The Great River hadn't relented an inch about letting her return. If Great River found out about this, he’d surely be even angrier. If she wasn't allowed to stay here, there would truly be nowhere left to go. But seeing Song Yuemei's demeanor today, it was as if she was determined to throw her out—what on earth was to be done?

He Shi’s mind raced incessantly. She caught sight of Dong Yu beside her and began signaling frantically, hoping Dong Yu would speak up for her. Dong Yu, seeing He Shi, hadn't intended to intervene at first, but after a few quick calculations, she persuaded gently, “Big Sister, don't be so angry. Although Mao Mao got scalded today, and it’s true Mother didn't watch closely enough, Mother didn't do it on purpose. Besides, there wasn't much chicken soup to begin with; Mother only wanted to save some for Father. She didn't even eat any herself. You shouldn't be so petty.”

Dong Yu seemed to be speaking for He Shi, but in reality, she was pouring oil on the flames, repeatedly emphasizing that Mao Mao’s scald was He Shi’s fault. Hearing Dong Yu’s words, He Shi didn't find anything amiss and chimed in, “Exactly. You’re just a glutton. So what if you didn’t get any chicken soup today? Is it worth getting this furious over?”

Song Yuemei grew even more enraged upon hearing Dong Yu and He Shi, but she truly couldn't bear another argument with He Shi; after all, they had been bickering for years. She spoke coldly, “I can’t be bothered wasting breath on you. Fighting till the house is never peaceful only makes outsiders laugh. I won't say anything more today. I’ll just take the blame. I shouldn’t have left Mao Mao in your care. Regardless, I have only one demand today: you must leave. The family division happened a long time ago, and I won't withhold a single cent that is due to you.”

Song Yuemei’s words made He Shi panic even more. If Song Yuemei argued with her, it would be one thing—an argument, and then it would pass. But now Song Yuemei was determined to kick her out and wasn't even willing to fight anymore. She had no way to cling on any longer. He Shi glanced toward the house, and then it struck her—Qingshan and Yu’er were still inside. Clinging to a sliver of hope, her mind spun, and she changed tactics. Suddenly, she dropped onto the ground with a thud and began wailing: “Qingshan! Yu’er! You two heartless ones! Your mother is being bullied to this extent, and you’re still staying inside? Are you going to stand by and watch as your own wife forces your mother out?”

Now, Qingshan couldn't stay put inside either. He walked out, and upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, Qingshan felt a headache coming on. He stood for a moment, noting that Yuemei showed no sign of backing down, her eyes fixed firmly on him. If he spoke up to keep his mother, Yuemei might just fight him to the death. Qingshan gritted his teeth and finally spoke, “Mother, perhaps you should return to Father’s side for now. It’s not a permanent solution for you to keep staying at my house. Father needs someone to look after him, too.”

Qingshan’s words left He Shi with no recourse. Further crying and shouting was pointless; it might just attract onlookers, leading to more gossip. What if Great River found out? He would fly into a rage again, making it even harder for her to return. But what now? Return to her maiden home? There was no place for her there anymore. She’d likely be thrown out by her eldest sister-in-law within a day. He Shi froze, caught in her thoughts.

Some time passed before Yu’er emerged, speaking with some hesitation, “Mother, why don't you come stay at my place for a few days? I need someone to keep me company anyway; my Zhao Yu is often away. Come stay with me.” Truthfully, Yu’er didn't particularly want her mother at her home—she could barely stand her mother’s temperament—but she couldn't just watch her mother have nowhere to go.

He Shi nodded quickly upon hearing Yu’er’s suggestion and hurried into the room to pack. As she passed Song Yuemei, she spat a few spiteful words. Yuemei ignored her, but turned apologetically to Yu’er. “Yu’er, don’t take today’s events to heart. I know it wasn't your fault. When you go back, you’re heavily pregnant—be careful of yourself.”

Before long, He Shi packed a few belongings and left with Yu’er, still muttering curses at Song Yuemei and Qingshan the entire way. Neither of them paid her any mind. After He Shi departed, Yuemei recounted everything that had happened that day in front of Dong Yu and Qingshan. Qingshan felt a pang of guilt for driving his mother away, but Yuemei was also in the right. With nowhere to vent his frustration, Qingshan directed his anger at Dong Yu, harshly scolding her for not watching Mao Mao while she was at home, thereby causing such a major incident.

In truth, Song Yuemei only wanted to discipline Dong Yu. She was perfectly aware of what Dong Yu was plotting, but she didn't want to say it herself. That’s why she deliberately brought the matter up in front of Qingshan, prompting him to chastise Dong Yu.

Naturally, Dong Yu was aggrieved after being scolded by Qingshan, but she dared not retort. She transferred this grievance onto Song Yuemei, cursing her silently—wishing her dead right now, wishing that Mao Mao had been scalded to death as well. She vowed that one day, she would make Song Yuemei pay for everything.

When Hong Yun finished speaking, Huang Shi realized the full extent of what had transpired. What Zhao Shi said was indeed true; once sons grow up, mothers often lose control over them. Worrying was useless. Huang Shi asked, “Mother, does Big Brother know about this? Big Sister-in-law is still at Yu’er’s place, isn't she?”

“Great River probably knows, but he hasn't said anything. It’s fine for He Shi to stay at Yu’er’s for now; Yu’er is newly pregnant, and she can help look after her. But I hope He Shi behaves herself while at her daughter’s place and doesn't cause trouble, or see what happens to her. Great River still hasn't agreed to let her return,” Zhao Shi replied.

Huang Shi and the others nodded. He Shi should be sensible enough to know her place. Driven out by her own husband in her son’s home, then driven out by her son and daughter-in-law—if she still didn’t reflect at her daughter’s home, eventually no one would be willing to take her in. It would be of her own making.

The women chatted about gossip in the courtyard for the rest of the morning. As noon approached, they needed to return to prepare lunch, so they all went their separate ways. As Zhao Shi was leaving, she reminded Huang Shi about that young lady, instructing her to send word after discussing it with Er Niu.

At noon, Huang Shi brought the matter up with Er Niu. Er Niu thought it wouldn't hurt to go and take a look. He decided that he and Huang Shi would go first; if things looked promising, they would call Dabao back to discuss it, and if Dabao agreed, they would finalize the matter.

In the afternoon, Er Niu didn’t go to the fields. He and Huang Shi went together to Zhao Shi’s house, stating they wanted to see the person. Zhao Shi immediately sent for the matchmaker. The matchmaker said that if they wanted to see the girl, they could go anytime. The girl’s father was a doctor, often home, and people frequently visited their house seeking medical treatment; they could go today if they wished.

Huang Shi and the others conferred, then had Er Niu harness the ox cart, bringing Zhao Shi and the matchmaker to the neighboring village. First, the matchmaker went in to make the necessary introductions. When they arrived at the doctor's house, they pretended they were there to see the doctor, but the family knew full well that relatives from the groom's side had come to call on the bride. When Er Niu and Huang Shi entered, the young lady was indeed in the room.