The three maids were called back, and after observing them for a few days, Lin He found Cai Qing, the eldest, to be the most capable at household chores and quite intelligent. Lin He assigned her to Madam Huang, stating that Cai Qing would henceforth be solely responsible for Madam Huang's daily needs, ensuring someone was by her side when her belly grew larger in a few months, and would help care for the baby after its birth. The other two, being more spirited, were kept busy assisting Zi Qing and Zi Yu.

After the wheat harvest was complete at Lin He's household, it became the envy of the entire village and brought a wave of genuine joy to Er Niu. Normally, the yield was only two hundred jin of wheat per mu, but thanks to the fertilization method Lin He taught Er Niu, the output jumped to nearly four hundred jin per mu. Since Er Niu’s family farmed eight mu, this resulted in a surplus of over a thousand jin, causing many villagers to regret not following Er Niu’s example.

Following the harvest, numerous people approached Er Niu inquiring about the fertilization technique. Er Niu was happy to share the information, feeling that such matters were not secrets and that if the villagers could harvest more grain, life would be easier for everyone. Many villagers expressed their sincere gratitude to Er Niu.

Er Niu’s family did not sell any of their wheat. Since there was no rent due this year either, they could afford to eat white flour every day and still not finish it all. Gazing at the towering piles of grain, Er Niu felt a happiness that surpassed any monetary gain.

June passed, and July was fast approaching. By mid-July, Hong Xia’s body was so heavy that bending over was nearly impossible. Er Niu sent her home to rest, asking Cai Yun and Cai Lu to cover her duties for a while. Hong Xia would not return to work until after her confinement month. Hong Yun was also still heavily pregnant and working there. Lin He felt a deep sense of relief that people in this era wore substantial clothing even in the summer; otherwise, her condition would certainly have been exposed, as in her previous life.

Hong Yun had been staying at her maiden home since the New Year, only returning briefly during the festival before staying put ever since. Hong Yun’s mother-in-law had repeatedly urged her to come back, insisting that giving birth must happen at her husband's home, but Hong Yun absolutely could not return, as doing so would surely expose her pregnancy.

Unexpectedly, in mid-July, with the Ghost Festival only a few days away, Hong Yun’s mother-in-law arrived in person, declaring she had come to take Hong Yun home.

That day, Hong Yun, heavily pregnant, was spending time with Madam Huang at Lin He's house, working on embroidery. Madam Huang had been busy crafting many items, preparing for her own child and the one Hong Xia would soon bear. Having little else to do at home, she took up embroidery. Hong Yun also came over daily to sit with her and embroider, making the days pass more pleasantly as the two sisters-in-law chatted.

This particular day, shortly after they finished breakfast at Lin He’s house, Hong Yun’s mother-in-law arrived abruptly. Perhaps finding Hong Yun absent from her own home, she came directly to Lin He’s. Seeing her mother-in-law arrive, Hong Yun gasped in fright, dropping the embroidery piece she held onto the floor. Madam Huang, however, remained calmer and quietly instructed Cai Qing to fetch Zhao Shi and Er Niu while she rose to greet Hong Yun’s mother-in-law at the courtyard entrance.

Hong Yun’s mother-in-law’s face broke into a smile upon seeing Hong Yun’s large belly. She said, “Hong Yun, what is the meaning of this? I sent word several times for you to return, yet you haven't. Everything is prepared at home, and you’re due next month. Surely you aren't planning to give birth at your parents' house?”

Though her words carried a hint of reproach, her tone was gentle. Hong Yun, already tense from her mother-in-law’s arrival, was at a loss for how to respond to the question. Madam Huang stepped in, directing Cai Qing to escort the elder guest to a seat and pour her a cup of tea.

Madam Huang smiled and said, “Auntie, please sit down and have some tea. The journey must have been tiring; please rest a while.”

Hong Yun’s mother-in-law smiled back. “It’s no trouble. I’ve come to take Hong Yun home, and Da Sheng too. Hong Yun’s belly is so big, yet she makes no move to return. I’ve been eagerly anticipating her coming back for days. I’ve made many things for my first grandson!”

Anyone could discern the genuine delight in the mother-in-law’s voice when mentioning her grandson. Madam Huang knew perfectly well that the elder woman had come to retrieve Hong Yun, but Hong Yun definitely could not leave. The family had already rehearsed their story. Madam Huang said, “Auntie, my mother thinks it best for Hong Yun to deliver here. Her pregnancy is so advanced; the journey back might be too taxing on her.”

“How can that be acceptable? Where is the custom of a married daughter giving birth at her parents’ home? That makes no sense whatsoever. The journey isn't far; we can ask Da Yuan or Er Jiu to take them back by ox cart. It will take barely half an hour; nothing will happen,” Hong Xia’s mother-in-law insisted.

Just as Madam Huang was about to reply, Zhao Shi’s voice drifted in from the courtyard entrance: “Cousin-in-law, you’ve arrived! This is truly…” Zhao Shi walked in and greeted Hong Yun’s mother-in-law with warm enthusiasm.

Hong Yun’s mother-in-law stood up and replied, “Indeed, Cousin-in-law. Hong Yun has troubled you all greatly during this time. I thought to bring her back, as the birth is so near. You haven't made any preparations here, have you? I’ve already secured a midwife on my end.”

“Cousin-in-law, what are you saying? Hong Yun is like a daughter to me; caring for her is only right. I was planning for Hong Yun to give birth right here,” Zhao Shi said with a smile.

Before Hong Yun’s mother-in-law could respond, Zhao Shi continued, “Cousin-in-law, I had the physician and the midwife examine Hong Yun’s pregnancy. They said the fetus isn't entirely stable. If she travels back, the road is not short. If anything happens on the way, Cousin-in-law, that child in Hong Yun’s belly is your eldest grandson.”

This was the pre-arranged line of defense by Zhao Shi, Hong Yun, and the others. They were banking on the mother-in-law’s intense concern for her unborn grandson. They were certain that mentioning the grandson would compel the elder woman to back down. Indeed, upon hearing that the fetus was unstable, Hong Yun’s mother-in-law’s face paled with fright. “What is happening? The last time I checked, the pregnancy was fine. How could it be unstable now? Is there nothing seriously wrong?”

“Cousin-in-law, we are all women who have been through this; a pregnancy changes daily, who can say for sure? When one is heavily pregnant, it is best to remain still. Let her stay here with us. If labor begins, I will send Da Sheng to fetch you right away, and I promise you will hold your grandson,” Zhao Shi pressed, watching the color drain from the mother-in-law’s face.

Zhao Shi gave Madam Huang and Hong Yun a meaningful look. Hong Yun managed to regain some composure but remained somewhat stunned, unsure what to say. Seeing Hong Yun silent, Madam Huang added, “That’s right, Auntie. Hong Yun is safe with us; we won't let her suffer. My mother even hired someone specifically to care for her. Hong Yun will be staying over there these past few days. You can rest assured.”