To both Dongyu and Song Yuemei, Qingshan actually held more affection for Yuemei. After all, Qingshan had genuinely loved Yuemei once; they had enjoyed a sweet period together. It was only later that the endless trifles of domestic life slowly eroded Qingshan’s patience. Furthermore, Qingshan only became involved with Dongyu after Yuemei grew distant. Had Yuemei not become pregnant that time, perhaps Qingshan and Yuemei would still be living their simple, harmonious life.

For these past two years, neither Yuemei nor Dongyu had conceived. Hearing Dongyu suddenly announce she was pregnant, Qingshan naturally shifted his focus to Dongyu. Compounding this, the matriarch He had been constantly whispering in Qingshan’s ear about how Song Yuemei must have been responsible for the previous miscarriage. Thus, Qingshan lost control of his temper and struck Song Yuemei. Immediately after, Qingshan was consumed by regret.

Moreover, the words Yuemei had just spoken dredged up the deep feelings buried in Qingshan’s heart. And now that Yuemei was also pregnant, Qingshan naturally felt his affections swing back toward her, making him somewhat displeased with what the matriarch He was saying about Song Yuemei.

“Yuemei has already borne Maomao all these years without conceiving again. For her to become pregnant at this time, I feel something is just not right,” the matriarch He remained unconvinced.

“Mother, Dongyu is my wife, and Yuemei is also my wife. I spend half a month every month with Yuemei. How could Yuemei not get pregnant? Pregnancy is a joyous thing, Mother. Please stop talking. If Yuemei overhears, she will be upset again,” Qingshan reasoned.

“So what are you planning to do now? Are you going to leave Dongyu at my place again?” Hearing Qingshan’s words, the matriarch He stopped criticizing Song Yuemei.

“Well, Mother, what do you think we should do? If Dongyu stays here, the constant arguing isn't a solution. But if Dongyu is with you, you can watch over her, and what about Yuemei left alone at home? There’s no one to look after her, and I won’t feel at ease if she’s alone while I’m away during the day. How about they both come to stay with you for a while?” Qingshan offered a suggestion.

“Have them both sent to me? You certainly have it figured out. You want me to serve them both? I am your mother, not your household maid. One pregnant woman is already difficult enough to manage, and now there are two. Are you trying to work your old mother to death? Besides, if they move to my place, will they stop arguing?” the matriarch He grumbled discontentedly.

“Mother, look what you’re saying. When have I ever treated you like a maid? Yuemei and Dongyu are both your daughters-in-law. Logically, Yuemei is the proper daughter-in-law. If you’re willing to care for Dongyu, why are you unwilling to care for Yuemei? Furthermore, if they argue when sent to your place, at least you’ll be there to supervise, and I can relax a little,” Qingshan cajoled with a placating smile.

“I just don’t want to look after Yuemei. Thinking about what she did before still fuels my anger. You are an unfilial son! When there are good things to be done, you push your parents aside, but when you need someone to slave away for you, you call upon us. What sin did I commit in a past life to bear a son like you?” The matriarch He vented her frustrations onto Qingshan as she spoke.

“Mother, if you don’t want to care for her, then forget it. Why say so much? I’ll bring Dongyu back here in a moment. After all, the child she carries is also your grandchild. If you don’t care, fine. I’ll let them sort things out between themselves at home. Just don’t blame me later if something like what happened last time occurs again, saying I didn’t watch them properly,” Qingshan feigned a move to leave.

The matriarch He was merely complaining. She truly disliked Song Yuemei and was reluctant to care for her, but after all, the child inside Yuemei was her own grandson. She couldn't truly abandon her. Not only would she feel guilt, but Da Jiang and Qingshan wouldn't accept it either. Seeing Qingshan about to leave, she called out, “You ungrateful child! Can’t your mother complain a little? I will look after Yuemei, but where in this house will we fit everyone?”

“I knew Mother was the best! Mother, we will surely repay your kindness from now on. When Yuemei gives birth to a boy, we will certainly give you cause to be truly happy,” Qingshan said, smiling and coaxing the matriarch He again.

“Ah, forget it. I’ll have Yu’er’s room prepared for Dongyu to stay in. Yuemei can stay in the house you two used to live in. Until the children are born, your entire family can move here first, to prevent any more messy situations from arising,” the matriarch He said resignedly.

Qingshan nodded. “Then, Mother, please go back and prepare the rooms. Take Maomao with you too. As soon as Yuemei wakes up, I’ll pack our things and move over,” he replied.

The matriarch He glanced at Song Yuemei lying on the bed, said nothing, and walked out, taking Maomao, who was sitting in the courtyard, back to her own compound.

Qingshan quickly tidied up some things around the house. After waiting for quite some time, Song Yuemei finally stirred awake. Seeing Qingshan moving about the room while she lay in bed, she remained silent. Qingshan finished packing a few items and approached the bedside. Noticing Yuemei was awake, he said with great relief, “Yuemei, you’re awake. The physician said you are pregnant. Don’t get so agitated like that again in the future; it’s not good for the baby.”

Although Song Yuemei had been asleep, she vaguely recalled the physician’s visit. Moreover, she had been pregnant with Maomao before, and thinking back, she had noticed some subtle changes in her body recently. However, because she had suffered greatly during the birth of Maomao, and because she held few expectations for Qingshan, she had decided to let nature take its course regarding conception, without overly anticipating it.

Now that she was pregnant, Song Yuemei felt quite joyful in her heart. It was her child after all, and Maomao was too lonely by himself. Hearing Qingshan’s words, Song Yuemei simply nodded and asked, “I understand. What are you packing things for?”

“Oh, you were asleep, and I hadn’t had a chance to tell you yet. I was thinking that since you’re pregnant, moving around will become difficult as your belly grows in a few months. I thought I’d send both of you to Mother’s place to stay until you give birth, so Mother can look after you,” Qingshan explained softly, as if afraid Song Yuemei would disagree.

“I’d rather stay in my own home. I’ll be fine alone. If I go to your mother’s, I don’t get along with her. Besides, I’m worried. If your mother has to care for me right now, and if this pregnancy turns out like the last one with Maomao… I don’t know how your mother will react then,” Song Yuemei recalled her condition when pregnant with Maomao.

“It won’t happen. I’ve already spoken to Mother, and she agreed to look after you. Don’t overthink things. Just focus on protecting the child in your womb,” Qingshan persuaded her.