After settling the two little ones, Madam Huang picked up her embroidery and settled in for the evening. A good while later, Er Niu came in from outside. Seeing Madam Huang, he said, "Still not asleep? It was such a busy day; I’m truly exhausted. I’m heading to bed now." With that, he flopped onto the sleeping platform, acting as if he couldn't stay awake another second.

Madam Huang kept stitching and replied, "What was so busy? Tell me. I’m not your mother, I can't be fooled as easily as you and your daughter. Who are you talking about today?"

"Who am I talking about? What are you referring to? I don't know anything," Er Niu feigned ignorance.

"Oh, Husband, what is wrong with you? Are you keeping family matters from me now? You kept the truth about Da Bao from me, and now you’re trying to hide this from me too? Then what is my place in this household—am I just a servant whose only job is to see to your meals and keep things tidy? If you won't tell me, fine. But if your mother brings this up again tomorrow, I certainly won't cover for you anymore," Madam Huang grumbled, clearly displeased.

Seeing he couldn't keep the secret any longer, Er Niu told Madam Huang everything: that his third brother was not dead, and in fact, had married and fathered a child outside. Madam Huang was stunned into silence for quite some time. This was completely unexpected. It explained why Da Bao and the others had needed Er Niu to go over there that time, and why he had been in such a foul mood upon returning, refusing to say much beyond claiming he was tired. This was the real reason all along.

After some thought, Madam Huang said, "Well, this truly must be kept from Mother. If she finds out, any hope of persuading the third sister-in-law to remarry will vanish completely. You must never let this slip again; it’s best we just act as if we know nothing." Madam Huang cautioned Er Niu repeatedly.

Hearing her words, Er Niu countered, "Now that you know, you still want to persuade Third Sister-in-law to remarry? That doesn't seem right. Third Brother isn't dead; Third Sister-in-law is still his wife. How can she marry someone else?"

Madam Huang stared at Er Niu for a moment. "Husband, I see you are very much like your mother in one respect—you are fiercely protective of your own kin. Your third brother has been gone for so long, not a trace of him has returned. Let’s set aside the matter of him losing his memory, marrying, and having a child. But now? Has he regained his memory? Has he visited his wife and child? Has he taken any responsibility? He abandoned this home. Must Third Sister-in-law wait for him for her entire life? Besides, we already assumed he was dead, and in everyone's eyes, he is dead."

"But he isn't dead! We only thought so. He is alive and well. What if he returns one day?" Er Niu remained unconvinced.

"Husband, are all you men this heartless? If you abandon your home and neglect your children, it’s always deemed acceptable. But a woman must remain loyal no matter what, is that it? Must she guard this hearth until she is old and dead? If the man were virtuous and honorable, perhaps it would be worthwhile for her to wait. But for someone like your third brother—what's the point of waiting for him? Forget the fact that he is now wealthy and powerful out there; he wouldn't return anyway. Even if he did, a man like that isn't worth spending another lifetime with. Think about it, aren't I right?" Madam Huang said with evident frustration.

Seeing her demeanor, Er Niu smiled slightly. "Wife, that man isn't me. Why are you getting so worked up? I wouldn't be like Third Brother."

Madam Huang shot him a playful, chiding glance. "You men are all the same—selfish and conscience-less, only thinking of your own family."

"Wife, how am I selfish? That Third Brother is still my own brother. It’s only natural I should think of him," Er Niu argued.

"Then let me ask you this: Why were you so insistent on Hongxia getting a divorce back then, even willing to shoulder the burden of supporting their family for all those years, just to make sure she separated immediately—and the sooner the better? And why did your entire family wholeheartedly approve of Hongxia remarrying, even helping her search? But when it comes to Third Sister-in-law, suddenly everything changes? Do you still think that isn't selfishness?" Madam Huang challenged him.

Er Niu looked at his wife, considering her words carefully. He could not deny the undeniable logic in what she said. The situation facing Zhou Shi now was nearly identical to Hongxia’s back then. Although the Third Brother hadn't beaten Zhou Shi like Zhou Dafa had, abandoning his wife and children and letting everyone believe he was dead—that behavior might even be more egregious. Since he had supported Hongxia’s divorce so strongly then, why couldn't he support Zhou Shi remarrying today? Zhou Shi had lived with their family for so many years; there was some connection there. Why couldn't he treat her like a true sister?

Moreover, a good man was finally showing affection toward Zhou Shi. If their family opposed it and severed the connection, it would be hard to find such a suitable man for her again. Putting himself in her shoes, he couldn't bear to see Zhou Shi continue down this path.

Er Niu thought it over and finally came to understand. He nodded. "Wife, you are right. It makes sense. I already said before: Third Brother is truly dead. Let’s never speak of him again. As for Zhou Shi, you all handle it. If you think the man is suitable, then settle things for her. I will find time to speak with Mother. I’m sure I can reason with her. My mother has a bad temper, but she isn't a cruel person at heart."

Seeing Er Niu had seen reason, Madam Huang smiled. "It would be wonderful if your mother were as reasonable as you are. We know what to do now; there's no need to rush. Let’s not mention it for a few days. You should also tell that Li Ping not to be anxious, and stop visiting Third Sister-in-law for a while, lest people gossip and upset Mother again. Once Mother’s anger subsides and the village chatter dies down, then you can go and persuade her."

Er Niu nodded. "Understood. I’ll speak to Li Ping tomorrow. Since Third Sister-in-law went through all this today, when you have time, take the children over to her courtyard to sit and comfort her. We can’t have things like this happening again; next time, we might not be so lucky."

Madam Huang nodded. "I know all that, don't worry. Hurry now, get to sleep. We have an early start tomorrow." Madam Huang then put down her embroidery, went over to check on the two boys in the small sleeping area, and tucked their blankets in for them.

When Madam Huang got into bed, Er Niu was still awake. He pulled her into his embrace, his hand slipping inside her loosened collar. Madam Huang’s face flushed crimson, and she blew out the oil lamp beside them.