After Dabao and Yunqi paid their respects to Madam Huang, she spoke with underlying meaning, "My greatest wish is for you two, Dabao and Yunqi, to love each other dearly, grow old together, and give me a grandson to hold soon. Dabao, you must treat Yunqi well, you hear?"

Dabao quickly agreed. Lin He glanced over at Yunqi, who offered a faint smile, her face revealing nothing. Lin He suspected that her parents had noticed the situation between her elder brother and sister-in-law and were deliberately saying these things to subtly chide him, hoping he would understand.

After the whole family had paid their New Year’s respects, the household maids and footmen took turns visiting Madam Huang and Erniu. Then everyone cheerfully accepted their red envelopes and left. Madam Huang hastily told Erniu to pack some things, and the family headed towards Madam Zhao’s residence, as it was customary on the first day of the Lunar New Year for all grandchildren to visit the elder matriarch.

When the family arrived at the grandmother’s house, the elder uncle’s family was already there. Seeing the Lin He household arrive, Dajiang quickly stood up and set off the firecrackers. The family exchanged the customary polite greetings for the New Year, and everyone settled into the courtyard to chat about the trivialities of the holiday.

Madam Zhao, seeing Dabao and Yunqi, happily called Yunqi to her side and asked with a smile, "Yunqi, does Dabao treat you well? Are you adjusting well since arriving here?"

Yunqi replied obediently, "I am accustomed to it. Father and Mother have treated me very well. When I have nothing else to do, He'er and Chen'er often keep me company. It’s much more relaxed here than at my former home."

Yunqi did not mention Dabao, merely stating things were good. Madam Zhao didn't scrutinize her words too deeply, simply smiling, "Mmm, this wife of Dabao is quite well-behaved, her temperament is quiet, and she seems easy to get along with. Old Second’s family truly married a good daughter-in-law. Grandma is just waiting to hold a great-grandchild now."

Everyone in the courtyard laughed. With a new bride in the family, these were the sorts of things everyone said. Yunqi became a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushing, and she lowered her head.

Erniu and Madam Huang exchanged a look and followed suit with soft smiles, remaining silent.

Madam Zhao looked toward Lin He, who was standing to the side, and said with a twinkle in her eye, "Our He'er is getting more radiant as she grows. She looks every bit the daughter of a prominent family. But that young man from the Wen family is also an exceptional talent among men. It's not a loss for our He'er to marry him. Old Second’s family, your household is improving year by year."

Lin He lowered her head shyly. Today, she was prepared. When the family gathered, they were bound to bring up her matter with Wen Ningxuan. Previously, no one knew, and they hadn't seen Wen Ningxuan. Now that her elder brother was married, everyone had seen the family, and that fellow Wen Ningxuan had made such a high-profile entrance—naturally, everyone would comment.

Hearing her mother-in-law speak, Madam Huang also smiled and said, "Mother, Dabao is married, and He'er is engaged. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. I don't care much about the rest of the Wen family; as long as the Wen family treats He'er well, I will be at ease."

"That’s right, Second Sister-in-law speaks truly. When marrying off a daughter, one must look at character. Other things matter less, otherwise, it’s the daughter who suffers later," He Shi interjected.

"Indeed, Eldest Sister-in-law is absolutely right. Oh, speaking of which, when is Yu'er coming over tomorrow? I haven't seen her in a long time. Her pregnancy must be quite advanced by now. You all should go pick her up tomorrow. Have Eldest Brother take my ox cart there; the road is quite far." Madam Huang said.

"Ah? Is your ox cart available tomorrow? Aren't you going to your parents' home tomorrow? Yunqi likely hasn't made her first visit home yet, and she'll certainly need transport. If the cart isn't free, I’ll have Qingshan walk over to fetch her. Isn't her father also going to pick up Hongyun and the others tomorrow?" He Shi countered.

"It’s fine. Dabao and Yunqi will be going to her parents' house tomorrow, and I’ll arrange for a carriage to take them back quickly. Once the carriage returns, I will go to my parents' home. You can use the ox cart tomorrow," Madam Huang replied with a smile.

"Oh, very well then. I’ll have Dajiang help bring Hongyun over too. You all can eat dinner at my parents' place before returning; there’s no need to rush back," He Shi responded.

Madam Huang nodded. Watching He Shi, Lin He felt a sense of deep comfort in the courtyard this year. Eldest Sister-in-law He Shi had improved so much, starting to consider others; previously, she only focused on herself. Furthermore, during this New Year, everyone in the courtyard wore smiling faces, creating an atmosphere of harmony and warmth that was truly touching.

Madam Huang looked at Yuemei and Dongyu sitting to the side and said, "Yuemei, are you returning to your parents' home tomorrow? With your pregnancy so advanced, it’s best not to exert yourself."

"Yes, Sister-in-law, Yuemei and Dongyu will probably be giving birth soon, won't they? Are things prepared at home?" Hongxia also inquired from the side.

"Mhm, they are prepared. I took care of things long ago. I haven't let Yuemei go back to her parents' house these past few days. If anything were to happen while she was gone, I wouldn't know what to do. I dare not wander far these days myself, fearing that if one of them goes into labor, there won't be anyone here," He Shi replied.

"Indeed, Eldest Son's wife, you must watch this closely. We absolutely cannot have a repeat of past incidents. This child in the womb is a precious great-grandchild of our Old Lin family. If any mishap occurs, I will hold you accountable," Madam Zhao’s words were very serious.

He Shi saw Madam Zhao’s expression and laughed, "Look, Mother, you really value the great-grandchild over your daughter-in-law now! Rest assured, I will certainly guard the Lin family's treasure well."

He Shi's remark made everyone in the courtyard burst into laughter, even Dajiang, who rarely smiled, laughed heartily. Lin He hadn't seen her elder uncle closely in a long time. During her own wedding banquet, her uncle had been running around, and she hadn't paid close attention. Seeing him today, although he still looked honest and simple, with little change from before, his eyes held undeniable joy. It was clear that the happiest person about He Shi's transformation was naturally her husband.

Madam Zhao sighed upon hearing He Shi's words, "The happiest thing this year is that Eldest Son's wife has changed for the better. This is something I never thought would happen. In the future, Eldest Branch must live their lives well. The debt owed to Old Second Branch is almost paid off; the family's life will only get better from here on. When the children thrive, my own days become comfortable."

The entire family nodded silently. It was the simple, joyous gathering of family happiness that so many people dreamed of.

Seeing everyone present and Grandmother in good spirits, Lin He remembered the matter of Third Mother Zhou Shi and deliberately said, "Why hasn’t Third Mother’s family arrived today? Are they that busy on the first day of the New Year? Mother, should Chen'er and I go take a look?" Lin He finished and subtly winked at Madam Huang.