"Yes, Yu'er gave birth to a daughter; she's almost three months old now. I was worried Zhao Yu might be unhappy about having a girl, but Zhao Yu dotes on her! He actually said having a daughter is wonderful, that she'll be closer to her father when she grows up, and he holds her every day, haha." Aunt Zhao beamed as she spoke of Yu'er.

"Mmm, that's good. It’s wonderful for the whole family. Oh, Auntie, you mentioned needing me for something earlier?" Lin He inquired.

"Oh, yes, He'er, you mentioning it almost made me forget. It's about those women you hired at the ointment workshop—several of them left, I presume you haven't had time to hire replacements yet? Dongyu told me yesterday she wants to work for you; perhaps you could arrange for her to do something there. You can decide on the wages yourself," He said, speaking a bit tentatively.

"Oh, Auntie, regarding that matter, I'm afraid it won't be possible. I spoke with the women at the ointment workshop a while back, and those who quit had already made their arrangements. I’ve already hired people in town; it seems I can't fit anyone else in. You should have mentioned it earlier," Lin He replied, feigning regret.

Dongyu, standing nearby, heard Lin He’s words and quickly crouched down, taking Lin He's hand urgently. "He'er, if the ointment workshop isn't hiring, do you need anyone for other tasks? I can cook, I can do anything, as long as I have work. I won't fuss over the wages; I’m willing to do whatever it takes."

Lin He looked at Dongyu. Dongyu had changed significantly from a few months ago; she was much thinner, her complexion pale, and the faint smile that used to grace her face was gone, replaced by a look of anxiety mixed with supplication as she gazed at Lin He. Lin He knew Dongyu must have had a difficult time recently. Although they claimed to live separately, in truth, the Lin family had effectively cast her out; what kind of good life could such a woman expect?

Lin He was a soft-hearted person. Seeing Dongyu in such a state, her heart softened somewhat. But softness aside, a person like this absolutely could not be brought into the ointment workshop. Moreover, Lin He knew Dongyu hadn't truly changed; it was only the recent hardship that had driven her to this desperation. Lin He offered an apologetic smile, subtly pushing Dongyu's hand away. "Sister-in-law Dongyu, I am truly sorry, but my elder brother has already arranged everyone for the workshop, including their lodging. There is genuinely no space left. If a position opens up in the future, perhaps?"

Dongyu's expression dimmed when Lin He finished speaking. She then turned a look of desperate appeal toward He Shi. He Shi, this time, was quite understanding. "Let it go, Dongyu. We agreed to just ask as a courtesy. Since He'er has everything settled, don't press the issue. We can talk about it later. It’s getting late; let’s head back."

He Shi rose, and both Huang Shi and Lin He stood to escort them out. Afterward, Lin He turned to Huang Shi and said, "Mother, if anyone asks about these matters in the future, just answer for me directly. The ointment workshop isn't taking anyone else."

Huang Shi had indeed felt pity for Dongyu earlier, thinking that even if the workshop was impossible, perhaps Lin He could find her some other position. But seeing how Lin He had dismissed her so resolutely, she understood her daughter had her own reasons. When Lin He gave these instructions, Huang Shi remained silent, merely nodding.

After dinner that evening, the family was chatting in the room. Huang Shi looked at her two youngest sons, her heart aching so much that tears almost spilled. She stroked their heads and said to Lin He, "He'er, you must take extra care of these two younger brothers. Mother is entrusting them to you."

"I know, Mother. Didn't I look after Xiaobao and Chen'er by myself when they were little? And isn't Yato still here? Don't worry so much. You have time, so come stay in town for a few days to see them," Lin He replied with a hint of helplessness. Her mother had probably said this more than ten times already.

"They've been by my side their whole lives; I'm used to seeing them every day. Now that you're all leaving, I feel unsettled. Just let me fuss a little," Huang Shi said, and unexpectedly, she began to cry.

"Hey, what are you crying for, woman? It’s good news that He'er and the others are setting up a factory in town. Crying like this is bad luck. You're usually so superstitious about this and that, why the sudden disbelief?" Er Niu said with amusement.

"What nonsense are you speaking? How could I not care about my own children? Do you think everyone is as hard-hearted as you, not caring whether your children live or die?" Huang Shi scolded Er Niu.

Er Niu was left speechless, caught between laughter and exasperation by Huang Shi's unreasonable complaints. He rubbed his nose and, after a pause, said, "How about this: if you can't bear to be apart, you can come with them tomorrow and stay a while. When you get tired of it, you can return.

"If I go, what will you do here alone?"

"What will I do alone? Aren't Chang Geng and the others still here? I can eat with the hired hands, or go eat at Old Man Qin’s place. You should go. Seeing you like this, I don't know how much you’ll cry if you stay behind. Town isn't that far anyway; I'll come visit for a few days when I'm free," Er Niu persuaded Huang Shi.

"Yes, Mother, Father is right. It's not far from home; you can visit anytime. It's only about half a shichen ride by carriage. You’re making it sound like we’re moving far away. Why don't you pack some things and travel with us tomorrow? Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong follow you everywhere; I'm worried they’ll miss you if you suddenly disappear. Go pack; you can travel with us tomorrow," Lin He said, finding her mother’s distress rather amusing too.

"Is that so? I’m worried about leaving your father alone here," Huang Shi was swayed by their persuasion but hesitated, looking at Er Niu.

"Go on, then. I’ll come stay in town for a few days after things settle. It’s only a few days—what are you worried about? I’m a grown man; I know how to manage," Er Niu said with a smile.

Huang Shi was finally happy. "So, I can stay there for a few days? You wait a few days, and then I'll come back with you?"

Er Niu nodded with a smile. Huang Shi immediately took Cai Qing and excitedly went to pack. Lin He and the others watched from the room as Huang Shi bustled about, listing what to bring and what to leave, mumbling to herself the whole time.

Lin He shook her head with a smile and said to Er Niu, who was sitting beside her, "Father, you are not young anymore. Haven't you hired long-term laborers for all the household chores? Don't insist on doing everything yourself when you have time. You should spend time visiting around, or come stay in town for a while when you’re free. It will be too lonely here once we all leave."

Er Niu nodded. "Mmm, I know. What real work is left for me here now? Just looking around. You don't need to worry about me. It's you I’m concerned about, He'er. You are a young woman, and town is crowded. Be careful with what you do yourself; it’s best not to handle things personally. Let Da Bao go instead. If you need anything, send word back through someone so your mother and I don't worry about you."