Lin He watched the adults at the dining table; Hong Xia and Mrs. He were devouring their food like starved ghosts. It truly showed that instruction by example was paramount—the kind of children one had depended entirely on the kind of parents they were.

After they had eaten their fill, Mrs. Huang began clearing the bowls and chopsticks. Hong Yun immediately stood up to help. Mrs. Zhao said, “Eldest girl, sit down and rest. You’ve also been busy all day. Eldest daughter-in-law, you go help the second daughter-in-law clear up; she’s been sitting all day too.”

Mrs. He, though unwilling, rose because Mrs. Zhao’s expression was displeased. She was also quite uncomfortable, feeling bloated from eating too much, and getting up from her chair was a little difficult.

Hong Yun laughed and said, “It’s fine, Mother. With so many dishes, let Big Sister-in-law rest a bit. It’s just this small task; I’ll lend a hand, and it’ll be quick.”

Hong Xia sat aside, glancing sideways at her sister but saying nothing. In her heart, however, she was mocking her sister—such a fool. Working from dawn till dusk at her in-laws’ place, yet still being bullied by her mother-in-law into silence. Now that she was finally back at her maiden home for the New Year, she was still rushing to take on chores, as if she couldn't function unless she was doing something.

Lin He thought that for someone like Hong Xia, her entire life’s ambition was to never have to work, to sit and wait for food, and to snatch up any advantage. Affection, kinship—these things likely held no weight against a hearty meal in her eyes, or else the family wouldn't have deteriorated to this state.

After everyone finished eating and chatting idly for a while, Hong Yun took her children and returned with Er Niu’s family. When Hong Yun entered Er Niu’s house, it was the first time she had seen her second brother’s home. She sighed aloud, “Second Brother’s house is truly beautiful. It’s all made of blue bricks, so sturdy, and there are several rooms too—it’s wonderful.” Saying this, she thought of her own home and felt a wave of sadness.

Seeing her paternal aunt’s spirits dip again, Lin He spoke out clearly, “Auntie likes it here? Then just stay with us from now on, don’t go back. We have room to live in our house too. Why don’t you and your little girl stay with us, Auntie?”

Hong Yun stroked Lin He’s head, looking at her for a long moment before speaking, “Silly child, I wish I didn’t have to go back.”

Lin He had only said those words to cheer Hong Yun up, hoping to lift her spirits, and she knew that currently, such a move was impossible. Even if Hong Yun herself wished for it, a whole host of complications would follow.

But seeing her aunt’s reaction sparked an idea in Lin He’s mind: if her own family could become wealthier, even if Hong Yun didn't want to return to her husband’s home, even if she were divorced, it wouldn’t matter much to let Hong Yun live with them later on.

When a person or a family becomes powerful enough, many matters become much simpler, and the gossipers will lessen. Even if they couldn't bring Auntie back to live with them, at least if the maiden home were stronger, Hong Yun’s life at her in-laws’ would certainly be much easier.

That night, Lin He ushered her aunt’s family into her own room to sleep. Lin He, Da Yuan, and Lin Chen lay together on a small bed. Although the bed was small, it wasn't crowded for the three children. Hong Yun slept on another bed with Xiao Fang. Da Yuan and Lin Chen were close in age, and after spending one afternoon together, they had already become fast friends, now whispering secrets on the bed.

Since Auntie was staying here, she spent more time at Er Niu’s house, returning to Mrs. Zhao’s every morning to keep her company. Otherwise, she mostly stayed at Lin He’s, helping Lin He and Mrs. Huang with embroidery. Hong Yun’s needlework was finer and more meticulous than Mrs. Huang’s, and her hands were quicker too.

Many of the hand warmers Lin He was rushing to finish for Boss Wen were embroidered with the help of Hong Yun. Her finished pieces were far more lifelike than Mrs. Huang’s. Lin He found herself with much less work and grew increasingly fond of her paternal aunt.

After staying there for a few days, Hong Yun gradually forgot the vexing troubles of her own home. But this period of ease was short-lived; on the sixth day of the New Year, Li Dasheng arrived to take them back, saying it was time to return.

Lin He looked at Li Dasheng. He was of medium height, wearing faded, coarse cloth clothing. Standing in the courtyard, he appeared to be an honest man. Perhaps it was precisely because he was too honest that he allowed his wife to be constantly bullied by his mother without daring to speak up.

Er Niu insisted that Dasheng stay for lunch. After the meal, Er Niu called Dasheng into the room, paused for a moment to compose himself, and then began, “Dasheng, I heard you are planning to take a concubine?”

Dasheng looked taken aback and said, “No, I didn’t mean to. It was... it was my mother’s idea.”

“But what do you truly think? If Hong Yun truly cannot bear a son, are you willing to listen to your mother and take a concubine?”

Dasheng showed a hint of difficulty on his face. “My mother says I am the only son in the family, so it’s only proper to have a grandson to carry on the lineage. But I honestly haven't considered taking a concubine. I think both Hong Yun and I are still young; we’ll have chances later.”

Hearing Dasheng’s words, Er Niu nodded, then continued, “Dasheng, our Hong Yun has been married into your family for quite a few years now. Your family isn’t wealthy, and Hong Yun has endured much hardship following you. You must treat her well.”

He paused, then added, “Matters of offspring are sometimes decided by heaven; you can’t force them. Besides, you are both still young; there will be opportunities later. If your mother hassles Hong Yun about this again in the future, you must stand up for her. My sister is honest and a bit slow-tongued; you must protect her. She is your wife; a wife is meant to be cherished.”

Dasheng nodded. Did he not know how good his wife was? If it were someone else, who would remain silent while being ostracized by his mother like that? But that was still his mother; confronting his mother for his wife would be unfilial. Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but sigh.

Er Niu looked at Dasheng, understanding his dilemma. As both a son and a husband, he grasped these complexities, especially since Dasheng’s mother had been widowed early and raised him herself, meaning she would naturally be prioritized. But he couldn't ignore his sister’s suffering either.

He spoke, his tone hardening slightly, “If in the future you continue to let your family treat Hong Yun this way, I will risk being gossiped about and bring her back myself, even if I, as her elder brother, have to support her. Even if my reputation suffers, at worst, I’ll support her for life.”

When Er Niu mentioned ‘your family,’ he also included Dasheng’s younger sister who was unmarried and fifteen this year. She often ordered Hong Yun around and frequently gave her cold looks if things weren’t done to her liking.

Dasheng was genuinely startled to hear his brother-in-law say such things. He knew this brother-in-law—he was straightforward and always acted upon his word. He quickly stated, “I understand. I will not let my family bully her again; I will protect her.”

Although Er Niu didn't entirely trust Dasheng’s words, he still nodded. Dasheng then took Hong Yun and the two children and left.