When she was at home, Mrs. Huang would often bring this up with Lin He. Seeing Lin He give her a look, she immediately understood and said, "Yes, just as Mother said, things are much better for us all now. Look at Big Brother's family—no need to even mention it, they're about to have a grandson! Hongyun and Hongxia have done quite well these past few years. It’s only Third Sister-in-law who is struggling; she has nothing at home. I was thinking of helping them out, but Third Sister-in-law refuses. Alas."

"Indeed, Third Sister-in-law has it quite tough. I’ve had Mother and Father looking out for me these past few years, but Third Sister-in-law doesn't even have a family to fall back on. Sometimes, thinking of her makes me quite sad," Hongxia quickly chimed in, echoing Mrs. Huang's words.

"What's wrong with the Third Son's family? Has something happened again?" Old Man Lin inquired.

"Nothing at the moment, I was just thinking that once the New Year passes, spring will arrive, and things will get busy again. Third Sister-in-law is all alone; I don't know how she’ll manage everything, and no one will be there to help her this year," Hongxia explained.

"Did someone help her in previous years? Hasn’t it always been this way? Didn’t Er Niu’s family often pitch in to help her?" Old Man Lin asked, puzzled.

"Father, Er Niu’s family has always been able to offer some help. But this year, I fear that won't be possible. I used to send our hired hand over to help her with tasks, but several people in the village started gossiping, and after those incidents last time, I’m afraid it’s not appropriate for me to arrange for someone to go over," Mrs. Huang stated.

"Yes, Father. Besides, even if Er Ge’s family helps out, they can’t do it forever. They will eventually have to manage their own lives," Hongxia added.

Madam Zhao, seeing Hongxia and Mrs. Huang both speaking up for Mrs. Zhou, interjected with a cold tone, "Can't her family manage their lives now? Isn't she the same as you? You can manage yours; can’t she manage hers? What exactly are you trying to say? Did Third Sister-in-law say something to you?"

"No, I haven't seen Third Sister-in-law recently, so how could she have said anything? It’s just that since I’m managing just like her, I know how hard life can be. We were just chatting casually, that's all," Hongxia quickly replied.

"Chatting about what? Why talk about these things on the first day of the Lunar New Year? It’s truly stuffy here. Go to the kitchen and get some work done." As she spoke, Madam Zhao glanced sideways at Mrs. Huang.

Although Madam Zhao had, to some extent, forgiven Mrs. Zhou during this period and hadn't caused a scene over the last incident, she had never agreed to Mrs. Zhou remarrying. Now, hearing Hongxia and Mrs. Huang seeming to coordinate their efforts, Madam Zhao knew they were trying to clear the way for Mrs. Zhou. Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao’s face soured, and she stared coldly at them. Mrs. Huang fell silent under Madam Zhao’s gaze, but Hongxia, being a daughter, wasn't as afraid of Madam Zhao’s anger.

Hongxia ignored Madam Zhao’s icy stare, thinking that since the topic had been broached today, she might as well see it through. She continued, "Mother, why can’t we talk about this? Third Sister-in-law is still considered family. Can’t Second Sister-in-law and I offer her some pity? Furthermore, I actually do have something I need to discuss with you and Father today."

Madam Zhao was nearly choked with anger by this insolent girl, glaring fiercely at Hongxia, signaling that she would deal with her later. Old Man Lin, however, spoke up first, "Hongxia, what is it you want to say?"

Hongxia noticed her mother’s expression, but remembering poor Third Sister-in-law, she steeled herself and said, "Father, you know a bit about Third Sister-in-law’s situation from the other day. Many people in the village are gossiping. Someone was just saying the other day that the man who proposed marriage to Third Sister-in-law seems quite decent. After all, Third Sister-in-law has been a widow for so many years now. Our Lin family cannot commit further sin. What I want to say today is, if Third Sister-in-law is also willing, we shouldn't stand in her way."

Hongxia’s words were quite direct. As soon as they left her mouth, everyone in the courtyard fell silent; even the sound of cracking melon seeds ceased. Madam Zhao glared at Hongxia with venomous intensity, wishing she could swallow her whole. Old Man Lin remained silent, drawing on his pipe, saying nothing.

Seeing that no one in the courtyard was speaking, Lin He realized that since she was an unmarried girl, it was rather awkward for her to bring this up. She nudged Da Bao, who was sitting beside her. Da Bao, momentarily startled, understood after a moment and spoke up, "Grandma, Grandpa, I think what Little Aunt said makes sense. Third Uncle has been gone for so many years, and the children are grown. If there's a suitable person, we shouldn't obstruct it. It would prevent outsiders from gossiping that our Lin family is utterly heartless. Moreover, it’s natural for widows to remarry. It's also kind of Third Mother; otherwise, if she had taken the children and left years ago, we couldn't have complained."

"What gossip from outsiders? Who stipulated that a widow must remarry..."

"Old woman, stop shouting and speak properly." Old Man Lin cut off Madam Zhao before she could finish.

Once Da Bao spoke, Da Jiang, Er Niu, and Mrs. Huang all followed, generally agreeing with the idea of Mrs. Zhou remarrying. Lin He thought to herself that even if Grandmother wanted to throw a fit now, she wouldn't be able to raise much of a fuss.

Lin He had Da Bao speak up not only because it was unsuitable for her, an unmarried girl, to discuss the matter, but also because, among the current large family, the grandparents valued Da Bao the most. Although Qingshan was the eldest grandson, since Qingshan had caused all those messy issues, Madam Zhao and her husband held considerable reservations about him.

Da Bao, however, was honest, diligent, and had received some education. He was generally well-liked by Madam Zhao. Coupled with the relatively good standing of Lin He’s family, the two elders had placed great importance on Da Bao these past few years. Madam Zhao boasted to everyone about how promising her grandson Da Bao was. Therefore, Da Bao’s words carried weight; as soon as he spoke, Old Man Lin offered his view.

Old Man Lin smoked his pipe for a while before speaking, "What you all say has merit. I am aware of the matters over the years, and I heard about what happened at home last time. It was your mother who was excessive. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I was planning to take time to discuss this matter. I never intended to block Mrs. Zhou from remarrying, but one condition remains: Xiao Shan and Xiao Yun are children of the Lin family, and I am unwilling to let them become burdens. If Mrs. Zhou can make proper arrangements, and if she herself is willing to remarry, our Lin family will certainly not stand in her way." As Old Man Lin finished speaking, he glanced towards Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao lowered her head slightly. Regarding the incident where she struck Mrs. Zhou, she had always assumed her husband hadn't known about it. After returning, the old man hadn't said a word. But his words now, and the glance he just gave her, clearly indicated he was aware.

Old Man Lin paused, then continued, "That is my stance. I also guarantee that your mother will no longer oppose this matter. Hongxia, you relay my meaning to Mrs. Zhou—the point is that Xiao Shan and Xiao Yun cannot be taken away. That’s enough said on this. Your mother is also correct; today is the first day of the New Year; let’s not discuss unhappy matters."