Ziqing was about to step forward and knock, but before she reached the door, an ambiguous moan drifted from the study. Ziqing’s face instantly flushed scarlet, and she glared at Ziyu, saying, "Remember to call the Young Master and Young Mistress out for dinner later."

With that, Ziqing turned to leave, but Ziyu quickly grabbed her arm, blushing, and whispered, "Sister, why don't you stay here and call the Second Young Master and his wife for dinner? I ran into the Second Young Master when delivering water last night. If it’s me again this time, he’ll surely punish me. I’ll go to the kitchen instead." Ziyu made to depart.

Ziqing swiftly pulled Ziyu back. "You usually attend to the Young Mistress. You stay here, guard the door, and don't let anyone disturb them, or the Second Young Master will certainly punish you."

Ziqing departed, leaving Ziyu pouting by the door. After waiting for a while, Wen Ningxuan emerged, holding Lin He. Seeing Ziyu stationed by the door, Wen Ningxuan’s expression was unreadable as he said, "Didn't you want to learn martial arts? Ling Xiao will be back in a few days. From now on, spend two hours practicing with him every day."

Wen Ningxuan then carried Lin He back inside. Ziyu remained outside the study, utterly conflicted. This Second Young Master was too much! She was just standing here peacefully and hadn't interrupted his private moment, so why punish her like this? Learning martial arts was one thing, but why did it have to be under that detestable Ling Xiao? But Ziyu had no choice; she could only hang her head and continue standing guard. If it had been the Young Mistress, she could at least plead her case, but dealing with the Young Master himself, she didn't even have the chance to speak.

Meanwhile, Wen Ningxuan carried Lin He back into the room. Looking at the person in his arms, Wen Ningxuan found it somewhat amusing. This little woman’s stamina was truly lacking; after every session, she was either fast asleep or passed out in his embrace. Perhaps she needed to train her martial arts too, to strengthen her endurance. But then he looked at the soft, yielding body in his arms, sighed, and decided against it. Such a delicate and gentle person—he couldn’t bear to let her suffer that kind of hardship.

Wen Ningxuan gently laid the person he was holding onto the **, called for Ziqing to bring in water, and then personally wiped her clean. After covering her with the quilt, he quickly tidied himself up and went out. Today, he still needed to visit the silver shop and the ointment workshop. Having offered tea in the morning, he realized the hour was late, so he hadn't left earlier.

When Lin He finally awoke, she saw sunlight streaming into the room, estimating it was past noon. She moved her body, feeling sore all over. The moment before she lost consciousness flashed in her mind, and Lin He’s face reddened. She wished she could grab the instigator who had caused this state and bite him fiercely a few times.

Thinking of this, Lin He looked around. Where had he gone? Just as she was about to call for Ziyu, Ziqing entered from outside. "Young Mistress, you’re awake? The Young Master has gone out, said he was checking on the ointment workshop. You must be hungry. I’ve already told Ziyu to prepare some food; it will be ready shortly."

Lin He nodded, realizing that this person would likely be even busier from now on. Her ointment workshop and everything else would have to be handed over to him; she couldn't just go out as she pleased anymore. Ziqing couldn't remain there overseeing things either; all those responsibilities had fallen onto his shoulders.

Ziqing was helping Lin He dress. As she reached for the outer garment, Ziqing suddenly paused, a blush creeping across her face. Lin He reached out for the clothing, and seeing Ziqing hadn't handed it over, asked confusedly, "Ziqing, what’s wrong?"

Just as she spoke, Ziyu walked in carrying the food, looking somewhat dispirited. "Young Mistress, the meal is warmed up. Hurry and get up to eat."

Lin He looked at Ziyu’s demeanor and felt even more puzzled. This girl was usually the most energetic, always appearing bright-eyed and cheerful, as if she had an inexhaustible supply of energy. Seeing her like this today was truly rare. Lin He smiled and asked, "Ziyu, what’s wrong? Did someone bully you? Tell me, and I’ll get revenge for you."

Ziyu glanced at Lin He, her lips moved, and she shook her head, still remaining silent. Lin He worried that the girl might have genuinely been bullied. She tugged Ziyu’s arm and said, "You silly girl, what’s truly wrong? Are you hiding something from me?"

Ziyu leaned close to Lin He and suddenly spotted the red marks on Lin He’s neck. What happened to the Mistress’s neck? She moved closer for another look, and her face instantly turned crimson. Only then did Lin He realize, touching her own neck, her face also flushed slightly. Ziqing saw this and quickly said, "Young Mistress, I’ll go change you into a high-collared dress."

Lin He nodded with a flushed face. Just then, Ziyu suddenly blurted out, "Young Mistress, you have to help me! When you and the Young Master were... I truly didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was just waiting outside to call you for dinner. Please don't punish me!"

As soon as Ziyu spoke, Lin He was so mortified she almost wanted to burrow back under the covers. Ziqing quickly brought the clothes, glared at Ziyu, and said, "Young Mistress, don't mind this girl; her mind is addled. Here, put on your clothes and eat."

Lin He followed Ziqing’s lead, put on her clothes, and sat at the table in the room, eating silently. After finishing her meal, she noticed Ziyu still standing in the corner of the room, wearing a look of grievance. Lin He smiled, asked Ziqing to clear the dishes, and asked Ziyu what exactly had happened.

Ziyu tearfully recounted the punishment given by the Second Young Master. She thought that by confessing, Lin He would intercede for her. Instead, the moment the words were out, Lin He’s face broke into a smile. "The Second Young Master is absolutely right! You should learn martial arts from Ling Xiao from now on. It would be best if you could become a highly skilled female warrior. Then I’ll have someone to protect me when I go out."

Ziyu immediately deflated, pouting at Lin He in protest. Lin He smiled and ignored the girl, letting her be.

Having slept through the afternoon, the nap was sufficient, and her stomach was full. Lin He felt like taking a stroll. She had walked around the estate yesterday and found the scenery quite pleasant and the grounds spacious—much better than the villas in her previous life. With that thought, she decided to take Ziqing and Ziyu out for a walk.

Wandering through the Wen Residence, they encountered quite a few servants along the way. The servants were all quite courteous and proper. Lin He felt that this place wasn't as unbearable as she had imagined. However, before this thought was complete, she ran into the spoiled Wen Qingmo and Ning Nuo by a lotus pond within the estate.

This season was precisely when the lotuses were in full bloom. Lin He gazed at the delicate pink buds, feeling a surge of delight in her heart, and lingered by the pond for a moment longer. Wen Qingmo, approaching from the other side, spotted Lin He and her maids by the lotus pond and immediately scoffed disdainfully, "What, has a country girl never seen a lotus flower before? Why the such fascination?"