Lin He looked at Er Niu and nodded, saying, "I'll explain the details when we get back. Don't overthink it; it's nothing major."

Just as Madam Huang was about to speak, Er Niu pulled her arm. He agreed with He'er; this wasn't the place to discuss such things. But once home, they certainly needed to press for answers: why did the Wen family treat He'er this way, and what was the meaning of their attitude?

The group walked toward the pastry shop, their spirits dampened by the recent incident. Da Bao mentioned that if they were going to decorate the house, two people needed to stay behind to watch over things. Since he had to mind the shop himself, he could only check in occasionally. The original plan was for Lin He to stay with Zi Yu, but after what just happened, Madam Huang absolutely refused to let Lin He remain there. She insisted everyone return home, and then they would have Chang Geng come over to look after the property.

By the time the family returned home by carriage, nearly half the afternoon had passed. What was meant to be a rare outing for some relaxation had been spoiled by the incident, draining everyone's enthusiasm. Even Chen'er and Xiao Bao, usually the most boisterous, sat quietly in the carriage without uttering a sound until they reached home.

Once in the courtyard, Er Niu and Madam Huang eagerly pressed for an explanation. Lin He had initially intended to keep these matters from her parents to avoid worrying them. When she first considered Wen Ningxuan’s marriage proposal, her parents had already fretted about the Wen family being a prominent household and difficult to deal with. If they knew the full story now, she feared they wouldn't know a moment's peace.

Besides, Lin He felt that even if they knew, what could they do? Worrying wouldn't solve any practical problems; in fact, it might just stop her from marrying Wen Ningxuan, creating even more trouble.

Truthfully, Lin He hadn't wanted to argue with Wen Qingmo today. Although Wen Qingmo’s previous remarks about Wen Ningxuan had made Lin He intensely dislike her, she genuinely didn't want to stir up conflict, especially with her entire family present. Lin He had intended to simply pretend not to see Wen Qingmo. However, Wen Qingmo’s opening salvo today was so intentionally hurtful that even if Lin He could swallow it, she knew her family couldn't.

Furthermore, beyond seeking justice for Wen Ningxuan regarding the previous slight, Lin He also wanted her family to understand that even if marrying into the Wen family meant dealing with difficult people, she, Lin He, was not someone to be trifled with. That was why she had exchanged those words with Wen Qingmo.

Now that Lin He knew she couldn't hide it any longer, she recounted everything to Er Niu and Madam Huang. Surprisingly, the two listened without the expected wave of worry. Madam Huang even seemed to sigh in relief. "Oh, so that's how it is. He'er, actually, since Madam Wen visited our home twice, I've had some idea about things. I know the Wen family is likely dissatisfied with our family's financial standing. Your father and I didn't tell you because we didn't want you or Ningxuan dwelling on such matters."

"We know you can handle things. Moreover, I’ve come to terms with it. No matter where one marries, domestic friction is unavoidable. What matters is your own bearing. I know our girl won't be someone who lets others bully her, so I won't spend my days worrying anymore."

"That's right, He'er. Even though we aren't a wealthy family, we won't disgrace our daughter. Do whatever you wish to do; your mother, father, and brothers will always back you up. Rest assured and pursue what you want; we support you in everything you do," Er Niu added, using a rarely solemn tone.

Even Xiao Bao, standing nearby, spoke with earnest gravity: "Yes, Big Sister, don't be afraid. I will study hard, and when I become an official, we'll see who dares speak ill of you then."

Lin He looked at her family, her eyes misting over, her heart warmed. She smiled and said, "Mm, I know. You don't need to worry about me either. I won't let myself be wronged. Forget the Wen family; even a much larger clan couldn't defeat me."

The family smiled and nodded at Lin He, but whether they were truly reassured was beyond her control.

Somehow, the matter reached the ears of Uncle Wen. A few days later, Uncle Wen personally visited, spending a considerable amount of time speaking with Er Niu.

Uncle Wen arrived bearing many gifts and did not explicitly state the purpose of his visit, nor did he mention the previous incident. He spoke to Er Niu this way: "Brother Er Niu, He'er will be a member of our Wen family—that is unchangeable. I guarantee she will not be wronged. I have always regarded her as my own daughter, and now that she is marrying my Xuan'er, she is even dearer to me than a daughter. You must be at ease. No matter how others treat He'er, I am currently the head of the Wen family, and my chosen daughter-in-law will not be subjected to a single ill word from others. You need not doubt the sincerity of our Wen family."

Er Niu and Madam Huang were greatly pleased by Uncle Wen's words. Although they had comforted Lin He by saying they weren't worried, they had, deep down, remained uneasy. Uncle Wen’s assurances dispelled more than half of their lingering concerns.

Uncle Wen also spoke with He'er alone for a while. He didn't directly address the confrontation, but Lin He vividly remembered his exact words: "He'er, you and Xuan'er are engaged; nominally, you are already my Wen family's daughter-in-law, a member of our house. Your every move represents us. In front of outsiders, you must think thrice before acting, and the same applies to everyone else in the Wen family. If any of them cause offense to He'er, I certainly won't let it slide easily."

"Once you step through the doors of the Wen family, some things will differ from when you were at your parents’ home. There are many women in the household, and conflicts are frequent. Often, when the men are away, there will be no one to uphold justice for you. Even when they are present, some issues you will have to face on your own. You must manage your conduct well; you cannot be solely yielding, nor can you be overly aggressive, or it will only make things harder for you and place Xuan'er in a difficult position."

"However, I also know He'er is a strong and capable young woman; otherwise, I wouldn't have been so set on matching you to Xuan'er in the first place. Uncle Wen has absolute faith that you can handle things with ease. I have never misjudged a person."

Uncle Wen’s speech caused Lin He to ponder deeply. She realized that old ginger was spicier; Uncle Wen, being a businessman, was a seasoned fox. In just a few sentences, he had laid out numerous truths. His words carried several layers of meaning.

First, he alluded to the public argument Lin He had with Wen Qingmo on the street, suggesting it would invite gossip about the Wen family and expressing hope it wouldn't happen again—he mentioned he had already punished Qingmo for that incident. The secondary meaning was to inform her that when facing members of the Wen family in the future, she could not rely on him or Ningxuan; she would have to rely on herself to resolve and confront those issues. Then, by mentioning his initial good judgment, he praised Lin He. Uncle Wen perfectly executed the tactic of delivering a blow followed immediately by a sweet reward.