And at this time, Wang Qingchen, along with his elder brother Wang Qinghua, were out delivering invitations to those families in town who had previously shown an inclination to be friendly with their household.

These families included established clans within the town, those whose fortunes had risen after a family member achieved the Juren degree, and naturally, some of the local gentry and landowners. Having learned of Wang Qingchen's success in the examinations, these families had all sent gifts of congratulation to Wang Youfu's home; thus, it was only proper for the Wang household, now hosting a banquet, to extend an invitation in return. Regardless of whether they chose to attend later, observing proper etiquette was necessary for the Wang family.

Wang Qinghua had been managing the family mill for a considerable time now; he was no longer the somewhat hesitant youth he once was. When interacting with these families now, Wang Qinghua exhibited none of his former constraint; rather, he carried himself with surprising competence. As for Wang Qingchen, though he seldom enjoyed such social functions, it didn't mean he was incapable of handling the situation. Consequently, the brothers quickly visited numerous households, distributing a good many invitations.

Afterward, the two brothers proceeded to the Shen Residence, as the Shen family had also sent over gifts earlier.

When Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingchen arrived, Master Shen was not at home. However, upon learning their identities, the gatekeeper greeted them with considerable courtesy and welcomed them inside.

Even after being seated in the main hall, both Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingchen felt a degree of bewilderment. Since Master Shen was absent, were they expected to simply sit there indefinitely while the Shen household welcomed them?

Yet, not long after a maidservant presented tea, someone came to attend to them, and to their surprise, it was Liu Qian'er.

"...Cousin?" Wang Qingchen exclaimed, somewhat startled.

Although Wang Qingchen knew his cousin was at the Shen Residence, he was also aware that she had been purchased as a concubine (qie). Therefore, he hadn't expected the Shen household to allow his cousin to come out and host them, especially considering her status, which made receiving guests slightly inappropriate.

Wang Qinghua, standing nearby, was clearly equally astonished.

Liu Qian'er, however, seemed entirely unfazed by their surprise, as if she had anticipated their reaction all along.

It was only when a servant presented Liu Qian'er with tea and announced, "Madam, please take your tea," that Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingshen understood, though disbelief still lingered.

"There's no need to be so shocked. The Master promoted me officially some days ago, which is why I am able to greet you now. I haven't seen you two in such a long time; you've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you," Liu Qian'er said with a smile.

Wang Qingchen and Wang Qinghua looked closely at Liu Qian'er. In truth, the transformation wasn't confined to just them; Liu Qian'er herself had changed significantly, no longer resembling the frail, slight girl from before.

"Previously, I was merely an Yiniang in the residence, so it wasn't suitable for me to associate often with my maternal family. Now that I am the mistress of the household, we can certainly interact more frequently in the future," Liu Qian'er explained.

Upon learning of Liu Qian'er's official promotion, Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingchen felt genuinely happy for her. The difference between a Furen (Madam/Mistress) and an Yiniang (Concubine) was substantial, spanning more than just a small margin.

"Cousin is right; we should indeed connect more often from now on. The family had been worried about you previously. Seeing you living so well now, I imagine Auntie will be very pleased," Wang Qingchen remarked.

"Indeed, Auntie will surely be delighted to hear this," Wang Qinghua concurred.

"I haven't told her yet, though. My mother is due to give birth soon, and I haven't visited her in quite some time!" Liu Qian'er mentioned.

Hearing this, Wang Qingchen easily inferred that Liu Qian'er wished to deliver this good news to her mother personally. If she hadn't intended to, she could have simply dispatched a servant.

Therefore, Wang Qingchen said, "I think Cousin should tell Auntie this wonderful news herself. Auntie will certainly be very happy to hear it directly from you."

When Wang Qingchen voiced this, Liu Qian'er felt a surge of happiness. She had been contemplating how to express her desire to visit, and Wang Qingchen had brought it up himself, saving her the trouble.

"Oh, right, I overheard the servants saying just now that you came to deliver invitations?" Liu Qian'er inquired.

Wang Qingchen nodded. "Yes, but we didn't expect Master Shen to be away. However, it seems delivering them to Cousin is just as well."

Liu Qian'er nodded. "The Master had instructed that if an invitation from your family arrived, I should accept it directly. But you are hosting a banquet? I recall my mother mentioning when she visited that Grandfather was extremely pleased about you passing the Juren examination, and a proper celebration was certainly in order."

Wang Qingchen nodded, handing over the invitation. "Yes, you and Cousin-in-law must absolutely attend!"

Liu Qian'er confirmed with a nod. "We will. It has been a long time since I returned home. My mother is nearly due, and I haven't seen her in ages. This is the perfect chance to visit her while I return and tell her this wonderful news."

The three of them then conversed about various happenings back at the Wang family home until Liu Qian'er pressed them to stay for a meal. Only then did Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingchen politely decline and take their leave.

Watching Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingchen walk away, Liu Qian'er felt a lingering gratitude toward them. She had never dared to dream of becoming a Furen, even after bearing the Master’s only son. She was quite self-aware; she knew she had been acquired for fifty taels of silver by the Shen household, so she never dared to aspire to much. Even when her mother visited and asked how the Master treated her, she offered no lofty expectations. Who could have imagined that the mere title of a Juren official would have such a profound effect, leading the Master to grant her official status?

Liu Qian'er hadn't known the true reason initially, assuming it was due to bearing a son. However, while strolling in the garden a few days prior, she overheard a conversation between two other concubines, which finally clarified everything. Thus, she felt deeply indebted to Wang Qingchen.

After delivering the invitations to the Shen Residence, Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingchen hastened back in their ox-cart, as it was already past lunchtime and both were growing hungry.

Meanwhile, back in Wangjia Village, Wang Qingyun was walking toward the old house carrying dishes—all prepared for Luo Yin. His Uncle’s family had already eaten lunch, and his Aunt, mindful of Luo Yin, had promptly given him the meal prepared for her so he could deliver it.

Carrying the food, Wang Qingyun wondered if his wife had calmed down yet. If not, would he need to plead with his father and the elders again to stop them from arranging the adoption of their child?

However, upon returning home, Wang Qingyun realized he wouldn't need to ponder these issues, because Luo Yin was not on the heated brick bed (kang).

Wang Qingyun initially thought perhaps Luo Yin had gotten up for some reason, but after calling out in the courtyard for a while and receiving no reply, he sensed something was wrong. Recalling his wife's state when he left that morning, a sudden tension seized his heart—could it be what he feared?

With that thought, Wang Qingyun rushed back into the room and confirmed his suspicion: his son was gone too! His son was missing! His wife must have refused to allow the child to be given away and had taken the boy with her. Where would his wife take their son? At this moment, his wife must have taken the child back to her maternal home.

Wang Qingyun immediately panicked. His wife was still in her confinement period (zuo yuezi); it was dangerous for her to be exposed to the wind. This could lead to lingering health problems, and their son was still small; a trip outside like this could easily lead to him catching a chill...

At this point, Wang Qingyun was consumed by self-reproach. Why hadn't he argued more forcefully that morning? His wife must be furious with him, causing her to leave silently with their son.

No, he had to catch up. With that resolve, Wang Qingyun bolted out the door, heading toward his in-laws' direction, hoping desperately to overtake them, even though he knew the chances were slim.

Meanwhile, Luo Yin was indeed walking toward her maternal home with the baby. She could already see the roof of the house, but she felt utterly exhausted, as if she couldn't take another step. Yet, thinking of the son cradled in her arms, she knew she had to persevere, or her child would soon belong to someone else.

Despite her family home being in sight, she felt as though the distance was stretching, and the world around her seemed to spin. She recognized that her physical condition was deteriorating rapidly, but besides forcing herself to keep walking, she truly didn't know what else to do.

Just as despair began to set in, Heaven finally seemed to heed her silent plea. She saw a figure approaching her from ahead, someone who looked vaguely familiar, shouting something loudly, though she couldn't make out the words.

The person rushing toward Luo Yin was, in fact, her younger brother. He was running full-tilt toward her, shouting, because he had recognized the figure as his sister, stumbling precariously, clearly on the verge of collapse, which filled him with alarm.

Initially, when Luo Yin's brother spotted someone approaching, he paid little attention, only noticing how slowly they were moving—they had been visible moments ago, yet they seemed no closer now. It was only when he focused his gaze and realized the person bore a strong resemblance to his sister that a jolt of realization hit him: it truly was his sister! But wasn't she supposed to be recovering from childbirth at her husband's home? Why was she here now, and looking so unwell? But he couldn't pause to consider the implications; he had to run faster, terrified his sister would fall before he reached her.

As Luo Yin's brother drew nearer, he finally saw that his sister was holding a baby. Good heavens—what on earth was happening?