Er Niu was a man, so it was naturally somewhat inappropriate for him to examine the girl closely. He stayed to chat with the girl’s father on the side, while Madam Huang and Madam Zhao scrutinized the young woman. The girl was indeed tall; perhaps as tall as an average man, but because her figure was well-proportioned, she didn't appear overly robust or coarse. Her features weren't stunningly beautiful, but certainly presentable enough. Seeing them arrive, the girl probably understood the purpose of the visit; she simply stood to the side, blushing faintly, and remained silent.

Since this visit was arranged suddenly, the girl’s other family members had not seen them; her father claimed he had to go out on business. Er Niu and Madam Huang sat there for a while before departing. Madam Huang and Er Niu were quite pleased with the girl, remarking that she appeared honest and quiet, looked good, and her family background seemed respectable—certainly worthy of Da Bao.

While riding the ox cart home, Madam Huang declared, “I think this girl is excellent. Husband, tomorrow, go into town and summon Da Bao back. Tell him you’ve found a potential match for him and ask him to come see.”

Er Niu was equally satisfied and immediately agreed, saying he would have Chang Geng drive the cart the next day so he could make the trip to town.

The following morning, Er Niu and Chang Geng set off for town early. By noon, Da Bao had returned with them. As soon as he arrived, Madam Huang explained the matter of the prospective bride to him. Da Bao was indifferent, saying he didn't mind seeing her, as long as everyone else approved.

In the afternoon, the matchmaker arranged a "chance" meeting. Da Bao saw the girl then. This time, Er Niu stayed home; it was Da Bao and Madam Huang who went. They met the girl’s other family members this time. The girl’s height was inherited from her mother, whose physique was also tall. The mother was quite talkative and, upon seeing Madam Huang, took her hand and engaged her in lengthy conversation, filling the air with flattering compliments that warmed Madam Huang’s heart, making her even more favorably inclined toward the girl.

After returning home, Madam Huang asked, “Da Bao, you’ve seen the girl. Do you agree? If you agree, I’ll send someone to formally propose the matter right away. If we hurry, we might be able to arrange your marriage before the end of the year.”

To be honest, Da Bao had only glanced at the girl twice and hadn't formed any deep impression, but he didn't see anything wrong with her either. However, he was uneasy about agreeing to such an immediate commitment. He replied, “We’re settling it now? Isn't that too rushed? I don’t even know the girl’s name, and I’ve only seen her twice. This seems too fast.”

“Too fast? You’ll be seventeen after the New Year. I think it’s slow enough! I wish you could get married tomorrow! You’ve seen this girl, and her family has raised no objections to us. They said we can finalize things anytime we wish. Your father and I are very satisfied. Now it’s up to you.” Madam Huang insisted.

Da Bao looked at Madam Huang, considered for a moment, and suggested, “Mother, how about this: we don't refuse them outright, but we don't finalize everything so quickly either. We should give ourselves some time to get to know her.”

Madam Huang sighed upon hearing Da Bao’s words. “Why are you adopting He'er’s style now? What is there to ‘get to know’? This is how most people marry. Why is it a problem when it comes to you? He'er is willful, and Ning Xuan spoils her, plus He’er hasn't reached the proper age yet. But you are different. Their family is certainly waiting for our answer; you must give them one.”

As Madam Huang spoke, she stared intently at Da Bao. Da Bao understood that even though his mother was asking for his opinion, her words were subtly pressuring him to agree. Da Bao himself was genuinely hesitant and undecided. Seeing his indecision, Madam Huang pressed further, “You say you want to get acquainted, but how? They are not related to us by blood. We can’t very well bring her to stay here like we did with Taohua last time. Even if we weren't talking about this particular girl, any girl we choose would eventually have to be settled. Why make so many complications?”

Da Bao thought it over. What his mother said had a point. This was the established custom for marriages in their household. Everyone else married and lived this way; why should it be insurmountable for him? Since his parents were satisfied, his grandmother was satisfied, and he himself felt life with her would be bearable, he gritted his teeth and agreed to let Madam Huang proceed.

Madam Huang was indescribably overjoyed when Da Bao consented. She immediately sent a maid to call Zhao Shi and Er Niu back, announcing that the match was accepted and the family needed to start discussing the engagement terms, specifically the betrothal gifts. Madam Huang began pacing excitedly around the courtyard. Da Bao wanted to ask if they needed to rush things so much, as there were several matters to settle before the formal proposal, but seeing his mother’s elation, he opened his mouth, hesitated, and kept the comment to himself.

Er Niu and Zhao Shi soon arrived. Hearing that Da Bao agreed to the girl, they were extremely happy. The family chatted, eventually focusing on the proposal arrangements and the gifts to be presented to the girl’s family. Typically, such proposals involved bolts of cloth, wedding cakes, and silver taels, with the exact quantities depending on the family’s means.

Zhao Shi commented, “Your family is better off than most. I suggest we prepare a more generous betrothal gift. We must include the engagement money and cloth. Your household has plenty of pastries; prepare those so it looks good on their side. The rest will be trinkets—jewelry for the girl—which you can prepare as you see fit. We can finalize the specifics later.”

Er Niu and Madam Huang agreed on the general items, but when jewelry was mentioned, Madam Huang lamented, “We don't know much about jewelry. If only He'er were home! She’s familiar with these things and has excellent taste. It would be convenient for her to buy them. What a shame He'er isn't here.”

“Then let Chen'er and Zi Qing go together,” Er Niu suggested. “Zi Qing has often accompanied He’er, so her eye for quality isn't bad. Chen'er also enjoys fiddling with these things usually, and his taste is better than ours. Just have them buy one suitable set for the betrothal gift.”

“Yes, that’s perfect,” Madam Huang agreed. “When Zi Qing finishes her work this afternoon, tell her to arrange a day with Chen’er to go to town with Da Bao and buy those items. We will look at the calendar to pick an auspicious day, and then we’ll have the matchmaker help us discuss the other details.”

Zhao Shi concurred that this was feasible and urged Madam Huang to arrange these things quickly so as not to cause delay. Madam Huang immediately sent someone to call Zi Qing and Chen'er to entrust them with the task.

Da Bao watched their haste with a degree of helplessness, saying nothing to stop the proceedings, only listening to the conversation. His heart felt a twinge of concern for his sister. If He’er were home, he could have asked her to vet this girl; He'er was a very accurate judge of character. It was truly a pity she wasn't present, and he wondered if he had chosen wrongly.