Seeing He Shi's stance, it truly seemed as if she was prepared for bloodshed right there and then. Everyone in the courtyard was somewhat stunned into silence. Da Jiang also understood He Shi; he had realized that her threats of death were never casual talk, but now it looked like she was serious. Da Jiang dared not truly disregard He Shi's fate to fetch the divorce papers, so he stopped by the doorway as well, remaining silent. The entire family stood in the courtyard without a sound.

Finally, Da Jiang saw that this approach was fruitless. He closed his eyes, genuinely preparing to walk outside.

Qing Shan, standing nearby, pulled Da Jiang back and spoke up, "Father, are you truly planning to divorce Mother today? If you insist on divorcing Mother, then I will take her to my place. Regardless, I won't leave Mother alone. Mother, go pack your things; we are all moving to my place—Yue Mei, you pack up too. We are leaving together."

Qing Shan's idea was certainly a way to resolve the current predicament. If Da Jiang went to get the divorce papers today, no one could guarantee that He Shi wouldn't actually die there. However, if Da Jiang was genuinely intimidated by He Shi this way, it was likely He Shi would resort to this tactic every time something arose. Having her go to Qing Shan's place seemed to offer both sides a graceful exit.

Zhao Shi exchanged a look with Hong Xia, who quickly chimed in, "This is for the best too. Big Brother is quite angry right now. It's good for Big Sister-in-law to stay at Qing Shan's for a while. Besides, she can look after Yue Mei and Dong Yu; they also need someone to care for them."

As Hong Xia spoke, she led He Shi into the house. Once inside, He Shi packed a few things and genuinely left with Qing Shan's family. With He Shi gone, Lin He and the others also felt it was inappropriate to linger and returned home. Zhao Shi stayed behind and said to Da Jiang, "Da Jiang, letting He Shi stay at Qing Shan's for a period will also serve as a lesson for her. Her life over there certainly won't be easy. A woman who once managed the household now has to rely entirely on her son and daughter-in-law for everything, and she has no money of her own. Given He Shi's temperament, life will be tough. Dong Yu and Yue Mei are not pushovers either. Let her suffer a bit until you think it's enough, then allow her to return."

Hearing Zhao Shi's words, Da Jiang felt it was indeed true and nodded, agreeing. Da Jiang himself let out a sigh of relief; he truly couldn't bring himself to watch He Shi die so cruelly.

Zhao Shi looked at Da Jiang and sighed, saying, "He Shi has suffered quite a bit these years following you. When life was good back in town, it wasn't like this. It’s because life became too bitter that people turn this way. Some of what He Shi said today was right. When she returns, don't resort to beating and scolding at every turn. You are her husband; cherish her when you should, and discipline her when necessary. He Shi being in this state today, you also bear some responsibility. Household matters are the business of both of you; you can't pin every misfortune in the family solely on her. You have made mistakes too."

"Mother, I understand," Da Jiang replied, head bowed.

"Is there some difficulty at home that caused He Shi to act so wildly today? Tell me if anything is wrong. Your father and I have some savings these past years. If your family is truly struggling, take it first. Pay it back when you can; we aren't rushing to use it." Zhao Shi inquired further.

"Mother, no need. The money you have is what Er Niu gives you normally. Keep it for yourselves. Our family can still manage. He Shi's agitation this time is likely because of the recent accumulation of family matters. Yue Mei and Dong Yu are both pregnant and said they want to move here. On top of that, Yu'er visited a while back and said her in-laws treat her very poorly, and Zhao Yu doesn't stand up for her. Yu'er has lost weight since coming here and even mentioned that her personal savings were all confiscated by her mother-in-law. He Shi must have subsidized Yu'er some, but she couldn't say so in front of Qing Shan's family and was worrying herself sick, which caused this outburst," Da Jiang explained.

"Yu'er came back earlier? How come I didn't know? I haven't seen her since her confinement visit. Alas, Yu'er's situation is indeed your couple's fault. It's still early days; perhaps the harder times are yet to come. Yu'er is newly married to Zhao Yu; the novelty hasn't worn off, so perhaps it's somewhat better now. Once some time passes, Yu'er's life will likely become harder. Next time Yu'er visits you, tell her to stop by my place; tell her I need to speak with her about something," Zhao Shi sighed and said.

Da Jiang asked, "Mother, what do you need to talk to Yu'er about? Don't go subsidizing her yourself. Yu'er is married; she can't keep coming to her parents' home for handouts. Whether her life is good or bad, she has to live it herself."

Zhao Shi replied, "I know. I just want to ask how Yu'er is doing at her in-laws'. I'm not saying I'll give her money. You are right. If Yu'er wants to live well, she needs to stand up for herself. Otherwise, facing a mother-in-law like that, she'll be walked over her whole life."

Da Jiang nodded, then mentioned he needed to go up to the hill to work. Zhao Shi said, "Look at the time! You haven't eaten yet. If you come back late these days, come eat at my place. I'll save a meal for you. You're a grown man and won't look after yourself. Lock the door securely, eat something at my place, and then go to work."

Da Jiang glanced at the sun and realized it was indeed getting late. He locked the door and left with Zhao Shi.

When Lin He and Huang Shi returned home, the maids had long prepared dinner waiting for them. Er Niu saw them return and asked, "What happened at Big Brother's place today? I saw Zi Yu rushing to call Big Brother away."

Huang Shi recounted the day's events at He Shi's home to Er Niu, who commented, "This Big Sister-in-law truly won't change her ways. After things had settled down for a while, she causes this trouble again. Making such a huge scene over such a small matter requires Big Brother to discipline her properly."

"I suspect Big Sister-in-law was worried about Yu'er today. When we first arrived, things were fine. Later, Hong Yun said something wrong, and Hong Xia brought up Yu'er's situation again. Her agitation today probably stemmed mainly from her worries about Yu'er," Huang Shi mused.

"What happened to Yu'er?" Er Niu asked.

"Probably nothing major, just that her mother-in-law is rather stern and controls Yu'er tightly. Big Sister-in-law felt distressed for her. Ah, Yu'er... we were too careless back then; otherwise, it might not have come to this," Huang Shi said with some guilt.