Though Mrs. Huang’s temper had sharpened over the years, she still listened to Er Niu. Moreover, after the recent tearful plea from Chen'er, much of her anger had already dissipated. Er Niu had also mentioned that Da Bao had admitted his mistake, and she had to admit that what Er Niu was saying held water—Da Bao’s matter was the most pressing issue now; they should discuss it first.

No matter how wrong her son was, he was still her own flesh and blood. What was unforgivable? She could simply treat it as youthful folly; did she truly intend to hold a grudge against him for a lifetime? Essential matters still needed attending to.

Still, Mrs. Huang couldn't quite swallow her pride, so she asked in an indifferent tone, "What exactly did Da Bao tell you just now? Does he plan to take a concubine?"

"Yun Qi cannot bear children; taking a concubine is inevitable. Da Bao has agreed to it, but he also made a fair point: we must at least consider Yun Qi's feelings. I imagine knowing she cannot conceive causes her far more pain than it causes us. We should at least give her some time to process it. Afterwards, Da Bao can speak with her properly. Yun Qi is a reasonable child; she will certainly agree. Let's not rush into arrangements for now; let this matter rest for a while," Er Niu said, his expression somewhat grave.

Although Mrs. Huang inwardly disagreed—she felt enough time had already been afforded to Yun Qi—how much more time was needed? Besides, taking a concubine was bound to happen sooner or later. Wouldn't things settle down sooner if it were decided earlier?

However, seeing Er Niu's serious demeanor, she didn't argue. After so many years of marriage, she understood Er Niu well: once he adopted such a stern look, the matter was essentially settled, beyond her ability to oppose.

Mrs. Huang said nothing more. She nodded and replied, "Then let's drop this topic. We've been here two days, and the residence is finally tidied up. Ask Da Bao to send a letter to He'er tomorrow, asking her to come here. Last time He'er returned home, I was too busy to even find a moment to speak with her. Have her come stay for a few days."

Er Niu thought that was wise; with He'er present, he could discuss these matters with her and see what advice she offered. And so, the issue subsided on Mrs. Huang's side.

As for Da Bao and Yun Qi, after Yun Qi returned from the street, the family sat down for their meal. It was called a meal, but in truth, no one had an appetite, especially Yun Qi. She merely picked at a few bites at the table before retreating to her room.

Alone in her chamber, her mind felt hazy, and a severe headache plagued her. Since the physician diagnosed her that morning as being unable to bear children, Yun Qi’s mind had been a blank slate. She didn't even know how she had returned home, how she had eaten, or how she had reached her room. Those memories felt dreamlike, hazy recollections rather than concrete events.

She hadn't been able to think clearly at all, simply sitting dazedly in the room. She had witnessed her family’s reaction the previous night and understood somewhat; she had braced herself for something. But hearing the physician state it so definitively today was entirely different. The doctor repeated much the same words today, and she knew her last sliver of hope had vanished. This news truly pushed her toward collapse.

Yun Qi sat in the room for a time with an empty mind, then suddenly heard a quarrel erupting from the main hall. Though distant, they were still within the same courtyard, and the voices carried. Yun Qi caught snippets about taking a concubine and dismissing a wife, and with a moment's thought, she knew what her in-laws were fighting about.

Even before the doctor confirmed it, her mother-in-law had entertained such notions. Now that it was fact, it was no longer a possibility but an impending reality. If Da Bao was truly determined to dismiss her, she wouldn't have much to say; it wasn't her place to argue, as she was the one at fault.

She reflected that her in-laws’ family was generally reasonable. She had been married into the household for a long time without producing an heir. While her mother-in-law occasionally muttered harsh words behind her back, she had never said anything directly to her face. Furthermore, no one in the family had ever treated her with disdain or abuse.

Yun Qi remembered seeing many women in her village who couldn't bear sons. Their mothers-in-law and husbands would either beat or verbally abuse them, and they were often treated worse than a mere servant girl. Not to mention her own mother, when her paternal grandparents were alive: because her mother failed to produce a son, they constantly cursed and mocked her, saying the most cruel things imaginable. Sometimes, when tempers flared, they even resorted to physical violence. Fortunately, her father was a broad-minded man; though he felt it regrettable, he didn't dwell on it excessively, which made her mother's life somewhat easier. Only after her grandparents passed away did the household find some peace.

If Da Bao truly were to cast her aside now, she wouldn't harbor any resentment or wish to argue. Moreover, even if she did wish to argue, the outcome wouldn't depend on her opinion. At worst, she would be dismissed and return to her parents' home to live out her remaining years unmarried—she had already considered that possibility.

However, the current debate among her in-laws about taking a concubine made matters significantly more complicated. If a concubine were brought into the home, adding another woman to the household, and knowing she wasn't one to engage in constant strife, how would she manage her life? When she grew old, without any children of her own by her side, what would become of her in this family? And in what capacity would she even exist then?

After a long while, the sounds of the argument faded. Yun Qi decided not to dwell on it any further; whatever they planned, let them decide. She didn't want to think about it anymore. Feeling a throbbing headache, she intended to lie down on her kang for a while. Just then, she saw Da Bao return to the room. He entered with a grim expression, said nothing beyond announcing he had an errand at the pastry shop that afternoon, and then left.

The matter could have remained shelved for a period, allowing everyone time to calm down before discussing it further. But that afternoon, Yun Qi’s mother suddenly arrived in town, stirring up fresh conflict in the household.

Yun Qi was resting on her kang that afternoon, having lain down only a short time, when her maid, Zisu, came to report that the maternal grandmother from the other family was here and was currently in the courtyard.

Hearing this, Yun Qi immediately rose and went out. Upon reaching the courtyard, she saw her mother-in-law and her own mother speaking. They weren't discussing anything consequential, merely exchanging pleasantries. Seeing Yun Qi approach, Mrs. Huang smiled faintly and said, "Ah, esteemed in-law, Yun Qi is here. I won't interrupt your mother-daughter chat. Stay here with us tonight, and we can have a proper talk then."

Yun Qi’s mother smiled in reply and followed Yun Qi back to the room. Yun Qi poured her mother a cup of tea before asking, "Mother, why have you come this afternoon? Is there something you need to discuss with me?"

"Yes, your second sister's engagement has been settled. Her prospective in-laws will be coming to formally propose in a couple of days. I thought you could return to help assess the match, and also, I wanted to get some pastries from your family's shop. When the matchmakers arrive, one must have something to offer them," her mother said while sipping her tea.