Lin He nodded, acknowledging Zi Yu’s keen observation. Beside them, Zi Qing’s face flushed crimson upon hearing Zi Yu’s words. She playfully slapped Zi Yu’s arm, pretending to conceal her embarrassment. “You little rogue, what nonsense are you spouting? What’s wrong? Haven’t I always been like this?”

Watching Zi Qing’s reaction, Lin He’s suspicions solidified. It seemed sending Zi Qing with Da Bao to Qinghe County had not been in vain. Da Bao had lived up to expectations and secured Zi Qing. Furthermore, a suitable match for her own maiden family had finally been found; someone would be there to help the eldest brother manage the family estate from now on.

With these thoughts, Lin He dismissed everyone, including Zi Yu, leaving Zi Qing alone in the room. She began by meticulously questioning her about the pastry shop in Qinghe County—the staffing, whether Da Bao had made all the necessary arrangements, and if those people could be trusted.

Zi Qing replied that the staff were hired jointly by Da Bao and the Second Young Master. The core pastry chef had been brought over from their side, so the manpower was fine. Moreover, Young Master Da Bao was overseeing things there currently, so there shouldn't be any issues.

After discussing the pastry shop, Lin He inquired about the cosmetic paste workshop and how the businesses Wen Ningxuan had opened there were faring. Though Wen Ningxuan had established quite a few shops, Lin He had never actually seen them. Whenever she asked that scoundrel Wen Ningxuan, his usual reply was, “He’er, you just stay home obediently; leave everything else to your husband.”

Now that she finally had the chance to send Zi Qing over, she naturally had to question her thoroughly upon her return. Hearing Lin He ask about the shops, Zi Qing’s expression became somewhat animated as she began, “Young Mistress, I didn’t realize it before I went. I thought the Master had just opened a few ordinary shops there. When I saw them upon arriving, I was truly startled. Every single shop the Master opened there was as large as that Cai Die Xuan, and their decoration was exquisitely unique. They were incredibly popular with customers; the business in every shop was booming. I expect the Master’s future accomplishments will certainly surpass the Old Master’s.”

No wonder that fellow Wen Ningxuan was bringing back tens of thousands of silver notes just a few months after opening the shops. By Zi Qing’s description, taking back tens of thousands of silver notes in a few months didn't seem like much. Lin He hadn't seen the other shops, but she had seen the Cai Die Xuan there. If they were all like that, it suggested that whatever business he opened, he monopolized that industry.

Speaking of which, Lin He recalled Yin Ruoxuan, who had been competing head-to-head with Cai Die Xuan back then, and her so-called Third Uncle, Zeng Weiliang. She wondered how that shop was doing lately. Ever since she saw him in the town, there had been no further news. Could it be that his previous visit was just an inspection tour of their premises?

Thinking this, Lin He questioned Zi Qing about these matters. Zi Qing pondered for a moment before replying, “Young Mistress, that Yin Ruoxuan closed down long ago. I heard it was around the end of the year before last. Not only that, but it was said that all other branches of Yin Ruoxuan had also closed. But then again, the quality of our Cai Die Xuan’s goods improves day by day, and customers naturally prefer to come here. Other shops only have the option to close their doors.”

Lin He had originally intended to ask Zi Qing if she had heard anything about Zeng Liangwei, but since Zi Qing said it closed before the New Year, she likely wouldn't know anything. Besides, there were already so many matters within the family to manage; they couldn't afford to bother with such trivialities. She could send someone to inquire later when all these current affairs had passed.

After finishing their important discussions, Zi Qing poured Lin He a cup of tea and then took out several items from her bundle. Most were bolts of cloth. She explained that Young Master Da Bao specifically bought these from Cai Die Xuan upon learning that Lin He was pregnant, saying they were for making clothes for his future little nephew. He had also explicitly instructed Zi Qing to sew all the cloth into garments. However, Zi Qing hadn't had a spare moment these past few days, so she had brought the fabric back with her.

As Lin He watched Zi Qing display the cloth, constantly mentioning what Young Master Da Bao had said, Lin He took a sip of her tea and smiled at Zi Qing. “Zi Qing, did Young Master Da Bao happen to tell you when I can start calling you ‘Little Sister-in-Law,’ and when this child in my belly can call you ‘Little Auntie’?”

“Young Master Da Bao said…” Zi Qing stopped mid-sentence, then looked at Lin He with a bright red face. “Young Mistress, what are you saying? What ‘Little Sister-in-Law,’ ‘Little Auntie’—I don’t understand any of it.”

Lin He maintained her smiling gaze. “You don’t understand? Perhaps I should go ask Father and Mother to arrange a formal proposal for you, then you’ll understand. Confess now: what happened between my elder brother and you in Qinghe County? Did my brother say when he plans to officially marry you?”

Zi Qing knew Lin He had seen through the matter between her and Da Bao, and she no longer denied it. She merely lowered her head and murmured, “Young Mistress, please don’t put such high hopes on me. What proposal? Even if I marry Young Master Da Bao, it would only be as a concubine; there’s no need for a formal proposal. But Young Master Da Bao said we would discuss this when he returns.”

At this moment, Lin He wasn't worried about how Da Bao would handle the situation upon his return. She was more concerned with whether Zi Qing minded the status of a concubine. She gently pulled Zi Qing to sit beside the table. “Zi Qing, tell me honestly, between you and my elder brother, do you truly like my elder brother, or do you have other intentions? Also, I recall you saying you were unwilling to become a concubine. If you were to become my elder brother's concubine now, would you feel wronged? Tell me truthfully; if you are unwilling, no one can force you. Although Da Bao is my own brother, on this matter, I stand with you. I ask for nothing else, only that you are willing with your whole heart.”

Hearing Lin He’s words, Zi Qing’s nose stung, and her eyes grew moist. She had always known the Young Mistress treated her and her sister not as mere servants, but she hadn’t expected the Young Mistress to consider her feelings so meticulously. Letting go of her shyness, she replied, “Young Mistress, I am willing with all my heart. Young Master Da Bao treats me very well. Even as a concubine, I am willing.”

After saying this, Zi Qing noticed Lin He still looked concerned. Fearing Lin He wouldn't believe her, she hastily explained, “Young Mistress, I truly never intended to be a concubine before. But Young Master Da Bao is different. He is unlike other men; he is not taking a concubine for mere pleasure, but because he is forced into it by necessity. Furthermore, all this time, the Master and Madam have relentlessly urged him to take a concubine, and I have seen his attitude. I know he is a good man, loyal and righteous; I truly do like him.”

“Moreover, Young Mistress, I have finally realized a truth now: when you genuinely fall in love with someone, you stop caring about everything—whether it’s a concubine or even a bed-warmer. As long as you can be with him, you will be genuinely happy from the bottom of your heart.” (To be continued...)