Hongxia stayed at Lin He’s house for a while before saying that cooking was starting over there and hurrying back. By the afternoon, no one knew what Mrs. Zhao had said to the matchmaker, but the matchmaker actually showed up at their door. And it wasn't just the matchmaker; Yun Qiniang had come too. This time, Yun Qiniang’s attitude was vastly different from last time. Last time, she had been haughty, acting as if she were bestowing some great treasure upon the Lin He household, requiring them to be overwhelmingly grateful.

However, this time, her demeanor was quite amiable. Before the matchmaker could even speak, she declared, "Oh, Da Bao's mother, really now, I just said that last time, I never insisted on those things. You all took it seriously. Last time I was just joking, don't misunderstand. This matter of betrothal is on your side, the groom's family; you can arrange it as you wish. It's not like our family is relying on that dowry to eat. You know my character; I just spoke carelessly."

Mrs. Huang was momentarily stunned by Yun Qiniang’s words, truly amazed at how quickly someone’s expression could change. It seemed her own daughter was indeed sharp; she had predicted it perfectly. Their family wasn't desperate for this match; it was the Yun Qi family who was anxious. Seeing this, forget about the betrothal gifts and such; they probably would agree to almost anything she suggested now.

Lin He also smiled from the side. Actually, Yun Qiniang wasn't the most formidable person. She was indeed snobbish and valued money above all else, but she lacked cunning. She said whatever was on her mind and couldn't keep things hidden. Dealing with someone like her might present some trouble, but as long as one was astute enough to figure out her intentions, she was easy to guard against. This was precisely why Lin He had never agreed with Da Bao's suggestion to call off the engagement.

As the saying goes, "To buy a pig, look at the pen; to choose a daughter-in-law, look at the mother." If you want to know what kind of woman a daughter is, you can basically tell by looking at her mother. Although this Yun Qiniang wasn't entirely upright, she wasn't wickedly deceitful either. In the future, if Yun Qi came into their home, Da Bao would be able to manage her, and she would treat the family better. It might not be entirely free of conflict—after all, living closely in a large family makes some friction inevitable—but as long as no major incidents occurred, it would be fine.

The key point was that this engagement was already set; it wasn't something that could easily be broken off. Setting aside the bad impression it would leave on the bride's family, it would also reflect poorly on Da Bao, inviting gossip. Furthermore, even if they broke the engagement, who could guarantee that the next woman they married in would be perfect? There would always be some small disappointment or another.

Once Mrs. Huang recovered her wits and heard Yun Qiniang’s words, a heavy stone in her heart finally lifted. She smiled and said, "Yes, that was our fault. Yun Qiniang, you were just joking; we took it seriously. Since Yun Qiniang says so, we won't press the matter further. We will visit tomorrow or the day after to formally propose and set the wedding date."

"Yes, good. Da Bao's mother, I will wait for your visit with my husband these next couple of days," Yun Qiniang replied with a smile as well.

After settling this matter, Yun Qiniang looked at He'er sitting on the side. She didn't bring up what Lin He had said to her last time. Smiling at Lin He, she said, "Da Bao's mother, look how lovely your He'er has grown up. Look at that complexion, rosy beneath the white. No wonder she's marrying into a prominent family. You will surely enjoy endless prosperity in the future; many people must be terribly envious."

"Hehe, Yun Qiniang, you flatter me. Nothing is set in stone yet. Let's talk after Da Bao's wedding is done," Mrs. Huang said briefly, glancing at the matchmaker. Mrs. Huang knew the matchmaker's talent for spreading rumors was no joke, and she didn't want to dwell on this topic.

However, Yun Qiniang was not one to read expressions. She continued praising Lin He enthusiastically, saying how good she and the other two women from last time looked, chattering on and on. Mrs. Huang felt a touch of awkwardness but couldn't bring herself to interrupt, so she merely offered a few agreeable nods.

Thus, by the time Yun Qiniang left, within a short time, everyone in Linjia Village knew that the eldest daughter of the Er Niu family was marrying into a wealthy household to become a young mistress, and moreover, a rich family in the town. Not only were they rich, but they were also some sort of noble family. By the time the story filtered through the village, no one knew how grand the exaggeration had become.

The next day, Lin He’s courtyard was surrounded by a crowd of women, all relatives, starting with Hongxia and the others. Lin He didn't have the patience for it and sat in the courtyard for a while. Later, all sorts of random people showed up. Lin He grew annoyed and retreated into the room, taking Chen'er with her to do embroidery.

While stitching, Chen'er looked at Lin He and asked, "Big Sister, if you marry Brother Xuan, you'll be Brother Xiao Mo's sister-in-law, right? After you marry, can I go play at Brother Xiao Mo's house?"

Lin He looked at Chen'er and smiled, saying, "Why is this little girl asking about this? Do you really want your Big Sister to get married?"

"Not exactly. I will truly miss you when you leave, Big Sister; the house will be so quiet without you. But if Big Sister marries Brother Xuan, it’s better than marrying someone else. Brother Xuan is very nice, very good to us, and he’s Brother Xiao Mo’s brother, so I can play with Brother Xiao Mo more often," Chen'er rattled off in a rush.

Lin He watched Chen'er, thinking that this girl always mentioned Brother Xiao Mo. Could she have some feelings for him? Chen'er was already eleven; her eleven years now couldn't compare to her eleven years in a past life. Lin He mused, then tentatively asked, "Chen'er, do you like Brother Xiao Mo very much?"

"Yes, Brother Xiao Mo is very good to us. He often buys things for me and Xiao Bao, and he always plays with us," Chen'er replied after a moment’s thought.

"No, that's not what Big Sister is asking. Big Sister means, Chen'er, you aren't little anymore. Have you ever thought about what kind of person you’d like to spend your life with—that is, people other than the family?" Lin He phrased it carefully.

"Big Sister, are you asking if I want to marry Brother Xiao Mo?" Chen'er blinked up at Lin He.

Lin He lightly bit her lip, thinking how forthright the girl was. She herself felt too shy to ask directly, but Chen'er got straight to the point. Lin He nodded, gazing at Chen'er, and asked, "Then, do you want to marry Brother Xiao Mo?"

Chen'er tilted her head, considered for a moment, and said, "I haven't thought about it. I haven't thought about marrying at all. What's so good about getting married? I just want to stay home like this my whole life. Look how happy I am every day now."