"My mother-in-law says my temperament isn't good enough."
Qin Nian couldn't help but blurt out what Yang Yufen had said.
Professor Wen was momentarily stunned. If not for the fact that Yang Yufen had just helped her secure a property deed, she would have thought Yang Yufen was dissatisfied with Qin Nian.
"She says I'm too soft-spoken and won't be able to keep a man in line."
At this, Qin Nian lowered her head slightly. She had never really thought about "keeping a man in line." She could earn her own money, had a stable job, and had married mostly to reassure Teacher An and his wife. A relationship of mutual respect was enough for her.
"Is your mother-in-law suggesting you remarry?"
Professor Wen was shocked. Was her in-law really that open-minded?
"No, no!" Qin Nian quickly waved her hands in denial.
"Oh? Then why bring this up so suddenly?"
Professor Wen felt a twinge of disappointment. Qin Nian was still young, and her child was still small. If not for her mother-in-law being so supportive, both she and Old Hu would have hoped for Qin Nian to remarry—otherwise, what would she do when she grew old?
"It's just that my mother-in-law gave me a property deed and told me to keep it safe, not to mention it to anyone—not even my husband. I feel uneasy about it, especially since it's a house she paid for herself."
Qin Nian chose her words carefully, considering that Shen Xianjun was still away on assignment.
"Your mother-in-law truly has your best interests at heart, treating you like her own daughter. Otherwise, she would never say such a thing. She bought three properties in total, and apart from your teacher, even your elder brother and his wife don’t know about it."
Qin Nian blinked in confusion.
"The deepest wounds often come from those closest to you. A marriage can be both intimate and distant. Your mother-in-law has endured so much hardship, and it’s rare for someone to gain such clarity. Most mothers-in-law who torment their daughters-in-law suffered the same treatment when they were young brides—they want others to taste the bitterness they once endured."
After saying this, Professor Wen privately reconsidered bringing up the topic of remarriage for Qin Nian. Given how well her mother-in-law treated her, it might not be appropriate.
"But can a daughter-in-law ever compare to a son in a mother’s heart?"
Qin Nian couldn’t help but voice her doubt.
"People’s hearts are naturally biased. Your mother-in-law treats you well—don’t overthink it."
Qin Nian nodded and fell silent.
"Grandma, can I stay at Auntie’s house?"
Unable to bear being apart from his two younger cousins, Hu Zhenghao peeked into the kitchen and tentatively asked.
"Go ahead, as long as your aunt agrees."
Professor Wen was almost exasperated with her eldest grandson.
"Auntie, Auntie! I’ll help take care of the little ones—please say yes!"
Hu Zhenghao dashed to Qin Nian’s side, tugging at her sleeve.
"Alright, but have you finished your homework?"
Adults never failed to ask the inevitable question.
"Done! I finished it early so I could play with the boys!"
Hu Zhenghao beamed with pride, having learned his lesson from last time. This holiday, he’d finally used his head.
"Take him with you, take him! That boy is too much. School keeps him busy, but during breaks, he’s a noisy handful."
Professor Wen grumbled, yet she stuffed a basket full of treats into Qin Nian’s hands to take home.
"Behave yourself, understand?"
Professor Wen repeated her instructions.
"Got it, Grandma! Tell Mom and Dad I’m staying at Auntie’s!"
Hu Zhenghao shouted back, shouldering his backpack and holding a little cousin in each hand.
The paths in the residential compound had been cleared of snow, so there was no risk of slipping. Bundled up in thick winter clothes, even a fall wouldn’t hurt.
Qin Nian couldn’t help but laugh as she watched the three children waddle like penguins, her mood lifting instantly.
When they returned home, she was surprised to find her mother-in-law had already prepared dinner.
"Zhenghao’s here? We’re having hot pot today."
"Hello, Granny Yang! I’m staying over tonight with the boys!"
Hu Zhenghao announced cheerfully.
"Wonderful! Go wash up, everyone—dinner’s ready."
Yang Yufen was used to the lively chaos of children. After just a day without them, she’d missed their energy.
"Little Baby had a bad cough, so Sister-in-law took him to the hospital. Only Zhenghao and the teacher’s wife are home."
Qin Nian explained.
"Is that so? Then Zhenghao can stay with his aunt for now. Nian, we still have some pears at home. I’ll make pear soup later—you can take it over for them. It’s good for the lungs. Little ones fall sick so easily. Dabao and Erbao were the same when they were small."
Yang Yufen immediately went to fetch the pears.
"Mom, let me help. Just tell me what to do."
"It’s simple—wash the pears, cut them, add red dates and rock sugar, then simmer them in water. The only thing is, it takes time."
Even as she spoke, Yang Yufen had already finished preparing it with practiced ease.
"Alright, Mom. I’ll make it tomorrow."
Seeing how straightforward it was, Qin Nian memorized the steps for next time.
The three children washed up and sat obediently at the table.
The hot pot was simple—whatever vegetables were in the shed, Yang Yufen had tossed them into a pot of chicken broth. Perfect for a cold day.
After dinner, Qin Nian delivered the pear soup just as Hu Jun and Zhou Ang returned.
"Mom said Zhenghao went to your place. That boy’s a handful—thanks for looking after him."
"This is pear soup. My mother-in-law says it’s good for coughs. Zhenghao’s actually a great big brother—he plays well with Dabao and Erbao and listens to instructions."
"Your mother-in-law is so thoughtful. I meant to buy pears to make this, but work kept me too busy—by the time I got off, it was too late."
Zhou Ang hadn’t expected Yang Yufen to be so attentive.
Her mother-in-law was busy too, yet she still helped care for Zhenghao during the break. Zhou Ang had taken Little Baby to the hospital partly to spare her the extra burden.
"Leave Little Baby at home tomorrow. You focus on work."
Professor Wen interjected. With Zhenghao around, she couldn’t manage two children alone—especially with Little Baby still nursing and Zhenghao’s boundless energy.
"Alright. Sorry to trouble you, Mom."
"Let Zhenghao stay with me a while longer. Once Sister-in-law is less busy and Little Baby’s better, I’ll bring him back."
Meanwhile, Hu Zhenghao was utterly fascinated by the little bamboo figurine Yang Yufen had made for him.
"Granny Yang, let me try! Let me try!"
With just two strings to pull, the bamboo figure not only moved but even "wielded a sword." Under the lamplight, its shadow looked impressively heroic—no boy could resist it.
The three children sat on the bed, gathered around the small table, completely absorbed in play while Yang Yufen watched fondly. When Qin Nian returned, this was the scene she walked into.
The home wasn’t as stylish or refined as her teacher’s, but every corner radiated warmth. Qin Nian loved this atmosphere deeply.
There was already a room set aside for the children, kept free of clutter by Yang Yufen. After a quick tidy-up, the boys had their own space.
They’d claimed they wanted to sleep with their mother, but playtime had worn them out—they dozed off right where they were.
Qin Nian moved the small table aside, tucked the children in, and then escorted her mother-in-law to rest. She stayed behind to watch over the boys.
