Qin Lian sometimes felt powerless.

Even though she had the upper hand most of the time, she just couldn’t win an argument against Qin Rong.

She glared at Qin Rong, but didn’t know what to say.

Madam Zhou looked displeased and pointed at Qin Rong, saying, “I don’t know how Yu Zhenniang raised her child. Now that you’ve left the Qin family, is this how unruly you’ve become?”

Qin Rong frowned and replied, “Always talking about rules and etiquette—have you truly followed them yourself? Second Aunt, it’s always Qin Lian who starts the trouble. You may tolerate her now, but Lirong Town isn’t that big. If today’s events spread around and happen to reach the Zhu family’s ears… well, who would it really hurt?”

Madam Zhou wasn’t foolish.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to control Qin Tieshan so thoroughly.

Once she thought through the pros and cons, she pulled Qin Lian aside, signaling her not to speak further.

Seeing that Madam Zhou understood the situation, Qin Rong paid for the silver hairpin and left.

As Madam Zhou watched Qin Rong’s departing figure, she thought to herself, “I never realized before—she’s actually quite calculating.”

After leaving Li’s shop, Qin Rong and Qin Yue went to the Jiang family’s general store.

The streets were already bustling with people.

Qin Yue was still upset about what had just happened.

“Why let someone who’s not worth it affect your mood? A Yue, we live our own lives.” Qin Rong held Qin Yue’s hand and spoke gently as they walked.

After a moment’s hesitation, Qin Yue asked, “Sister, have you ever thought about our future marriages?”

Qin Rong was momentarily speechless.

Girls in this era matured too quickly—this twelve-year-old was already thinking about marriage.

Even Qin Lian wasn’t of age yet, and she already had a fiancé?

Ridiculous.

“No, I haven’t thought about it,” Qin Rong replied.

Qin Yue said seriously, “Sister, you should consider it. A girl’s marriage is very important.”

Qin Rong noticed how fixated Qin Yue was on the idea of marriage and grew curious. “Ayue, you’re still young… why are you thinking so far ahead?”

Qin Yue lowered her head and said, “Sister, I want a home of my own.”

Qin Rong was a bit surprised. “Hmm? What do you mean?”

Qin Yue sighed and said, “Back in Qin Family Village, father didn’t care about us, and our grandparents looked down on us. They always scolded and beat us. Once, because of Second Uncle’s family, you were punished by grandma and not allowed to eat.

I secretly brought you a bun, but Qin Lian tattled, and grandma found out. Father didn’t help us—he even went out to avoid the trouble. Mother tried to protect me and ended up being beaten by grandma too.

At that time, I thought, if only I had my own home… it wouldn’t matter if it were poor. I’d work hard with my future husband, just like Sister Yulian.”

Qin Rong hadn’t expected Qin Yue to feel this way. “Ayue, even our mother got married. Did her life become better because of it?”

Qin Yue froze.

She was a little confused now.

That’s true—did mother’s life actually improve?

Qin Rong gently patted her shoulder. “Ayue, a home is built by people. Marriage might make your life better… but it could also make it worse. So, whether you have a home or not, the most important thing is yourself, don’t you think?”

Though still a bit confused, Qin Yue seemed to understand something. “Sister, I’ll think more about it.”

“Yes, think it over.” Qin Rong couldn’t expect Qin Yue to think like someone from modern times—after all, ancient wisdom was shaped by its era.

…

By the time they returned to their maternal grandparents’ house, everyone had already gathered.

Old Madam Yu(Grandma Yu) brought out a plate of mung bean and glutinous rice cakes. “These were made by Arong. Let’s all have a taste today.”

Cakes from regular shops were usually quite expensive, and the Yu family rarely had spare money to buy such things except around New Year.

Qin Rong’s mung bean cakes looked beautiful—so much so that no one wanted to ruin them by taking a bite.

Old Man Yu(Grandpa Yu) usually didn’t eat sweets, but under everyone’s gaze, he picked up a piece and popped it into his mouth.

It was sweet but not cloying, with a hint of milky aroma.

Soft and fragrant, it left a pleasant sweetness in the mouth.

He hadn’t expected his granddaughter to have such skills—perhaps they didn’t need to worry about her future anymore.

“This is delicious! Come on, everyone, have some!” Grandpa Yu smiled warmly.

Everyone eagerly took a piece.

Granny Yu, being older, preferred soft foods.

She had one piece and couldn’t resist reaching for another.

“Arong’s skills are even better than the cake shops!” Granny Yu praised.

Qin Rong smiled slightly.

Sometimes, happiness really was just that simple.

She felt especially warm inside at this moment.

When they left their grandparents’ house, it was already dark. Luckily, the night market had opened, and the streets were lively.

Madam Yu held Qin Yi’s hand and said fondly, “When I was little, I used to beg your uncle to take me to the riverfront. It was so lively around this time. Once the pleasure boats lit their lanterns, young lads would walk around with baskets selling snacks.”

“Mother, I bought you something.” Qin Rong had originally planned to give the hairpin at home, but now felt this was the perfect moment.

“What is it?” Madam Yu asked curiously.

Qin Rong smiled and pulled a silver hairpin from her sleeve. “Mother, do you like it?”

The moment Madam Yu saw the hairpin, her eyes instantly turned red. “A Rong, this must’ve been expensive—better than the one your father gave me when we got married.”

“Of course it’s better. Life is supposed to keep getting better. As long as you like it, Mother.” As she spoke, Qin Rong helped her mother put the hairpin on.

Madam Yu was delighted, like a young girl again.

“Thank you, A Rong. I really love it,” she said earnestly.

Back at home, Qin Rong gave a delicate little jewelry box to Qin Yi. “Ayi, this is from your big sister. In the future, you can store anything special in here.”

Qin Yi hugged Qin Rong in surprise. “Big Sister, you’re the best. Thank you!”

Qin Rong smiled and gently patted Qin Yi’s little head.

Qin Yi had always been so well-behaved and quiet for her age—never making a fuss, always thinking about how to help out.

How could she not love such a sweet little girl?