"Indeed, look how lovely this is. How did you make it, Sister-in-law? Teach me, so I can make some for my two little ones to satisfy their cravings soon enough." Madam Zhou chimed in with a smile.

"This is quite simple, just like wrapping dumplings, only for this corn you first need to grind it a little..."

As Madam He spoke, Lin He observed closely. She felt Madam He truly seemed different from before, and judging by her mother’s and Third Sister’s reactions, they didn't seem surprised. It must be as Zi Qing mentioned—Madam He had indeed changed somewhat. Perhaps facing death made a person reflect on their past deeds; perhaps Madam He genuinely felt the things she had done over the years were wrong and wished to change. Maybe the recent turmoil, being shoved around constantly, had caused Madam He to become more cautious. But whatever the reason, Lin He was very pleased to see this change in Madam He. She had been quite troublesome over the years, and if she continued that way, eventually no one would want to pay her any mind.

Lin He then glanced at Madam Zhou, who was chatting cheerfully with them. She hadn't seen Madam Zhou in a while, and Madam Zhou seemed to be in good spirits too, chatting openly and happily about her family matters. Lin He spent the entire afternoon with them; it was a thoroughly pleasant chat—more accurately, the most pleasant gathering she'd had with Madam He present.

After Madam He and Madam Zhou left, Lin He asked Madam Huang, "Mother, what's going on with Eldest Sister-in-law? She seems completely transformed. Does she have an ulterior motive again? I hope she isn't just being nice because she needs something from us like before, right?" Don't blame Lin He for her suspicion; Madam He had simply never given them a good impression over the years.

Madam Huang smiled and replied, "You just got back, so you don't know. After that incident, Eldest Sister-in-law sincerely apologized to all of us and promised she would live honestly from now on. At first, we didn't believe her. But recently, Eldest Sister-in-law has indeed been much better. She’s visited a few times, just to chat briefly, not dwelling on idle gossip. Of course, many of her ingrained habits haven't vanished, but as long as she stops making baseless scenes every day, that’s enough." Then Madam Huang recounted the recent event that had befallen Madam He.

Lin He had heard about this incident from Zi Qing as soon as she returned, but today was the first time she met Madam He in person since her return, hence her surprise. Hearing her mother's explanation, though she couldn't fully let go of her past reservations, Lin He smiled and said, "Yes. I agree that Eldest Sister-in-law is different today. Look, she even brought gifts. But I wonder how long this change will last?" Lin He looked at the corn cakes sitting on the table.

"Yes, I hope she stays this way. Then our whole extended family won't be arguing all day long, and their family’s life will be easier too," Madam Huang said with some reservation.

"However, He'er, I actually think your Eldest Sister-in-law is serious this time. Look at what she’s done these past few days; it doesn't look like an act. And everyone makes mistakes sometimes; we shouldn't cling to past errors. As long as she improves going forward, we should still treat her like Second Aunt and Third Sister—as family."

Lin He smiled and nodded. She truly agreed with her mother’s words. At worst, Madam He had only taken advantage of relatives, spoken carelessly, and been a bit overbearing. She hadn't committed any unforgivable offense. Now that she was willing to change, they should naturally forgive her. Besides, even Third Sister forgave Madam He so quickly; what reason did their immediate family have to hold onto resentment?

Two days later, Da Bao returned from town. The family had been waiting for him to discuss his marriage arrangements. They had initially planned to marry him off before the New Year, but the Laba Festival had already passed, and the date was still undecided because Da Bao hadn't returned. The family couldn't finalize anything. Er Niu had gone to town a few days ago to summon Da Bao, who claimed the pastry shop was busy and he would return when he had time.

Finally seeing Da Bao return, Madam Huang eagerly asked, "Da Bao, what about your marriage? The New Year is almost here, and you haven't come back. We're waiting to discuss things with you."

"What's there to discuss? You all can decide then. He'er is back too; you can discuss it with her. Why must you wait for me? The New Year is approaching, and I'm extremely busy in town. I don't have that much time for this matter," Da Bao replied.

"Madam Yun Qi and Yun Qi visited us the other day and mentioned the engagement. Madam Yun Qi said..." Madam Huang relayed Madam Yun Qi’s requests to Da Bao.

Da Bao thought for a moment, then said angrily, "He'er was right. Just do as He'er suggested. If they agree to marry, fine. If not, let them call off the engagement."

Da Bao’s words were so direct they startled Madam Huang, who said anxiously, "Da Bao, what is wrong with you? Why talk about breaking the engagement so casually? We asked you to come back to discuss it. Are you truly planning to call it off?"

Da Bao looked at his mother’s tense expression and said helplessly, "Mother, don't be so anxious. It's not that I want to break it off. What I mean is, all matters concerning the wedding should follow standard procedures. If they disagree, let them be. If they insist on breaking it off because of this, I will absolutely not object."

"Oh, in that case, when should we visit them to discuss this? We must set a date. It’s nearly New Year’s," Madam Huang said.

Lin He pondered for a moment and suggested, "Mother, we have to formally propose the match eventually. We can discuss it then. What I don't understand is why you are all in such a rush. Must they marry this year? Many things in the house aren't ready. Why not wait until after the New Year and do it next year? I think it gives Elder Brother and Sister Yun Qi time to get to know each other better. As for the proposal, you should find a time to complete all the necessary traditional steps. When you go, explain everything clearly. If they insist on disagreeing, don't say any more. Don't set a wedding date; let them take the lead. If you aren't anxious, they naturally will be."

"That’s right, Mother. It’s such a small thing; why are you getting so worked up? If they can't marry this year, next year is fine too. Why rush this little bit of time? Honestly," Da Bao grumbled from the side.

"You children don't understand. We consulted someone for fortune-telling; they must marry this year, or they’ll have to wait until the year after next. Can you really wait that long? The fortune teller said marrying this year would bring him good luck, but next year would be unfavorable for his marriage; forcing a wedding might mean the couple won't last till old age. That’s why I’m so anxious. Before, when there was no suitable person, it was impossible. Now that we have one, we must get this done this year. At twenty-six, he can still make it. Let’s set the date for the twenty-sixth, and we'll arrange a visit to Yun Qi’s home these next couple of days," Madam Huang muttered.

"Good luck what? What’s different about any year? You actually believe what a fortune teller says?" Da Bao mumbled.

Madam Huang paid no mind to Da Bao’s words. Upon hearing that Lin He suggested they visit Yun Qi’s home, she immediately started planning what customs needed to be observed, whether she needed to ask Grandmother for advice, and what preparations were needed if the wedding was set for the twenty-sixth. Her mind was already racing with urgency.

Lin He knew that people of this era placed great importance on superstition, so she dared not argue with Madam Huang about it. Furthermore, regarding Yun Qi, Lin He felt that aside from being incapable, her character was decent; she wasn't a tricky or cunning person. Elder Brother was naturally straightforward, and Father and Mother were honest folk. If he married a wife who was too strong or cunning, the household would end up being controlled by Eldest Sister-in-law. Marrying someone more mild-mannered seemed appropriate. Elder Brother should be able to handle Yun Qi. While she might not bring about major positive changes to the family, maintaining the status quo would be a satisfactory outcome.

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