Dongyu hurried off to the Lin He residence to deliver the good news upon Madam Zhao’s instructions. Lin He heard Dongyu report, “The elder daughter-in-law has given birth to a son, and the younger daughter-in-law also had a son, but that one didn’t make it; he passed away shortly after being born.”

Lin He knew this scheme was her grandmother’s idea. In truth, this whole affair was quite easy to unravel with a bit of logical association, but people at this time wouldn’t suspect that specific notion. Furthermore, Hongyun’s inability to conceive was a closely guarded secret; who would ever doubt the child wasn’t hers? Still, Lin He set aside her chores and took Chen’er with her; she certainly had to go and see.

After speaking with Lin He, Dongyu rushed toward where the new house was being built. Da Sheng was surprised to hear Hongyun had given birth; wasn’t she supposed to be due a while longer? But the joy of hearing it was a son completely eclipsed that surprise. Although Er Niu was aware of the situation’s intricacies, hearing it was a boy made him happy too. The whole party, including Old Man Lin, rushed over.

As soon as Da Sheng entered the room, he headed straight for Hongyun’s side. Er Niu and Old Man Lin, however, walked toward Hongxia’s room. Er Niu already knew Hongyun hadn't actually given birth; there would be time to see that child later. It was Hongxia who had just delivered, so they needed to check on her first. Old Man Lin was very surprised to hear Hongxia’s baby had died immediately after birth, which was why he came to her room.

When Er Niu and Old Man Lin entered Hongxia’s room, she was quite weak from the recent delivery, and Madam Zhao was sitting nearby, keeping her company. Old Man Lin rushed in and anxiously asked, “Old woman, what happened? Didn't you say Hongxia’s pregnancy was fine, that everything was good? How could the child die right after birth? We even had the midwife ready at home; how could this happen?”

Madam Zhao exchanged a look with Er Niu. Madam Zhao then said, “When it comes to pregnancy, who can ever say for sure? When Hongxia was in labor, she couldn't push the baby out for a long time. The child stayed in the womb too long and suffocated.”

Er Niu chimed in beside her, “Yes, Father. How can one predict these things? Besides, Hongxia already has Yuanzhu and Yuanbao. There’s nothing to be done about this child not surviving. Hongxia just finished giving birth not long ago; let her rest a bit. We should go over and see Hongyun’s child.”

“That’s right, Father. This child was simply not destined to be mine. I already have Yuanzhu and Yuanbao; it’s not a big loss if I don’t have this one. I might not even be able to afford to raise an extra child. Please don’t blame Mother,” Hongxia said weakly, propping herself up slightly.

Hearing their words, Old Man Lin did not press the matter further and followed Er Niu to the other house. In this room, Lin He, Chen’er, along with Huang Shi and Zhou Shi, were all watching over the baby. Da Sheng had been holding the child, kissing him repeatedly since he entered, unwilling to put him down. His sheer elation made the others feel a bit uneasy, unsure if what they were doing was truly right.

If it was right, then when the child grew up, and Da Sheng had poured so much love and energy into raising him, if he were ever to discover the child wasn't his own, how would Da Sheng bear that blow? If it was wrong, looking at how Da Sheng cherished the son, without this child, Hongyun might not be able to endure life in the long run. Therefore, as Da Sheng held and kissed the baby, none of the others dared to speak.

When Er Niu and Old Man Lin came in, they saw Da Sheng’s overwhelming happiness. Old Man Lin was also very pleased; Hongyun had longed for a son for so many years and finally had one. Her future worries would surely dissipate. Er Niu, however, found it a bit hard to watch and said, “Da Sheng, Hongyun’s delivery came sooner than expected, and she didn’t even notify her in-laws. Quickly send someone to fetch a cart from my place so Auntie can be brought over to see her grandson.”

Da Sheng snapped back to reality, smiling, “Yes, yes, I completely forgot about that. Fortunately, brother-in-law reminded me. I’ll go now to tell my mother the good news.” After saying this, he carefully placed the baby back into Hongyun’s arms.

Er Niu and Old Man Lin looked at the child, and then they, along with Da Sheng, headed toward the other house. With so many of them present, they needed someone to watch the first house, so they rushed back. Meanwhile, Huang Shi ushered Lin He and the others back, saying someone needed to stay and watch the cooking at home, asking Lin He to go back and look after things.

Only a few people remained in the original room. Hongyun picked up the baby and rose, heading toward Hongxia’s room. Hongxia hadn't seen her child yet; she had fallen asleep right after giving birth, and Madam Zhao had taken the baby away. Now, seeing her child, Hongyun placed the baby in Hongxia’s arms, letting her hold him for a moment. She mentioned that her mother-in-law would likely be arriving soon, and they might be asked to return to the house by the pond, meaning Hongxia might not see the baby again for a while. Since it was Hongxia’s child after all, she deserved to hold him.

Holding the baby in her hands—a tiny, pink, tender bundle—Hongxia felt a pang of sadness. Although she had known all along the child wasn't hers, it was still the child she carried for ten months; she understood the hardship involved. The child carried her blood, so how could she not be sad?

Hongyun sat beside Hongxia and said, “Hongxia, you’ve suffered. Sister thanks you. If there is ever a chance, I will repay you by working like a horse or an ox. Without you, I truly don't know what I would have done.”

Hongxia smiled and replied, “Sister, we are two sisters; your good fortune is my good fortune too. This child will have a good life with you. You and Brother-in-law are both hardworking and capable people; I am completely reassured having you raise him. From now on, he is your child. Don't say such things again; if anyone overhears, it will cause trouble.”

Madam Zhao also spoke up from the side, “That’s right. This matter is finally settled. If Hongyun wants to thank you, little sister, she must raise this child well, and then Hongxia will truly be at peace.”

Hongyun nodded firmly. Hongxia looked at the baby one last time, then very resolutely placed the child back into Hongyun’s hands. Seeing the few people in the room, Madam Zhao spoke out, “Only the people in this room know about today’s events. From now on, whatever anyone asks, you will repeat what I have told you. If anyone dares to reveal what happened, they are no longer part of the Lin family. Regardless of any objections, I will immediately cast them out.”

In the room, besides Hongxia and Hongyun, were Zhou Shi and Huang Shi. Huang Shi had known about this for a long time, and Madam Zhao still trusted her. This warning was primarily for Zhou Shi’s benefit. Zhou Shi also understood and spoke up, “Mother, I know. I have a sense of propriety.”

Madam Zhao nodded with satisfaction, then instructed Huang Shi and Zhou Shi to accompany Hongyun back so she could rest in the bed. When Hongyun’s mother-in-law arrived, they needed to put on a proper show to avoid arousing suspicion.