Qingshan wasn't sure whether or not to believe Song Yuemei anymore. Since Song Yuemei’s current pregnancy, she had changed quite a bit; the couple’s affection was even stronger than when they first married. She was never harsh toward Dongyu, always providing what was necessary, even offering to make clothes for Dongyu’s child, suggesting Qingshan take one over. Qingshan truly found it hard to believe that such a Song Yuemei could commit such a malicious act.

But Mother was right; this matter was plain as day—if not Song Yuemei, who else could it be? Dongyu certainly wouldn't harm herself, and besides, Dongyu hadn't left the house for a long time. Where could the medicine have come from?

Dongyu was unfamiliar with anyone outside her immediate family. No one had bought them medicine recently. However, Song Yuemei frequently went out, often visiting her maternal home. Just the other day, she had insisted on going back despite He Shi’s objection. If anyone could have procured the medicine, it would be her.

Song Yuemei felt a chill settle in her heart as she watched Qingshan stare at her with suspicion. Coldness seemed to emanate from her, layer after layer. Qingshan still didn't trust her. After everything they had endured together, she realized that in Qingshan’s eyes, she truly was this venomous. Song Yuemei stared fixedly at Qingshan, hoping he would speak up for her, but Qingshan merely closed his eyes, turned away, and acted as if he would let her face whatever consequences came her way.

For some reason, seeing Qingshan act this way, the panic and fear in Song Yuemei’s heart vanished, replaced by a strange calm. She reasoned that since she hadn't done it, there was nothing to fear.

Listening to the words of Zhao Shi and He Shi, Song Yuemei sneered inwardly and finally spoke: "Grandmother, Grandfather, all the elders of the family are present today. I dare swear upon the light that I, Song Yuemei, did not do this. If I did, may I meet a terrible end, and may my Maomao and the child in my belly suffer the same fate. I have no evidence to prove my innocence, but I truly did not do it. Whatever your Lin family wishes to do, it is up to you."

"These past few years in your Lin family have not been easy. My in-laws treated me merely as a tool for bearing children. Because my first birth was a girl, I endured endless scorn from my mother-in-law, and though my father-in-law said nothing, he was clearly displeased."

"You never paid Maomao much mind as she grew up; I saw it with my own eyes. Even during childbirth, I nearly died, only to earn your Lin family's disdain for wanting a girl over a boy. Not long after giving birth, I was scrambling to borrow money to build a house and dig a fish pond, while my man couldn't wait to become entangled with Dongyu."

"When Dongyu had trouble with her birth, you pointed the finger at me again and again. You say I cannot prove my innocence, but can you similarly prove that I did it? It’s based only on Dongyu’s few words. I don’t wish to argue anymore. If you believe I did it, then let it be so. At worst, divorce me. I have no other recourse; even reporting this to the magistrate requires evidence."

Song Yuemei finished speaking and turned back to Qingshan: "Qingshan, I will say this one last time: the two incidents involving Dongyu had nothing to do with me. I don't know what truly happened; I only know I didn't do it. Believe me or not, it’s your choice."

"Originally, I wanted to live a good life with you, no matter what. I thought since you are the only son, you would surely want a male heir. If I couldn't bear one, Dongyu could, and as long as you were happy, I would cherish Dongyu’s son just the same. I don’t know how it came to this. Now I have nothing more to say. Since everyone in your family agrees, then divorce me. I accept it."

"I will go pack my things. You go to the clan elder and ask for the letter of divorce. Once it’s written, I’ll take Maomao and leave. Maomao is a girl; your Old Lin family never truly wanted her anyway, right? As for the child in my belly, your family probably won't favor it either. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, I will raise them myself. From now on, I will have nothing to do with your Lin family, or you, Qingshan." With that, Song Yuemei stood up, straightened her back, and walked out of the room.

Song Yuemei’s impassioned speech forced everyone to pause and reflect. Those like Huang Shi, Hongxia, and Hongyun, who were outsiders, felt that what Song Yuemei said held merit. Indeed, there was no concrete evidence linking the incident to her. Pushing all the blame onto her seemed too rash.

He Shi, meanwhile, worried that they couldn't divorce her just yet. Dongyu might not be able to conceive again, but Song Yuemei carried another child—perhaps a son. If they divorced her now and she bore a son later, that heir would not belong to the Lin family.

Zhao Shi and Old Man Lin, however, felt that Song Yuemei possessed a certain backbone. Facing such an accusation, she could still articulate her defense so clearly, and her affection for Qingshan didn't seem feigned. Could such a person truly harm Qingshan's child?

As for Qingshan, Song Yuemei's words only deepened his conflict. If he had the choice, he would prefer this whole affair to simply disappear, just like when Dongyu was pregnant last time—as if it never happened. While he couldn't be absolutely certain Song Yuemei was innocent, he dreaded losing her.

The room full of people exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, Old Man Lin spoke: "Listen, we haven't fully clarified this matter. To immediately declare it was Yue Mei’s doing would be unfair to her. Let Dongyu rest for a few days. Afterwards, we will have Dongyu and Yue Mei confront each other to ascertain the truth of the matter. If there is conclusive proof that Yue Mei is responsible, then we will discuss the divorce formally."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement. Regardless of which side one favored, no one was willing to push for Song Yuemei’s immediate dismissal. If a divorce were to happen, it would have to wait until her current pregnancy had passed.

"Yes, follow your father's suggestion. It’s getting late, everyone disperse. Qingshan and his eldest sister-in-law, you two look after Dongyu. When she wakes and learns about the baby, there will surely be an uproar; try to soothe her. Once Dongyu has recovered her health in a few days, we will revisit this issue," Zhao Shi announced as she rose.

Huang Shi and the others went back to check on Dongyu, who still hadn't awakened. Everyone else prepared to leave. Qingshan and He Shi stayed in their room to watch over things. Meanwhile, in her own quarters, despite her defiant eloquence earlier, Song Yuemei broke down into uncontrollable sobs.

She wept for her fate—why did she marry such a man who repeatedly abandoned her, who refused to trust her? Their relationship had been so good these past few months, yet it couldn't secure his trust, leaving her heartbroken time and again. Why couldn't she live a peaceful, harmonious life with her husband like other women? Why was their life always filled with such turmoil?

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