Mrs. Huang smiled, stroking Lin He's head and saying, "A daughter is still the best; daughters are closer to their mothers. He'er, last time you returned home, your father and I were too busy to properly ask how you've been at the Wen household. Are the Wen family members easy to get along with? Is Ningxuan treating you well?"

"Mother, didn't I tell you last time that everything is fine? Besides, with Grandmother and Father watching over things at home, no one would dare treat me improperly. You don't need to worry. Look how long I've been gone—am I not whole and sound?" Lin He replied with a smile.

Mrs. Huang gently lifted Lin He's head, examining her closely, then nodded. "Yes, you look quite well. He'er's complexion is good, and you look spirited. It's good that the Wen family treats you well. If they don't, you must tell your parents. If we don't know, we worry even more, do you understand?"

Lin He nodded. After a short chat, Mrs. Huang and Er Niu left, saying they were going out to buy groceries for dinner. Ningxuan would also be coming over, so they would prepare a feast for the family to enjoy together.

Once Mrs. Huang and the other left, only the younger children remained in the courtyard. It happened that they were all on break today. They hadn't dared to interrupt when Mrs. Huang was discussing Da Bao earlier, but now that she was gone, they flocked around Lin He, chattering away.

Lin He settled both Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong onto her lap. They were nearly six years old now, and the twins were exactly the same as when they were little. Unless they were family, no one could tell them apart, though those who knew them well could instantly discern the differences between the two boys.

Da Xiong had a somewhat reserved nature; he usually didn't like to talk much and preferred to do things quietly by himself. His temperament was rather steady; someone unaware of his age might assume the child was much older than six.

Xiao Xiong, however, was the complete opposite of his brother—exceptionally mischievous and restless, unable to sit still for a moment at home. He was always getting into trouble, often provoking Mrs. Huang to anger, who would chase and smack him. But moments after being disciplined, he'd be back to his usual self. Everyone in the family found him exasperating, unsure who he took after, and worried about what he would become as he grew older.

Lin He looked at Xiao Xiong and asked with a smile, "During the time Eldest Sister was away, was Xiao Xiong obedient? Did you make Mother angry?"

Xiao Xiong immediately nodded at his Eldest Sister, putting on the perfect image of a well-behaved child.

Chen'er, who was standing nearby, laughed and chimed in, "He has the nerve to nod! The other day, while tidying up, Caiqing stepped away for a moment, and he started a fire right there in the courtyard! He almost burned the whole place down and got a severe beating from Mother when she caught him."

Lin He looked at Xiao Xiong with amusement. Xiao Xiong glared back at Chen'er and retorted, "Easy for you to say! Who was Mother scolding yesterday? You still don't know how to sew clothes; you'll never get married!"

Chen'er angrily pointed at him, "Don't talk nonsense! When did Mother scold me? She just said a few words. Besides, you're just a little brat; what do you know about not getting married? You just learn to spout whatever others say."

"Second Sister will never get married; she can't do anything, and no one will want her," Da Xiong suddenly piped up from beside them.

After saying that, the two brothers exchanged a laugh, as if this game had been played many times. Watching Chen'er stomp her feet in anger on the side, Lin He also smiled. This girl had seemed a bit quieter over the last two years, but her childish spirit was still strong; even these two little boys could provoke her into such a temper.

Lin He tapped Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong's heads. "Don't talk about Second Sister like that. Be careful she disciplines you; I won't help you then, understand? Go play in the courtyard first. Eldest Sister will make you something delicious later." As Lin He spoke, she set the two little ones down.

As the two boys left, they stuck out their tongues at Chen'er. Angered, Chen'er grabbed them both and gave each of them a sharp rap on the head. Chastised, the two boys left for the courtyard with glum faces.

Lin He looked at Xiao Bao, who was sitting beside her. Lin He remembered when she first arrived, Xiao Bao was just over three years old and could barely walk steadily. Now he was so grown up; in two months, he was set to take the Imperial Examination for the Tongshi level in the county seat. If he passed, he would become a little Xiucai—a scholar with a minor official title.

Lin He smiled and asked Xiao Bao, "You have the Tongshi exam in two months. Are you nervous? How is your review going?"

"A little nervous. I've studied for so long, but this is the first time I'm taking such a big exam, and I have to travel to the county seat. I don't know what it will be like. But I'm very familiar with the texts. The teacher said that under normal circumstances, I should be fine," Xiao Bao answered honestly.

"Hmm, it's unavoidable to be nervous when taking such a large exam in a new place at such a young age. But honestly, it's much like the tests you take at school; they cover only what you've learned, so there isn't much difference. Anyway, this time is just for you to try. Passing would be great, but if you don't, it's nothing. You are still young, and there will be many more chances. Don't place too much pressure on yourself, okay?" Lin He stroked Xiao Bao's head.

"Mm, Eldest Sister, I know that. Father, Mother, and Eldest Brother said the same things. I just need to focus on relaxing, and I won't think about anything else. Besides, didn't you say it yourself, Eldest Sister? Studying isn't just for exams; the important thing is mastering the knowledge. I remember all that," Xiao Bao said with a smile.

"Good. If Xiao Bao thinks that way, Eldest Sister is relieved. Your brother-in-law will also be staying here at night for the next few days. If there is anything you want to know, ask him. He should know about these things."

"Really? Eldest Sister, Brother-in-law is coming tonight? Perfect! I haven't played Go with Brother-in-law in ages; I want him to play with me." Xiao Bao said excitedly.

"Yes, he'll play with you when he gets back tonight. Go see what Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong are doing."

Xiao Bao nodded and walked toward the courtyard. Only Lin He and Chen'er remained in the room. As soon as Xiao Bao left, Chen'er pulled up a stool next to Lin He and linked her arm through Lin He's. "Eldest Sister, can you accompany me out to buy some things this afternoon? I haven't been to the market in ages. I've been home these last few days, and the house has been noisy morning till night. Mother hasn't let me go out, and I feel so bored."

Lin He looked at Chen'er and nodded. "Mmm, what do you want to buy? Eldest Sister will go with you to get it later. The house has been quite noisy recently; I imagine it hasn't been easy for you all. I'll take you out this afternoon to buy some new clothes. Look, the clothes you're wearing are the ones Eldest Sister made for you last year; they're already getting short. Why haven't you mastered your embroidery yet?"