As soon as Qiao Xin arrived home, she called her two daughters-in-law into her room.

Without any preamble, she said, “Second daughter-in-law, I see you’re very busy and don’t have much time to care for San Niang. My room is too quiet, and I’d like some company. Let San Niang stay with me for now.”

Zhang Shi hesitated to agree immediately, fearing that Qiao Yunqing would resent her for it. “Mother, San Niang is still young and doesn’t understand much. She might disturb you.”

Qiao Xin looked at her and said, “That’s fine. When you get older, you enjoy a lively atmosphere. Besides, don’t you want to have another child? If I take San Niang into my room, she won’t be in your way.”

Zhang Shi felt a spark of joy but didn’t fully grasp the meaning behind Qiao Xin’s words.

Just as she was about to nod and agree, her sister-in-law tugged her sleeve, stopping her from speaking.

She looked around in confusion, not understanding why her sister-in-law interrupted.

Xu Shi took a few steps forward, sat beside Qiao Xin, and carefully chose her words. “Mother, second sister-in-law always acts without much thought. If you have something to say, just tell her directly, or else, with her tiny brain, she won’t even realize when she’s upset you.”

Qiao Xin lowered her gaze and said calmly, “What would I be upset about? You can have as many children as you want—what does that have to do with me? Just don’t mistreat my granddaughter!”

At these words, Zhang Shi panicked. “Mother, I was just saying things in passing! I’ve never mistreated San Niang—she’s had everything she should have! But in this whole family, only our second household has one son, San Lang!”

“Oh, so now you think you’re in the right?” Qiao Xin’s tone sharpened. “You’re raising a daughter, not a stray cat or dog. Whenever you’re upset, you take it out on her. How can you bear to do that to such a small child? A kind word can warm a person through winter, but a harsh word cuts deeper than the cold of June.

Have you not noticed? San Niang remembers every single thing you say. Doesn’t that tell you something?She is so intelligent and cares so much about you and Yunqing that she takes everything to heart. You should be grateful to have such a precious daughter!”

Xu Shi was shocked. “Mother, that can’t be! San Niang is still so young. How could she remember so much?”

“She is just as smart as San Lang and Da Lang, if not more. Girls are naturally more sensitive and meticulous in their thinking. I fear she is too wise for her age—it could bring misfortune.”

Qiao Xin had never feared raising strong-willed children, but highly intelligent ones were another matter—especially when their own mother constantly tormented them.

Zhang Shi was exactly the type who, if given an inch, would take a mile!

Both daughters-in-law had been learning from Nanny Qin.

The eldest quickly grasped lessons, understood their deeper meaning, and grew more confident and capable by the day.

Zhang Shi, however, barely learned the surface of things and only applied them to herself, overthinking everything—and always in the worst way possible!

Her husband hadn’t even passed his exams yet, and she was already acting like an official’s wife in front of the family.

Who knew which scoundrel had put such ideas into her head?

She spent her days fretting over whether her husband would take a concubine in the future instead of focusing on the present!

How could such an obsessive woman manage a household properly?

What exactly had Yunqing seen in her back then?

Qiao Xin was utterly fed up with handling such trivial matters.

Today, she had called the two daughters-in-law over to make things clear regarding the children.

“This is the last time I’ll say this. Listen or don’t—I won’t repeat it. You’re still young, yet you’ve been having child after child without properly recovering between births. Your bodies are severely weakened. Do you never look at yourselves in the mirror? I had Old Mo stay behind to check your pulses and adjust your prescriptions every few days. Did you think I was just finding ways to bother you?

I only wanted you to recover while life is still good at home. But now you’re talking about having another baby? If you insist on ruining your own health and don’t care about your future, fine! I have nothing more to say.

Maybe I’ve been meddling like a rat carrying a dog’s burden. Do whatever you want! But if you continue to mistreat San Lang and San Niang, I will not forgive you!”

If she wanted to be a baby-making machine, then fine—there was nothing more to say.

Qiao Xin had wasted enough time thinking she was doing her daughter-in-law a favor.

Now she realized Zhang Shi didn’t appreciate it at all.

From now on, Qiao Xin wouldn’t bother with her affairs!

She wasn’t some holy mother from the Western Heavens.

What was the point of arguing with someone obsessed with reproduction?

Let Yunqing deal with her himself!

Zhang Shi watched her mother-in-law’s departing figure, and tears immediately streamed down her face.

She turned to Xu Shi, feeling aggrieved. “Sister-in-law, did I really do something wrong? I just wanted to have a few more sons while I’m still young. If I wait too long, I might not be able to anymore. Then won’t another woman benefit from it instead?”

Xu Shi sighed, unsure how to comfort her.

She already had two sons, so anything she said would seem insensitive.

She could only reply,

“Mother-in-law is worried about our health. If something happened to you, what would happen to San Niang and San Lang? Wouldn’t another woman benefit just the same?

Even if you want more children, you should take care of your health first. Look at yourself—you’re as pale as a ghost. You’ve been recovering for months, but you’re still not fully well.

Didn’t Old Mo say you should rest for two or three years before having another child? What are you rushing for?”

“She’s not rushing. She just doesn’t trust me.” A deep, weary voice interrupted them.

Zhang Shi spun around to see her husband standing behind her, his face dark with frustration.

How long had he been standing there?

Xu Shi suddenly felt awkward.

She didn’t know when her brother-in-law had arrived or how much he had heard.

Finding an excuse, she quickly said, “Second brother, you’re back. I have some chores to do in the kitchen, so I’ll be going now.”

“Thank you, sister-in-law,” Qiao Yunqing replied before stepping past Zhang Shi and entering their room without another word.

Seeing Zhang Shi follow him in, he met her gaze directly and said, “We’ve been married for so many years. Am I really so unworthy of your trust? We already have San Niang and San Lang—what exactly are you afraid of?”

Zhang Shi twisted the hem of her clothes and murmured, “I just wanted another child. I didn’t think Mother would be so angry.”

Qiao Yunqing’s voice carried exhaustion. “Mother is worried that if something happens to you, San Niang and San Lang will be left without love.

In the end, this is my fault. I couldn’t give you a prosperous life back then, and your health suffered because of it. I thought that now, as life gets better, we could grow old together. But I see I was wrong.”

Zhang Shi couldn’t hold back anymore.

She collapsed onto Qiao Yunqing’s lap, sobbing. “Husband, I was wrong! I just… I don’t feel good enough for you. You’re so handsome and talented, and I have nothing. The neighbor’s auntie told me that if I had more sons, I could secure my place if you became an official…”

Qiao Yunqing sighed, recalling how, in his past life, when he was at his lowest, Zhang Shi had never abandoned him.

For that alone, he could never betray her. Besides, knowing his mother, if he ever dared bring home a concubine, she’d break his legs and throw him out of the house!

He gently wiped her tears. “Come, let’s apologize to Mother together. And from now on, treat San Niang better.”

Zhang Shi nodded repeatedly.

Just as they stepped out, Xu Shi stopped them. “Mother said to tell you—focus on your studies first and finish the tasks she assigned. The farmland in the south of the city needs planting.”