Lin He couldn't help but suppress a chuckle; did this He-shi truly believe that a monthly wage of eight hundred wen was something handed out everywhere? It seemed that the high wages she was currently paying had given He-shi unrealistic notions.

It was Da Jiang who finally spoke up. "What kind of talk is that? Do you think things are easy outside right now? And you dare ask for the same wage as me—are you out of your mind? Don't you know how much money you used to make in the town each month? If Er Niu's family hadn't taken such good care of me, do you think I'd be earning this much? You are simply too greedy."

He then turned sharply to Qingshan. "Aren't you clear on what you can do yourself? Do you not remember all the mess you stirred up in town before? You dragged the whole family down, and now you want to go back to the town? What would you even do there? You stay home and farm, honestly."

Seeing Da Jiang’s stern expression, He-shi would normally have kept quiet, but for her son, she had to press the issue. "Da Jiang, what are you saying? How can you speak so poorly of your own son? Didn't Er Niu's He'er often deliver things to the shops in town? Their relationship must be quite good. Surely finding a position for Qingshan won't be difficult."

Lin He actually laughed out loud, her eyes widening as she spoke. "Auntie, are you referring to me? I only deliver things. I am still a child; how could a major merchant household possibly be on friendly terms with us? Wouldn't you agree?"

Lin He's words made it difficult for He-shi to retort. Although Lin He was capable, she was still young, and what she said held merit. But He-shi was unwilling to give up just yet and was about to say more when Da Jiang interrupted her.

Da Jiang roared, "Shut your mouth! I said Qingshan will stay home and farm, and that is final. Don't say another word."

He-shi was startled into silence by Da Jiang's anger.

Da Jiang paused, then continued, "Father, Mother, since you are all here, I need to tell you something today. I am currently working for Er Niu's family and earning eight hundred da qian a month. I know this is generous, a sign of Er Niu's care for us siblings, which is why the monthly wage is so high. When Qingshan had that trouble last time, he borrowed fifty liang of silver from Er Niu's family, and another three liang when Qingshan got married. These debts will be deducted from my monthly pay. I will bring three hundred da qian home each month until the debt is settled."

Hearing Da Jiang mention repaying such a large amount monthly, He-shi couldn't help but speak up again. "Didn't we agree on three hundred da qian a month? Why is it five hundred now? How much is the total? If we repay this much, how will we have enough to live on? Besides, Second Brother's family isn't desperate for this money right away."

Although He-shi said this, in truth, she had never intended to repay it all. Er Niu's family wouldn't press her; at most, she’d pay back the three liang for which she wrote an IOU. But this was fifty liang! How long would it take to pay that off? She had been looking forward to a better life now that Da Jiang’s wage was supposedly increased, and now he says they must repay five hundred da qian a month—what's the difference from not getting a raise at all?

Er Niu hadn't been waiting for his elder brother's family to repay the money; he had only intended to wait until their finances were less strained. However, Da Jiang had already conferred with Er Niu beforehand, so Er Niu remained silent as Da Jiang made his statement.

Da Jiang looked at He-shi and said, "It still needs to be repaid eventually. A debt must be paid; that is the natural order. Three hundred da qian a month is enough for the household now. Stop arguing."

Zhao-shi had remained silent, but Old Man Lin spoke up. "Da Jiang is right. Debts must be repaid. Since Da Jiang says we can afford the payments now, let’s do it. It’s better to clear the debt sooner. Er Niu's family isn't running a charity; that money is earned through their hard work."

Since the division of the household, Old Man Lin rarely involved himself in these matters. Once he spoke in front of the whole family, his word was law. He-shi dared not say another word, not daring to challenge the head of the household directly.

After these words were exchanged, the entire group ate in silence for a while. When the meal concluded, Zhao-shi asked everyone to stay in the courtyard a while longer, suggesting they all enjoy some fruit and pastries later before returning home.

The entire afternoon was spent in Zhao-shi's courtyard. He-shi, having been chastised by Da Jiang during the meal, was much subdued and spoke far less in the afternoon.

However, while chatting with the family, Zhao-shi lamented over her two daughters. "Hong Yun's life has certainly improved now. Working for Er Niu's family, her monthly wage is quite substantial, and I hear her mother-in-law has been treating her better lately. But Hong Yun is already two years old, and still no word from her. A woman needs a son; he is the reliance in old age. Otherwise, having much money is useless."

"And then there’s Hong Xia; she hasn't visited in a long time. I wonder how things are at her home. I wonder if that damned Da Fa is still the same as before. Children are just here to collect debts; they cause so much worry."

Old Man Lin smiled and said, "Old woman, you worry too much. Your children are grown; why do you still care so much? They have their own lives to live. At least try not to interfere."

"My children are flesh cut from my own body; how can I not care? I will always think of them," Zhao-shi sighed.

He-shi scoffed inwardly—You care? It’s just talk. You don't even notice the sons and grandsons right in front of you, yet you speak so beautifully. But this thought remained internal; she dared not voice it.

Zhao-shi then looked at Song Yue-mei, who was standing quietly to the side. She had heard about the friction between Song Yue-mei and He-shi, but Song Yue-mei appeared so gentle and quiet, unlike He-shi’s description of her being fierce. Zhao-shi smiled and asked her, "Qingshan's wife, are you settling in well at home? Does Qingshan treat you kindly?"

Song Yue-mei smiled faintly and replied softly, "I'm accustomed to it. Qingshan is very good to me."

Zhao-shi patted Song Yue-mei's hand and said with a smile, "Good, as long as Qingshan is good to you. But you must hurry up and give me a great-grandchild to hold. I am anxiously waiting for you two."

Song Yue-mei blushed slightly but nodded. Zhao-shi smiled as she looked at her—she seemed like a fine person: quiet, not speaking out of turn, and reserved. As for her daughter-in-law, He-shi, Zhao-shi knew her well; she was accustomed to being sharp-tongued and willful, so she likely didn't treat this daughter-in-law well either.

Lin He watched her grandmother seem quite pleased with Song Yue-mei and inwardly smiled, thinking her grandmother was perhaps celebrating too early. Song Yue-mei was not to be underestimated; her sheer capacity for patience alone was beyond the ordinary person.