Er Niu glanced at Lin He, inquiry flickering in his eyes, for Hong Xia’s previous standing was certainly precarious, and Lin He would likely not hire her. Now, with Hong Xia pregnant, any heavy labor was out of the question. However, Lin He had already conceived of a task suitable for her. Seizing a moment when others weren't paying attention, she whispered a few words to Er Niu.

Er Niu thought the suggestion excellent; the task truly needed doing, and it suited Hong Xia well. But first, Hong Xia and her parents needed to settle the matter of separation definitively. Although Zhao Shi had heard Hong Xia’s suggestion, she remained reluctant about the divorce: “Hong Xia, you need to think this through carefully. If the couple separates, it will likely be difficult for Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bao later on. Never mind whether you can support them; even when they grow up, they will probably be talked about. Have you considered all this?”

The issue Zhao Shi raised was precisely everyone’s greatest worry, something that truly required consideration. Lin He noticed the silence that fell upon the others after this point was raised, suggesting the problem might be more severe than she had imagined. But Lin He wondered why they didn't consider the reverse: what benefit could such a family offer the children if they remained together? Parents are the primary examples for their children, a truth starkly reflected in Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bao.

Lin He recalled her few initial encounters with Hong Xia; both she and Zhou Da Fa seemed inclined toward idleness and taking advantage of others at every turn, and Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bao were exactly the same. When visiting others’ homes, if they saw food, they would simply take and eat; if they didn't, they would rummage everywhere. In these recent instances, Lin He felt Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bao had improved somewhat; while still greedy for food, at least they no longer immediately turned to searching through everything upon entering someone else’s house.

Furthermore, though Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bao still wore old clothes this time, they were noticeably cleaner. It seemed Hong Xia had genuinely resolved to change during this period and had been attentive to the children. Children at such an age are pure, clean slates; whatever parents draw upon them is what remains. Thus, the parents’ influence at this stage is paramount.

Lin He was uncertain how to articulate these principles; a long speech would likely startle everyone. Just as she was fretting, Da Bao, standing nearby, spoke up: “Auntie, I think you have been better recently, and Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bao are much more obedient than before. If Auntie really separates from him, come work at our house. Taking good care of Yuan Zhu and the others is surely better than things are now.”

Da Bao’s words, though simple, conveyed exactly what Lin He meant. Da Bao was currently the most educated person in the household, and his rare pronouncements carried significant weight. Even Old Man Lin agreed with Da Bao: “Yes, Da Bao is right. Hong Xia, if you have made up your mind, then separate from Da Fa. Ask your Second Brother to help figure out if he can speak with the merchants in town to find you a job. Raising the children will not be an issue. As for a place to live, you can stay in my courtyard for now; I have space. Old woman, say no more; we will do as I say.”

Hearing her father also endorse her separation, Hong Xia’s resolve hardened. She declared, “I have decided to separate. As long as he agrees to let me have the two children, I will accept any terms he sets. I have hands and feet; I will not starve. Second Brother, do you have any work for me right now?”

Er Niu replied, “There is a task you could manage. For the hired laborers’ quarters, once they come to work, someone will be needed to cook for them. Given how large your belly is now, can you manage that? If not, we can wait until after you’ve given birth.”

Hong Yun was overjoyed to hear Er Niu mention work and immediately smiled, saying: “It’s only cooking, not strenuous labor. We farming folk aren't so delicate. I only need rest during the delivery. I can do this work, Second Brother, please let me do it. I promise I won’t be lazy; I will do it well.”

Er Niu looked at his sister’s happiness at the prospect of having work; he felt both pity and relief. He felt pity that his sister, heavily pregnant, still had to seek employment, anticipating the way her future life would unfold. He felt relief that his sister had genuinely turned over a new leaf, willing to strive through her own efforts to change her life—a quality more precious than anything else.

The entire family approved of Hong Xia’s decision, everyone except He Shi’s contingent, though Da Jiang was an exception. Seeing Da Jiang standing aside, He Shi dared not speak further harsh words, yet she harbored her own anxieties. If Hong Xia were to live near her in-laws later, He Shi worried the in-laws would always favor her sister-in-law. Unable to stop herself, she ventured: “Hong Xia, don't be foolish. You’re heavily pregnant, why work? Da Fa, no matter how poor he is, is still a man; as long as you stick with him, you have support. Relying on your natal family will not suffice.”

This time, Zhao Shi would not tolerate He Shi. She retorted: “He Shi, this is none of your business. If you don’t like hearing it, get out. There is nothing wrong with my daughter relying on her family. Even if she had to rely on your family, your husband hasn't spoken, so when did it become your turn? Don't forget my daughter is returning to my home, making it even less your affair.”

Turning to Da Jiang, she continued, “Da Jiang, take your wife out of here. Don’t let her stay and look at her infuriates me.” Then, she addressed Qing Shan and Song Yue Mei with a softer tone: “Qing Shan’s wife, you are also pregnant; don't stand around. Go sit down. Qing Shan, take your wife out.”

Da Jiang shot He Shi a glare. He Shi deliberately pretended not to see, remaining stubbornly in place, unwilling to leave. Seeing she wouldn't understand, Da Jiang physically pulled He Shi out. Qing Shan and Song Yue Mei also departed.

After Da Jiang dragged He Shi out, he returned inside. Outside, He Shi berated Da Jiang: “This scoundrel! To humiliate me like this in front of everyone! His mother told me to leave, so she kicked me out. He can live with his mother from now on.”

Song Yue Mei rolled her eyes at her mother-in-law. She couldn't fathom why her mother-in-law was so obtuse; this was a family gathering, and she should have judged the timing better. Now that she had been thrown out, she wouldn't even reflect, just complain here. Even if she wanted to object, she shouldn’t have been so brutally direct—truly the stupidest person.

Song Yue Mei feigned agreement: “Indeed, Father is terrible too, not helping his own family, but siding with outsiders.”

He Shi hadn't bothered Song Yue Mei lately, which Song Yue Mei understood was due to the child in her belly. Since she was eating well and living comfortably without trouble, Song Yue Mei saw no reason to antagonize her.