Lin He smiled, patting Yun Qi’s hand as she said, “Sister-in-law, didn't I tell you? Mother was just frightened by the doctor’s words when she said all that nonsense. Look, you actually took it seriously. Of course, I believe you.”

“You weren’t married then. Even if your father was a physician, he wouldn’t have examined you thoroughly for such an affliction. Besides, no one knows exactly when this condition started. Perhaps it only manifested after you came to our home.”

What Lin He said was not merely to comfort Yun Qi; it was also what she truly felt. Mother’s words had indeed been excessive, as if Yun Qi had intentionally concealed her illness to trick and cajole her way into their family.

Yun Qi gave Lin He a faint smile, gazing into the distance as she murmured, “He’er, I know you wouldn't think of me the way Mother does. To be honest, when I first met Da Bao, I certainly didn't harbor deep feelings for him. I only married him because of Mother’s arrangement.”

“But once we women are married, the husband becomes the woman’s entire world—and it’s the same for me. Once married, this place became my home, and I intended to spend my whole life here, for better or worse. It was a lifetime commitment. Even if Da Bao wasn't overly attentive to me, I never wavered in my loyalty. I always hoped that once we had children, Da Bao would eventually change.”

“But now, whether we can spend a lifetime together is uncertain. With Mother in this state, she certainly won’t wait for me to slowly recover. Moreover, there’s no guarantee this illness is curable. Da Bao was already distant, and without children, the future looks even more precarious. I truly don’t know what to do now.” Yun Qi finished with a wry smile.

Lin He looked at Yun Qi, her heart heavy. Although the time since Yun Qi married into the family hadn't been marked by excessive closeness between them, Lin He, being a woman herself, felt genuine sympathy seeing Yun Qi so distressed.

What Yun Qi said was undeniably true. People at this time placed immense value on lineage and offspring. Mother had pressured them about having children more than once or twice. If Yun Qi’s ailment could be cured in two or three months, that would be manageable. But if the treatment took much longer, Mother would surely take action, and perhaps even Da Bao wouldn't be able to stop her then.

Still, Lin He tried to gently counsel Yun Qi. “Sister-in-law, don't dwell on those thoughts yet. We must focus on treating the illness first. Don't worry about Mother for now. Zi Qing has already brought back the medicine. Let’s go look at it first. You focus on recuperating for a while, and then in a few days, we will find some better doctors to examine you again.”

Yun Qi nodded toward Lin He and headed toward the kitchen. Halfway there, Lin He was stopped by Zi Qing, who informed her that the Mistress was crying in her room again and the Master had asked her to fetch Lin He.

Lin He sighed and walked toward Huang Shi’s room. Huang Shi was weeping inside. Seeing Lin He approach, she immediately cried out, “He’er, what are we going to do? If Yun Qi can’t bear children, then what about your brother?”

Lin He frowned slightly and said, “Mother, please stop crying for a moment, can you? We haven't reached the worst-case scenario yet. The doctor didn't say it was absolutely untreatable, only that it was difficult. Let’s let Sister-in-law take the medicine for a period, and afterward, I’ll ask Ning Xuan if there are any better physicians in town, and we can accompany her then. Besides, look at our Great Aunt; she was already that age, and the doctor had said it was incurable then, yet you all came up with those methods, and she ended up pregnant, didn't she?”

“Will that work? Is it really curable?” Huang Shi looked at Lin He as if grasping a lifeline.

Lin He inwardly rolled her eyes. How would she know if it was curable? She wasn't a doctor. Yet, she maintained a smile and soothed her, “Yes, it certainly is curable. Our family has never done anything to offend Heaven; the heavens won't treat us this way, right? Didn't you always believe that?”

“That’s right, our family has never done anything wicked. It won’t happen. Then, He’er, let my sister-in-law take the medicine for a few days, and we’ll take her to see someone afterward.” Huang Shi wiped her tears.

“Yes, that’s the way. Mother, please don't shout to the heavens and earth at every little thing. You are the mistress of this household, and several maids are watching. We can discuss everything calmly. Don't let the servants mock us.” Lin He advised Huang Shi.

“Yes, Mother, He’er is right. Don't learn from my mother, crying and shouting at every turn. Haven't you suffered enough from this lesson before? Why have you picked up this habit? Didn’t you always say Mother’s behavior was unsightly? Women only criticize others until the trouble lands on their own doorstep; then they are all the same,” Er Niu chimed in, complaining about Huang Shi along with Lin He.

“Father of the child, even you say this to me? I’m just anxious! If Yun Qi can’t give birth, Da Bao will have no heir! Da Bao is our family’s eldest son! How can I let Da Bao be without a child?” Huang Shi looked at Er Niu, tears threatening to overflow again.

Seeing Huang Shi’s state, Lin He softened her tone. “Mother, while your worry is understandable, you must have some consideration for others. Look at Sister-in-law; after hearing this news, she was already at a loss. And then you said those things—how is she supposed to live? Furthermore, why bring up things from before her marriage? It’s been so long; what you said was truly hurtful. Now Sister-in-law has this affliction; do you think she wanted it? She has no choice, does she?”

“Alright, alright, I understand. I won’t act like that again, and I won’t speak of her anymore. We will focus on caring for her health properly,” Huang Shi conceded with a sigh.

Since Huang Shi seemed placated, Lin He and Er Niu dropped the subject. Huang Shi was silent for a moment, then asked, “Where is Da Bao? Hasn’t he returned yet? Has no one told him about this?”

“I sent someone to notify him. He should be back by now.”

Just as Er Niu finished speaking, Da Bao returned from outside. Seeing his parents, he said cheerfully, “Father, Mother, you’re here? When did you arrive?”

“Da Bao, your mother has something to tell you.” Huang Shi’s expression signaled that she was about to cry again.

Da Bao noticed his mother’s unusual look, and his heart sank. He asked, somewhat confused, “What is it?”

“Forget it, Mother, I’ll tell him.” Lin He then relayed everything about Yun Qi’s visit to the doctor that day to Da Bao.

Da Bao frowned upon hearing it and asked, “What did the doctor say? Is it confirmed she can’t have children?”

Lin He repeated the doctor’s prognosis to Da Bao. Da Bao was silent for a moment before saying, “Since the doctor said it can be managed with treatment, let’s proceed with that for now. It should be fine.”

The family in the room nodded solemnly and remained quiet. Later, when Da Bao and Lin He left Huang Shi’s quarters together, Lin He recounted the day’s events to Da Bao, including what Yun Qi had confided in her, asking Da Bao to go persuade his wife. Da Bao nodded and headed toward his own room.