But when He Shi heard Hongyun speak, she was displeased: "Hongyun, what do you mean? Whether it's a boy or a girl isn't the point. Our family has been desperately hoping for a grandson that we’re nearly going mad. You make it sound so easy, but why did you go to such lengths yourself to have a son back then? Mother is right, whoever gives birth to a child will be a great contributor to our Lin family, and she can walk sideways in our house from now on."

Lin He thought of He Shi—every time she heard something, she always managed to latch onto the wrong part. Her elder aunt was just trying to ease the pressure on the two pregnant bellies with a casual remark, and she took it as gospel. If things continued like this, Lin He feared that if any major trouble ever befell He Shi's immediate family, no one would speak up for them.

As expected, Hongyun felt a bit embarrassed by He Shi’s outburst right then and there, but she also couldn't afford to argue with her. Her face only flushed slightly as she sat in silence. Lin He and the others didn't dare interject, but surprisingly, Song Yuemei, who was sitting nearby, smiled and said, "Mother, Elder Aunt is right. No matter what, the baby's safety during birth is the first priority. As for whether it's a boy or a girl, that is fate. These things cannot be forced. We are still young; there will be plenty of opportunities."

"If a boy isn't born, no amount of safety matters. In our Lin family, we must have a boy," He Shi stated bluntly.

Song Yuemei said no more. Everyone sat in the courtyard in silence. Finally, Zhao Shi smoothed things over: "Eldest daughter-in-law has a point, and Hongyun and Yuemei are also reasonable. In short, Eldest daughter-in-law, you must take good care of these two pregnant women. Keep them indoors as much as possible and serve them well."

Zhao Shi had actually said this to give He Shi a graceful exit, but He Shi, surprisingly, did not take the implied olive branch. Instead, she spoke with an air of resentment: "Mother, you say things nicely. How can I be like you? Workers from Second Son's family help tend to our fields, and we have a maid for our three daily meals. I'm running around doing everything myself in this house, and now I have two more people to wait on. For raising sons, Mother, the one you raised in the Second Son's house is truly useful. The son I raised only knows how to boss his old mother around."

Zhao Shi looked at He Shi and gave a subtle side-glance. With everyone present today, and with two simultaneous pregnancies being a happy occasion, she truly didn't want to pick a fight with He Shi. She merely glanced over and didn't engage with He Shi’s comment, intending to let He Shi have her way just this once.

"Eldest Sister-in-law, didn't Yu'er come back the other day? I thought I saw her that day, but Yu'er seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight," Hongxia noticed Zhao Shi’s expression darkening and swiftly changed the subject.

"Yes, Yu'er did come back the other day. That daughter-in-law of mine is truly wicked. Yu'er said her mother-in-law took all of her dowry, and that Zhao Yu is useless, even siding with his own mother against his wife. My Yu'er is truly suffering terribly," He Shi’s mood worsened further upon hearing about Yu'er.

"Who is to blame for her suffering? Didn't you go to great lengths to marry Yu'er off back then? Now, this is the result of your own actions. Yu'er will only suffer more in the future. You deal with her from now on," Zhao Shi’s tone sharpened as she retorted to He Shi’s complaints.

He Shi was about to glare back at Zhao Shi when Song Yuemei, sensing the atmosphere turning sour, knew her mother-in-law had been worried sick about Yu'er lately. She skillfully steered the conversation elsewhere, saying with a smile, "Grandmother, I heard two young ladies came to stay with you. They are relatives from your maternal family, and I heard they are both exceptionally beautiful. Why didn't you bring them along today? We haven't had the chance to see them yet."

Song Yuemei clearly said this to inject some life back into the conversation. Lin He found Song Yuemei very pleasant to watch today. A faint, genuine smile always graced her face—not the forced, insincere kind—but a smile emanating from true inner joy. Furthermore, she seemed to have smoothed out her sharp edges, appearing much more cheerful and amiable. Song Yuemei was already attractive, but this demeanor made her appear even more dazzling. Judging by her words and her attitude towards everyone today, she seemed even gentler than when she first married into the family. Lin He mused that something significant must have happened to Song Yuemei recently to bring about such a transformation. If Song Yuemei could truly maintain this disposition, it would be a blessing. Lin He believed that her relationship with Qingshan would gradually improve. Qingshan's family had endured enough turmoil these past few years; they needed a sharp and socially adept woman to manage the household. If the mistress of the house was agreeable and gentle, the family atmosphere would surely become more harmonious.

Zhao Shi smiled in response to Song Yuemei’s query: "Yes, they are staying at home. We were a bit rushed coming here today. Next time, I will bring them along to visit."

"Mother, why on earth did you bring two young women to live here? They aren't even close relatives of yours. Isn't this just wasting food on idle people?" He Shi started looking for trouble again.

"He Shi, who I invite to stay in my home, when has it ever been your place to question it? Am I asking you for money or asking you to do the work? You are far too meddlesome, concerning yourself with matters in my house," Zhao Shi finally lost her patience and spoke with clear dissatisfaction.

"Mother, I didn't mean to meddle. I just mentioned it casually. Even though it's not my direct business, we still contribute our monthly allowance for your elderly care, so it's not unreasonable for me to ask," He Shi acted as if she hadn't heard the displeasure in Zhao Shi’s tone and continued.

"He Shi, what you just said sounds a bit off to me. Are you suggesting that the elderly care allowance shouldn't be paid, or that I shouldn't invite relatives to stay? Tell me clearly, exactly what do you mean?" Zhao Shi’s voice suddenly turned cold as she pressed.

"Mother, I think, rather than saving that money for people who are unrelated to you, it would be better if you didn't take our monthly elderly allowance. You certainly aren't lacking in funds, and since the money is being used for others anyway, it’s equivalent to us giving you money to support outsiders. Look at our immediate family now—we are stretched thin for money. Mother should think about us a little too."

"Eldest Sister-in-law, that money belongs to Father and Mother, and this house is theirs. Besides, even if she takes in people to live here, she isn't asking you to contribute any more to the elder care fund. And frankly, how much do you contribute each month? The bulk of it comes from Second Brother’s family. Since Second Brother's family hasn't said anything, you certainly shouldn't have a complaint," Hongxia interjected.

"Of course, Second Brother's family won't say anything; they have money and don't care about such trifles. That money is theirs to give, and it has nothing to do with us. We still pay our fixed monthly share; we aren't asking him to pay more. That is their choice. Furthermore, Mother bringing those two girls here is for Second Brother's family anyway, so what business is it of theirs to complain?" He Shi argued back.