Lin He was still strolling around the manor with Ziqing and Ziyu. Ziyu remarked, "Young Mistress, perhaps you shouldn't come out too often if you have nothing else to do. Look at how Miss Qingmo tried to shove you into the lotus pond today; that Miss Qingmo is going too far."

"It wasn't just Miss Qingmo trying to push you. Miss Ningnuo pushed as well; didn't you see Miss Ningnuo lean forward when Miss Qingmo fell into the pond?" Ziqing added from behind Lin He.

Lin He paused to consider. Ziqing never spoke carelessly. If that were the case, these two must have colluded. No wonder Miss Qingmo’s expression had softened considerably after speaking with Miss Ningnuo when Lin He was about to leave—they must have been plotting these wicked deeds.

However, Lin He hadn't clearly seen the sequence of events today. She had been standing right next to the lotus pond, with Qingmo next to her, and Ningnuo behind her, followed by Ningnuo's maid. No one could be certain who did the pushing. The goal today was likely just to push her into the pond—perhaps not to kill her, but certainly to humiliate her.

But if Lin He guessed correctly, given Miss Qingmo's intensity, if she hadn't succeeded in pushing Lin He into the pond today, the next misfortune would surely be laid at her door. Lin He was already prepared, which was why she remained in the vicinity instead of returning to her own quarters. It was easier to wait here than to have to walk back only to be summoned later.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before a servant announced that the Old Madam and Madam Wen requested her presence. Lin He offered a wry smile, sending Ziyu back to the courtyard while she followed the servant, accompanied by Ziqing, to the Old Madam’s residence.

It was the same main hall as yesterday, once again filled with people. The difference today, however, was that the room was entirely occupied by women, each wearing a distinct expression. Some had darkened faces, some looked as if they had come to watch a good show, and one pair of eyes watched her with concern—it was the Fourth Madam, that soft and graceful woman. Lin He sent a grateful smile in that direction.

Naturally, the ones with dark faces were the group led by Miss Qingmo. Lin He glanced toward Qingmo and chuckled inwardly. The Eldest Miss was quite efficient; in such a short time, she had bathed, changed clothes, lodged her complaint with Madam Wen, and managed to summon everyone to the main hall for a public judgment of Lin He. It seemed she was well-trained.

As soon as Lin He reached the center of the room, the Old Madam sharply called out, "Xuan’s daughter-in-law, come here, kneel."

Lin He frowned. Kneeling again? She truly disliked kneeling, yet in less than a full day in the Wen family, she had been made to kneel multiple times. The previous instances were unavoidable, perhaps even understandable. But kneeling now felt entirely different. Lin He stood before the Old Madam, not immediately complying, but feigning confusion as she asked, "Grandmother, has He’er done something wrong??"

The Old Madam’s sharp gaze swept over Lin He, her voice turning cold. "You don't know what you did wrong? First, as the Second Sister-in-law, you argued with Qingmo in the courtyard, witnessed by servants—where is the Wen family's reputation? Second, as the Second Sister-in-law, you pushed Qingmo into the pond over mere words and still don't know your fault. Kneel!"

"Grandmother, as the elder, I must obey if you command me to kneel without argument. But if the reason for kneeling is these matters, please allow me to speak first. If Grandmother still insists on my kneeling afterward, I will comply." Lin He stared intently at the Old Madam.

"Xuan’s daughter-in-law, don't anger Grandmother. Just kneel down and admit your mistake," the Third Madam interjected from the side.

"Yes, He'er. Grandmother is the head of the family. Even Xuan would have to kneel to speak to her today. Don't be willful; the Wen family has rules," Madam Wen’s voice was gentle and soft. Those who didn't understand might think she was advising her daughter-in-law as a mother, but her words were actually a reprimand for Lin He’s lack of propriety.

Truthfully, the Old Madam had always looked down upon Lin He slightly, thinking that even if Lin He's family was a landlord, they were merely rural gentry. Besides having some money, what good daughter could they raise? But Lin He standing there now, neither subservient nor arrogant, surprised the Old Madam somewhat.

However, the Old Madam was accustomed to being supreme. For years, although she no longer managed the household accounts, all major and minor family affairs required her approval. Uncle Wen was also extremely filial. In essence, the Old Madam held absolute power in the Wen family, and her authority could not be challenged. Lin He’s words today, while not outright defiance, certainly did not demonstrate compliance.

The Old Madam was instantly displeased, yet she conceded, speaking coldly, "Then tell us, what exactly happened today?"

Lin He glanced at everyone present and slowly recounted the events at the lotus pond. Lin He knew that even if she told the truth, it wouldn't matter much; some people in the Wen family weren't concerned with the facts but merely sought an opportunity to berate her. Nevertheless, Lin He certainly could not allow herself to be framed, so she had to clarify what happened.

After Lin He finished speaking, the Third Madam immediately exclaimed, "How is what Xuan’s daughter-in-law says different from what Qingmo said? Whose word should we believe?"

"Ningnuo was also present. Ningnuo, you speak," Madam Wen said, raising her eyelids after remaining silent.

To have Ningnuo speak—she was the architect of the entire situation. Asking her was as good as saying nothing. Indeed, Ningnuo stood up and recounted her version, which was completely different from Lin He’s. However, she omitted everything that happened beforehand, directly stating that Lin He pushed Qingmo into the lotus pond. Lin He pursed her lips, said nothing, and simply stood with her head lowered.

The Old Madam shot another glare at her. "Xuan’s daughter-in-law, do you have anything further to say? Ningnuo was present at the time and surely would not lie. If you have nothing more to say, we will have to apply the Wen family's disciplinary code today."

Hmph. She wouldn't lie, which clearly meant I lied. It seemed futile for her to argue now. But letting Lin He take the blame? Not a chance.

Lin He considered for a moment and said, "Since Miss Ningnuo is so certain that I pushed Qingmo into the lotus pond, must I bear this blame today?" A hint of playful amusement touched Lin He’s lips as she finished speaking.

"Bear the blame? Xuan’s daughter-in-law, are you suggesting you didn't do it?" the Old Madam asked coldly, looking at Lin He.

Before Lin He could answer, Madam Wen spoke again. "He’er, since you say you did not do this, besides yourself and your maid, do you have any other evidence or anyone who can vouch for you? Our Wen family is, after all, a prestigious household; we do not wrongly accuse people arbitrarily. If someone can confirm your story, Grandmother certainly won't blame you."