He shi saw everyone in the large courtyard looking at her, so she quickly spoke up, "Why are you all staring at me? Let me clarify first, I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I genuinely heard someone say this. Besides, I'm an experienced person; when our Yue Mei couldn't conceive for half a year, I was terribly anxious. I figured my second sister-in-law and her husband must be just as worried now, which is why I mentioned it. But if you, second sister-in-law, find it unpleasant to hear, just pretend I said nothing."

Huang shi could see at this point that He shi wasn't trying to cause discord. She offered He shi a slight smile and said, "Eldest sister-in-law, I know what you're saying is true, and it's truly for our family's sake. The child's father and I are indeed a bit anxious. Seeing as others whose children are the age of Da Bao already have several children, and Da Bao... alas, how could I not be anxious? But now that the child is grown, he has his own mind. It's not for us parents to decide these things for them. I've certainly thought about other solutions, but Da Bao must agree."

Huang shi's words indirectly affirmed what He shi had said. With that, everyone dropped their reservations. Zhao shi was the first to speak, saying, "Second daughter-in-law, tell me honestly, what did the doctor say about Yun Qi's condition?"

Huang shi stared at the ground for a while, then after a long pause, she slightly shook her head towards Zhao shi.

Zhao shi seemed to have anticipated this and didn't show much reaction. She sighed and said, "Since that's the case, in my opinion, you should quickly find another concubine for Da Bao. After all, Da Bao can afford to support two wives."

"Mother, I know about that, but Da Bao is mindful of Yun Qi and said we should wait a while longer to discuss it. We can't force him," Huang shi replied with considerable helplessness.

Hearing Huang shi's words, Zhao shi pointed a finger at her and said with considerable exasperation, "Second daughter-in-law, I'm not criticizing you, but your family is just too indulgent toward the children. You are Da Bao's parents; you should be arranging these matters for him. Why are you still worrying about Yun Qi? She can't bear children; it’s already kind of us not to send her away. And she has an opinion about taking a concubine? If she objects, tell Da Bao to divorce her immediately. If you find it difficult to say, I'll talk to Da Bao myself."

"Even if Da Bao disregards everything else, he must consider the reputation of our Lin family. Yun Qi has been here for so long without producing a child, and you all have been dragging this out. Do you know what people in the village are saying? They say our Da Bao has a problem and can't father children, which is why he doesn't even dare to take a concubine. Second daughter-in-law, you aren't home often, so you don't hear such unpleasant talk."

"I'm telling you, stop delaying. This matter concerning Da Bao must be settled within this year. Otherwise, when the New Year arrives, I will come over to arrange everything for you. Don't blame me for meddling in your family's affairs then."

Lin He had to admit that her grandmother, Zhao shi, possessed more resolve in handling matters than her own mother, Huang shi. At least she was straightforward, unlike her mother who always dragged things out.

Ever since her mother learned that Yun Qi was barren, she had caused a ruckus a few times at home, but in the end, the problem remained unresolved. Meanwhile, a whole host of messy situations had arisen in the household. Take that maid, Xin Rou, whom Yun Qi brought along—it was obvious to anyone who paid the slightest bit of attention that the girl was not benevolent, yet her mother kept her as a maid, even claiming the girl was capable. Lin He had no idea how her mother was currently handling things.

After listening to Zhao shi, Huang shi nodded and replied, "Understood, Mother."

Seeing that Huang shi had agreed, and only needing to be urged to hurry, Zhao shi didn't press the matter further. The women in the courtyard soon shifted the conversation to other topics.

By mid-afternoon, Hong Yun's daughter, Da Yuan, arrived. She informed Hong Yun that she had finished all the chores at home and then stood beside her, her eyes constantly fixed on Lin He, as if she had something to say.

This struck Lin He as odd. She wondered inwardly if her brief stay at the Wen family residence had truly caused such a significant change. First Yu'er kept staring at her, and now Da Yuan was doing the same. What on earth was going on?

Da Yuan stood beside Hong Yun for a while, eventually just listening to everyone talk. Then, she bid everyone farewell, saying she was going to find Chen'er to play for a bit.

Hong Yun nodded, watching Da Yuan walk toward Chen'er's room, and laughed, "Since Chen'er went to the town, and Yuan Zhu and Hong Xia also went to town to work, our Da Yuan has been quite lonely. She just helps me with the housework at home and complains about being bored all day long."

"Da Yuan is only a few months younger than Chen'er; she'll be thirteen next month, right?" Huang shi replied.

"Yes. Look, your Chen'er is already betrothed, but she's still like a child who hasn't been weaned, staying at home all day, clinging to me," Hong Yun said, laughing.

"Our Chen'er is still immature, and I’m too lazy to fuss over her. Getting her betrothed early will put my mind at ease. Your Da Yuan is sensible and capable; it’s better if she gets engaged later, so you can have her by your side for a few more years. What are you worrying about?" Huang shi said with a smile.

"I hadn't intended for her to get engaged this early. Plenty of rural girls don't get engaged until they are fifteen or sixteen. I’m not worried about that. I’m just concerned that she is too honest; what if she is bullied by her in-laws after marrying? I was thinking of finding an opportunity for her to go out and see the world," Hong Yun finished, glancing at Lin He.

"A young girl, what is there for her to see of the world? Just let her stay home, help you with chores, and look after her younger siblings. Isn't that good enough? Don't all young girls manage this way?" Zhao shi interjected with a sharp reprimand.

"Yes, Mother, I said the same thing," Hong Yun, who had been about to say more, stopped when she heard Zhao shi speak.

Lin He guessed that her eldest aunt must have something she wanted to discuss with her, but with so many people present, it was awkward to bring it up, so the words retreated unspoken.

Lin He remained silent, planning to seek out her eldest aunt privately later for a talk.

The women chatted until it was nearly dark before rising to leave. Only Hong Yun and Yu'er remained seated for a while before getting up. Eventually, He shi called Yu'er away.

In the end, only Hong Yun was left, walking slowly at the rear. Lin He quickly caught up, called Hong Yun inside, and asked, "Eldest Aunt, did you have something you wanted to tell me?"

Hong Yun looked at Lin He and nodded, though she seemed to find it difficult to voice, offering Lin He an awkward smile.

"Heh, Eldest Aunt, we are family. Say whatever you need to; if I can help, I will certainly try my best," Lin He said, pulling Hong Yun down onto a stool.

Hong Yun smiled very self-consciously and then said, "He'er, I do have something I need your help with regarding Da Yuan. Remember when Yuan Zhu came back from town last month? She talked about working outside, and that girl's heart was stirred; she also wants to find some work in town. I wanted to ask you, Lin He, are you still short of people at your ointment workshop? If you are, could you let her go there with Yuan Zhu to work for a while? Would that be all right?"

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