A flicker of hope ignited in Hongyun’s heart upon hearing Mrs. Huang’s words. Perhaps things weren't as dire as she had imagined. Even if she truly couldn't bear a son, Da Sheng wouldn't really take a concubine or divorce her, would he? Da Sheng was usually overly filial to his mother, but he treated her reasonably well. In all the years they had been married, Da Sheng had never wavered in his devotion; he never once criticized her for not having a son, and he was quite good to their two daughters.

With this thought, Hongyun told Mrs. Huang, “Yes, I’ll listen to you, Sister-in-law. I won't tell anyone else. I’ll go with you tomorrow; even a sliver of hope is better than none.”

Seeing that Hongyun had calmed down, Mrs. Huang finally felt relieved. She went to prepare lunch, insisting Hongyun stay and eat there. She planned to have Er Niu bring some food over to Da Sheng later; Hongyun’s eyes were so red and swollen from crying that Da Sheng would surely notice when she returned home, and then keeping it secret would be impossible. She urged Hongyun to rest in the room for a while and return only when her eyes had recovered in the evening.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Huang prepared the midday meal—some steamed buns and a few simple vegetable dishes. Lin He watched her mother’s brow remain tightly furrowed, realizing that while her mother’s words to her aunt were meant to comfort, they might only be preparing for the worst possible outcome.

Although Uncle Li Da Sheng wasn't too bad to Aunt Hongyun normally, people in this era placed immense importance on having male heirs. No matter how good Aunt was, it likely couldn’t outweigh the desperate need for a son. Furthermore, Aunt had such a mother-in-law; if she found out the truth, she would surely push for a swift resolution—either Da Sheng would take a concubine, or he would divorce Hongyun; there would be no third option.

Lin He knew that her mother’s decision to keep the matter quiet for now was only temporary; the secret wouldn't last long. If it hadn't been for Aunt’s family coming to work for them, making life a bit easier, Aunt would likely still be enduring her mother-in-law’s oppression at home. Because she hadn't produced a son, her mother-in-law had already suggested Da Sheng take a concubine. If she learned that Hongyun was completely incapable of bearing children, with no hope left, it was feared she would do something drastic.

As for her Uncle Li Da Sheng, Lin He recalled that when his mother first demanded he take a concubine because he had no son, while he didn't immediately agree, he certainly hadn't strongly opposed it either. If he learned his aunt couldn't have children, even if he could withstand his mother’s pressure for the next couple of years, given enough time, he too might waver.

All these concerns were also on Mrs. Huang’s mind. Because Lin He had memories of a past life, even though she tried to adopt the mindset of this era, she couldn't fully grasp the despair felt by women without sons at this time. Mrs. Huang, however, truly understood that feeling, which was why she was so worried.

In the evening, the entire Hongyun family returned home. At first, Mrs. Huang didn't mention Hongyun's situation to Er Niu. Following her mother-in-law’s instruction, they were to keep it quiet for now. Later, she informed Er Niu that she and Hongyun would have to go to Tianxin Town again tomorrow. Er Niu was puzzled. “Didn’t you go to town today? I didn’t see you buy anything. Why do you have to go all the way to Tianxin Town again tomorrow? What could be so important that requires such a long trip?”

Er Niu didn’t know they had gone to see a doctor today; he assumed the women had simply gone to town for some excitement. He didn’t press further but was curious about the necessity of another long trip tomorrow, so he asked.

Mrs. Huang paused, thinking that letting Er Niu know wouldn't hurt. After all, Er Niu was Hongyun’s own brother; perhaps if he knew, there would be one more person to help brainstorm solutions. She decided to tell him everything about their trip to town that day and explain the purpose of tomorrow’s journey.

Er Niu was distressed to hear about these matters. His family’s circumstances had improved significantly this year, and he had intended to help his siblings out by hiring his sister’s husband and older brother at high wages to improve their lives. Now, after seeing how much better his sister’s family had been faring these past few months working for him, this tragedy had struck. What were they to do now?

Fortunately, although Er Niu was anxious, he wasn't completely lost. He said, “Here is what we’ll do: I’ll go with you to town tomorrow. I’ll drive the cart for you. None of us are familiar with Tianxin Town. We’ll get there early tomorrow, go to Da Bao’s shop, and ask him before he leaves for school to find out which doctor is best. We will seek out the physician with the finest medical skills; there has to be hope.”

Mrs. Huang nodded repeatedly. Her husband always had a clearer mind. The women had only talked about going to town, failing to realize they weren’t familiar with it and wouldn’t know which doctor was skilled. Da Bao was in town—she had forgotten! Since the weather was turning cold, she could also take two sets of clothes for Da Bao and bring some homemade food for him.

With that thought, she urged Er Niu to sleep early, saying she needed to wake up before dawn to make flatbreads for Da Bao; he loved her cakes the most. Indeed, the next day before daylight, Mrs. Huang was up and in the kitchen, making a large batch of flatbreads and setting them in a basin to cool, intending to take them for Da Bao. She also packed some cured meat and sausages from home for him to eat.

Early the next morning, Hongyun and Mrs. Zhao were already waiting in the courtyard. Er Niu wasted no time hitching up the ox cart, and they set off for town together. After traveling for a good while on the road, Mrs. Huang remembered that Mrs. Zhao and Hongyun hadn't eaten breakfast. She took some of the flatbreads from her bundle and offered them to fill their stomachs.

When they arrived in town, dawn had barely broken. Er Niu said he would go find Da Bao first to inquire which medical hall in town was the best, and to deliver some items to Da Bao. He told the two women to wait in the ox cart. He parked the cart by the roadside; since there were few people on the street at that hour, leaving the cart there was fine.

When Er Niu reached Da Bao’s shop, a small door was already open. A shop assistant was sweeping the area outside. Recognizing Er Niu as Da Bao’s father, the assistant greeted him and went inside to call Da Bao. Da Bao was already up and preparing to leave for school. Hearing the attendant, Zhuzi, announce his father’s arrival, he was momentarily disbelieving.

He hurried to the doorway and was surprised to see his father actually standing right there. “Father, you’re here so early!”

Er Niu replied, “Yes. Your mother, grandmother, and aunt are in town on business, and I wanted to see you while I was here. Here are the flatbreads your mother made for you; she got up early this morning because she knows you like them, along with these other snacks. Take them all inside.”

Da Bao took the still-warm flatbreads. “Where are Mother and the others? I’ll go see them.”

Er Niu shook his head. “No need, you’ll be late for school soon. Your term ends in a few days anyway; you can see them then. I came to ask you which medical hall in town is the best, as I have an urgent matter to attend to at one of the halls.”