Having let slip the matter at home to the He family previously, Da Jiang had warned Er Niu to prepare in case his own women came causing trouble, so Er Niu’s family was not at all surprised when Madam He brought up the subject.

Er Niu stated, "Sister-in-law, it is not for you to dictate who my family chooses to help. Moreover, the assistance my family has provided yours is likely not insignificant. Every time your household needed a hand, were we not the ones to help? During every festival, our family never failed to send something over to yours; you know this yourself."

"Besides, you know the circumstances we came from. We are not wealthy people, and I cannot afford to employ so many people—I have already explained this. Do not bring this up again; furthermore, I will not agree to it." Er Niu’s tone this time was absolute.

Lin He felt that her father, in some appropriate moments, still managed to do the right thing. Towards his own parents, he was exceedingly filial. Even though his parents treated his own family poorly, Lin He had never once heard Er Niu complain half a word in front of them. It wasn't that Er Niu was unaware; even a simpleton knows who treats them well and who doesn't. It was simply that in his heart, he chose only to remember the kindness shown by his parents and refused to dwell on the negative aspects.

Towards his own brothers, he repeatedly extended a helping hand, never haggling over money. He understood that no matter what, the He family was still his kin. When he had the ability to help, he did so, unconcerned whether others called him foolish. It was just that Madam He was so willfully obtuse, mistaking the goodwill shown to her family as a license to oppress them.

This particular matter absolutely could not be left to Madam He. Er Niu refused without hesitation. Lin He’s family genuinely needed someone a bit more firm. They were still young, and many things were inconvenient for them to manage, but Er Niu could. He was the head of the household, and he needed to be resolute when the time called for it. If someone like Madam He wasn't made to hit a wall a couple of times, she would believe she could always bully others.

Seeing Er Niu speak this way, Madam He knew her visit was fruitless, yet she was filled with resentment. She threw herself onto the ground, started a scene, and shouted loudly, "This is utter injustice! My own second brother’s family is so prosperous and yet refuses to lend a hand to the eldest brother's family. They truly have no conscience..."

Er Niu recognized Madam He’s usual tricks; it was always the same routine. Seeing her dramatic display, his expression hardened. He said sternly, "Sister-in-law, if you must shout, go back to your own home and do it there. Don't disgrace yourself in my house. I said I don't need the help, and I don't need it. No matter how long you yell, I won't hire you. If you continue like this, I will send someone to call Big Brother back, and he can speak with you."

With that, he moved as if to get the ox cart, preparing to drive into town to fetch Da Jiang. The unfinished words choked in Madam He’s throat, and she fell silent. If Da Jiang found out she had caused a ruckus here again, he would truly divorce her upon returning. Da Jiang had warned her numerous times not to quarrel with his parents or brothers again, or she would face consequences.

Madam He scrambled up from the ground, still somewhat unwilling to give up, and said, "If Second Brother doesn't want my help with labor, then who knows when the money owed to you will ever be repaid? We have so many mouths to feed now; the money isn't even enough for daily necessities."

Er Niu frowned. This Madam He truly had a thick skin. He retorted, "The money you owe was documented with an IOU you signed. If you don't remember, go back and check it."

He then called his entire family inside, leaving Madam He alone in the yard. Seeing everyone inside, Madam He felt it pointless to remain alone in the courtyard. After deliberately crying out a few times, she left.

Inside, Er Niu’s family was in low spirits. Madam He was pushing her luck too far; she was truly hateful. Er Niu said to Huang Shi, "If Big Sister-in-law comes to say anything in the future, ignore her. If there’s a decision you can’t make, wait until I return. This Big Sister-in-law is getting increasingly outrageous; her greed knows no bounds."

Huang Shi nodded. Lin He added, "It’s not just Big Aunt; if Second Cousin’s wife comes, do not promise her anything either. Second Cousin’s wife is likely even harder to deal with than Big Aunt."

Huang Shi was somewhat confused by Lin He’s words. Second Cousin’s wife hadn't visited their home many times. When they met, she usually spoke softly and was quite polite. Why would He’er say such a thing?

Noticing the question in Huang Shi’s eyes, Lin He explained, "Mother, think about it. Big Aunt is certainly not weak, but even she is often at a loss when dealing with Second Cousin’s wife. Second Cousin’s wife is different from Big Aunt. Big Aunt is indeed annoying, but trust me, Second Cousin’s wife is definitely more difficult to handle than Big Aunt. Because Big Aunt is older than you and Father, there are some things we find hard to refuse. However, Second Cousin’s wife is a younger generation. In the future, if she tries to say anything to you, you must think things through very carefully before deciding."

Er Niu also nodded, saying that He’er’s analysis was spot on. He often chatted with Da Jiang by the fish pond and had overheard some things about their household. Song Yue Mei was indeed a handful. She looked agreeable on the surface, but those types were the hardest to get along with. Just look at the way Madam He and Song Yue Mei competed with each other. Seeing both her daughter and husband agree, Huang Shi also nodded.

The matter with Madam He passed in Lin He’s household just like that. Lin He presumed that after this incident, Madam He wouldn't easily come over to cause trouble again, especially with Big Uncle keeping things in check over there. For the time being, they didn't need to worry too much.

Thinking about the wheat harvest being long over, Lin He felt that the soap supply at the Cai Die Xuan must be almost sold out. Lin He also considered that with the weather getting hotter, those fragrant balms probably wouldn't sell as well as they did in winter. However, the soap should still sell well. The last batch of soap made at home had cooled down—about four hundred boxes. They would likely have to start making more tomorrow, as the soap needed time to cure before it could be sold.

But now that the cherry blossoms were gone, they would have to use a different flower for fragrance. Tomorrow, they would need to go out and pick some flowers to make soap again, and this time, they should make more soap.

The weather was getting hotter, and this meant mosquitoes, and quite a few of them too. Usually, the family burned mugwort to repel them, but with the weather already hot, burning mugwort inside only made everyone more irritable. Lin He thought that when she went to pick flowers tomorrow, she should look for Queen Anne's Lace or similar plants to make some herbal balm to sell. It had some mosquito-repelling qualities and could be applied after a bite. It would certainly be better than burning mugwort.

In truth, Lin He had another idea: if she could develop the mosquito coils from her previous life, it would surely be excellent. Although mosquito coils needed to be lit, they were much better than burning mugwort, and they were easier to store. However, she would need time to research if it was even possible to create them.

By the time she managed to develop it, the summer might already be over. It was better to focus on making the herbal balm first; that only required the herbs themselves to be made, and the balm had multiple uses beyond just repelling mosquitoes.