Lin He glanced sideways at Wen Ningxuan, unsure what he meant by "good," and had no intention of pressing the matter. She simply remained silent, watching the distance.

"We can still make it here; it won't take long. The other side will be finished soon. I'll take you to see it in a few days, though I doubt we'll manage the interior decorating before the year is out," Wen Ningxuan remarked.

"Really? Finished so fast? Last time I checked, it was barely more than a foundation. Are you sure it will be done in a few days?" Lin He asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"You'll know when you go see it in a few days," Wen Ningxuan replied.

Lin He nodded, said nothing further, and picked up the embroidery she had just set aside, resuming her work. In the courtyard, the two sat: one reviewing account books, the other embroidering nearby. The atmosphere was profoundly warm and intimate, the sort of quiet domesticity many people surely yearned for.

Meanwhile, back at the Huang family residence, arrangements for Da Bao’s betrothal meeting had been settled. In a few days, the prospective bride’s family was scheduled to visit. By the custom of the time, the bride’s family would visit the groom’s home for a meal—essentially an opportunity for the bride's family to assess the groom’s household standing and circumstances.

On the day of the viewing, a considerable crowd from the bride's side arrived—not just the immediate family, but also cousins from the paternal uncles' households. They filled Er Niu's courtyard, which was quite spacious.

Er Niu and Huang Shi were taken aback by the sheer number of people. They had only anticipated the bride's immediate family, but since the prospective in-laws were here for their son’s crucial meeting, they couldn't very well turn anyone away. Besides, a more lively gathering could signify that the bride's family held the match in high regard. Thus, Huang Shi and Er Niu warmly welcomed all the guests.

Relatives from Er Niu’s side also arrived to help host. Hong Yun and Hong Xia, arriving together, were equally surprised by the crowd.

Hong Xia and Hong Yun followed Er Niu and Huang Shi to greet the bride’s family. The bride’s name was Yun Qi. Upon seeing Hong Xia and Hong Yun, and learning they were Da Bao’s aunts, she offered only a shy, bashful smile. The rest of Yun Qi’s family exchanged brief greetings. However, Yun Qi's mother, spotting Hong Xia, directly inquired, "Is this your sister-in-law who divorced her husband? I heard the man died a few months ago, is that right?"

Huang Shi's expression flickered slightly upon hearing this but quickly normalized. She replied smoothly, "Yes, this is my husband's younger sister. She came today to help us out."

Hong Xia had not expected such a personal matter to be raised so bluntly in this setting, nor spoken so loudly, drawing the attention of everyone present. Though irritated, Hong Xia suppressed her displeasure, mindful that it was Er Ge’s day. She simply nodded a greeting and prepared to join Hong Yun in the kitchen to assist.

Yet, Yun Qi’s mother, for some unknown reason, didn't stop there. After Huang Shi's introduction, she continued, "Your sister-in-law has courage. If life together is unbearable, she leaves. Many women only dare to think such things but never act. She truly deserves admiration." Yun Qi’s mother, having some education alongside Yun Qi’s father, spoke with a refinement uncommon among village women.

Regardless of how graciously her words were phrased, Hong Xia's divorce was hardly a matter for public commendation, especially not delivered with such fanfare. Moreover, Hong Xia couldn't decipher the woman's true intent. She simply lowered her head and quickly walked with Hong Yun toward the kitchen.

Once inside the empty kitchen, Hong Yun vented her frustration. "What is wrong with Yun Qi’s mother? Why bring up such things? She doesn't seem like a good sort. I wonder what kind of person Yun Qi really is."

Hong Xia, however, offered a more measured view. "Yun Qi seems very docile, perhaps not as formidable as her mother. Da Bao is marrying Yun Qi, not her mother. Let her say what she likes; she only stated facts, so we shouldn't dwell on it."

Hong Yun nodded. Standing by the kitchen doorway, watching the throng in the courtyard as she and Hong Xia busied themselves, she remarked quietly, "Da Bao’s match is certainly grand. I doubt anyone in our village has ever had so many people for just the viewing. Considering the cost of food alone, not to mention the likely expense of gift money, few families could manage such an affair."

Hong Xia agreed, speaking bluntly. "Exactly. I think the bride's family has brought far too many people. While they might want a grand send-off, this is just the viewing, grander than most people’s actual weddings. After all, this girl will soon be Da Bao’s wife, and the household money will be hers too. Even if they are wealthy, this level of extravagance seems wasteful."

"Er Ge and Er Sao are also at fault for letting so many people come. Are these all immediate relatives? Does Yun Qi's family have so many kin? I suspect most of these people are here just for the gift money and the feast. Look at the courtyard, including the children—they’ll need dozens of taels just to placate them today," Hong Yun added.

The gift money Hong Yun mentioned was given when the bride's family visited the groom’s home. The general rule was often summarized as "full hall red," meaning every person present, even infants in arms, was to receive a red packet. The exact amount depended on the family's circumstances, with larger sums reserved for the bride's immediate family and the bride herself.

"Perhaps Er Ge and Er Sao truly didn't know so many people would arrive. They couldn't do anything once they were here—drive them away? It’s Yun Qi’s parents who shouldn't have done this. These relatives aren't getting any of that money; why summon so many people?" Hong Xia and Hong Yun analyzed.

As they spoke, Zhao Shi entered, asking, "Has all the food and supplies been bought? With this many people, we might run short later."

Hong Yun shook her head. "Er Ge just came in to say the initial provisions weren't enough. They sent someone out for an emergency restock, and they are probably still on the road."

Zhao Shi heard this and nodded, beaming with satisfaction. "Our Da Bao’s marriage is truly glorious! When I came in, quite a few villagers were talking about it, saying this is the most magnificent viewing our village has ever seen, and only the Er Niu household could afford such a display." Zhao Shi finished with a proud smile.