By evening, Ziyu came in and, seeing Lin He in good spirits, laughed, saying, "Miss, it seems if anything troubles you in the future, we needn't worry. Just send for Second Young Master; see how effective a single visit from him is."

Lin He knew the girl was teasing her and shot Ziyu a look. Beside her, Ziqing was tidying up some odds and ends for Lin He, and upon hearing Ziyu’s words, she too joined in the laughter. Afterwards, Lin He said, "Ziqing, we’ll head back tomorrow. When the New Year arrives, let the workers off early too, and come back with them then."

Ziqing nodded, "Mm, I’ve already arranged it with the workers. They’ll work hard for these few days and take leave after the twenty-seventh. I’ll settle things here in town and then return for the New Year."

Lin He nodded. Ziqing handled these matters even more proficiently than she did; Lin He had only spoken casually, yet Ziqing would manage everything perfectly even without being told.

However, Lin He was concerned that Ziqing wasn't getting any younger. She was two years older than Lin He and Ziyu, and would turn seventeen after the New Year. At this time, even for a maid, that wasn't a young age. But because she was a maid, and Lin He herself hadn't married yet, it wasn't appropriate for her to arrange things for Ziqing. Lin He wondered if the girl had someone in her heart.

But looking at Ziqing, she never seemed concerned with such matters. She was like a modern career woman, dedicating all her thoughts to her duties, never considering matters of lifelong partnership. Still, Lin He was her mistress and felt responsible for finding her a good match. If not others, Wen Ningxuan had several capable subordinates; men like Ling Xiao were quite suitable. Lin He intended to keep Ling Xiao for Ziyu, and let Ziqing choose from the others—this way, the benefits stayed within their own circle.

Thinking this, Lin He opened her mouth to ask, "Ziqing, how long have you been with me?"

"Yes, Ziyu and I have been with the Miss for over four years now. It will be five after the New Year. When I first arrived, the Miss was only ten. Time truly flies. The Miss has grown up and will soon be married," Ziqing remarked with a somewhat world-weary tone.

"Indeed. Ziqing, you’re already sixteen; it’s time we found you a suitable household. Ziqing, is there anyone you fancy?" Lin He asked, smiling at her.

Lin He had only asked as a jest, not expecting Ziqing to immediately grow tense, approach her mistress, and ask, "Miss, are you planning not to let me accompany you in marriage? Are you arranging my match now?"

"Yes, Miss, are you abandoning us? Are you finding me incapable? Miss, I promise to study hard under you from now on. Next time we go to town, I will definitely manage the ointment workshop well. Please don’t cast us aside," Ziyu chimed in anxiously from the side.

Lin He looked at the two girls with exasperation. Seeing the distressed look on Ziyu’s face, Lin He felt a mischievous urge to tease her. Suppressing a smile, Lin He said, "Yes, I’ve been thinking you are both growing older. For accompanying marriage, it’s better to have younger maids. My father and mother also plan to buy a few new maids for my dowry. Before my coming-of-age ceremony, I need to marry you both off. Ziyu, who have you taken a liking to? Speak quickly, or I might just choose someone randomly and marry you off."

Ziqing, standing nearby, noticed the amusement in Lin He’s eyes and realized from her mistress’s words that she was only teasing Ziyu. She understood her young lady well. However, Ziyu wasn't as composed as Ziqing. Hearing Lin He’s words, she immediately spoke with a hint of a sob, "Miss, I’m not that old! My age is just right for accompanying marriage. Besides, I’m very familiar with the Wen family; I can still serve you when you marry into it. Don't marry me off; I won't go."

"How can you refuse? You’ve reached the age for marriage, and Second Young Master said he doesn't require you in his dowry either; two young maids will suffice," Lin He said, barely containing her laughter at Ziyu’s look, signaling Ziqing with her eyes.

"Miss, please no! Even if you must marry me off, let me continue to serve you! I can stay by your side as an older attendant; many people do that," Ziyu pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears.

Seeing Ziyu’s state, Lin He couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing with Ziqing. Between peals of laughter, she said, "It seems this girl Ziyu won't be staying much longer. Looking at her, she must have someone she wants to marry. Who is it? Hurry, tell your Miss, and I’ll settle it for you! If you marry, you can still stay by my side as an attendant."

Only then did Ziyu realize her mistress and elder sister were simply playing a trick on her. She stamped her foot, saying with a blush of annoyance, "Miss, you are too wicked, always making fun of people! Sister, you’re helping her too! I’m not talking to either of you anymore. I’m going out to pack my things." With that, she fled the room.

Lin He and Ziqing laughed again at Ziyu’s hasty exit. Once the laughter subsided, Ziqing whispered in Lin He’s ear, "Miss, I saw Ling Xiao last time I was in Qinghe County. Although he doesn’t talk much, he seems quite reliable. He even asked me why Ziyu wasn't there. I thought perhaps you could mention it to Second Young Master and pair those two up."

Lin He nodded slightly and said, "Ziqing, I've taken Ziyu's matter to heart. She’s still young; we needn't rush. By the time Second Young Master settles things, Ziyu and Ling Xiao will have time to get acquainted. As for you, you’re also growing older. Is there anyone you favor? If so, I’ll help broker it."

Ziqing looked at Lin He and said earnestly, "Miss, I don't wish to discuss these matters yet. I only wish to take good care of you and help you accomplish what you intend so you can have an easier time. Once you marry into Second Young Master’s family, we fear things won’t be as free as they are now, and you will need more people around you. My own matters can wait."

Lin He looked at Ziqing, knowing the girl spoke truthfully. She truly hadn't given the matter any thought yet, so Lin He could only let it be. Lin He smiled and said, "Mm, that’s fine too. If you ever find someone you fancy in the future, tell me. You two sisters have served me devotedly for so many years; I will certainly not treat you poorly. I will let you choose your own partners for marriage, is that acceptable?"

Hearing her mistress's words, Ziqing’s eyes grew misty, and she nodded towards Lin He, saying, "Miss, don't worry about our affairs for now. We still have a few months here at home. Listen to Second Young Master, rest well when you're at home, and don't work on embroidery so often."

Lin He nodded. She felt profoundly grateful to have the maids Ziqing and Ziyu by her side all these years. They hadn't just accompanied her as she grew, but would likely accompany her until old age; they were probably closer than her own kin.