The Elder Luo and his wife, upon hearing this, although they were wholeheartedly against the idea of adoption, ultimately, this was the Wang family’s own descendant. If the Wang family had truly decided to proceed with the adoption, then their Luo family truly had no standing to object. Moreover, if their daughter had only returned because of this matter, then their Luo family would undeniably be in the wrong. At this, the Elder Luo and his wife were silenced.

Wang Qingyun seemed to have anticipated the reaction from the Elder Luo and his wife, and he too lowered his head.

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy, and Wang Qingshan had to speak up again, “I wonder if sister-in-law’s health has improved? If she is better, then we will take her back with us, to spare the elders at home from worrying.”

“Well, Da Ya still hasn’t woken up yet!” Elder Luo sighed.

Wang Qingyun, who had been keeping his head down, immediately looked up upon hearing Elder Luo’s words, his face etched with worry and self-reproach.

Wang Qingchen observed Wang Qingyun’s expression and said, “Second Cousin has been worried for so long; perhaps he should go inside and see her!”

The Elder Luo couple did not voice any objection to Wang Qingchen’s suggestion, but Wang Qingyun still didn't dare enter the room to see Luo Yin alone. Finally, Wang Qingtong, sitting beside him, could not bear it any longer, nudged him, and only then did Wang Qingyun reluctantly say, “Father, Mother, I will go in to see Yin’er first.”

Elder Luo’s wife nodded silently, and as soon as Wang Qingyun saw her assent, he could not sit still, rushing into the inner room to check on Luo Yin.

Meanwhile, inside the main room, Wang Qingshan pondered how they could take the sister-in-law back if she hadn't yet regained consciousness. The Elder Luo couple, however, were both worried about their daughter’s health and anxious about how the Wang family members would react once she returned. Their daughter had returned to her maiden home privately with her child; even if this had caused her to fall ill, the Wang family would not overlook her actions. After all, her move could be described as completely disregarding the Wang family's reputation! Thinking of this, the Elder Luo couple was unsure whether they hoped their daughter would wake up soon or wake up later.

Wang Qingchen was thinking that Luo Yin was currently too frail to travel back to the Wang family from the Luo home; it would be best if she recuperated here. Yet, he also knew that if Luo Yin truly stayed to recover at the Luo home, the Wang family would become a laughingstock, and whispers of mistreating a daughter-in-law would inevitably surface. Therefore, Luo Yin had to return to the Wang family.

As for whether anyone in Elder Luo’s village had witnessed Luo Yin returning with the child, that would be up to the Elder Luo couple to smooth over. Then again, Luo Yin had covered part of her face with a cloth when she came to the Luo home, so even if someone saw her, they likely wouldn't be able to confirm it! Furthermore, if this matter were to spread, the Luo family would certainly hesitate before blaming them severely.

The Luo family naturally understood that their daughter could not stay to recover at their home; she had to return. But since their daughter was still unconscious, and the people from the Wang family seemed unsure of what to do, Elder Luo cleared his throat and took the initiative to speak, “How about this: wait until Da Ya wakes up, and then you can take her back!”

Wang Qingshan had actually been thinking the same, but he worried that the elders at home would grow impatient, and making the decision unilaterally might lead to blame later. After all, the longer the delay, the greater the risk of exposure, wouldn't it?

Wang Qingshan looked at Elder Luo, uncertain how to respond. Undecided, he glanced at Wang Qingchen and Wang Qingtong, hoping they might devise a more prudent solution.

Wang Qingtong shook his head, “Big Brother, you handle this. I truly don’t know what to do.”

Wang Qingchen considered the situation and then said, “First Cousin, I think if we take Cousin-in-law back now, the chances of being seen on the road are higher. Why don’t we wait until nighttime to bring her back? That way, fewer people will see, and by then, Cousin-in-law should also be awake!”

Wang Qingchen’s suggestion perfectly aligned with the Elder Luo couple’s wishes. “Yes, yes, if it’s at night, not many people will see.”

Wang Qingshan found some merit in this. The Luo family was satisfied with the arrangement, and since they couldn't think of any better method at the moment, this seemed the safest path for now.

Wang Qingchen looked at Wang Qingshan, knowing he was somewhat agreeable, and continued, “However, if we are bringing Cousin-in-law back at night, we still need to inform the family so they don’t worry excessively. Why don’t I go back first to tell the family, and then you bring Second Cousin and Second Cousin-in-law back tonight?”

Before Wang Qingshan could react, Wang Qingtong interjected, “I’ll go back with you. I don’t have much to do here anyway. Then Big Brother can take them back.”

Wang Qingchen was indifferent; it made no difference if two of them went, as long as the three of them didn't leave*.

Wang Qingshan figured that the two of them indeed had nothing pressing here, so he nodded in agreement, “Fine, then you two go back first!”

“Yes, we’ll walk back. The ox cart can stay here. Cousin-in-law is weak now; you should pad it well so she isn't jostled, and her body shouldn't be further damaged,” Wang Qingchen added.

Wang Qingshan considered his sister-in-law’s condition and did not refuse, agreeing to leave the ox cart behind. The Elder Luo couple listened to Wang Qingchen’s suggestion, their faces filled with gratitude, as this meant their daughter would endure less strain.

Afterward, Wang Qingchen and Wang Qingtong took their leave, leaving Wang Qingshan waiting for darkness to fall.

After Wang Qingchen and Wang Qingtong departed, the Old Master and Old Madam urgently called the two aside to inquire about the situation.

Wang Qingchen and Wang Qingtong hid nothing, recounting their visit to the Luo home, though they emphasized the fact that Luo Yin’s health had suffered because of this trip. Of course, they omitted any discussion about whether fertility might be affected—that had been decided on the road. They felt a measure of pity for Luo Yin's condition and decided to conceal as much as they could to help her.

The Old Madam, upon hearing the news, was rather annoyed, feeling the granddaughter-in-law had brought this upon herself. Such a clever child usually, yet she had done something so reckless. However, her anger softened somewhat when her grandsons mentioned that she had injured herself to the point of unconsciousness. After all, the child was already so pitiful; people naturally showed greater leniency toward the pitiful.

As for the plan Wang Qingshan and the others had decided—to bring her back at night—the Old Master and Old Madam were highly supportive. At night, fewer people would see, after all.

With Luo Yin’s immediate crisis seemingly managed, the Old Master and Old Madam finally breathed a sigh of relief, redirecting their attention back to preparing the banquet.

Wang Qingtong returned to the old residence and explained the situation to Madam Tian, lest she fret unnecessarily.

Madam Tian, however, lacked the Old Madam’s tolerance. “Hmph, serves her right! Returning so recklessly with the child—now look what’s happened!”

Wang Qingtong couldn’t help but speak up for Luo Yin when he heard Madam Tian’s words, “Mother, Second Sister-in-law is already in such a state; perhaps you can restrain your scolding a little?”

“Do you think I’m wrong? You must realize that if word of her returning like that gets out, what will the villagers think of me? They’ll surely say I mistreat my daughter-in-law. Now, before I’ve even managed to blame her properly, she has fallen ill herself. It’s so conveniently timed, I almost suspect she’s feigning it just to avoid blame from the family,” Madam Tian fumed.

Wang Qingtong hadn't expected that a single defense for his Second Sister-in-law would elicit such a lengthy tirade from his mother. He quickly grew weary of it and said, “Enough, Mother. There are matters at Second Uncle’s place that require my attention, I must go assist.”

“Assist with what? Wasn’t it agreed that you would go to the shop today, and your Second Brother would help out?” Madam Tian objected.

“Mother, what time is it? Am I still supposed to go to town? I already gave instructions to the shop hands when I returned yesterday, saying I wouldn't be coming in today. Second Brother isn’t home right now, so it’s perfect for me to cover for him at Second Uncle’s house for a while!” Wang Qingtong explained.

Madam Tian disagreed inwardly, but then she thought it might be the Old Master’s instruction, so she didn't stop him. “Fine, go then!”

Seeing Madam Tian relent, Wang Qingtong hurried out of the old residence and headed toward Wang Youfu’s home. He preferred to be busy rather than listen to his mother drone on.

Over at the Elder Luo’s home, not long after Wang Qingchen and Wang Qingtong left, Luo Yin finally woke up. Upon learning she was to be taken back to the Wang family again, Luo Yin immediately threw a fit, resolutely refusing to return.

The Elder Luo couple watched their daughter act this way in front of the Wang family members, deeply worried that if this reached the ears of the Wang family elders, their daughter would be punished.

Fortunately, Wang Qingshan was aware of their concerns, pretended not to hear, and called Wang Qingyun outside.

Wang Qingyun followed his elder brother out, a mixture of anxiety and confusion on his face. Just as he was about to ask the reason, he heard his older brother speak first. Wang Qingshan then disclosed that he would not be adopting the child belonging to Wang Qingyun and his wife.

“What? Big Brother, are you telling the truth? You truly won't adopt our child?” Wang Qingyun’s face lit up with sheer surprise.

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