Hong Yun remained silent after hearing her mother’s words, but her mind churned. Right, it’s the first time. They might outwardly call it an honor, but behind our backs, they’re probably laughing at our family for being simpletons, letting all these strangers come eat and drink for free, and Mother is still so delighted.

However, since it was a joyous occasion today, Hong Yun and Hong Xia didn't want to dampen Madam Zhao's spirits. Besides, their grievances were on behalf of their second brother’s family; these matters weren't theirs to decide anyway.

Not long after, Da Bao returned from town. Upon entering the courtyard and seeing so many people gathered, his eyebrows furrowed. He had felt this formal meeting stage could easily be skipped—it was too much trouble. But his parents insisted it was tradition, so Da Bao had only agreed to a simple affair. Now, seeing the house set up as if for a grand banquet was truly too extravagant.

As Da Bao stepped into the courtyard, Yun Qi’s mother rushed to greet him, speaking warmly and even pushing her daughter toward him. Da Bao merely showed his face politely in the courtyard before heading toward the rooms. Passing Xiao Bao’s room, he overheard Chen’er and Xiao Bao chatting inside.

Xiao Bao asked, “Second Sister, why are there suddenly so many people here? I finally get two days off from my monthly rest, and now I can’t even play in the yard. What are Father and Mother inviting so many people over for?”

“I’m not entirely sure either, but Mother said today is Big Brother’s happy day and it needs to be lively. She told us not to run around. But if you want to play, you can go into the courtyard,” Chen’er replied while working on her embroidery.

“I don’t want to go. As soon as I went out, a bunch of people grabbed me, asking this and that. Their smiles felt so fake; I don't want to talk to them. I’d rather stay here.”

“Those are Big Sister-in-law’s relatives. They don’t know you, of course they have to ask who you are. If you don’t want to go, then don’t.”

“Second Sister, is today Big Brother’s wedding? Why isn’t he back?”

“It’s not a wedding, but it seems similar. Mother said it’s a ‘seeing the fiancée’ ceremony. I don’t quite understand it either. But I feel like Big Brother doesn’t like this Big Sister-in-law. Look how Big Brother went to town and hasn't come back. Xiao Bao, do you like this Big Sister-in-law?” Chen’er tilted her head, thinking.

“Who is Big Sister-in-law?”

“I actually don’t know either, but Mother pointed her out to me—she said it was the tall girl. I glanced at her when I first went into the courtyard. The girl barely spoke, but when I heard her mother mention ‘Little Aunt’ or something, Little Aunt seemed quite unhappy.”

“Oh, Second Sister, this day is so boring. I wish Big Sister was home. When do you think Big Sister will come back to fetch us? I wait every day to go to Big Sister’s place,” Xiao Bao said with some vexation.

“Mother said Big Sister and Brother Xuan are working over there. They’ll come back to get us once their work is done. Big Sister promised me she would definitely come back for us. Don’t worry,” Chen’er comforted Xiao Bao.

“Will Big Sister and Brother Xuan get married?”

“Probably. I think Brother Xuan treats our Big Sister very well, and Mother also says Brother Xuan is a very good man.”

“Big Sister and Brother Xuan will get married, and Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law are also supposed to get married. Why aren't Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law going out together like Big Sister and Brother Xuan do?”

Hearing this, Da Bao returned to his own room, pondering Chen’er and Xiao Bao’s words. Though they were childish utterances, they struck the mark. Da Bao’s resolve began to waver. Why could Ning Xuan and He’er be so joyful together, while he felt no happiness at all? Was his decision truly too rushed?

Da Bao shook his head, forcing himself not to dwell on these thoughts, trying to cheer himself up. But no matter how hard he tried to force a smile, it never seemed genuine. Still, Da Bao knew that having reached this point, whether he was happy or not was no longer up to him.

Around noon, Er Niu came in to call Da Bao out to receive the guests. Seeing Da Bao lying listlessly on the kang, Er Niu spoke pointedly, “Da Bao, today is your big day no matter what. There’s a whole courtyard full of guests; you must go out and greet them. Yun Qi’s mother was just asking where you went. I told her you had stepped out on business, so she didn't press further. Since you agreed to this marriage, stop overthinking it. Treat Yun Qi well from now on; you can’t go back on your word.”

How could Da Bao not understand this logic? He got off the kang, straightened his clothes, and followed Er Niu out. The courtyard was filled with tables, ready for the feast to begin. Er Niu led Da Bao to the table where Yun Qi’s father sat, and together they received the guests. Although Da Bao was annoyed by the trivial formalities, having been in business for many years, he knew basic etiquette. At the table, he maintained the proper distance and spoke with courtesy. Yun Qi’s father was quite satisfied with Da Bao and even smiled at Er Niu, saying, “Brother Er Niu, I am very reassured that our Yun Qi can marry into your family. In the future, if she is foolish or inexperienced, you must be patient and guide her.”

Er Niu and Da Bao exchanged pleasantries, and the men at the table settled into drinking and chatting.

Meanwhile, Yun Qi, her mother, and her two younger sisters were being hosted by Madam Zhao, Madam Huang, Hong Yun, and Hong Xia. Initially, Hong Yun and the others were reluctant to attend, but Madam Zhao insisted it was proper etiquette for the female relatives of the household to keep the guests company. Since Chen’er was too young to entertain, and He’er was away, their aunt was considered family and naturally had to join in the hosting duties.

At the dining table, it was Yun Qi’s mother who did all the talking. Madam Huang and Madam Zhao would occasionally interject with a smile. No one could understand how Yun Qi’s mother could be so verbose; her mouth seemed to move constantly, capable of talking about anything—the good and the bad. Regardless of the occasion, if it caught her eye, she had to comment. That alone would have been something. During the meal, she incessantly praised her three daughters, almost extolling them to the heavens. Hong Yun and Hong Xia, sitting nearby, showed little reaction to Yun Qi, likely accustomed to her mother’s endless chatter and feeling no embarrassment.

It seemed the three sisters of Yun Qi were different from their mother. They ate their meals quietly, speaking very little, and appearing very gentle in nature. Perhaps the sisters’ temperaments took after their father; fortunately, they hadn't inherited their mother’s disposition, or the second brother’s family would be driven mad in the future.

It was a relief when the meal finally concluded, and everyone’s ears could finally rest. Hong Yun and Hong Xia excused themselves under the pretext of helping out in the kitchen and left the table immediately, desperate to escape the incessant talking.