and I have considered all this. I was planning that after you marry, the income from your ointment workshop would belong entirely to you. As for your dowry, it will be the same as Chen'er’s, and the remainder of the family assets will be divided equally among the brothers. The family has saved quite a bit of silver these past few years, along with some land and a few shops we acquired. That will certainly be enough for the rest of them. While these things won't make them enormously wealthy, it will certainly put them better off than the average person. How much can one person truly spend in this life? I don't wish for you all to be rich; as long as your days ahead are smooth, your mother will be at ease," Madam said with a touch of sentimentality.

"Mother, let's settle it like this. From now on, I will show you the accounts for the ointment money every month. For now, all the money goes to you, and you can hold onto mine as well. I'll ask you for it whenever I need it later," Lin He replied.

"He'er, don't show me those accounts. You keep the money for now. You've been managing the household these past few years; just keep it for me. Regardless of whether Da Bao marries or not, keep it with you. When you are ready to marry later, then give it to me. I trust you to manage things; I’m more at ease that way. We have plenty of silver in the house now, enough for any purchases we need to make. Just keep everything from now on," Madam Huang considered before speaking.

Hearing Madam Huang say this, Lin He did not argue further; letting her manage was fine. Since she had been managing the household for the earlier years anyway, refusing now would seem overly distant. Lin He felt her parents were different from most parents of this era. Most parents here made a clear distinction between daughters and sons, always considering the sons in everything they did. Many even married off their daughters primarily to gain wealth to secure wives for their sons. However, her own parents had treated them all fairly in this regard. While she certainly contributed significantly to the family’s current standing, ordinary parents might not remember such contributions favorably. Yet, her parents ensured fair treatment for all their children, making Lin He feel that her years of effort for the family were truly worthwhile.

Madam Huang and Lin He were chatting in the courtyard. Lin He held embroidery in her hands, while Madam Huang sewed a small, boy’s bib. As they talked, Madam Huang brought up Da Bao again: "He'er, have you and your father been hiding something from me about Da Bao? Why would your father agree to let him wait a year before marrying? I’ve asked your father several times, but he refuses to say. What exactly is going on?"

Lin He hadn't expected Madam Huang to suddenly bring up that matter. She did know about Da Bao’s situation, but both Er Niu and Da Bao had agreed not to tell Madam Huang yet. Moreover, if she knew the details of Da Bao’s predicament, she would certainly pressure him to give up this current marriage proposal.

Lin He knew her mother’s temperament well. If Madam Huang knew the truth, she would never agree to Da Bao marrying this girl. Although Madam Huang often claimed their family was just ordinary, deep down, she felt their status was somewhat elevated. Their family environment was quite good, and she considered Da Bao exceptional—her son wasn't just an ordinary farm boy; he had studied and managed his own shop. To have him rejected by a girl would naturally make Madam Huang dissatisfied with that girl’s family. Even if the girl married into the family later, it was hard to guarantee Madam Huang wouldn't hold a grudge. Furthermore, the issue between Da Bao and the girl hadn't been resolved, and there was no telling when, or if, it ever would be. For these reasons, Madam Huang absolutely could not know.

Of course, Lin He wasn't refusing to tell her because she thought Madam Huang was unreasonable. It was just that any normal mother in this situation would react the same way. Every mother believed her son was the best, the most outstanding. And for someone like Madam Huang, who felt her Da Bao could easily find a wife, why should they make such concessions? Any mother with a son Da Bao’s age would worry about his marriage prospects. So, Lin He could only rationalize that Da Bao was unlucky to fall for someone unsuitable; it wasn't Madam Huang’s fault. Her father hadn't said anything because he was generally easygoing, but not everyone was like him. Thus, Lin He still kept quiet and pretended to be surprised, asking, "Mother, what are you talking about? What could Father be keeping from you? If Father didn't tell you, how would he tell me? Look at you, you don't even trust Father."

Madam Huang looked at Lin He’s obvious pretense and laughed. "You sly girl, pretending not to know! Da Bao is usually closest to you; you must know something. Stop feigning ignorance! I know it’s about what happened when you went to Qinghe County last time. Before, whenever your father and I mentioned Da Bao, he would chime in, but now he won't even let me ask about him. Isn't that because something is up?"

Hearing her mother press the issue, Lin He stopped pretending. She admitted, "There are indeed some matters concerning Elder Brother. But as for the specifics, if Elder Brother wishes to tell you himself later, he will. I certainly won't say. However, Mother, don't worry too much about Elder Brother. He isn't that old, and in a family like ours, are you truly worried he won't find a wife?" Lin He deliberately tried to lighten the mood with her mother.

"Sigh, if you won't tell me, I won't push you. I'll find out eventually. Do you think you can hide it from me forever? It's not that I fear Da Bao won't find a wife, but it’s a pity. Look at Tao Hua and Chun'er, such good girls, just let go like that. Especially Tao Hua, I truly liked that child. None of you are as sensible as Tao Hua was," Madam Huang sighed.