Madam Tian’s words left Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong somewhat troubled. After all, regardless of what Luo Yin had done, Madam Tian was an elder; they could perhaps speak to her, but criticizing her directly was difficult for them.

Madam Tian paid them no mind, needing to vent her frustration fully first. Once done, she quickly urged the two brothers to return with her.

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong naturally did not refuse, following along. On the way back, they pondered how they might persuade the others to return.

Meanwhile, upon learning the root cause of the matter, Wang Youfu decided that the ensuing mess should be handled by the old residence itself, and he paid it little mind. In his current view, his son’s situation remained the utmost priority.

Just as Wang Youfu was about to resume his activities, Wang Qingchen intercepted him.

“Father, what did you and Grandfather discuss just now? Your faces both looked quite grim?” Wang Qingchen inquired. He had just happened to see the old man and Wang Youfu whispering, and the old man had appeared thoroughly enraged.

Wang Youfu heard his son’s question but avoided a direct answer, simply stating, “Nothing important; you don’t need to worry about it.”

Wang Qingchen did not believe him, as their expressions suggested anything but peace.

“Father, please just tell me! Why was Grandfather so angry just now?” Wang Qingchen pressed.

Wang Youfu felt compelled, and moreover, considering his son was already a Juren and no longer a child, sharing the details seemed acceptable. Thus, he explained the entire situation. Of course, his intended message was that since Qingshan lacked an heir, adoption was only proper, and Qingyun’s wife was simply too ignorant—not only refusing but running back to her maiden home while still in confinement, disregarding the Wang family’s reputation—truly unvirtuous.

Wang Qingchen listened, unsure how to react, only able to think that some of his previous life’s sensibilities still lingered. Regardless of his internal thoughts, he understood the importance of reputation. The immediate priority was bringing the couple back; other matters could wait. However, Wang Qingchen held little hope that the old residence could smoothly retrieve them.

Even if Luo family members were powerless against the Wang family’s insistence on adoption, Luo Yin fleeing to her parents’ home during her confinement provided them with solid ground for complaint. This was an undeniable fact. The Luo family had every reason to believe their daughter was suffering in her in-laws’ house; why else would no one stop her from leaving while she was still recovering, suggesting she lacked adequate care? If the Luo family used this point, the Wang family would still lose face.

Wang Qingchen wondered if sending Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong directly to the Luo family would actually result in bringing anyone back.

On their end, when Madam Tian arrived at Wangjiacun with her two sons, she did not follow them to Wang Youfu’s house. Madam Tian recalled claiming to feel unwell, so to avoid questions later, she decided it was best not to go, instructing only her sons to proceed.

The Old Master and Old Madam, waiting anxiously at Wang Youfu’s house, were finally less distressed upon seeing the two grandsons return. Immediately, they led the two young men to another empty room in Wang Youfu’s house to discuss the matter. Fortunately, Wang Youfu had spare rooms available.

Wang Youfu joined the Old Master when discussing the affair, as he was also privy to the details.

Since Madam Tian’s prior explanation had been vague, Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong only vaguely guessed that Wang Qingyun and his wife had left for the Luo family due to conflicts with the elders, but they remained unaware of the specific reasons.

“What exactly happened? Your mother must have told you on the road?” the Old Master inquired.

The Old Master assumed they were informed, but to his surprise, both shook their heads. “Mother hasn't mentioned it yet.”

The Old Master was annoyed that Madam Tian had remained silent despite the long journey. “Forget it, then. Whether you know or not, you just need to understand that the couple completely disregards us elders. When you go, don’t say too much; just bring the couple back.”

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong were suddenly dumbfounded. Since they didn't know the cause, they didn't know where to even begin persuading them, much less how to bring them back.

However, the Old Master clearly did not wish to elaborate further. Helpless, the two looked toward the Old Madam, hoping she might disclose something.

The Old Madam already felt that this issue unfairly burdened her grandsons, causing them trouble. She certainly wouldn't conceal anything further and proceeded to recount the whole sequence of events.

After hearing the Old Madam’s narrative, Wang Qingshan was even more flabbergasted. He hadn't realized the matter involved him in some way, yet he was completely ignorant of it. Now, because of this, Qingyun and his wife had fled, leaving him utterly at a loss.

Even Wang Qingtong found it hard to believe. They had only been away for half a day, yet such a complicated situation had erupted—one that was difficult to resolve. Did the Old Master and Old Madam truly believe that merely sending the two brothers to the Luo family would guarantee their return?

Wang Qingshan pondered for a moment, deciding he needed to state his position clearly now to prevent future discord with his younger brother. He spoke up: “Grandfather, Grandmother, I know you mean well for me, but Xiu Juan and I have already adopted Quan’er. We truly don’t intend to adopt another child. Furthermore, the house was just built, and we are still in debt. If we brought another child in, we couldn't guarantee he’d be well-fed and clothed. Wouldn't that be a sin!”

“You don’t need to worry about that,” the Old Master replied. “If you cannot raise him, you can leave him with us old folks for a while. We will look after him until your affairs improve, and you can take the child back then.”

Wang Qingshan was silenced, unable to reply, only growing anxious inwardly.

Wang Qingtong felt some sympathy for Wang Qingshan, but since the adoption wasn't directed at him, he found it inappropriate to interject.

Finally, Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong reluctantly prepared to leave for the Luo family’s home to retrieve the couple.

Just as they were about to set off, Wang Qingchen mysteriously appeared from somewhere. “Are you heading to the Luo family? Count me in; I’ll go with you?”

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong exchanged a look. Did everyone know about this?

As they harbored their suspicions, Wang Qingchen seemed to read their minds. “Don’t worry; not many people know.”

“Oh, that’s good then. If you want to come, join us!” Wang Qingshan agreed.

Wang Qingchen nodded and added, “Since we’re going, we should take our ox cart. After all, cousin-in-law is still confined; it wouldn’t do to make her walk back, would it?”

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong agreed that this made sense and adopted Wang Qingchen’s suggestion, driving their ox cart toward the Luo family.

Halfway there, Wang Qingchen broke the silence. “Do you two know the full story behind this?”

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong nodded. “Yes, we just heard from Grandfather.”

“Oh? Then, in your opinion, can we successfully bring them back from the Luo family this time?” Wang Qingchen continued to inquire.

Upon hearing this, both Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong fell silent. They were genuinely unsure whether they could succeed in bringing the couple home.

Wang Qingchen noticed their hesitation and then remarked, “Since cousin-in-law managed to take the child to her maiden home, it means she absolutely refuses to give up the child for adoption. I doubt she will return until the Old Master and Old Madam concede their point.”

Wang Qingshan nodded in agreement after hearing this. “Yes, persuading them will be genuinely difficult.” Especially for him; since the elders wanted to pass the child to him, his sister-in-law might be even less willing to return upon seeing him.

Wang Qingchen observed the expression on Wang Qingshan’s face and then asked, “Eldest cousin, let me ask you: did you actually want to adopt Second Cousin’s child?”

Wang Qingshan instinctively shook his head. “I never considered it. But, probably not, because when I heard what the family intended, I certainly wasn't overjoyed.”

Wang Qingchen nodded. “Right, you and Eldest Cousin-in-law already have Quan’er.”

“Exactly. And if a child were actually adopted, Qingyun and his wife and I wouldn't be as close as we are now, would we? They would definitely feel awkward seeing me and your Eldest Cousin-in-law!” Wang Qingshan remarked.

Hearing this, Wang Qingchen smiled. “Since Eldest Cousin understands this, why didn’t you try persuading Grandfather and Grandmother?”

Wang Qingshan sounded helpless. “I did try to persuade them, but it was no use!”

Wang Qingshan’s response surprised Wang Qingchen. If the main party concerned had already refused, why were the family members still trying to force the adoption?

After thinking it over but finding no resolution, Wang Qingchen offered, “How about this: when we get there, Eldest Cousin, you tell them directly that you have no intention of adopting the child, understood? That way, they might agree to come back with us.”

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingtong found this idea questionable. The family elders hadn't yielded yet; if the elders insisted later, wouldn't they be tricking the couple?

Wang Qingchen, however, was unconcerned. “When you go back, figure out a way to get the elders to agree not to adopt the child. Isn't that the solution?”