Preparing for a formal proposal meant gathering suitable gifts, a matter that truly left Mrs. Huang hesitating. Da Bao and He Er's thoughts were correct; although the family’s circumstances had improved, they couldn't appear subservient to the bride's family when welcoming a daughter-in-law. However, that Yun Qi’s mother didn't seem easy to deal with, and if the proposal gifts were too meager, it might invite gossip from the other side. It was indeed a tricky situation.

Seeing her mother Mrs. Huang’s distress, Lin He knew she hadn't made up her mind. She spoke up again, "Mother, don't overthink the items for the proposal. Look at how Sister Yu’er was married before; just prepare the same weight of gifts as her in-laws brought, perhaps adding a bit more in celebratory cakes and pastries. After all, the pastries are from our own shop, so they are easy to come by. As for jewelry and such, consult with your eldest sister-in-law and sisters-in-law first to see what other families typically prepare."

Mrs. Huang nodded, thinking that was sensible. Since she couldn't decide, she’d call the sisters-in-law over tomorrow to discuss the matter.

The next day, before Mrs. Huang could summon Hong Xia and the others, Mrs. Zhao and Hong Xia arrived early in the morning, inquiring about Da Bao’s proposal. They mentioned that so much time had passed without any movement, and the village matchmaker was hurrying them along. Mrs. Huang saw that Mrs. Zhao had arrived at the perfect time and asked about the proposal matters.

Mrs. Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "There's no fixed rule for the betrothal gifts you bring when proposing. It's all up to you regarding those items. In my opinion, offer ten taels of silver, twelve bolts of cloth, a set of pure silver jewelry, and prepare the miscellaneous items according to custom. Also, prepare plenty of cakes and pastries; I think this amount will suffice and is better than what most families offer."

Lin He thought that Grandma Zhao's arrangement was quite good. It was much better than what ordinary families offered and counted as a rather grand set of betrothal gifts for this time. Mrs. Huang then recounted the demands Yun Qi’s mother had made previously. Hong Xia’s eyes widened as she listened. "Second Sister-in-law, is your prospective in-law planning to sell her daughter? How dare she make such an exorbitant demand! I think she’s counting on your family being easy to talk to, which is why she dared to say that, just like during the viewing ceremony last time. You’re not actually planning to purchase things according to those terms, are you?"

Mrs. Huang replied with some difficulty, "Not exactly, but Yun Qi’s mother said that if we don't prepare according to those specifications, the engagement will be postponed and discussed another time."

"Then let it be postponed. I’d like to see who ends up losing out. Does our Da Bao really not deserve a wife? My advice is to let them be; I want to see who is at a disadvantage," Hong Xia said indignantly upon hearing Mrs. Huang's words.

"Child, why are you saying such things? Da Bao's marriage is a happy occasion, why are you making such a fuss? Strangers might think you're arguing with someone here. Yun Qi's mother was merely speaking her mind," Mrs. Zhao gently chided Hong Xia.

"Mother, what's wrong with you all? Last time during the viewing, Yun Qi’s mother was completely out of line. Although every family wants a lively occasion when their daughter marries, shouldn't they just bring their own family according to custom? Why did she invite so many people? On what basis? I say my second brother is too soft-hearted. If it were me, I would have thrown them out immediately. What nonsense! Mother, you too, last time you said liveliness was a good thing. Are you now planning to let Second Brother’s family spend so much money preparing these things?" Hong Xia continued to say angrily.

Lin He thought there was finally someone clear-headed in the house and chimed in, "Yes, Grandma, I think what Auntie said is right. My elder brother also said that if Sister Yun Qi insists on those terms for marriage, we should temporarily set the matter aside. We aren't in a rush to marry this year; we can wait until next year. If it truly comes to it, we should break off the engagement. It's difficult for Father and Mother to say this directly, so why don't you speak to the matchmaker and have her sound out Yun Qi’s side? If they insist on such a large bride price, we should just call it off. This is Big Brother’s intention."

Mrs. Zhao didn't respond immediately after hearing Lin He. She exchanged a glance with Mrs. Huang. Hong Xia and Lin He sat to the side, and Hong Xia whispered to Lin He about the viewing ceremony. Then she added, "That Yun Qi’s mother truly thinks her family is some grand household? Is her daughter inlaid with gold or silver to dare put forth such conditions? I think she’s gone mad."

After a while, Mrs. Zhao spoke up, "Second Brother’s wife, He’er is right too. Here’s what we’ll do: I will speak to the matchmaker about this matter and see what Yun Qi’s mother says. I’ll go now and give you a definitive answer this afternoon."

Mrs. Huang nodded, saying she would wait for Mrs. Zhao’s message that afternoon. After speaking, Mrs. Zhao hurried off, presumably heading to the matchmaker’s place.

Hong Xia, left alone, finished discussing Da Bao’s situation and then looked at Lin He, saying, "Second Sister-in-law, I heard someone came to propose to He’er the other day. Which family was it? From the distance, they didn't look like they were from around here."

Mrs. Huang’s mood brightened slightly when Hong Xia brought this up, and she said with a faint smile, "Yes, not from our area; it’s the second young master from Boss Wen’s family in town. He came to propose yesterday and said he would return in a few days for the formal proposal."

"Oh, such good news, why didn't you tell us? Boss Wen’s second young master has visited your home before, hasn't he?" Hong Xia asked softly.

"Mm, he visited once. Because Da Bao’s marriage hasn't been settled, we thought it wouldn't be appropriate to make too much of He’er's matter. Just knowing is enough; don't spread it around. This is why I'm anxious about Da Bao's marriage. If Da Bao’s marriage isn't fixed, how can I let someone come to propose for He’er without people gossiping?" Mrs. Huang worried again.

Hong Xia nodded, her face breaking into a gentle smile as she looked at Lin He. "Our He'er, I know she is destined to be a young mistress. I also heard Grandma mention Boss Wen's second young master last time; perhaps He’er is destined for someone like that. Second Sister-in-law, you don't need to worry about He’er."

Worrying is necessary, Mrs. Huang thought; the more one is a young mistress in a large household, the more worrisome it becomes. Although Mrs. Huang didn't entirely agree with Hong Xia's view, she maintained a cheerful expression outwardly. "What young mistress? I only hope she marries well and that the couple loves each other dearly. I haven't thought much beyond that."

Hong Xia smiled looking at Lin He, who said shyly, "Auntie, why are you smiling at me like that?"

"Silly child, why be shy? You’re grown up now; it’s time to marry and have children. He’er, remember this: everything else is fleeting. Marrying a good man, a man who cherishes you, that is what's real," Hong Xia said with a smile.