Having considered the matter from every angle, Lin He concluded that moving the operation was unequivocally beneficial. Beyond the sheer organizational improvements, the facilities would finally be up to professional standards. Initially setting up the ointment workshop at home was merely a temporary measure, intended for personal experimentation with small formulations, never anticipating how wildly popular her products would become.

Seeing Lin He remain silent, Ziyu assumed she was reluctant to relocate and continued her persuasion. "Miss, consider this: if you move to town, we'll be living there long-term, giving you more time with the Second Young Master. Plus, Young Master Xiaobao and Miss Chen'er will also be residing there permanently. Just make up your mind soon; I think it’s for the best."

Lin He glanced at Ziyu, too weary to correct her, and said, "I know we have to move eventually. You all have valid points. But your elder sister is away. If we shift the ointment workshop now, we'll constantly be running back and forth to town. Who will watch the house? What if something happens while we’re all gone? Perhaps we should wait until your sister returns."

"Miss, you usually think so quickly! What’s wrong today? Moving to town requires that much effort from us? Aren't there plenty of capable people waiting for your orders? Just delegate the factory site search directly to Young Master Dabao and the Second Young Master. The Second Young Master manages the factory in Qinghe County single-handedly; he understands all of this. Let him handle it. You just need to bring the personnel over when the time comes. Why would we need to commute constantly?" Ziyu argued.

Right. Lin He slapped her forehead. How had she overlooked that? She supposed she was too accustomed to worrying about everything herself, forgetting about that rascal Wen Ningxuan. He had experience handling these matters and could arrange everything without her presence. Since he was in town daily, and Elder Brother could assist, they could manage it all without her concern. Perhaps she needed to learn to rely on the people around her more often.

Once Lin He sorted out these thoughts, she firmly decided to relocate the factory. Most issues seemed solvable, except for the women in the village who made soap. Dismissing them abruptly felt wrong; they were neighbors who had worked diligently for her family over the years. Lin He felt a twinge of guilt but recognized the necessity of prioritizing the larger picture.

Lin He returned home, and for the first few days, she had no time to dwell on the relocation. Since Ziqing had always managed the ointment workshop, Lin He worried Ziyu would be overwhelmed taking over entirely, so she assisted Ziyu for several days. Lin He was surprised by how much work there actually was. Lin He and Ziyu were constantly moving between the ointment and soap workshops, only resting once the workers had finished for the day.

After a few busy days, the newly taken-over responsibilities finally settled into a rhythm. That day, Lin He had Ziyu mind the ointment workshop while she sat in the courtyard doing embroidery on the screen she had started earlier. Madam Huang was nearby, watching the two children practice their needlework. Lin He sensed Madam Huang was distracted today, as if holding back something she wanted to say, repeatedly moving her lips but failing to speak, her gaze frequently darting toward Chen'er.

Lin He guessed Madam Huang had something to discuss but was hesitant because Chen'er was present. Lin He remained quiet until Chen'er finished her embroidery and ran off to play with Dayuan and the others. Only then did Lin He ask, "Mother, what is it? You're usually so talkative; why are you silent today?"

"My clever girl, your eyes are sharp. I haven't said a word, and you already know something is up," Madam Huang replied, momentarily startled.

"Mother, how could I not know you? Tell me, what is it? I'll help you think it through."

"It is a rather difficult matter. The day before yesterday, while you were out, Aunt Xu came by and mentioned something—she wants to arrange for our Chen'er to marry her Ergouzi as his wife." Madam Huang paused as she spoke.

"Aunt Xu said that to you directly?" Lin He wasn't overly surprised; she had long known Ergouzi was fond of Chen'er.

"Yes, though she didn't state it explicitly, that was the sentiment. Aunt Xu and I have been sisters for many years; I understand her meaning. She said she is very pleased with Chen'er, and Ergouzi also fancies her. Ergouzi will be fourteen next year; it’s time to discuss an engagement," Madam Huang mused.

"Then how did you reply? Did you agree?" Lin He stopped her needlework to ask.

"No. I just said the child is young, and furthermore, I hadn't discussed it with your father—how dare I agree? Also, Chen'er is still flighty; I wouldn't dare settle her so carelessly. If it were anyone else, it would be different, but it’s Aunt Xu's family, and we have decades of friendship. Back when we were poor, they helped us countless times. If I hastily agreed, and things fell through, how could I face them then?" Madam Huang expressed her dilemma.

Hearing this, Lin He nodded, then asked, "Well, Mother, what do you think of Aunt Xu’s family? Are you happy with Chen'er marrying Ergouzi?"

"To be honest, I would be delighted. I watched Ergouzi grow up. The boy is honest and hardworking. Uncle Li and Aunt Xu are good people; they have always been kind to all you children. And their home is close to ours. If Chen'er could marry there, I would be overjoyed. You know, that girl Chen'er is thoughtless; I wouldn't feel secure if she married too far away, fearing her in-laws might bully her, or that she might end up in a situation like Yu'er's. If Aunt Xu were her mother-in-law, I would rest easy. Their family is small, too, so whoever marries in will have an easier life," Madam Huang said with a gentle smile.

"Mhm, I think it's quite good too. Everything you considered makes sense, Mother. However, this decision ultimately rests with Chen'er. After all, she's the one who has to spend her whole life with him; we shouldn't make the choice for her."

"That’s exactly right! But that girl Chen'er doesn't understand anything yet; she probably doesn't know what she wants. Still, she isn't that young anymore; it is time for an engagement. Why don't you, He'er, find some time to ask Chen'er what she thinks?"

"I can find time to ask her. I'm also concerned that Chen'er is unpredictable. I worry she might agree now and regret it when she gets older. Honestly, I feel it’s too early for an engagement; we should wait until she’s more sensible. Besides, she sees Ergouzi often enough as it is. It's better to let things develop naturally between them," Lin He told Madam Huang.