Er Niu, hearing Zhao Shi’s words, prepared to fetch the ox cart. However, He Shi, standing nearby, interjected, “How can that be? It’s still so far back. What if she gives birth on the road?”

Zhao Shi rebuked He Shi, “What to do? I already said Yue Mei shouldn't have come. But you insisted she come. Today is Hong Yun’s day for the baby’s ‘Third Day Celebration.’ Do you plan to have the child right here in Hong Yun’s house? Even if she had to give birth on the road today, she cannot give birth in Hong Yun’s home.”

Lin He understood why Zhao Shi spoke that way. At this time, childbirth for a woman was a perilous affair; difficult labor was common. Other families would certainly not allow a woman to give birth in their home. If the child were born safely, it would be one thing, but if anything unfortunate happened, it would bring terrible bad luck to the host family. Moreover, today was a day of good fortune in Hong Yun’s house—the 'Third Day Celebration.' If disaster struck, Hong Yun would never be able to hold her head up in her in-laws' household.

Zhao Shi’s words were firm. Er Niu hurried outside to get the ox cart. Meanwhile, Song Yue Mei was crying out in pain, her cries growing louder with each wave. Qingshan stood beside her, frantic and unsure what to do. Zhao Shi called out, “Qingshan, Eldest Brother’s wife, don’t just stand there! Quickly help Yue Mei onto the ox cart. We’re all going back together.”

The guests attending the banquet were startled by the commotion. Hong Yun’s mother-in-law’s expression shifted drastically upon seeing Song Yue Mei’s state. Fortunately, Zhao Shi was reasonable, which helped her expression soften. Hong Yun didn't detain them and helped escort Song Yue Mei to the cart.

Once everyone was seated, Er Niu urged the ox forward. The cart moved at a snail's pace. Lin He watched Song Yue Mei, realizing how agonizing it must be to sit like that on the bumpy cart. Song Yue Mei cried continuously, sweat dripping from her brow. Lin He prayed that Song Yue Mei could endure a while longer; if labor truly began on the road, Yue Mei’s fate would be truly unpredictable.

Zhao Shi, watching Song Yue Mei, felt a surge of anger. She said, “Eldest Brother’s wife, didn’t you say she definitely wouldn’t give birth for several days? You spoke as if it were set in stone! The home is so far; I don't know if Yue Mei’s body can wait. If anything happens to Yue Mei, you might as well not live either.”

He Shi initially felt her mother-in-law was being too harsh by forbidding Song Yue Mei from giving birth at Hong Yun’s place. What was wrong with a relative giving birth at home? Didn’t Hong Yun herself have several children? If she could give birth at Hong Yun’s, Yue Mei wouldn't have to suffer this much. Now, with her mother-in-law scolding her like this in front of everyone, He Shi had nowhere to vent her own frustration. She retorted, “Mother-in-law, I had the midwife check on her, and she said it wouldn't be for a few more days! Who knew it would be today? If she had just given birth at Hong Yun’s house, wouldn’t that have been much better? They just had a baby; they have everything needed.”

“Are you out of your mind? If I hadn’t spoken up just now, do you think Hong Yun’s mother-in-law would have let you give birth in their home? Don’t you know that custom? If I hadn't intervened, Hong Yun’s mother-in-law would have driven you out long ago! People would still be laughing at our family: having a big belly and still daring to attend a banquet at someone else’s house!” Zhao Shi declared loudly.

He Shi heard Zhao Shi’s words. Although she remained somewhat defiant on the surface, she knew in her heart that Zhao Shi was correct. Her spirit immediately deflated as she murmured, “I just saw Yue Mei in that state and got too anxious; I forgot the rule.”

Zhao Shi glanced at her and didn’t continue the tirade. After a pause, she asked, “Is the village midwife arranged? Are all the necessary items prepared?”

He Shi said nothing. While they had children’s clothes ready, they would likely need to send for the midwife last minute. Since the whole family was out visiting relatives, most other necessities were not prepared; they all needed to be gathered back at home.

Seeing He Shi, Zhao Shi didn't know how to address her, but scolding her now was pointless. She finally spoke up, “Qingshan, when we reach the village entrance, you run quickly to the midwife’s house and fetch her right away—be fast, or it will be too late! Er, He’er, go help Yu’er boil water, as much as possible. Childbirth requires a lot of water. Chen’er, go to my courtyard and call Dong Yu to help. Eldest Brother’s wife, you come with me inside to look after Yue Mei.”

Zhao Shi methodically delegated all necessary tasks, directing those who could act. Perhaps because it was Song Yue Mei’s first labor, after crying out on the cart for a long time, she managed to hold on until they reached home. Upon arrival, everyone followed Zhao Shi’s instructions. Lin He and Yu’er were boiling water in the kitchen. Yu’er remained remarkably calm; everyone in their family, except for her, was in a state of utter chaos. Yu’er acted as if none of it concerned her.

Lin He and Yu’er boiled water for a while before Dong Yu arrived. Lin He then left and went to the courtyard, where Da Jiang, Er Niu, Old Man Lin, and Qingshan were waiting. From inside the room came Song Yue Mei’s heart-wrenching screams. With every cry, the people outside trembled with shock. After another agonizing wait, Zhao Shi and He Shi emerged from the room. Zhao Shi exclaimed anxiously, “Bad news! Yue Mei is facing a ‘Nezha Birth’! The midwife says we can only save one—the mother or the child. Da Jiang, Qingshan, you must decide quickly whether to save the mother or the child, or both will be lost if we delay!”

This statement stunned everyone into silence. Lin He knew that ‘Nezha Birth’ likely meant the child was stuck and couldn't be delivered, and in this situation, without surgery, only one could be saved. Lin He stared at Da Jiang and Qingshan. Both men were clearly terrified by Zhao Shi’s words, their faces alarmingly pale. It was He Shi who spoke up, “A Nezha Birth is very likely a boy. Save the child,” she said.

Everyone present was shocked again by He Shi’s words; perhaps even Zhao Shi thought the same. Da Jiang and Qingshan offered no objection, only silence. This truly angered Lin He—not for Song Yue Mei, but because of how lightly people at this time regarded a woman’s life. Regardless, the adult should be chosen. If the mother was saved, there was always a chance for another child later. Furthermore, they had spent so much time with the adult; there were feelings involved. How could they heartlessly watch her die?

Seeing that Da Jiang and Qingshan remained silent, Zhao Shi urged them, “Decide quickly! If we wait, neither can be saved.”

Da Jiang and Qingshan still could not decide immediately. Er Niu, unable to bear watching any longer, said softly, “Big Brother, maybe we should save the mother? If the mother is saved, there will be chances to have children again in the future.”

As soon as Er Niu finished speaking, the midwife’s voice echoed from inside the room. Zhao Shi and He Shi hastily retreated back inside. Lin He watched Song Qingshan in the courtyard. How heartbroken Song Yue Mei would be if she knew Qingshan was hesitating between her and the child! Da Jiang and He Shi were somewhat forgivable, but if Qingshan also opted to save the child, it would be truly chilling.