Lin He said, "Yes, I just chatted with my sister-in-law for a moment. She didn't say much, but I just feel that since she’s only just arrived, we shouldn’t be too demanding of her; we should give her time to adjust, shouldn't we?" Mrs. Huang looked at Lin He and said, "He'er, are you and Yunqi on good terms? Why are you speaking up for her like that? I always thought you didn't really like Yunqi." Lin He smiled and said, "Mother, whether I like her or not, Yunqi is my sister-in-law now, one of our family.

I think that in any family, rich or poor, it’s best if everyone can get along harmoniously. There’s no need to nitpick over small matters. I don't dislike Sister-in-law. As long as Big Brother is happy and the family is content, I am happy." Mrs. Huang stared at Lin He for a while, seemingly pondering her words.

After a pause, she said with some relief, "He'er, I understand what you mean better now. It's Yunqi's good fortune to have a daughter like you in the house, and for her to have such a sister-in-law. Don't worry, I know where the line is. I'm not someone who likes to cause domestic turmoil. I have taken your words to heart." Lin He smiled back at Mrs.

Huang. Truthfully, she wasn't sure if she liked Yunqi or not—partly because she didn't know her well enough yet, and partly because certain matters concerning Yunqi's family made it difficult for Lin He to feel affection for her. However, Lin He's intention was exactly as she stated: she wished for harmony within the household and for everyone to be happy, refusing to dwell on trivialities. Regarding the things Yunqi had just said, Lin He wasn't oblivious to their meaning, but she didn't wish to make a big fuss over them. Whether Yunqi had intended it or not, Lin He genuinely hadn't taken it to heart.

Lin He desired a peaceful and united family, one that wouldn't constantly attract gossip from outsiders. After speaking with Lin He about these matters, Mrs. Huang rose and took Cai Qing to sort through the gifts and monetary offerings from the relatives who had come for the banquet the previous day. Lin He sat in the courtyard for a while, watching the two little ones, Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong. Recently, since Lin He had been away, the two boys were less attached to her.

Furthermore, the family had been busy these past few days since her return, and Lin He hadn't had time to spend with them. Children are like that; if you aren't around often, even the most familiar people can feel distant. Lin He crouched down to play with them. Initially, the little ones seemed a bit reluctant. After playing for a good while, the two boys seemed to recall that this was their eldest sister.

They then began calling out "Big Sister, Big Sister," clinging to Lin He and insisting she cook delicious things for them. Unable to refuse the two little ones, Lin He took Zi Yu to the kitchen and fussed about, preparing some snacks for them. Watching their two identical faces puff out their cheeks as they ate, Lin He couldn't help but smile. As lunchtime approached, Lin He saw Da Bao returning with Yunqi. Da Bao’s expression was still very composed upon his return, but Yunqi seemed quite cheerful, occasionally asking Da Bao questions with a hint of shy demureness on her face.

Lin He smiled; perhaps Yunqi, though not overly sharp, was simple-minded enough to be a suitable match for their family's daughter-in-law. The New Year was fast approaching. Work at the ointment workshop had ceased; the laborers were given leave to return home for the festivities and would not resume until after the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth of the first lunar month. The long-term workers had also left before the year's end, and the household began its bustling preparations for the Lunar New Year. Fortunately, they had several maids, so no one in the family was overly exhausted.

This year, Lin He was indeed somewhat more relaxed. Household matters were largely handed over to Mrs. Huang, who understood the basics. When help was occasionally needed, Lin He always instructed Mrs. Huang to call Yunqi over, saying that while the eldest sister-in-law wasn't running the household, she needed to familiarize herself with domestic affairs, as she was, after all, the Eldest Young Mistress of the house and couldn't remain ignorant of everything.

Yunqi proved to be reasonably compliant. When Mrs. Huang asked her to assist, she would follow along. Although she knew next to nothing, her attitude was acceptable. As Mrs.

Huang gradually got to know Yunqi, she developed a measure of dissatisfaction, feeling that this daughter-in-law was utterly inept at managing affairs. Thankfully, remembering what Lin He had said, Mrs. Huang did not scold Yunqi, instead patiently guiding her through every task. Everyone in the family had been busy for several days, and finally, it was New Year's Eve. After sharing the reunion dinner, the family gathered in the main hall, chatting merrily.

Mrs. Huang beamed at Da Bao and said, "This year, our family has gained a daughter-in-law to celebrate the New Year with; it’s much livelier with more people. Next year, there might be one more! Mother is eagerly waiting to hold a grandchild." As soon as Mrs. Huang spoke, both Da Bao and Yunqi flushed deeply.

Da Bao complained softly, "Mother, why bring that up during the New Year? What are you in such a hurry for? We’ve only been married a few days." Mrs. Huang didn't see anything wrong with it; wasn't having children after marriage the most natural thing in the world? Smiling, Mrs.

Huang said, "Look, this silly child is blushing! You think I won't mention it? Just give me a plump grandson soon, and then I won't bother you about anything else." The whole family burst into laughter. Lin He glanced at Yunqi and Da Bao. Yunqi’s head was bowed low; apart from the blush, her expression was unreadable.

Da Bao, after his face reddened, regained his usual calm demeanor. Lin He felt a flicker of worry: had these two not yet consummated their marriage? Judging by Da Bao’s reaction, it seemed unlikely. Alas, Mother’s dream of holding a grandchild would have to wait. Lin He sighed softly.

This was a delicate matter she shouldn't bring up, yet Mother and Father seemed oblivious. Yunqi certainly would be too embarrassed to speak of it herself. What was to be done? This was proving rather troublesome. As the family was still chuckling, Mrs.

Huang spoke again, "Ah, having a grandchild to hold is certainly delightful. It’s a pity that He'er likely won't be home for many more New Years. She’ll probably only stay until next year before marrying off. I truly can’t bear the thought of it; giving away a daughter I raised for so long—it breaks my heart." "Wife, what are you saying? All girls must eventually marry.

Why are you already feeling heartbroken over He'er? Won't you be even more reluctant when she actually leaves?" Er Niu chimed in, teasing Mrs. Huang with a smile. "Yes, when the time comes, I probably won't even be able to see He'er off. I fear I truly won't be able to let her go," Mrs.

Huang said, her voice genuinely turning sentimental. "Mother, why do you only talk about being reluctant to part with Elder Sister? Why don't you mention being reluctant to part with me? Mother always dotes on Elder Sister more. When Elder Sister goes out, you always pack this and that for her.

When I go out, you never prepare anything for me," Chen'er pouted upon hearing Mrs. Huang’s words. Chen'er's remark instantly sent the whole family into peals of laughter. Xiao Bao teased Chen'er, "Second Sister, you haven't even found a person yet, and you’re already thinking about marrying off? Looking at you like this, no one will want you."