"Well, that's for the best; I couldn't ask for more. Few people can match the embroidery skills of you two aunties," Lin He praised sweetly.

"This child, you certainly know how to talk," Hong Xia burst into laughter.

As the group was sharing a laugh, Madam Huang emerged from the inner room. Hong Yun composed herself and said, "Second Sister-in-law, what matter brought you to call for us?"

"Didn't Big Sister-in-law mention during the New Year that Yuemei and Dongyu were due to give birth around these days? I noticed there hasn't been any movement, so I thought we could visit Yuemei's place together," Madam Huang explained.

"That sounds good. I’ve also been meaning to go these past few days but haven't found the time. Let's go this afternoon, then. But we can't just go empty-handed, can we? What would be appropriate to take with us?" Hong Yun inquired.

"Is that even a question? It's the usual things, isn't it? Is there anything particularly special we need to bring?" Hong Xia asked, slightly puzzled.

"For other families, yes, it would be the usual. But Yuemei and Dongyu are a bit special, aren't they? If we bring the exact same things, Yuemei will surely be unhappy, as she is, after all, the primary wife. We must show some distinction. But if the difference is too obvious, Dongyu will be unhappy. Although she’s considered a concubine, Big Sister-in-law’s household hasn't clearly separated them. It would be easier if only one were pregnant, but they are together now. I’ve been pondering this issue," Hong Yun mused.

"Sister, do we need to draw such clear lines? Whatever we bring is going to their household anyway; there's no need to be so particular, right?" Although Hong Xia voiced this, she looked toward Madam Huang with a degree of uncertainty.

Madam Huang hadn't considered this at first and felt that since they were all one family, a simple visit with a few casual gifts would suffice. Now, hearing Hong Yun’s concerns, she found herself somewhat hesitant. After a moment’s thought, Madam Huang suggested, "Perhaps we should just bring some random things, and when we get there, we won't specify who each gift is for. Surely they won't ask. This isn't our first time visiting, after all; we're just checking in."

As soon as Madam Huang finished speaking, Hong Xia immediately agreed, "Good, let's do as Second Sister-in-law says. I think that's the best way. I'll go home to fetch the things right now and be back immediately."

With that, Hong Xia stood up, and Hong Yun followed suit. Just as the two were about to leave, a small maid rushed in from the doorway, breathless. "Mistress, Eldest Miss, something terrible has happened! It seems something is wrong at the Big Sister-in-law's place again."

"What happened?" Madam Huang asked urgently.

"I don't know. I just overheard people outside the courtyard saying that a physician has been called over. Many villagers have gathered to watch the excitement. It must be serious. I rushed back to tell you without asking for details."

"Hong Xia, don't bother going back for the things yet. Let's go see together what the trouble is this time," Madam Huang called out hastily to Hong Xia and Hong Yun.

The group hurried away. On the path, Hong Xia muttered, "I wonder what it is this time. It couldn't be that Big Sister-in-law hasn't been well for a few days and more trouble has stirred up again? Big Brother’s household truly never knows a moment's peace."

"Say no more; let's hurry," Hong Yun urged.

The group first arrived at Madam He’s courtyard, but it was deserted. The door was not fully closed, and unfinished work lay scattered about. The women exchanged glances and immediately proceeded toward the Qing Shan courtyard. From afar, they could see a crowd gathered at the entrance, pointing and murmuring amongst themselves.

Madam Huang and the others pushed through the throng and entered. Madam He was ranting furiously in the courtyard, while Da Jiang and Qing Shan stood nearby, looking anxious. Song Yuemei stood huddled in a corner of the courtyard, holding Mao Mao. Madam Huang stepped in and asked with concern, "Big Sister-in-law, what is going on? Why is there another commotion?"

Seeing the arrival of Madam Huang and the others, Madam He stopped her tirade. "It's all the doing of this vicious woman! Dongyu has been harmed to the point where her life is in danger! The doctor and midwife are inside now; I don't know the situation. I'm telling you, Song Yuemei, if anything happens to the child in Dongyu's belly this time, I will have your life—not just yours, but I won't let this little one off easy either," Madam He said, pointing toward Mao Mao.

Madam He's words truly startled Madam Huang and the others. How could the situation be so dire that it warranted talk of paying with one's life? Furthermore, the usually calm Song Yuemei was merely clutching Mao Mao, staring at Madam He with sheer terror, not uttering a word. Da Jiang and Qing Shan remained silent, their faces as black as the bottom of a pot. Madam Huang approached, tugged at Madam He’s sleeve, and said, "Big Sister-in-law, let’s not talk about that for now. What exactly happened to Dongyu?"

"Ask this wicked woman, Song Yuemei, ask her what good deeds she’s done! I can't even speak of it. I'm going inside to see how Dongyu's child is doing." With that, Madam He shot a venomous glare at Song Yuemei and retreated into the house.

Madam Huang and the others, unsure of what had transpired, only watched as Song Yuemei and her child huddled fearfully in the corner of the courtyard. Madam Huang, Hong Xia, and the others went over and gently pulled Song Yuemei aside. Madam Huang asked softly, "Yuemei, what happened today? Why is your mother-in-law so furious?"

"Second Mother, I don't know. I truly didn't do anything. I don't know what happened at all," Song Yuemei managed to say, her voice choked with tears.

"Don't cry first. Tell me slowly. If this has nothing to do with you, Second Mother and your two aunties will stand up for you. Come, tell me slowly," Madam Huang coaxed gently.

Song Yuemei looked at Madam Huang and the others, then slowly recounted the events of the day. Apparently, this morning, Madam He had decided that since both Yuemei and Dongyu were close to labor, she would prepare some nourishing tonic to give them strength for delivery, so she killed a chicken and made soup to deliver.

Madam He brought the chicken soup over and served it into bowls in the kitchen. Dongyu was in the kitchen at the time and was speaking sweetly, flattering Madam He, saying how wonderful Madam He was. Madam He was amused by her and laughed heartily. Seeing that Dongyu didn't seem close to giving birth that day, Madam He returned to her own courtyard to work.

When Song Yuemei came out of her room, she also saw the chicken soup in the kitchen. She carried a bowl of the soup back to her room. As she passed Dongyu’s room, she noticed a thick quilt had fallen from the stool onto the floor. So, she went in, placed the soup on the table, picked up the quilt and put it back properly, and took her own bowl of chicken soup as she left.

Since there were two bowls of chicken soup on the table, Yuemei casually picked up one and left. As she stepped out, she happened to run into Dongyu returning from outside. Yuemei merely mentioned she came in to pick up something that had fallen. Dongyu just nodded without speaking.