Zhao shi listened to Huang shi speak, and catching the meaningful glance from He shi, sighed heavily before finally saying, “Second daughter-in-law, I know you are a good sort. When your brother faces trouble, you and Er Niu have always been there to help. This time, when it comes to Qing Shan getting married, we must rely on your support; Qing Shan is getting on in years.”

Huang shi knew that since her mother-in-law had come with He shi, the two must have conferred beforehand. Though displeased, Huang shi couldn't openly challenge her mother-in-law. After a moment’s thought, she replied with a tone of deep sincerity, “Mother, it’s not that we’re unwilling to help Qing Shan. It’s a good thing for Qing Shan to marry, of course we would help if we had the means, but truth be told, our family is completely destitute right now; we simply cannot produce any silver.”

He shi, standing to the side, offered a knowing, inscrutable smile. After a brief pause, she finally spoke, “Second sister-in-law, you must think of a way for us. If you are truly willing, there is always a way, isn't there?”

Huang shi couldn't fathom what He shi meant by ‘thinking of a way.’ Did she expect silver to magically appear if they just devised a plan? Huang shi kept silent.

Lin He and Da Bao stood frozen, equally bewildered by He shi’s words, and equally astonished by Huang shi’s audacity—how could someone be so brazen, so utterly lacking in self-awareness, especially when her own grandmother was siding with her? What on earth was going on?

Lin He also couldn't understand why this urgent talk of betrothal arrangements for Qing Shan had sprung up out of nowhere after complete silence. What crucial matter were they being kept in the dark about?

The truth was this: ever since returning from the town, Qing Shan had been aimless, simply wandering around the village. A girl from a local family named Song Yuemei, who was fifteen this year, seemed to pass through Qing Shan’s sight daily, whether by chance or design, no one could tell.

Through these repeated encounters, the two had somehow become entangled. Yesterday, while they were engaged in a compromising act deep within the village woods, Song Yuemei’s older brother caught them. Song Yun immediately gave Qing Shan a severe beating, then gathered his brothers and father, dragging Qing Shan straight to He shi’s courtyard. They demanded satisfaction from He shi and Lin Dajiang, threatening to report Qing Shan for rape if they didn't comply.

He shi nearly fainted upon hearing their claims and seeing her son held hostage. In the end, she managed to strike a deal with the Song family: they must send a matchmaker within three days to arrange the marriage, which must include a dowry of ten taels of silver, and then