Hosting a large, continuous feast was a monumental undertaking; even the simple act of purchasing supplies was arduous, especially with the long-term laborers given holiday leave. Only a few maids remained, along with Chang Geng and the immediate family. Fortunately, since the Lunar New Year was approaching, relatives were nearby and could lend a hand. Because the children were born before the New Year, no sharp implements could be used for three days after the first day of the month; thus, the banquet was scheduled for the fourth day of the New Year. However, during those initial days of the New Year, very few vendors came to town, necessitating that all provisions for the feast be procured before the year ended.

For the remaining days, Er Niu, along with relatives who came to help, Chang Geng, and Old Man Qin, constantly drove oxcarts and horse-drawn carriages back and forth to town, hauling goods until the courtyard was piled high. Thankfully, basic meats were already stocked: chickens, ducks, and fish were plentiful. A large, fat hog still resided in the family pigpen, meaning the meat supply was largely secured. They also had a good stock of vegetables, melons, and fruits. The bulk of what they purchased consisted of melon seeds, pastries, and preserved sweets.

In the frantic preparations for the grand feast, everyone seemed to have overlooked the New Year celebration itself. By Lunar New Year's Eve, the atmosphere lacked the deliberate formality and splendor of the previous year—though this only applied to the mood; the quality and quantity of food would certainly not be lacking, given the sheer volume of everything purchased.

On New Year's Eve, the entire family gathered for the vigil. This year, they missed Xiao Jun and Old Man Qin, but they gained two little ones. Er Niu looked at the two identical babies sleeping near Huang Shi and said, "Da Bao, He’er, you two have studied so much; give these two younger brothers some names."

"Indeed," Huang Shi added from her side, "it's been two days now. When the relatives arrive, the children will need proper names."

Lin He knew that in this era, it was customary to give children nicknames. Da Bao and Xiao Bao were already nicknames they had kept, as no formal names had ever been bestowed upon them later. These two newborns would require separate nicknames and formal names. Nicknames could be chosen casually; after all, the common wisdom held that the humbler the nickname, the easier the child would be to raise.

Thinking about christening the infants, the family fell into contemplation. Er Niu pondered for a while and then suggested, "Why don't we follow the pattern of Da Bao and Xiao Bao? Let's call them San Bao and Si Bao. They're easy to remember and fit in with Xiao Bao's name."

Lin He thought her father was being exceedingly convenient; if they kept having children, they might skip the naming process entirely.

"Father, that's too simple," Da Bao interjected after hearing his father. "How about we call them Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong? Xiong meaning 'hero'—that sounds much better than just 'Bao'."

Lin He conceded that Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong were indeed preferable to the 'Bao' variations. She expressed her approval, and even Xiao Bao and Chen'er agreed the names sounded nice. Seeing that everyone concurred, Er Niu and Huang Shi yielded, and the twins were formally designated Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong.

The next day was the first day of the New Year. Since Huang Shi was confined for her postnatal confinement, she did not visit Zhao Shi’s courtyard to exchange greetings. Er Niu took the children and went instead. When they arrived, everyone else in the household was already gathered, cheerfully discussing the news of Er Niu's twin boys. He Shi, seeing Er Niu's family approach, remarked, "Second brother, you are truly blessed, having such a brood of children now—it truly inspires envy."

Er Niu smiled in return. "You and Qing Shan just need to put in the effort, and in a few years, your own house will be overflowing with grandchildren. How wonderful that would be."

He Shi glanced sideways at Song Yue Mei, then remarked, "Yes, I am counting on it. Er Niu, your family plans to hold the banquet after the third day, correct? A two-day continuous feast will certainly involve a great deal of work. I'll bring Qing Shan and the others over to lend you a hand."

Hearing He Shi's words, Er Niu felt momentarily unsettled by his elder sister-in-law's sudden change in demeanor, but he recognized it as genuine goodwill. Er Niu replied with a smile, "That would be excellent, sister-in-law. If you aren't too busy, please do come assist. The younger maids in our house are small and don't understand many of the necessary procedures; we will rely on you to instruct them."

He Shi nodded with a pleasant smile. Old Man Lin then spoke up, asking, "Er Niu, while the banquet won't bankrupt you, hosting a two-day celebration for the 'washing of the third day' is unheard of in the village. Are you sure about setting such a precedent?"

Er Niu laughed. "Father, everything needs someone to set the first example. Besides, I'm not charging admission, so what difference does it make?"

Old Man Lin fell silent at Er Niu's retort. Zhao Shi interjected, "Er Niu, the banquet is on the fourth, right? Everyone in the family needs to pitch in. Your wife is confined, so the household matters require management. I will come over on the third day to oversee things for you."

Er Niu felt his mother’s point was valid and nodded in agreement. Because Huang Shi was at home, Er Niu’s immediate family rushed back after lunch. Only He Shi’s family and Zhou Shi’s family remained. Zhao Shi insisted they stay for supper before heading back. He Shi took another slow tour of the courtyard where her in-laws resided, and the thought solidifying in her mind became even more certain.

With her intentions set, He Shi walked into the main courtyard and joined Zhao Shi and the others in conversation. He Shi’s recent conduct had been so commendable that Zhao Shi was exceedingly pleased; even Da Jiang, observing from the side, seemed satisfied with He Shi’s performance. Zhao Shi, cradling Song Yue Mei’s daughter, Mao Mao, noticed He Shi entering and asked, "Eldest daughter-in-law, is Mao Mao difficult to care for? She looks so thin; is Yue Mei's milk supply insufficient?"

He Shi responded, "Yes, Yue Mei's milk supply is a bit low; I’m not sure why."

"Insufficient milk is unacceptable. Tell you what, I have two pork trotters here—Er Niu’s family sent them over for the New Year. Take them back for Yue Mei to boil into a soup; that is proven to boost lactation," Zhao Shi offered.

"Mother, no need. We bought plenty of lactation aids at home; it should be enough for Yue Mei. We will see. If it still proves insufficient, I will find something else for Mao Mao to eat. Those trotters were meant for you two elders, a gift from Second Brother’s family. You should keep them for yourselves; there is no reason to pass them to us," He Shi replied with perfect filial compliance.

"Eldest daughter-in-law, has something happened recently? You are quite different from how you used to be. If something is bothering you, tell Mother," Zhao Shi said, although pleased by the change, still sensing a subtle deviation from the norm.

"Mother, what are you saying? How am I different? I’ve always been this way, only my nature is too direct, and I always speak my mind. If I offended you in the past by speaking out of turn, please forgive me. I apologize to you here and now," He Shi said, her expression momentarily faltering before smoothly regaining an air of naturalness.