The words from Mrs. Huang truly soured Lin He's mood. However, she knew Mrs. Huang was impetuous; arguing would only escalate matters. If Ziyu, waiting outside, overheard and reported back to Ziqing, it would only put Ziqing in a difficult position. Therefore, Lin He simply remained seated, offering no further retort to Mrs. Huang.

Seeing Lin He remain silent, Mrs. Huang continued her persuasion: "Besides, making Ziqing your elder brother's concubine isn't exactly mistreating her. After all, she'd become part of our family, and we wouldn't treat her poorly. What's so bad about that? Moreover…"

Before Mrs. Huang could finish, Lin He cut her off. "Mother, please stop. Find someone else for Big Brother's concubine matter. Ziqing is unsuitable; she will never agree to be a concubine, and I will never force her into anything for the sake of family affairs."

"Yes, Mother, stop talking," Chen'er quickly interjected, trying to smooth things over as the atmosphere between the sisters tightened. "Since Big Sister has said Ziqing doesn't wish to be a concubine, then find someone else. I was just speaking casually; there are surely other suitable people out there."

Mrs. Huang knew her own daughter well. Lin He’s attitude was firm, meaning there was no room for negotiation. She fell silent, letting out just a sigh.

The air in the room grew thick. Even the younger children playing nearby noticed the tension and immediately gathered their toys and moved to another corner.

Just as the mother and daughters were locked in this stalemate, Ziyu entered from outside, announcing that Mrs. Zhao, Mrs. He, and others had arrived and were waiting in the courtyard.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Huang nodded and promptly went out. Lin He hadn't intended to follow, but Ziyu added, "Young Mistress, quite a few people have come; they all say they are here to see you."

Lin He then went with Ziyu to the courtyard. When she arrived, Hong Yun, Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. He, and Yu'er were all there, cheerfully discussing Chen'er’s engagement. It was quite lively. Lin He greeted each of them in turn and then sat beside Mrs. Huang to listen to their chatter.

A courtyard full of women gathered, their conversation inevitably drifting to household trifles, news about their children, and finally, gossip about the villagers.

Lin He hadn't seen Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. He for some time, and Yu'er she hadn't seen in much longer. Mrs. Zhou hadn't changed much, except for the perpetual, bright smile she wore after having her child. She was currently holding her baby, chatting with Mrs. Huang about family matters.

Mrs. He, also holding her grandson, sat beside Mrs. Zhou, speaking animatedly. Mrs. He seemed genuinely transformed since that incident long ago. Occasionally, her parents mentioned that while traces of selfishness remained, she was now tolerable.

With a grandson in her arms, Mrs. He exuded the satisfaction of 'having it all.' Her tone and expressions were significantly gentler. During their courtyard chat, every word revolved around her grandson—praising how clever and well-behaved he was. Even so, the child was barely six months old; how smart or obedient could he truly be?

Yet, everyone knew this grandson had been hard-won for the He family, so Mrs. He’s excessive doting was understandable. The others simply humored her and laughed along.

Lin He listened to the animated conversation for a while before noticing something was off with Yu'er on the side. Although Yu'er occasionally joined the general talk, she was clearly distracted, frequently glancing toward Lin He as if something needed to be said. Just as Lin He was about to ask her, Mrs. Zhou scooted a stool closer and sat beside Lin He, turning her back slightly. She unfastened her gown to nurse the child in her arms. Lin He looked at the plump, adorable baby and reached out to play with him.

Mrs. Zhou hadn't seen Lin He since she married out. When Lin He made her return visit, Mrs. Zhou's baby was only just over a month old and hadn't accompanied them to Li Ping's home. Now seated beside Lin He, she was extremely affectionate. While feeding her child, she looked Lin He over from head to toe, then chuckled, "It seems the rich households of the Wen family certainly know how to nurture people. Look, He'er, only a few months after arriving, you’ve filled out a bit and look much better than before."

"Heh heh, Little Shan's mother, listen to what you're saying," Mrs. He chimed in, laughing lightly. "Of course, rich families eat and dress better than us; they nourish people better. Otherwise, how would there be a difference between poor and rich?"

"Not at all, I'm just the same as before," Lin He replied with a casual smile.

"Don't tease He'er," Hong Yun broke in. "I think He'er looks prettier, not because of the Wen family’s food, but likely thanks to Ning Xuan. A woman who is cherished by her man is bound to look better, and besides, our He'er was beautiful to begin with."

"Hmph, Big Aunt, even you tease me," Lin He said, blushing slightly and playfully scolding Hong Yun.

Seeing Lin He become embarrassed, Mrs. Zhao intervened, stopping the teasing. "Alright, alright, enough joking. Second Sister-in-law, where are your Da Bao and Yun Qi?"

"They went back to town after eating," Mrs. Huang replied softly. "Da Bao has been away from the shop for several days; he needs to go oversee things."

Mrs. Zhao nodded lightly and then asked, "How are things with them? Da Bao isn't young anymore; it’s time for them to have children. Now that your household is doing well, you lack nothing except a grandson. Has Yun Qi's health improved lately?"

The relatives were aware of Yun Qi's underlying health issues. Hearing Mrs. Zhao bring it up, Hong Yun added, "Yes, Second Sister-in-law, Mother is right. Da Bao is getting on in years; it is time for a child. How is Yun Qi’s condition, really?"

Mrs. Huang sighed at the question. "Alas, I don't know how she is. She's still under treatment, and the doctor hasn't said when she'll recover. I’m worried sick." Mrs. Huang, with so many people present, tried to save Yun Qi some face and didn't disclose that Yun Qi might be completely infertile.

Seeing Mrs. Huang’s reticence, Hong Yun offered comfort. "Second Sister-in-law, since the doctor says she can still be treated, try not to worry too much. You can't force offspring; perhaps it will happen when you least expect it."

"That's right, Second Sister-in-law, don't fret," Mrs. Zhou added. "There's always a way."

Mrs. He, who had been listening quietly, leaned in closer after a moment. "Second Brother's wife, if you ask me, you need to start thinking of an alternative plan. You don't know when Yun Qi will recover, but their ages are advancing daily. I heard that if a woman gets too old, it becomes harder to conceive. If her body still doesn't mend and her age catches up, what will Da Bao do then?"

Mrs. He’s words instantly silenced the courtyard. It was evident that everyone shared this underlying worry, but they hadn't dared voice it, especially since Yun Qi had been married for nearly two years without news. The family was naturally anxious, but since Mrs. Huang had remained silent, they held their peace.