But Lin He simply refused to let her have her way. Although Lin He and Song Yuemei’s relationship wasn't exactly warm, Lin He felt Song Yuemei was the better choice compared to Dong Yu, whom Lin He had always kept at arm's length.

From the moment Dong Yu had entered the Lin family in that manner, Lin He knew she wasn't a kind soul, but until now, Dong Yu hadn't done anything overtly offensive, and Lin He generally preferred not to meddle in her uncle's household affairs. However, this time, Lin He was determined not to let Dong Yu triumph.

Regarding this specific incident, it was entirely possible that Dong Yu had orchestrated something behind the scenes, but Lin He couldn't find concrete evidence to confront her. Yet, Lin He absolutely would not allow Song Yuemei to be wrongly accused while Dong Yu strutted about the house victorious. Lin He knew that if she let Dong Yu continue unchecked, the entire extended family would likely never know peace; if the uncle’s branch suffered unrest, it would inevitably ripple out and cause commotion for the rest of them too.

Seeing Lin He’s expression, Dong Yu stammered, “He’er, let’s not… not go too far. She already agreed to leave; why do we need to report this to the clan elders? Isn't that just inviting trouble? Besides, reporting this sort of matter makes our Lin family lose face.”

Lin He observed Dong Yu’s agitation and became even more convinced there was a hidden story, one that didn't align with Dong Yu’s confident portrayal. Lin He pressed harder, "No, we must report it. I’ll fetch the Clan Elder right now and tell him our household intends to seek arbitration. The fact that Sister-in-law Dong Yu took the medicine and lost the child can serve as testimony, and didn't you see her place something in the pot yourself? That counts as evidence. With proof on both sides, she has no room to deny it.” With that, Lin He made a show of moving toward the door, genuinely looking ready to summon someone to find the Clan Elder.

Dong Yu grew truly frantic, shouting, “He’er, wait!” as she nearly tumbled off the bed.

A sarcastic smile touched Lin He’s lips, and she momentarily paused her movement. The truth was, there was absolutely no hard evidence—the medicine had been consumed; were they going to perform an autopsy to verify?

Instead, Dong Yu was steadied by Old Madam He and a few others nearby. Because Dong Yu’s reaction was so extreme, even the simpler-minded women present sensed something was amiss. Hong Xia immediately spoke up, “Dong Yu, what’s wrong with you? While I don't exactly support reporting to the elders, He’er has a point. If we report it, won't the truth become clearer? That would be good for you! Why are you reacting so strongly?”

“That’s right, Sister-in-law Dong Yu. If you aren't thinking of yourself, think of the Lin family! We are such a large family. Song Yuemei intends to seek a separation (He Li). Later, people might assume it was Brother Qingshan’s fault, and they’ll gossip about us. If we have proof, Brother Qingshan can divorce her, and it will be known that Song Yuemei was in the wrong,” Lin He deliberately added this last sentence.

This statement proved critically important; the He family likely hadn't considered this angle. When Song Yuemei was planning to leave, Old Madam He and the others had been content to let her go—divorce or separation amounted to the same result in their minds. But Lin He’s words made Old Madam He fully realize the implications.

Old Madam He glanced at Lin He and quickly agreed, “Yes, it’s all thanks to He’er thinking of this! Thankfully, Qingshan didn’t secure the separation papers from the Clan Elder, or our Qingshan would truly have been ruined by this little slut. Dong Yu, don't be afraid, we’ll back you up in this. You can certainly testify. She is the one in the wrong. Let’s go, we'll follow He’er’s lead and go to the Clan Elder’s house right now.” Old Madam He was impulsive; once she grasped the situation, she immediately insisted on reporting the matter.

Huang Shi and the others looked at Dong Yu with bewildered expressions. Dong Yu glanced from Lin He to Old Madam He by the bed, her mind racing, replaying the events of the previous day. In truth, only Dong Yu knew the real story.

Ever since both she and Song Yuemei became pregnant, Qingshan had lavished care upon Song Yuemei, leaving Dong Yu neglected for a long time. Even when he visited her room, it was purely for sleeping, and any concern was directed only toward the child in Song Yuemei’s belly. Dong Yu had complained to Qingshan, but he barely paid her any mind.

Dong Yu began to plot. Since both were pregnant, there was no guarantee who would bear a son. If both gave birth to sons, her son would certainly lack status. If she were unlucky enough for Song Yuemei to bear a son while she bore a daughter, Qingshan’s favor would be even harder to win. Her only slim chance was if she birthed a son and Song Yuemei a daughter, perhaps then she could contend for something, but the probability was too low; she dared not gamble.

Thus, she hatched a malicious plan: no matter what, Song Yuemei’s child must not come to term. Dong Yu tried many methods, but none succeeded in harming Song Yuemei, who was extremely protective of this pregnancy. Moreover, Song Yuemei was rarely alone with her in the courtyard during leisure time.

Initially, Yu’er stayed there for a period, and during that time, Old Madam He was frequently present, or Mao Mao was always by Song Yuemei’s side. Mao Mao was old enough now to articulate many things. Dong Yu waited and waited for an opportunity, growing anxious with every passing day. Then, last month, Old Madam He mentioned that because of her previous difficult labor, there might be complications with this one, and seeing as she was also close to delivery, she decided to take Song Yuemei to see a doctor in town.

After the consultation, the doctor declared her pregnancy stable and expressed no worries. Old Madam He was delighted and decided to visit a temple in town to offer incense. However, the temple was crowded, so she told Dong Yu not to come along and to wait for her somewhere convenient. Dong Yu obediently found a spot nearby to wait for Old Madam He.

Once Old Madam He left, Dong Yu spotted a pharmacy not far away. Her eyes lit up instantly, and she went in to purchase an abortifacient—the most potent kind available. Her original intention had been to find a moment when Song Yuemei was alone at home, perhaps push her, or cause her to fall, but that opportunity never materialized. However, this medicine seemed far more effective; it could be administered secretly, without anyone noticing.

Upon returning home, since the meals were always prepared by Old Madam He or Song Yuemei herself, Dong Yu found no opportunity for the first few days. It wasn't until the day Old Madam He brought over the chicken soup. As Old Madam He was portioning the soup into bowls in the kitchen, she served two bowls and told Dong Yu, who had just walked in, that she could take one.

Dong Yu realized this was her chance. She deliberately claimed the soup was too hot and said she would wait for it to cool before taking it, then immediately turned and returned to her room to hide the purchased medicine on her person. When she returned to the kitchen, she seized a moment when Old Madam He wasn't looking and slipped the drug into one of the bowls. Then, she took the other bowl and left. This act, she believed, would remain forever undiscovered, as no one would ever suspect her of foul play. Even if Song Yuemei suffered consequences from drinking the chicken soup, no suspicion would ever fall upon her.