"Heavens, why do you all look at me like I'm some shrewish mother-in-law constantly picking on my daughter-in-law? Lin He mentioned it, and now you’re saying the same thing. What is the meaning of this? If I don't teach her slowly, what else can I do? Could it be I should just send the daughter-in-law away?" Madam Huang grumbled, clearly displeased.

Seeing Madam Huang’s demeanor, Er Niu smiled and replied, "That’s not what we mean, we were just chatting. Besides, even though Yunqi can't do much yet, her temperament is quite good. Look how Da Bao treats her, and she hasn't uttered a single complaint or even shown a sour look to any of us. You should mention this to your son tomorrow."

"Mention what? How did Da Bao treat Yunqi? Why are you speaking so strangely today? Is there something going on?" Madam Huang glanced at Er Niu, then returned to her needlework.

Er Niu gathered his thoughts and spoke, "Wife, let me tell you honestly. Da Bao used to know a girl before. He was very fond of her, but that girl’s father thought Da Bao wasn't a scholar, so the match eventually fell through. Listening to Da Bao’s tone today, it seems he still thinks of that girl. And haven't you noticed how distant Da Bao is toward Yunqi? I fear they haven’t even consummated the marriage. Haven't you noticed these past few days?"

Upon hearing Er Niu's words, Madam Huang stopped her embroidery and stared at him. She knew nothing about Da Bao’s past entanglement, but she was aware that people often hid things from her. Since no one would tell her, she couldn't do anything. Now that Er Niu had brought it up, she was surprised, though her reaction was subdued.

No wonder. Madam Huang had felt something amiss between Da Bao and Yunqi these past few days. Er Niu’s words finally struck her—indeed, the two didn't act like newlyweds. Although Madam Huang was older, she was experienced enough to know such things. The household had been busy lately, and while she sensed something was off, she hadn't pondered it deeply. After a moment of thought, Madam Huang said, "Husband, surely not? After all this time since he broke off with that girl, and given that he agreed to marry Yunqi himself, he couldn't be that foolish, could he?"

"Mmm. That’s just my guess, but it’s likely true. It’s better to ask just in case." Er Niu lay down on the kang.

"How am I supposed to ask about something like this? You are his father; wouldn't it be better for you to ask?" Madam Huang countered.

"I’m a grown man, how could I feel comfortable bringing up such a matter?" Er Niu looked troubled.

Madam Huang conceded the point and fell silent. After a long while, Er Niu was nearly asleep when Madam Huang heard firecrackers sounding outside. She roused Er Niu to set off the welcome firecrackers for the New Year, then said, "Don't you worry about this. I’ll ask Yunqi tomorrow. If it’s true, Da Bao is truly despicable." Saying this, Madam Huang lay down beside Er Niu, already thinking about getting up soon to prepare the tea and refreshments for the first day of the New Year.

Soon, the sky brightened; it was a brand new year. Lin He was yanked from her bed by Ziyu early that morning. Ziyu informed her that the Master and Madam were already awake. Just then, Cang Er saw Zihuan saying that Miss Chen'er was also awake and would soon go out to offer New Year's greetings to the Master and Madam. Lin He realized this was right and immediately got out of bed. Ziyu brought her clothes.

Lin He looked at the clothes in Ziyu’s hands. This girl had made her another new outfit; it was truly beautiful. The top was light blue with silver embroidery of a hundred butterflies flying through flowers, and the sleeves were made wider than usual, somewhat resembling lotus leaf sleeves, giving a very ethereal look. Over this was a small vest trimmed with fur, and below was a long skirt of goose-yellow silk embroidered with white magnolias.

Lin He smiled helplessly and said, "Ziyu, even though it’s the New Year today, do I really need to dress up like this? Just get me my usual clothes; this outfit is too conspicuous."

"Miss, you must wear new clothes for the New Year; how can you wear your everyday attire? I specifically rushed this for you in my spare time. Don't worry, I made clothes for everyone in the family, so it won't stand out. Besides, Miss, you are a young lady now; you can’t keep wearing your old clothes." Ziyu blinked.

Lin He smiled. This girl Ziyu wasn't overly stubborn about most things, but when it came to dressing herself up, once she made up her mind, she always found a way to persuade Lin He. Lin He gave up arguing and took the clothes, putting them on.

Ziyu helped Lin He dress and looked her up and down, smiling contentedly, "Miss looks truly beautiful dressed like this. I'll make more outfits like this for you in the future. I imagine the Second Young Master won't be able to tear his eyes away."

Lin He lightly flicked Ziyu’s forehead with her index finger and laughed, "What does your Second Young Master have to do with it, you little girl?" She then walked over to the mirror. The mirror in the house wasn't large; standing back, one could only vaguely see the upper half of the body, but it was indeed excellent. The clothes were beautiful and warm, and paired with the loose chignon Ziyu had styled for her, she possessed the bearing of a refined young lady.

While the two were busy in the room, Chen'er ran in. Seeing Lin He, her eyes immediately lit up, and she exclaimed, "Elder Sister, your clothes are so pretty! Did Ziyu make them for you? Look at my clothes, aren't they lovely?" Chen'er spun around on the spot as she spoke.

Because Chen'er was younger and more active, Ziyu had made her a small vest for the upper body, and the skirt below was slightly shorter, but it still looked extremely charming with the top. Lin He smiled and said, "They are beautiful. Chen'er’s outfit is even prettier than mine."

Chen'er instantly beamed, her eyebrows curving with happiness, and said, "Elder Sister, let’s go out. Xiao Bao said he’s waiting for us to go wish Mom and Dad a Happy New Year together." She then pulled Lin He out with her.

When they went to offer greetings to Madam Huang, everyone commented on how lovely Chen'er and He'er looked in their new clothes. Madam Huang even smiled and said, "Ziyu, dress the young lady like this from now on. He'er looks like a little fairy dressed like this; I almost don't recognize her as my daughter."

Ziyu smiled and nodded. Er Niu and Da Bao also said Lin He looked pretty. Chen'er saw everyone praising her Elder Sister and puffed out her cheeks in discontent. Xiao Bao noticed and laughed, "Second Sister, you're unhappy because we didn't praise you, right?"

Chen'er continued to pout, ignoring Xiao Bao. The entire family burst into laughter. Madam Huang chuckled, "This girl is still like a child. Alright, our Chen'er is also beautiful. All the daughters of the Lin family are beautiful."

Hearing this, Chen'er cheered up, clung to Madam Huang, and begged for New Year’s money. Thus, the younger ones kowtowed to Madam Huang and Er Niu, and everyone received their yasui qian (lucky money).