The matter of Dongyu was quickly forgotten; people stopped bringing it up during their chats. Around the end of the first month, just as dusk was settling one day, news came from the eldest uncle’s household: Song Yuemei had given birth, delivering a baby boy.

This news sent the entire Lin family into near delirium with joy. Especially the eldest uncle’s immediate family; Madam He wept tears of happiness in the courtyard for half a day. Da Jiang and Qingshan bought strings of firecrackers in town and set them off throughout the village for a long time. Mr. and Mrs. Zhao were all smiles, remarking that ever since that troublemaker left, nothing but happy events had befallen the household.

Even Lin He’s family shared in the happiness. Er Niu commented that a major reason for the turmoil in Da Jiang’s house for so many years was the lack of a grandson and the presence of a daughter-in-law; now that the daughter-in-law issue was settled and they had a grandson, the family was truly set for better days ahead.

Lin He was genuinely happy as well, though it had little to do with the baby’s gender. Seeing a new life arrive infected her with that same celebratory spirit. Moreover, seeing her relatives thrive was precisely what Lin He wished for.

Since the ritual for the first bath after Mao Mao’s birth hadn't been properly observed, this time Madam He and Da Jiang spared no expense, throwing a lavish one-day celebration. The food and the hosting were exceedingly thoughtful, and all the guests who arrived were brimming with good cheer.

When Lin He and her family went to visit Song Yuemei, Song Yuemei’s face radiated sheer happiness. Upon seeing Lin He’s family arrive, she even thanked Lin He profusely, saying that she owed her current joy entirely to He'er’s quick wit during the previous incident. Lin He, naturally averse to taking credit, merely smiled and said she had only spoken idly.

After the Xisan Li (first-month celebration) at Da Jiang’s house concluded, the month was nearly over. On this day, Da Bao was tidying things up in the courtyard, announcing that having stayed at home until the end of the month, it was time to return to town to look after the shop.

Watching Da Bao pack, Madam Huang once again lamented, "Da Bao, are you really going back to town? Look, Yunqi’s belly is still quiet; there’s no news yet. If you go, you won't be back often, so when will I finally hold a grandson? Look at Qingshan, only a few years older than you, and he’s already the father of two. If you leave now, you and your wife will spend more time apart than together."

Da Bao looked helplessly at Madam Huang. "Mother, what do you suggest I do? I can’t stay home every day; I have my own responsibilities. You can't expect me to guard the house permanently."

"That’s right, my dear. This was agreed upon beforehand. Da Bao can just come back often when he has time. Don't try to stop him again. He’s obeyed you by staying home for a whole month. Having a grandchild isn't something to rush this much," Er Niu advised Madam Huang gently.

Yunqi, standing nearby, also shyly urged Madam Huang, "Mother, please let Da Bao go to town. There are many things waiting for him there. He'll come back as soon as he has a moment."

With everyone in the family saying the same thing, Madam Huang had no choice but to sigh deeply. "Fine, if you all insist, it would make me seem unreasonable to argue further. Just make sure Da Bao comes back often when he has time."

However, looking at Yunqi and Da Bao, Lin He felt that this arrangement wasn't sustainable. It really wasn't good for a newly married couple to be separated so often. But if Yunqi went with him, she would be bored stiff with nothing to do there. In fact, Lin He already had an idea brewing, one she’d been considering for a while: given the family’s increasing income over the years, it was time to set aside some funds to buy a residence in town.

Currently, they ran a shop in town, and they frequently traveled there. But staying a few days was fine; a prolonged stay would inevitably interfere with their business operations. Moreover, the recipes for their pastries had unique, secret preparation methods, and lack of vigilance could easily lead to leakage—it wasn't suitable for just anyone outside the shop staff to stay there.

Furthermore, given the family's current financial standing, buying a small residence wouldn't strain them. Lin He also considered that Xiao Bao was already ten years old this year. His teacher had mentioned that Xiao Bao was indeed talented in his studies; if circumstances allowed, sending him to a better academy would be ideal.

The academy in Tianxin Town was far superior to the one in Huayu Town. Additionally, traveling to Huayu Town for school was quite a distance; daily drop-offs and pick-ups meant that during rainy or snowy days, considerable time would be lost just commuting. Lin He decided they should seize this year to send Xiao Bao to study in Tianxin Town.

Lin He voiced her thoughts, and as soon as she spoke, everyone present, except Er Niu, voiced their approval. Chen'er and Xiao Bao were especially thrilled; Tianxin Town held immense appeal for them.

Da Bao and Yunqi also agreed. As a new couple, they needed time to bond, and naturally, they desired more time together. Even Madam Huang was supportive, primarily because she hoped this arrangement would lead to an earlier grandson. Only Er Niu frowned, saying, "I don't think this is good. Our ancestors have lived in Linjia Village for generations; we have too many things here. How can we leave? Besides, buying a residence in town will likely cost a great deal of money."

Lin He listened and replied with a smile, "Father, what I mean is buying a small residence in town so we have a place to stay when we go. Big Brother can come home every day, and Sister-in-law can live in town long-term. Xiao Bao will also study there—it will be much closer. I’m not suggesting the whole family move. Our home is still here; nothing here changes. If you and Mother wish to stay here, you stay. If you feel restless, come stay in town for a while—how nice would that be? Buying a residence is like buying a shop; it’s an asset that serves a purpose, better than just hoarding cash."

Hearing Lin He’s explanation, Er Niu considered that as long as he wasn't required to live there permanently, it was acceptable, and he ceased his opposition. In fact, he became quite eager, urging Da Bao to find a house quickly so Xiao Bao could start school soon. Xiao Bao was due to take the Tongshi (county-level imperial examination for children) next year, and this delay could not be afforded.

The entire family’s opinion had aligned, and they were all very happy. Chen'er and Xiao Bao chattered incessantly about what they would do and see in town. Yunqi, abandoning her usual reticence, continuously asked Da Bao and Lin He how large Tianxin Town was and if it was fun. Since Yunqi had never visited Tianxin Town, she was quite excited. As for Mr. and Mrs. Er Niu, they weren't planning to frequent the town anyway, but seeing their children happy brought them joy as well.

So, the next day, Da Bao and Lin He set off for town. Madam Huang initially didn't want Lin He to go, saying Lin He needed to stay home to do embroidery. But Da Bao insisted that his eye for property wasn't as good as Lin He's, and he needed to consult his sister on the purchase. He assured everyone at home that Lin He would return immediately once the house in town was secured.