As Yunqi’s mother held forth with gusto according to her own ideas, she was suddenly startled into silence by He’er’s question, momentarily unable to respond. But she quickly answered, “He’er, you are still young; you don’t understand these things. These are the rules. When our Yunqi marries into your family, people have already said it is a great fortune for your Da Bao. Look at our Yunqi—she has looks and figure; many have come to propose marriage, but I refused them all. For her to marry into your family is something many relatives are watching. My Yunqi must have a grand wedding; it cannot be too shabby.”

Lin He glanced at her parents after hearing Yunqi’s mother’s words. It was clear her parents were unhappy, yet they kept nodding their heads, as if agreeing with Yunqi’s mother. Lin He realized she could not rely on them; if things continued this way, she had no idea what mess would ensue.

Lin He smiled sarcastically to herself, yet maintained a placid smile outwardly as she spoke, “Auntie is indeed right. Sister Yunqi is a good girl. However, our family is just an ordinary farming household. Moreover, my parents and elder brother are not people who enjoy showing off. We intended to follow the usual customs for the wedding. We can discuss the specifics once a date is set. Mother, Father, what do you think?”

Er Niu and Huang Shi seemed as if awakened by Lin He’s words. Huang Shi said, “Yes, Yunqi’s mother, what He’er said is right. We should just follow the usual rules for the wedding.”

Er Niu chimed in, supporting Huang Shi’s statement.

Yunqi’s mother was somewhat displeased. She said, “Your family is not like just anyone else; why should you follow other people’s rules? Besides, what’s wrong with showing off a little when taking a wife? Your family can afford to do so. A lively wedding brings glory to you as well. Do you mean you are unwilling to do as I suggested?”

“Auntie, perhaps the customs where you come from differ from ours. Weddings here are also lively, but we don’t go overboard with extravagance. We just invite some relatives or close neighbors for a gathering. Generally, only immediate family from the bride’s side attend; those distant relatives whom one hasn't seen in ages wouldn’t come on their own,” Lin He pretended to explain their local customs to Yunqi’s mother.

Yunqi’s mother looked at Lin He, thinking this girl was rather sharp. No wonder people said this He’er managed the household. Previously, every one of her demands had gone completely ignored by this family, but today this girl had negated all of her requests while maintaining a façade of polite deference, making it impossible for her to lose her temper. Considering this, Yunqi’s mother shifted her target toward Huang Shi on the side. “Da Bao’s mother, it’s understandable that He’er doesn’t grasp these things. But you two should know, right? I am not asking for your family’s possessions. I just hope my daughter can marry off honorably. And surely, you have the final say in this house, don't you? What do you say about this matter?”

Huang Shi looked at Er Niu, then at Lin He beside him. She was unsure how to answer. She knew He’er was correct in her heart, but she also didn't want to offend the future in-laws. Finally, unable to withstand Yunqi’s mother’s gaze, she responded vaguely, “How about this, Yunqi’s mother, I will discuss this with Da Bao. After all, he is the one marrying; he has the final say. We can discuss the specifics during the formal proposal.”

“If that is the case, then what’s the point of discussing the marriage today? You all discuss it amongst yourselves, and then come talk to us. Come, Yunqi, let’s go back,” Yunqi’s mother said angrily, calling Yunqi to leave since Huang Shi hadn't immediately agreed.

“Then Auntie and Sister Yunqi have a good trip. We are busy at home, so we won’t see you off,” Lin He said with a smile.

In truth, Yunqi’s mother only intended to stand up as a show; she was sure Er Niu and Huang Shi wouldn't let her leave just like that. She hadn't expected Lin He to dismiss them so quickly. With nowhere to linger, she genuinely took Yunqi and left. Er Niu and Huang Shi also felt something was amiss but still saw them to the door.

Turning back, Huang Shi looked at Lin He and tentatively asked, “He’er, Yunqi’s mother seemed quite unhappy today. Did we handle that too harshly? Perhaps…”

“Mother, perhaps what? After suffering a setback during the engagement viewing, you plan to follow their dictates again? If you do that, will everything in the future be decided by whatever they say? We are marrying a daughter-in-law, not a princess. I’m not saying we shouldn't host a banquet, but I think Auntie’s attitude is wrong. She seems to be ordering us around, and she’s clearly trying to grandstand. From what she implies, the reason she needs to show off is because she feels marrying her daughter to my elder brother is a form of condescension. Do you think that’s appropriate? Furthermore, I don’t think we are some noble family; being slightly better than others is fine. This is my stance on the matter. If you disagree, you and elder brother can discuss it, but if you both insist, there’s nothing I can do,” Lin He laid out her thoughts to Huang Shi.

Lin He knew Huang Shi might be somewhat displeased. In fact, her current words were already quite restrained. According to Lin He’s assessment, Yunqi wasn't a particularly suitable candidate for a wife. Watching her sit there, utterly unresponsive regardless of what was said, Lin He felt Yunqi was the type who disliked labor. Marrying her into the family would likely mean she wouldn’t be stern with family members; as long as she was provided a comfortable life, she would let others manage things. Moreover, judging by Yunqi’s mother and Yunqi’s own appearance and dress, their demands for material comforts seemed quite high.

However, her parents had already agreed to the betrothal, and Yunqi didn't exhibit any major flaws that would warrant breaking the engagement. Lin He also couldn't bring herself to demand it. Her goal in acting this way was to show Yunqi’s mother that her family members weren't all fools who would be dictated to. Nobody was begging to marry her daughter; if she was willing, she could marry; if not, they could forget it.

Er Niu, standing nearby, considered the situation and said, “Wife, I think He’er is right. Our family should stick to the usual customs. We can’t let them make excessive demands. Our Da Bao isn’t going to be without a wife. Should we really make it seem like we are marrying into a wealthy, influential family? She wants face, but what about my face? People will say our Lin family bought a bride with money! And look at Yunqi—after all that was said today, she remained silent. It seems that once she enters this house, she won't be capable of holding a family together. There will be a lot of teaching ahead of us.” Er Niu’s comment hit the nail on the head; this was precisely what Lin He meant.

Although Huang Shi remained hesitant after Er Niu spoke, she no longer objected. She only said, “Well then, we will discuss this tonight when Da Bao gets home and see what his opinion is. Oh, and He’er, what about Ning Xuan? Mr. Wen said he was just stopping by to say hello today; if you agree, we can have the matchmaker formally propose soon.”

Lin He blushed slightly and sat aside without speaking. Er Niu nudged Huang Shi, who slapped her own forehead, then laughed and said, “See, I’m getting muddled. If He’er doesn’t agree, Ning Xuan won’t come anyway. So, He’er, that settles it then. It’s good to settle things early; I won’t have to worry anymore.”