As Zhao Yu returned to his room, his mother pulled Yu'er into her own quarters. A vicious slap landed across Yu'er's face, accompanied by a harsh tirade: "You actually have some skill, don't you? After I raised my son for so many years, you managed to seduce him to the point where he dares to defy his own mother. Who gave you this audacity? Let me tell you something—the moment you married into our home, you became a daughter-in-law of the Zhao family, just as I have been for years. Why should I be able to do things that you cannot? In all my years, my son never offered a single word of pity. You've only been here a single day, and he’s already acting as if he cares the world for you. Truly, you’re just a cheap woman skilled at seducing men."

Zhao Shi's slap, coupled with these words, completely enraged Yu'er. Though Yu'er wasn't exactly a formidable person, her own mother, He Shi, was no pushover. Yu'er had certainly witnessed some of her mother's methods over the years. Yu'er walked up to Zhao Shi, staring fiercely, and spat back, "Who are you calling a cheap woman? Watch your mouth. My husband does favor me, and what can you do about it? If you have the guts, make your son divorce me. I must have been blind to marry into your family. You want me to work? Fine. I refuse to do another stitch. If you want to do it, you do it. If you don't, leave it right there."

Zhao Yu’s mother had never been so brazenly contradicted. Taking advantage of Yu'er's inattention, she shoved Yu'er to the ground, grabbed a fistful of her hair, and dragged her roughly toward the wall, slamming Yu'er’s head against it repeatedly while savagely pinching her all over her body. Yu'er had not anticipated her mother-in-law’s ferocity. With her hair held fast, she couldn't straighten up. Although the mother-in-law was older, years of farm labor had given her considerable strength. Yu'er, though young, had only done lighter housework and possessed little natural power. Furthermore, having been exhausted from a full day's labor, she was no match for her mother-in-law. She could only endure as her head was driven against the wall. After countless impacts, Yu'er's head swam, and she finally blacked out. When Yu'er awoke, it was already morning. The room was empty; neither Zhao Yu nor his mother was anywhere in sight. Her head still throbbed, and several large bumps marred her scalp. Yu'er gathered a few clothes and returned to her parents' home.

She remained at Green Mountain for the time being. Da Jiang had visited, and He Shi insisted that Yu'er stay at home for a while. After the busy farming season ended, they planned to summon Zhao Yu; they intended to see what sort of resolution his family would offer regarding this matter.

This affair was not yet settled. Er Niu learned about the incident from Da Jiang’s account; Huang Shi and the others remained unaware until Er Niu told them. Hearing the news, Huang Shi felt a deep, wrenching pain in her heart and kept murmuring, "What is to become of Yu'er? This mother-in-law is truly wicked, resorting to violence at the drop of a hat, and with such brutal force—banging a person's head against a wall! If anything serious had happened, it could have cost a life."

"Indeed. Look at her—marrying into such a family, the daughter-in-law is surely being tortured to death. Now, older brother spends his days working and doesn't even want to speak, constantly worrying about Yu'er's situation," Er Niu stated with palpable concern.

As the two were talking, Cai Qing came in to announce that lunch was ready and called for Huang Shi and Er Niu to come eat. Huang Shi quickly tidied up, and they went out together. The midday meal had been prepared by Lin He and the maids. Xiao Mo insisted on eating food cooked by Lin He, and Wen Ningxuan also expressed a desire to taste Lin He's culinary skills. Lin He modestly obliged, frying a few simple dishes, preparing cold pressed tofu, home-braised tender duck, Gong Bao chicken, and a soup with cabbage and meatballs—dishes utilizing seasonal vegetables to satisfy the demands of the two young masters.

The dishes on the table were not numerous, yet they offered a proper balance of meat and vegetables, emitting an appetizing fragrance. Er Niu and Huang Shi came in and greeted everyone to their seats. Wen Ningxuan tasted the food and found it indeed possessed all three qualities—color, aroma, and flavor—even superior to Xiao Mo's descriptions. Xiao Mo, of course, was even more effusive, as he always championed Lin He’s cooking. Together with Lin He's family, they enjoyed the meal immensely. Xiao Mo ate so much that he couldn't manage another bite, declaring that He'er must cook again in the evening.

Chen'er chimed in nearby, "It would be wonderful if Big Brother Xiao Mo and Brother Xuan could stay here every day. I haven't tasted Big Sister's cooking in ages. She used to cook for us every day and even made lots of snacks. Big Sister has been too busy these past few years to make much for us."

"Greedy girl," Huang Shi teased gently from the side, "Big Sister has to manage all the household affairs; naturally, she’s busy. If you were more capable, Big Sister wouldn't be so occupied, and she’d have time to make you delicious things."

"That’s right, Chen'er. He'er can do everything; how is it that you can’t do anything? How can you be He'er's younger sister?" Xiao Mo teased Chen'er good-naturedly.

"Then I'm also puzzled," Chen'er retorted without backing down, "Brother Xuan is so capable; how come you can’t do anything either? How are you Brother Xuan’s younger brother?"

Everyone at the table burst into laughter at Chen'er and Xiao Mo’s exchange. Wen Ningxuan also smiled, saying, "Chen'er's point is perfectly made. And Xiao Mo is several years older than Chen'er, too!"

Xiao Mo looked somewhat deflated and stated, "That's different for me and Chen'er; I don't need to know how to do those things. Aren't I studying and learning martial arts right now?"

"Yes, Xiao Mo is far cleverer than our Chen'er," Er Niu added with a chuckle.

Chen'er shot Xiao Mo a slightly sulky glance and kept quiet. The meal concluded amidst the cheerful laughter of everyone present. After eating, Huang Shi asked Lin He to take Xiao Mo and Wen Ningxuan off to rest for a while. Lin He led them toward the West Wing of the house, which was reserved for entertaining guests. Xiao Mo always stayed there when visiting. Without waiting for Lin He to guide him to a room, he confidently navigated to the room he usually occupied. Lin He and Zi Yu then took Wen Ningxuan to the room next to Xiao Mo's.

Because the rooms were arranged for guests, the furniture and fittings were typical of the era, yet the rooms were furnished simply and concisely, possessing everything necessary without superfluous items.

Lin He said, "You will stay here these next few days. If you need anything at all, just tell Zi Yu, and she will arrange it for you."

Wen Ningxuan nodded. Lin He and Zi Yu then departed. Wen Ningxuan’s family had a firm habit: after lunch, a nap was absolutely required—a non-negotiable routine ingrained over many years. However, Wen Ningxuan stood in the room, not immediately heading for sleep. He gazed out the window. Beyond the glass was a small courtyard, mostly empty save for a stone table and a few accompanying stone stools. The yard was planted with numerous flowers and grasses, some of which Wen Ningxuan had never seen before.