Lin He saw that reasoning with her mother was fruitless, so she simply nodded vaguely, agreeing, "Alright, Mother, I understand. I'll handle things myself. Look, it's getting late; Big Brother will be back for dinner soon. You should go cook. I'll watch the two little ones in the yard."

"Exactly, Mother, hurry up and make dinner. Stop obsessing over having grandchildren all day. When Big Sister-in-law was here, you urged her; now that she's visiting her family, you’re nagging Big Sister. I think you’ve gone completely mad wanting a grandson. You’ll probably find some random child on the street someday and claim it’s yours." Chen’er also chimed in, defending Lin He against Huang Shi.

Huang Shi shot Chen’er a glare. "You’re an unmarried girl; what do you know about these matters? Big Sister-in-law and Big Sister aren't the same. If you don't know, don't butt in. Go play over there."

Chen’er pouted but remained silent, settling down nearby. Huang Shi glanced at Chen’er again, then turned back to Lin He. "He'er, I'm an experienced woman, and you must listen to me on this. Having children is truly nothing to worry about. Look at me; I've had so many, and I’m perfectly fine. I was pregnant with Da Bao when I was your age, and look how healthy I still am."

"A girl, no matter how old she is at her maiden home, is just a child. Once married, no matter how young, she is a wife. The most vital duty for a wife is to continue her husband’s lineage. Otherwise, she isn't a good daughter-in-law. Besides, tell me, who waits one or two years after marriage to have children? By then, even if you have no issues, people will claim you do, and you’ll feel the hardship then."

"Look at Yun Qi; it’s been so difficult for her. Not only has she endured unpleasant gossip, but think of all the medicine she’s taken over this past year—it must have been exhausting. But Yun Qi had no choice; she has a physical ailment. You are perfectly healthy, so stop thinking about all that nonsense. It’ll be best if you just have the child sooner. Old Master Wen is surely waiting to hold a grandson too."

Lin He rolled her eyes internally. Her mother usually didn't seem so articulate, but when it came to persuading people about these matters, she had a whole arsenal of convincing arguments. Not wanting to linger on the topic, Lin He nudged Huang Shi toward the kitchen. "Enough, enough, I get it. Go cook. We can discuss this again later."

Huang Shi shot Lin He a look of mock reproach, muttering as she walked away, "You child, you won’t believe what I say. When Ning Xuan comes back tonight, I’ll discuss this with him. He can't just let you have your way in everything; you’re getting completely spoiled. That won't do."

Once Huang Shi was gone, Lin He finally breathed a sigh of relief. Chen’er scooted closer and said, "Big Sister, I actually think Mother was right about one thing: Brother-in-law truly has spoiled you rotten, agreeing to something as major as not having children. He’s wonderful. When I marry, I’ll only marry someone who treats me that well."

Lin He was about to speak when Huang Shi suddenly reappeared, having circled back, and happened to overhear Chen’er. Huang Shi laughed and said, "Chen’er girl, if you ever find a man who treats you as well as your brother-in-law treats your sister, I’ll marry you off immediately. I don’t care about the man’s financial standing; I’d willingly contribute to your dowry just to see it happen."

Hearing this, Chen’er immediately protested, pouting. "Mother, you think too little of me! Even though I’m not as capable as Sister, I can still do many things, and I’m no worse than other girls. Since when did I need you to supplement my dowry to get married? If I wanted to marry, do you think no one would want me?"

"Ha! Such big talk. Just with this habit of bragging, no one will dare to have you later. I think... maybe Second..."

"Mother, what are you saying?" Chen’er stomped her foot and cried out.

"Alright, alright, I won't say it," Huang Shi conceded while heading toward the kitchen, muttering all the way, "What’s wrong with Er Gouzi? He’s educated, has a good trade, his family isn't poor, and they are easy to get along with. The man doesn't mind that you don't know anything. If you meet someone like that, you should count yourself blessed."

Chen’er shot Huang Shi a look, clearly done with the conversation. Watching Huang Shi walk further away, Lin He smiled and said, "Chen’er, actually, I think Mother is right this time. Er Gouzi is a good person, and he’s quite good to you too. Is there something about him you dislike that makes you hesitant?"

Chen’er looked at Lin He. "Er Gouzi is very good to me, perhaps because we grew up playing together, I feel we are too familiar. I’ve always seen him as an older brother; I never thought of things differently. Besides, Er Gouzi has never said he likes me; for all we know, he just sees me as a sister, not like Mother makes it sound."

"Mm, I understand that. But, Chen’er, you’ve studied. Do you know what qīngméi zhúmǎ means? People who grow up together don't necessarily never develop feelings. Sometimes, those feelings can run deeper than those formed later in life."

"Er Gouzi’s situation has been talked about for years. Two years ago, when you were still young, Aunt Xu sent someone to propose an engagement. At the time, Father and Mother thought you were too young, so they didn't immediately agree, and their family had no complaints."

"Over these past two years, you’ve seen how Er Gouzi treats you. And he’s not getting any younger. His family background is good, yet he hasn't settled down, and you’re always hovering around him at home. I suspect Er Gouzi genuinely likes you, and this isn't just childhood affection."

"Big Sister, are you suggesting I should marry Er Gouzi?" Chen’er asked, looking at Lin He.

Lin He smiled faintly. "No, that’s not what I mean. I’m just laying out the analysis for you. Ultimately, the decision is yours. You need to analyze your feelings for Er Gouzi—what kind of feelings they truly are. If you are certain it’s strictly a sibling relationship with no room for growth, I will persuade Mother to stop bringing it up, and I will ask Father and Mother to speak clearly with Aunt Xu’s family so as not to delay Er Gouzi."

"Chen’er, you must remember, marriage is your own business. You can consider your family's opinions, but don't let others easily influence you. You have the final say. Regardless, I only have one wish for your marriage: whoever you marry in the future, the most important thing is that you enter it willingly and live happily ever after."

To be honest, Lin He genuinely felt Er Gouzi was a good match for Chen’er. In the two years since Aunt Xu first discussed the matter with Huang Shi, Lin He had observed Er Gouzi and his entire family closely.