Er Niu paused, pondering for a moment, then asked with apparent disapproval, "Let them use those shops?" Lin He nodded, hearing Er Niu’s words, and then inquired, "Father thinks it's not good?" "It’s not that it’s not good, it’s just that those shops were meant to be part of Chen’er’s dowry. Later, when Chen’er marries into Uncle Li’s family, they will naturally belong to them. But you know Uncle Li; if he knew those shops were ours, he definitely wouldn't want to use them," Er Niu voiced his consideration.

Lin He understood this. Marriages at this time often emphasized marrying high and taking a lower match in status. Since their family’s current standing was slightly better than Li Zheng’s family, the Li family might harbor some underlying feelings. Men with strong principles, especially, dreaded being accused of relying on their wives’ families for their livelihood. Moreover, Uncle Li was inherently straightforward, and straightforward people often adhere more strictly to principles. If he discovered the shops belonged to them, he likely wouldn't agree to their use. Father’s concern was perfectly valid.

Although Lin He felt this was largely unnecessary—once they became one family, they shouldn't calculate every small detail—she couldn't entirely defy the established customs of the time. She thought for a moment and then spoke, "How about this: we don't tell Uncle Li the shops are ours. We'll say we are renting them the space. The price shouldn't be too high, but not so low that they become suspicious. Once Chen’er and Li Zheng are married in a few years, Chen’er can tell him herself. It’s only a matter of a few years anyway."

"That’s good. Then you two should discuss it and make arrangements. Get the shops secured as soon as possible, get them fixed up, and just let them use them. But don't mention the matter of the shops to your mother or your sister-in-law. You know your mother talks too much; she might let it slip one day. Since they don't know which shops belong to us anyway, you and your elder brother can handle it," Er Niu felt this was a workable solution and instructed Lin He to proceed. "Mmm, understood," Lin He nodded in reply.

The next day, Lin He sent Ling Xiao to bring back Madam Huang and the rest of the household. Upon hearing it was about Chen’er and Li Zheng, Madam Huang’s delight was no less than Er Niu’s. In fact, when Aunt Xu came by for a visit, Madam Huang’s enthusiasm was almost overwhelming. Lin He smiled faintly to herself. Fortunately, Aunt Xu’s family wasn't just anyone; if it had been a different family, they might have truly believed Chen’er was clinging to the marriage, as if the other family marrying their daughter was some great favor they had done.

As for the other relatives in the household, like Hong Yun and Madam Zhao, they showed no surprise upon hearing of Chen’er and Li Zheng’s engagement. In their eyes, whether Li Zheng and Chen’er got engaged or not, the two were always meant to be together. It seemed some things were truly clearest to the observers rather than the participants.

Aunt Xu’s family acted with remarkable speed. Within a few days, they brought the matchmaker directly to their door to discuss the engagement. Essentially, the matchmaker played almost no role this time, as Aunt Xu had already paid a courtesy visit the day before the formal arrangement.

On the day of the engagement, Aunt Xu and Uncle Li arrived with the matchmaker and gifts. Besides the required betrothal items, there was an extra box packed with goods. Aunt Xu smiled, saying that box was the real focus—items Li Zheng had been running around buying these past few days, and apparently, things Chen’er had specifically requested.

After the betrothal gifts were presented, Chen’er eagerly opened that box. Upon seeing the contents, she immediately beamed, showing all her teeth, saying they were all small things she usually liked. Some appeared purchased, while others looked handmade by Li Zheng. Though not treasures of high monetary value, they brought Chen’er far more joy than costly jewelry or silver. Chen’er acted like a child, showing off each item one by one to Lin He and Xiao Bao, making the younger ones incredibly envious. They licked their lips and cheekily asked Chen’er if they could borrow things to play with. Lin He shook her head and smiled; this girl was truly blessed, even her engagement was happier than others'.

When Madam Huang walked in, she saw the younger children rummaging through Chen’er’s box. Madam Huang promptly gave each one a light rap on the head, saying these were Second Sister’s engagement items and shouldn't be touched—they had to be taken when she married. The little ones stopped their hands but watched the contents of the box with reluctant eyes. Chen’er, however, waved her hand dismissively, "Mother, what are you doing? These are just little things Li Zheng made for me to play with. Why would I need to take them when I marry? What use are they? Just let Xiao Bao and the others play with them. If I kept them myself, these things would probably be ruined in a few years anyway; why bother taking them?" With that, Chen’er waved her hand generously, telling the youngsters to continue playing.

Madam Huang shot Chen’er a chiding look, then smiled at Lin He, "He’er, Chen’er may not be as clever or capable as you, but I never expected she’d be this fortunate. That Li Zheng really doesn't mind her peculiarities and is set on her. At least this finally settles one of my worries; my heart can finally rest easy." Hearing this, Chen’er bristled, "Mother, what is there about me that he should mind? I’m the one who shouldn’t mind him! If he dares to look down on me, see if I don't smash him again!" As she spoke, Chen’er held up a small wooden box as if preparing to throw it.

Madam Huang stared at Chen’er for a moment, then suddenly seemed to recall something. She firmly pulled Chen’er in front of her, her expression very serious. "Chen’er, listen to me. You’re engaged now. You need to restrain your temper from now on, treat Li Zheng well, and stop cursing him at every turn. And absolutely no fighting! Otherwise, people will say our family has no upbringing." "Mother, what are you talking about? When have I ever laid a hand on him?" Chen’er asked Madam Huang, looking a bit guilty.

"Hmph, you think you can hide it from me? I saw a scraped spot on Li Zheng’s eye yesterday. When I asked him what happened, he said he grazed himself, and he rushed to change the subject, as if afraid I’d ask more questions. But it didn't look like that to me. I just saw that wooden box in your hand, and I suspect that injury came from being hit by it. Besides, you just admitted yourself that you smashed him once." Madam Huang suddenly became sharp-witted. Seeing that Madam Huang had hit the nail on the head, Chen’er laughed awkwardly, "That time wasn't intentional; it was an accident. Don't talk like I've done him some terrible wrong."

Watching Chen’er’s reaction, Lin He laughed. She hadn't realized Chen’er had a violent streak before. Based on Chen’er’s demeanor just now, she could predict Li Zheng’s future wouldn't be entirely peaceful. However, since one was willing to strike and the other willing to be struck, it wasn't an immediate issue. As long as they found this way of interacting agreeable, that was what mattered. But seeing Madam Huang glaring fiercely at them, Lin He quickly made a show of admonishing Chen’er, "Yes, Chen’er must listen to Mother and restrain herself more in the future. It’s best not to swing your hands around carelessly."