Hong Yun shook her head upon hearing the questions from Madam Huang and Hong Xia. "It's not about Big Cat; I willingly let him go back to be with his grandmother. It’s just that..."

Before Hong Yun could elaborate, Madam Zhao's voice drifted from outside, seemingly mingled with Madam He’s. At first, everyone thought they misheard, as Madam Zhao had apparently not forgiven Madam He since the last incident. Why would she be here with her today? However, the voices were soon confirmed to be real, and several others followed—not just Madam Zhao and Madam He, but also Dong Yu and Yu’er, and the group of women seemed quite pleased.

Madam Huang instructed a maid to usher them in and offered them seats. Madam Zhao spoke with great joy, "What wonderful news! It seems nothing but good news comes from the eldest son's household these days."

"Mother, what has you so happy?" Madam Huang asked with a smile.

"Look, Yu’er is pregnant! She's over a month along. Isn't that wonderful news?" Madam Zhao announced.

"That is certainly true. Yu’er, congratulations. From now on, you must take great care. A pregnant woman is not like an ordinary person; you must be cautious in everything you do," Madam Huang said, equally delighted by the news.

Yu’er nodded, a hint of shyness in her voice. "Second Aunt, I know. My mother says the first three months are when the fetus is most easily unsettled. She said I should stay here for a while, and only go back later."

"That’s wise. You are young and perhaps inexperienced, and this is your first pregnancy—you know nothing. Being here with your mother watching over you will be better. If you are free, come chat with Second Aunt often. Big Sister-in-law and the younger sisters-in-law are often around here. There are many people, so you’ll always be cheerful," Madam Huang continued kindly.

Yu’er nodded. Madam He was indeed happy today, perhaps feeling she had been too much in the wrong last time. Since most people had been cool towards her, she had reflected. Hearing Madam Huang’s words, she chimed in, "Yes, Yu’er must listen to your Second Aunt. Your Second Aunt is so blessed; look, she gave birth to twins! It must be because she is such a good person that Heaven bestowed such fortune upon her. It would be good for you to come often and soak up some of that luck."

After addressing Yu’er, she turned to Madam Huang. "Second Daughter-in-law, Big Sister-in-law came today also to apologize to you all. I was truly out of line last time. I already apologized to Mother earlier. Please, don’t hold it against me. Last time, I was just overcome with worry about Yu’er’s situation. Please don’t keep it in your hearts."

It was truly rare for Madam He to act this way today. No matter how wrong she had been in the past, she never spoke to them like this. Today, she specifically came to apologize. Madam Huang and the others were kind-hearted people; since the elder sister-in-law had humbled herself, and considering she was older than them anyway, they certainly wouldn't dwell on the past. Madam Huang replied with a smile, "Big Sister-in-law, it’s nothing. We are all family. A couple of sharp words exchanged aren’t a big deal. It’s over, let’s not mention it again."

Hong Xia and Hong Yun offered similar sentiments. Madam He was very pleased to hear this. Seeing the family so harmonious, Madam Zhao was naturally the most content. She said, "Eldest Daughter-in-law, this time, for Yu’er and the child in her belly, we all forgive you. In the future, if there are any unpleasant matters in the household, tell us. We will certainly not refuse to help if we can. Just stop turning the house upside down, understood?"

Madam He repeatedly nodded, promising she would never act that way again. Madam He's issue was thus brushed aside in the household. In truth, the women of the family were all kind souls and hadn't truly held a grudge. They knew what kind of person Madam He was, and after so many years, they wouldn't bother quarreling over minor things.

Lin He noticed that Yu’er seemed somewhat recovered this time; her complexion was better. Perhaps due to the pregnancy, she looked a bit plumper than the last time they met, and she appeared very happy. It seemed the couple’s life was going quite well. With a child in the future, this family of three would surely be extremely happy—a person is truly different when free from a difficult mother-in-law’s torment.

Dong Yu sat beside Yu’er. Although she had come along, she hadn't spoken, almost making people forget her presence. Lin He glanced at Dong Yu; her belly was already showing a slight swell. While everyone else talked, she remained unchanged—not particularly happy, nor particularly unhappy—just listening quietly with a faint smile on her face.

Lin He spoke up, "Sister-in-law Dong Yu’s belly is getting so big. Pregnancy must be quite arduous for you."

Before Dong Yu could respond, Madam He interjected, "They aren't arduous; I am the one worked to death! Two pregnant women are truly difficult to serve. They have different cravings—one loves sour, the other loves spicy. I have to cook separately every day! And Song Yue Mei’s stomach is causing terrible trouble, just like when she was pregnant with Mao Mao. Dong Yu is better, though; besides liking sour things, she doesn't have many other specific demands."

"Dong Yu likes sour things? That’s good! Eat more sour things; it’s definitely going to be a boy," Madam Zhao said with a smile upon hearing Madam He.

Lin He felt a touch of confusion. Why was liking sour things considered good? Why did it mean it would be a boy? Seeing Lin He's puzzled look, Madam Huang smiled and explained, "It's the old saying: sour for boys, spicy for girls. If they crave sour things, it’s certainly a son."

Lin He finally understood the local custom. However, she didn't really believe in such sayings that lacked any scientific basis. But the women in the courtyard certainly did, especially Madam He and Madam Zhao, whose smiles couldn't be contained.

The courtyard of women was filled with cheerful chatter, when suddenly Madam He looked around. "Why didn't Third Sister-in-law come today? Hong Yun isn't working today, and Third Sister-in-law isn't either. Perhaps they are busy with something at home? Should we go over and help in a few days?"

Madam He’s words startled everyone into silence; they weren't sure what she was referring to. Madam Zhao asked, "Help with what? Is there something going on at their house?"

Madam He replied as if genuinely confused, "Mother, I heard that Third Sister-in-law is remarrying. Aren't we supposed to go help? If she is remarrying, should we offer a gift? Should we go as her immediate family or how should we approach it?"

As soon as Madam He posed the question, the previous laughter ceased. No one dared to answer. It seemed Madam He was unaware of the situation; she hadn't been present when the matter was last debated at home. Madam Zhao’s expression soured upon hearing Madam He’s words. "Eldest Daughter-in-law, who told you that Third Sister-in-law is remarrying? Did Da Jiang tell you?"