Erniu returned to recount the reactions of Zhanggeng and Li Ping to Huang Shi. Lin He, who had been eavesdropping nearby, noted that Zhanggeng's response was nothing unusual—the strange part lay in Li Ping’s eager agreement once he learned they were considered family relations. This suggested either a hidden motive or perhaps an unspoken preference for someone specific.

Lin He pondered this herself, wondering if Li Ping's eagerness stemmed from her own household somehow—yet that didn't align with logic; if he truly valued such connections so much, wouldn’t he have expressed it more cautiously? A sudden thought struck her: could Li Ping be interested in Lin He’s younger cousin? It made sense—he had met the cousin before as a supervising laborer at the estate where she worked in the kitchen. Their frequent interactions would naturally foster familiarity.

The other option, Zhanggeng, was equally viable. If his contract of servitude could be redeemed, he’d no longer be bound to servitude status. The idea of pairing Zhanggeng with Lin He’s cousin suddenly seemed harmonious. But before she could resolve these thoughts...

Huang Shi had already reached the same conclusions.

Curiosity stirred in Huang Shi after hearing Erniu's report. As an unmarried girl, Lin He hesitated to openly discuss such matters, but Huang Shi saw no issue with expressing her suspicions outright. She promptly shared her analysis, which even convinced Erniu to act immediately by informing their mother Zhao Shi of the situation.

Just as Erniu was about to leave...

Fate intervened—Zhao Shi and Hongyun arrived together at that very moment. Hongyun led Damao by the hand, who instantly broke free from his grip upon spotting Daixiong and Xiaoxiong playing in the courtyard. After several days here, Damao had grown more confident among children despite still being shy with adults. Hongyun had already arranged for him to stay a while longer before returning home, as she and Dasheng needed to work during the day.

Zhao Shi entered the courtyard, where Erniu invited her to sit. “Erniu,” Zhao Shi began directly, “have you finalized arrangements regarding Hongxia?”

“Checked thoroughly,” he replied with conviction. “There's Li Ping from the laborers—his conditions are excellent and his family small. Zhanggeng is also a suitable candidate. It all depends on your preference.”

“Zhanggeng? The one hired to drive our carriage?” Zhao Shi mused aloud. “He seems honest enough, though his servitude status gives me pause. Who exactly is this Li Ping you mentioned? I don’t recognize him—should we go see for ourselves?”

“Of course,” Erniu agreed readily. “The laborers return at midday for meals. Let me take you to meet them now. Li Ping oversees the entire labor force, earns more than ordinary workers, and only has his elderly mother left.”

Zhao Shi's eyes gleamed with approval as she declared, “A supervisor, you say? They earn over ten taels annually—Li Ping sounds promising indeed! Let me inspect him personally before making any decisions.”

“Mother,” Erniu interjected cautiously, “Zhanggeng is also remarkable. His income rivals Li Ping's and he lives alone with no family obligations. I tested his willingness to remarry directly—he showed clear interest. Though a servant by contract status, we could simply return his indenture if paired with Hongxia.”

This time Zhao Shi leaned closer, intrigued by the nuances in Li Ping’s “family relation” remark. While Zhanggeng's simplicity appealed—no family complications and equal earning potential—the laborer vs. servant distinction ultimately tilted her favor toward Li Ping.

Just as Zhao Shi was finalizing this decision...

Hongyun unexpectedly interrupted: “Hold on a moment, Mother! Have you actually confirmed Hongxia’s consent? Yesterday I specifically asked her about it and she seemed completely unaware of these arrangements.”

This warning struck like lightning—neither Huang Shi nor Erniu had considered Hongxia's actual stance. After all, she'd long since given up hopes for marriage, caring only to raise the children.

Huang Shi and Erniu exchanged glances before Zhao Shi waved them off with a smile: “You doubt your mother’s judgment now? Everything I do is for her good! I already discussed it thoroughly with Hongxia—she gave me full authority if suitable candidates emerge.”

Erniu finally relented, asking plainly: “Then you prefer Li Ping over Zhanggeng?”

Zhao Shi paused before replying carefully, “I’ll test the waters first. You two need not involve yourselves further—I’ll handle final arrangements and consult Hongxia personally again.”

The women all nodded in agreement—after all, this was ultimately about Hongxia’s future. With matters settled, Erniu left while the remaining women resumed their domestic chatter.

Feeling relieved that a solution had finally emerged for Hongxia's situation, Zhao Shi casually asked Huang Shi: “Older daughter-in-law, did you have visitors recently? The day your girl Yuyu got injured, I noticed someone near your house who looked about Daobao’s age. Was he visiting?”

Huang Shi blinked in confusion before realizing she meant... “No one came,” she replied blankly.

“Then it must be that handsome young man from the wealthy merchant family!” Zhao Shi insisted. “I saw Chen Er and Xiaobao walking with him through the village yesterday!”

Ah! Huang Shi suddenly recalled, “You mean Weng Ningxuan—the son of Master Wen? Yes, he was here for two days. His younger brother brought him to our countryside—being city-raised, they needed a guide.”

The women exchanged knowing glances as Zhao Shi’s mind raced with new possibilities.

(To be continued)