Ling He led Chen'er and Xiao Bao to visit the little courtyard where she lived. The courtyard was elegantly decorated, obviously once inhabited by women, which made both children delighted as they ran around the house.

By noon Daobao had recorded everyone's suggestions on paper, declaring he would find carpenters immediately. It should take about two months for renovations, while other necessary furniture could be prepared in advance. After inspecting the house, Erniu urged his family to return home. Ling He felt it was rare for them to come into town together and suggested staying a bit longer - they could have lunch first before heading back in the afternoon. Huang Shi surprisingly agreed; as a woman rarely out of her village, she found this outing refreshing.

They chose an upscale restaurant nearby. Originally Daobao wanted private rooms but those were already booked due to high demand, so they settled for the main hall. The family laughed and chatted happily over their meal when suddenly several people disrupted their mood.

As they ate, Wen Shu's daughter Wen Qingmo entered with Ningnuo - who Ling He had met in Qinghe County before - both accompanied by maidservants. Requesting private rooms only to find them occupied, Ningnuo grumbled about changing restaurants. But when they spotted Ling He's family dining there, Wen Qingmo immediately sneered: "What kind of establishment is this? How could you even allow country bumpkins like these villagers in?" She disgustingly gestured toward their table.

Ling He had noticed them upon entering but decided to ignore the girls, as she barely knew Wen Qingmo anyway - and Ningnuo though familiar was not close. When Wen Qingmo made her comment, the family's faces darkened instantly. Daobao stood up ready to confront her but Erniu grabbed his arm. Though he didn't know Wen Qingmo, he recognized Ningnuo from Qinghe County as one of Master Wen's guests.

Though Daobao also knew Ningnuo, he hadn't connected the dots - since the insulting remarks came from Wen Qingmo specifically. Being older and more measured, Erniu restrained his son with a questioning look toward Ling He.

While eating, Ling He had no expectation Wen Qingmo would notice them. After signaling her family to remain calm, she sipped tea leisurely, wiped her mouth with silk, then rose gracefully to address Wen Qingmo: "Miss Wen, if people like you can eat here, why shouldn't we?"

"Ha! Comparing yourself to me? You're just a provincial hussy. Who are you even to speak to me?" Wen Qingmo snapped furiously.

"Oh? I didn't realize the inn had restrictions," Ling He said airily, "though I think you shouldn't have entered in the first place. Next time try checking the sign at the entrance before coming in - it clearly states who's excluded."

Wen Qingmo froze mid-protest. She couldn't recall any such sign outside, while Ling He smiled knowingly: "Miss Wen needn't overthink it. There is indeed a small wooden plaque on the wall. When you leave, just step outside and read it for yourself."

Though spoiled by her family's indulgence (she was only twelve or thirteen), Wen Qingmo had inherited her mother's disdain toward Wen Ningxuan - which naturally extended to Ling He now. Humbled by these words, she forgot they were arguing as thoughts of that mysterious sign consumed her.

Just then Ningnuo spoke up: "Little sister Heling, you've certainly blossomed into a beautiful young lady. But your remarks are rather excessive. The wooden plaque outside clearly states 'No Beasts Allowed' - does this mean you consider Miss Wen an animal?"

Ling He chuckled, "I merely quoted the signboard's words. If Miss Ningnuo prefers interpreting it that way, I can't stop her. Though seeing you reminds me of a saying: some people are so sinister they assume everyone else shares their malevolent nature - like how someone who delights in sowing discord sees every innocent person as schemers."

"There are indeed two signs outside," Ling He continued coolly, "one says 'No Beasts Allowed,' the other 'Private Rooms Full.' Which one I meant... you can deduce yourselves. Feel free to identify yourself with animals if that comforts you - I certainly won't stop. Our family has finished eating anyway." With a polite smile she called her family and exited.

Many diners had overheard this exchange, some chuckling at the witty retorts while Wen Qingmo seethed uncontrollably beside Ningnuo, ready to pounce on Ling He if not for her maid's warning: "Miss Wen is future Second Lady - Master Wen personally chose her. If you cause a scene he'll be most displeased."

Ningnuo watched Wen Qingmo storm out ahead and dismissed the diners' whispers with a smile: "The maids are right, dear. You have plenty of time to settle this score later."

After exiting, the family still didn't understand what had transpired or who those two girls were. Daobao asked impatiently: "Father, why did you hold me back when that girl was so arrogant?"

Erniu ignored him and turned uncertainly toward Ling He: "Heling, do you know who she is? Could she be related to the Wens somehow?"