Song Yuemei laid out the entire story, clutching Mrs. Huang’s sleeve and pleading, “Second Mother, you must believe me, I truly didn’t do it. If I had intended to, I would have done it long ago; I wouldn’t wait until now. Besides, I have no reason to do this, do I? I have a child in my own belly too.”

Mrs. Huang and the others looked conflicted. The truth was, this matter was hard to judge. Last time, when Dongyu was giving birth, an incident had already occurred that couldn't be clearly explained. Now this happened again—could it really be such a coincidence? Yet, Song Yuemei had indeed changed quite a bit lately; she had been gracious and polite to the elders, and she hadn't actually given Dongyu any trouble before. But the heart of a person is hidden, and who could guarantee that Song Yuemei had genuinely reformed?

Mrs. Huang felt it was awkward for her to say anything more, so she simply patted Song Yuemei’s hand and said, “If you didn’t do it, then don’t worry. Qingshan and Elder Brother will investigate and find out the truth. You watch Maomao carefully, and I’ll go inside to check on Dongyu.”

Mrs. Huang and Hongxia went into the room where Dongyu was laboring. They could hear Dongyu screaming, constantly claiming that Song Yuemei was harming her. She was crying and yelling with such ferocity that it seemed she wanted to devour Song Yuemei whole. After crying for a while, she finally lost strength. The midwife had also struggled intensely, but the baby still would not descend. Finally, the midwife gave up, stating, “It has been too long; the child is likely already lifeless. Now, we can only induce the stillbirth. You must prepare yourselves.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. He’s legs went weak, and she sank onto a nearby stool. But there was no other way; she could only nod. Mrs. Huang and the others dared not speak, merely standing beside Mrs. He to keep her company. The midwife labored for a while longer and managed to bring the stillborn child forth. When Mrs. He saw it was a boy, she immediately shrieked, wanting to roll on the ground in agony. Mrs. Huang watched her heartbreaking display and sighed, instructing Hongxia and Hongyun to stay with her while she helped the midwife clean the infant, murmuring that, after all, it was Qingshan’s child and should be shown to him.

When Mrs. Huang carried the baby out to Qingshan, even the two grown men, Qingshan and Dajiang, couldn't contain themselves, holding the child with tear-filled eyes. Song Yuemei, who had presumably heard Mrs. He’s wails from inside, was also startled. She rose, clutching Maomao, and looked at Qingshan’s distress, yet she dared not take a single step closer. Mrs. Huang sighed inwardly, thinking that Yuemei likely wouldn't escape this time. If the child had lived, it might have been easier; but since the child was dead, and a boy at that, even if she were innocent, the blame would fall upon her.

Indeed, Dajiang, after glancing at the child a few times, turned his gaze upon Song Yuemei. His look was chillingly cold, like a sharp arrow meant to pierce several holes through her. Song Yuemei was so frightened her legs trembled uncontrollably. Since marrying Qingshan, her father-in-law had never looked at her with such an expression, let alone spoken a harsh word. Dajiang stared at Song Yuemei for a moment, then glanced at her belly, moved his lips, but ultimately said nothing, turning his eyes away.

Just as Mrs. He was crying hysterically inside, Mrs. Zhao and Old Man Lin arrived. Mrs. Zhao asked anxiously, “What is it? Why are you weeping so terribly? What has happened?”

Neither Dajiang nor Qingshan spoke. Mrs. Zhao scanned the people in the courtyard, asked no further questions, and hurried into the house. Not long after, Mrs. Zhao also began to wail, her voice even louder than Mrs. He’s. Old Man Lin outside understood what had occurred and stood silently in the yard, smoking his pipe without speaking, though he did occasionally glance toward Song Yuemei’s stomach. Song Yuemei knew that if she hadn't also been pregnant, the Lin family wouldn't know how to deal with her now.

Mrs. He and Mrs. Zhao wept for quite some time before Mrs. Huang and the others helped them out. As soon as Mrs. He appeared, she lunged, determined to fight Song Yuemei, but Mrs. Huang and the others restrained her. Mrs. Zhao, being more composed, stared coldly at Song Yuemei and stated, “Eldest son’s wife, hold on a moment. Let’s clarify the facts before we act. Ask her exactly what happened.”

After speaking, Mrs. Zhao called the family members and led them to a room on the other side. Once everyone was seated, Mrs. Zhao began her interrogation of Song Yuemei: “Qingshan’s wife, you have seen how far things have escalated today. What exactly did you do? Tell us honestly. Considering you are pregnant, we won't treat you too harshly, but if you refuse to confess truthfully, today I will risk the life of the child in your belly to throw you out of the Lin family.” Mrs. Zhao said this deliberately to frighten Song Yuemei into telling the truth.

“Mother, absolutely not! Even if she admits it, we cannot let her off so easily. I have lost my grandson today; I will never forgive Song Yuemei,” Mrs. He cried out mournfully.

Mrs. Zhao shot Mrs. He a look, signaling her not to interrupt; the interrogation was underway, and they didn't yet know the full story—how could they decide how to handle things? Seeing everyone look at her, Song Yuemei stammered nervously, “It wasn’t me. I only cooked a meal, and I ate some of it myself. I don’t know what happened to Dongyu.”

“Then why did Dongyu have complications? Your mother said Dongyu was fine this morning, and the doctor confirmed it was food poisoning. You admit you cooked the meal. If not you, then certainly no one else. Be honest, what did you put in it?” Mrs. Zhao pressed on.

“Nothing, I didn’t put anything in. It was just ordinary fish soup. Qingshan caught the fish from the pond this morning, and I cooked it the usual way. Dongyu has eaten it before!”

“Then did you and Maomao eat this soup today?”

“I didn't eat it. Maomao had a small bowl in the kitchen. After I finished the dishes, I put them on the table, and then went to feed Maomao. I heard a commotion in the room and went to look. When I saw Dongyu like that, I truly don’t know what happened, Grandmother, Qingshan, please believe me.” Song Yuemei said this while looking toward Qingshan.

“Believe you? Do you think you are still worthy of belief now? I say you are just a jealous woman! Last time, Dongyu’s child was lost because of you, and we didn’t punish you severely. Today you try this trick again, right? How can our Lin family keep someone like this? Mother, make Qingshan divorce her. Qingshan is still young; finding a new wife won't be difficult,” Mrs. He shouted loudly through her tears.

“Yes, Yuemei, how can we believe you? Last time something happened, you were present. This time, you were the only one involved. If the situation were reversed, would you believe it? If you refuse to admit it today and cannot offer proof of your innocence, then we have no choice but to divorce you. I imagine Qingshan won’t believe you either,” Mrs. Zhao said, her voice laced with genuine grief.