Reflecting on every moment since Yunqi married into their family, Lin He felt that Yunqi’s core nature was actually quite decent. Especially after seeing the group of women from the Wen family, she felt that a daughter-in-law like Yunqi really wasn't all that bad.

Moreover, Lin He and Yunqi had always maintained a decent relationship. She felt it was necessary to give Yunqi a gentle nudge—if she continued down this path, her standing in Da Bao’s eyes would inevitably diminish.

Right now, Da Bao probably felt a pang of guilt about her inability to bear children and the prospect of taking a concubine. If time wore on, that guilt would eventually vanish. When the time came to actually bring another woman into the household, if Yunqi didn't know how to conduct herself, her life would become significantly harder.

Thinking this, Lin He stroked Chen’er’s head and said, “Chen’er, just pick up an unfinished embroidery piece from your room. We are going to see your elder sister-in-law; Big Sister has a few things she needs to discuss with her.”

Although Chen’er didn't know what Big Sister was planning, she obediently retrieved an embroidery piece from her room and followed behind Lin He toward Yunqi’s quarters.

As they approached the room, Lin He spotted the girl named Xinrou—the very maid Yunqi and her mother had purchased from the broker that other day. Although her attire and grooming today were a world apart from that initial meeting, Lin He recognized her instantly.

Had this girl not been in her own home today, Lin He might not have been certain it was the same one. Today, the girl wore a neatly arranged pair of double-coiled buns, adorned with two clusters of pearl-studded plum blossoms. She was dressed in a brand-new moon-yellow embroidered garment, overlaid with a ginger-yellow, plum-blossom-entwined collarless long bijiā. An uninformed observer might mistake her for a young mistress of some household; she was indeed a natural beauty, no wonder she was chosen by Yunqi and her mother.

Although Xinrou didn't recognize Lin He, seeing her walking ahead of Chen’er, and noting the resemblance between Lin He and Chen’er, she immediately knew who Lin He was. She quickly stepped forward to bow to Lin He. Lin He nodded at her, then asked, “Is the Young Madam inside? Please announce us; tell her that Miss Chen’er and I have come to ask about her embroidery work.”

“No need for an announcement, Eldest Miss. The Young Mistress will be overjoyed that you and Second Miss are here. She is in the room right now. I will lead you in directly.” Xinrou finished, moving to usher Lin He and Chen’er into the room.

However, Lin He remained standing at the threshold, unmoving, staring coldly at Xinrou before her. Xinrou must have noticed that the others weren't following, and turning back with curiosity, she stopped short upon meeting Lin He’s gaze, a hint of panic rising within her.

Xinrou had heard Yunqi and her mother mention that the Eldest Miss in this house was the one with the most influence. If one wanted to truly settle into this household, securing the Eldest Miss’s approval seemed essential. Thus, as soon as Xinrou saw Lin He, she had tried too hard to curry favor, even forgetting the basic decorum of a mere maidservant.

But Xinrou had been a maid before and was accustomed to reading people’s expressions. She understood basic etiquette. Seeing Lin He look at her that way, she instantly realized her mistake. She immediately corrected herself: “Eldest Miss, this servant deserves a reprimand. Seeing you and Second Miss made me overly eager and I forgot my duty to announce you. Please wait a moment, ladies. I shall go announce you now.”

Only then did Lin He give a slight nod, signaling her to go and announce them. Chen’er, standing beside her, had initially been confused when Big Sister suddenly stopped. Although Lin He’s family had servants for years, Lin He rarely concerned herself with the subtle nuances of protocol.

Back when they were at their maiden home, if Xiaobao or Chen’er went to Lin He’s room, they never needed to announce themselves specially. So, Chen’er hadn't paid much mind to such formalities either, but after hearing Xinrou’s exchange, Chen’er finally understood a little.

Chen’er looked up and asked, “Big Sister, when you stopped just now, deliberately making Xinrou go announce us—were you trying to make Xinrou understand that she is a maid and a maid must keep to her station? Is that the meaning?”

Lin He nodded, giving Chen’er an approving look. She didn’t elaborate on her reasoning, feeling that Chen’er was simply pure-natured and would likely live her entire life in an ordinary family setting. A simple nature was no bad thing, and there was no need to instill these complex ideas in her; if she understood on her own, fine, if not, it didn't matter.

A moment later, Lin He saw Yunqi approach, led by Xinrou. Yunqi smiled and said, “He’er, this isn’t the first time you and Chen’er have been in my room. Why the formality? Come, come inside and sit.”

Lin He smiled faintly in return. “Sister-in-law is right. Since we are family, such formalities are indeed unnecessary. It was just that seeing your maid at the door, I spoke out of habit.”

Finishing, Lin He cast a seemingly casual glance toward Xinrou and asked with a smile, “By the way, Sister-in-law, where did you purchase this maid? She is quite lovely. In our Wen family, a girl as attractive as this would be set aside for the young masters as a tongfang maid. Fortunately, our family doesn't have that custom, otherwise, people might assume she is my eldest brother’s tongfang maid.”

Lin He’s tone was laced with a mocking smile, as if the words were accidental, but Yunqi, inside the room, felt a sudden chill. Her complexion shifted slightly, feeling as if all her secret plans had been seen through by Lin He. Flustered, she couldn't speak, merely sitting stiffly in her chair.

Meanwhile, Xinrou stood bolt upright, chest puffed out, a flicker of pride in her eyes, clearly basking in Lin He’s praise.

Noticing Yunqi’s unease and Xinrou’s smugness, Lin He laughed again. “Sister-in-law, I was just teasing you, don’t take it to heart. Our Lin family cannot compare to those grand households; we have absolutely no custom of tongfang maids here.”

Seeing Lin He laugh, Yunqi regained a small measure of composure, forcing a strained smile, but her response was distracted: “He’er speaks the truth.”

Observing Yunqi’s thoroughly humbled state, Lin He suddenly felt that conversing with her this way was somewhat cruel. She decided to drop the pretense and speak plainly: “Sister-in-law, there are some things I need to discuss with you. Please send the maids beside you out first.”

Hearing this, Yunqi nodded, called all the maids near her away—including Xinrou—then looked at Lin He with a slightly anxious expression: “He’er, what is it you wish to tell me?”

Lin He let the smile drop from her face and remained silent for a moment, gazing steadily at Yunqi. After a short pause, she began, “Sister-in-law, ever since you married into the Lin family, our relationship has been quite good. Before I was married, you, I, and Chen’er were like sisters, getting along splendidly. I always felt it was my elder brother’s good fortune, and the family’s good fortune, that he married you. I hope things can remain this way forever. As long as Sister-in-law truly treats this household as her own and treats us as her real family, I guarantee that no matter what happens in the family later on, nothing will change.”

Upon hearing Lin He’s words, Yunqi looked up, intending to say something, but ultimately only nodded, remaining silent.

Seeing this, Lin He continued, “Sister-in-law, I know certain things have happened recently that have caused some friction in the household. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable about it, and this discomfort may have led you to make some poor decisions. However, some things, while they haven't gone too far astray, can still be corrected if you are willing.”