Lin He’s words gave Er Niu and Madam Huang pause for thought. They had been so immersed in the joy of Da Bao’s upcoming marriage that they hadn't truly considered these matters. Reminded by Lin He, this was indeed a paramount issue that needed clear contemplation.

Seeing them deep in thought, Lin He quietly stepped aside, settling in the small courtyard to watch Chen’er embroider. Chen’er noticed Lin He sitting beside her but remained silent, concentrating intently on the needlework in her hands.

Lin He stared at the ground, recalling Madam Wen’s demeanor that day. When her parents first brought it up, she had spoken positively to avoid worrying them, but Lin He knew in her heart that marrying into the Wen family meant she was perceived by them as marrying above her station. They were likely feeling sorry for Wen Ningxuan for taking a village girl. She suspected that if she hadn't had dealings with Uncle Wen, he might never have agreed to Wen Ningxuan marrying her. But that hypothetical was moot; without knowing Uncle Wen, she wouldn't have known Wen Ningxuan, let alone married him. There were no ‘what ifs’ in any timeline.

Although her parents had lived their lives as farmers, they had experienced enough of the world for their worries to be well-founded. Nominally, Madam Wen was Wen Ningxuan’s mother, her future mother-in-law. For a mother-in-law intent on making trouble for her daughter-in-law, whether they were related by blood was irrelevant. Lin He feared her own future might involve navigating a period of intense hardship. She sighed, hoping she was simply worrying over nothing.

Lin He’s concerns were indeed valid. At the Wen residence, setting aside others, among the three key decision-makers—Uncle Wen, Madam Wen, and Old Madam Wen (Wen Ningxu’s grandmother)—only Uncle Wen was in agreement. The other two vehemently opposed the match.

Previously, Wen Ningxuan had never mentioned this matter at home, so they were unaware of the urgency regarding his marriage. Old Madam Wen continuously introduced suitable young women from her own family circle to him. At first, Wen Ningxuan didn't realize how eager they were for him to marry and didn't object when occasionally arranged for a blind date. Later, realizing his grandmother’s machinations, he started timing his returns precisely. Eventually, he stopped coming home altogether when he had no pressing business.

Madam Wen didn't introduce as many candidates but instead brought forward her adopted daughter, Ning Nuo, intending to propose a match between her and Wen Ningxuan. However, Wen Ningxuan was never particularly close to Madam Wen, and she feared pushing him away. So, she devised a plan: she would always have Xiao Mo take Ning Nuo to Wen Ningxuan’s courtyard under various pretexts, banking on Ning Nuo's striking beauty and gentle nature to win him over. But not long after, Wen Ningxuan left on a long trip. Madam Wen then seized the opportunity of Xiao Mo planning an outing to send Ning Nuo along again. Of course, Ning Nuo was eager, believing that more time spent together would seal the deal, yet even this proved fruitless.

Madam Wen wasn't overly anxious; since Wen Ningxuan still lacked a suitable partner, she felt there was time. But she hadn't anticipated that upon his return this time, he would immediately ask his father to arrange a betrothal, and the intended bride was a village girl. Although Madam Wen had met this village girl herself and even found her agreeable, she absolutely could not marry Wen Ningxuan—the specific reasons why would be a story for later.

When Wen Ningxuan spoke with Uncle Wen, the latter was unsurprised, merely delighted. They quickly finalized the date, and then Uncle Wen brought Madam Wen to Old Madam Wen’s chambers. Upon hearing the news, the Old Madam was immediately resolute in her opposition, declaring that her grandson could not marry a village girl; it had to be a daughter from a reputable, established family. Madam Wen subtly interjected supportive remarks, stoking the fire until the Old Madam angrily summoned Wen Ningxuan to question him about the matter.

Wen Ningxuan, however, gave them no chance to interrogate him. He stated coolly, "I am the one marrying, and I make my own decisions. There is no need for further discussion; talking more is useless. If you strongly object, I can simply choose not to live in the Wen family home after the marriage. Consider that carefully. Inform me of the agreed date. If this matter is not settled before the New Year, I will find a matchmaker myself." With that, he left.

The Old Madam was nearly sick with anger, wishing she could disown the unfilial son on the spot, asserting that the Wen family didn't lack this grandson and he could leave if he wished. Madam Wen shared this sentiment but dared not voice it. It took a great deal of persuasion from Uncle Wen, who explained that although the girl came from a humble background, her family’s circumstances weren't poor—better than some landlords—and that the girl possessed excellent character and disposition. He further revealed that the success of his Caidie Xuan and the doll shop she opened were entirely thanks to her. Hearing this, the Old Madam remained reluctant, but with her son’s defense and her grandson’s unwavering resolve, she had no choice. She finally conceded, saying, "Xuan’er is your son, and she will be your daughter-in-law. If you don't fear losing face, so be it."

Thus, the matter caused quite a stir within the Wen family, validating Lin He's apprehension. However, setting aside the Wen family's affairs for the moment, attention must return to Lin He's own home.

After discussing family matters with her parents that morning, Lin He had planned to visit Madam Zhou that afternoon with her mother. Just as they were preparing to leave, they were surprised to see He Shi and Madam Zhou arriving at their home, accompanied by Xiao Yun, chatting amiably. This was a rare sight in Lin He’s eyes—a genuine curiosity.

The last time Lin He was home, these two had nearly come to blows. Their current cordiality was utterly surprising. Moreover, He Shi today was somewhat unexpected; she was thinner but appeared remarkably cheerful, likely because a smile graced her face, making her seem far more pleasant than before, which contributed to the impression of good spirits.

As soon as He Shi sat down, she set aside the basket she was carrying and pulled something out. “Second daughter-in-law, this is some corn cake we made at home. I brought it for you to try. You sent things over during Laba, and I was unwell then and couldn't return the favor. Today, the children’s father insisted I bring something over. It’s not much, just for He’er and the others to taste. I imagine they haven't had this kind of corn cake before. It’s nothing grand, so please don’t disdain it.”

If He Shi’s initial appearance had astonished Lin He, He Shi’s words now left Lin He speechless. He Shi was bringing a gift and speaking so humbly? Could experiencing a brush with death truly bring about such a profound change in a person?

However, Lin He couldn't instantly believe in He Shi's transformation given her past actions. Lin He gazed at the corn cakes in the basket and replied politely with a smile, “Auntie, these corn cakes look lovely. How are they made?”