The second month passed quickly, ushering in the time for the Xǐ Sān Lǐ ceremony for both Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong. All the relatives arrived early that morning; a child's Xǐ Sān Lǐ was a major event that required gifts. The customary offerings from the uncles and sisters-in-law were always the same: six jin of pork, six jin of white flour, fifty eggs, and two bolts of red cloth. The Zhou family and the He family both brought exactly these items.

Lin He was quite surprised when receiving these gifts. The Zhou family was somewhat understandable; though their life was hard, they had been taking in piecework at home all last year, so they could manage these offerings. It was the He family’s gesture, sending so much, that truly puzzled people.

Although these items were standard for such occasions, the He family had never followed the rules when the Lin He household had events before, such as when building the house or exchanging gifts during the New Year. The He family always sent back very little, claiming that Er Niu’s family didn't lack these things and wouldn't nitpick. This time, however, they had fulfilled the custom to the letter, arriving early and diligently helping out in the kitchen—it seemed they were genuinely working, not just putting on a show. Had the He family truly changed?

Though Lin He found it slightly strange, with so many guests arriving for the banquet, she didn't have time to dwell on the He family. If the He family had genuinely improved their ways, it would be a wonderful thing. If they harbored any ill intent, it would surely reveal itself eventually.

Before long, Lin He’s maternal grandmother’s kin also arrived, bringing a considerable number of gifts. According to local custom, their gifts were weightier than those from the He family. In addition to the standard customary gifts given by the uncles, they also provided clothes, hats, shoes, and socks. Lin He’s grandmother even gifted each of her twin grandsons a pair of silver bracelets—these gifts were undeniably substantial.

When Lin He’s grandmother arrived, many villagers were already present. Seeing the valuable gifts brought by the maternal grandmother’s family, everyone began offering praise. Some gossipy types remarked, “I heard when Er Niu’s family was poor before, his in-laws supported them quite a bit. Otherwise, Er Niu’s family would have starved to death and wouldn't be where they are today.” “That’s right. Er Niu’s mother-in-law’s family is truly wonderful. Not like Er Niu’s mother. When Er Niu’s family was poor, she never offered any help. Now that her son’s family is well-off, she demands he build her a new house and do this and that. If I were Er Niu, I wouldn’t pay her any mind.”

The gossips spoke loudly without restraint, seemingly ensuring that the relatives and friends in the courtyard could hear. Quite a few people turned to look at Zhao Shi in the courtyard. Zhao Shi had been directing the work there and felt deeply slighted upon seeing the precious gifts brought by Lin He’s maternal family. Zhao Shi thought Er Niu’s family had everything, so her child’s Xǐ Sān Lǐ only required the symbolic offering of two bolts of cloth.

She hadn't anticipated that Er Niu’s in-laws would bring such lavish presents; compared to them, her own offering seemed truly meager. In the courtyard, she already felt embarrassed, and the busybodies’ comments only deepened her mortification. Just as she was about to drop what she was holding and throw a tantrum, Hong Yun and the others managed to hold her back. Hong Yun spoke up, “Mother, don't make a scene. If you do, I’m afraid the gossips will only talk more.”

“Yes, Mother, why bother what others say? They don’t know the specifics of our family’s affairs. Just let them talk and ignore them,” Hong Xia also advised.

The He family, upon hearing the gossip, was secretly gloating. This mother-in-law deserved to be talked about. She only knew how to wield her seniority, criticizing this and faulting that. When her son’s family struggled, she clutched her money and refused to help, thinking outsiders didn’t know. Now that it was being aired out, let’s see how she handles it. Although the He family thought this, they showed nothing outwardly and joined in persuading, “Yes, Mother, it’s fine.”

Lin He’s grandmother and her party also overheard the courtyard chatter and saw Zhao Shi’s reaction. Lin He’s grandmother was a kind soul. They brought such heavy gifts this time simply because their daughter had given birth to twins, filling them with joy, which led them to prepare extra presents. Lin He’s grandmother quietly asked Huang Shi, “Daughter, have we caused you trouble? Will your mother-in-law treat you poorly over this?”

Huang Shi knew her mother-in-law would surely have something to say later about this matter, but her own mother had done nothing wrong. So, she smiled and replied, “Mother, it’s fine, don’t worry. There are no set rules for the (meeting gifts) from the maternal grandparents; whatever you wish is fine.”

“Yes, Grandmother, don’t worry. Grandma won’t do anything to Mother. Besides, Mother didn’t say those things. If Grandma wants to find fault, she won’t target Mother,” Lin He added to reassure her grandmother.

In truth, Lin He felt a little pleased hearing the gossip. Her grandmother was truly only a taker. No matter what their family did, the grandmother never took it seriously. Other things might be overlooked, but the Xǐ Sān Lǐ represented the first formal greeting to the children and these things couldn't be skimped on. The grandmother claimed to be overjoyed about the twins but only presenting two bolts of red cloth was indeed far too perfunctory.

However, that could pass; she wouldn't dwell on past issues. But when her own grandmother presented such valuable gifts, the fact that her grandmother not only failed to reflect on her own behavior after being criticized but even shot a resentful glare at the grandmother—that was going too far.

Lin He’s grandmother felt somewhat relieved after hearing her daughter and granddaughter speak. In reality, she wasn't afraid of what Lin He’s grandmother would say to her, but rather feared her daughter would be picked on by her mother-in-law, as she knew Zhao Shi’s character well.

That evening, Zhao Shi returned home and immediately flew into a rage. She ranted that Huang Shi’s family was utterly disrespectful, deliberately trying to embarrass her by presenting gifts in front of so many people. She claimed others couldn't possibly know so much about their family affairs, asserting that Huang Shi must have been spreading rumors outside. Her anger extended even to Er Niu’s entire family.

Lin He’s household held an open banquet for two days. In truth, most people came to present their gifts, ate one meal, and didn't return. After all, even though it was an open feast, it felt improper to keep coming back for two full days. Lin He observed that only a few households in the village came for almost every meal, bringing their entire families along. Among them was the family of her paternal cousin, Tie Zhu.

Even distant relatives had come to present gifts for such a major event in Lin He’s family, and some had even pitched in to help during the busy times. Only Tie Zhu’s family neither gave gifts nor offered assistance but showed up for every meal, eating heartily and taking home nearly an entire table's worth of food each time. Lin He thought about Tie Zhu’s family and felt grateful that she hadn't agreed to hire them as long-term laborers back then, otherwise it would have been like letting a rat into the pantry.