Seeing Lin He’s surprised expression, Wen Ningxuan smiled and drew her into his embrace, saying, "Silly girl, do you know what the custom is for the huimen (returning home) day regarding when one should come back?"

"What is it?" Lin He truly didn't know.

"Specifically, it means returning before sunset that day, which is said to make it easier to have a son. Since we don't care about such things, why rush? If you like it here, just stay a few more days at your parents' house, and I will come to fetch you in a couple of days," Wen Ningxuan said with a light laugh.

"Oh, so that's how it is. It’s all that maid Ziyu’s fault; she didn't explain clearly, which made me lose sleep all night. Since that's the case, I'll just catch a little more sleep. Husband, please wake me up when it’s time for breakfast," Lin He murmured, pulling the covers back over herself to lie down again after hearing Wen Ningxuan’s words.

It wasn't even fifteen minutes after Lin He spoke before she was fast asleep on Wen Ningxuan’s arm. Listening to the even rhythm of her breathing beside him, the tenderness in Wen Ningxuan’s eyes seemed ready to spill over like water. He pecked her lips lightly before rising on his own.

Lin He slept exceptionally well. When it was time for the meal, Wen Ningxuan came to wake her. Normally, seeing her sleeping so soundly, he would never have the heart to disturb her, but since they had to return home today, he knew this little woman would blame him if they missed the timing.

After eating, the two boarded the carriage to return to her maternal home. Lin He recalled that when her elder sister-in-law, Yun Qi, made her huimen visit, the family had only brought a few things back by carriage. But this time, for her own return visit, besides the carriage carrying her, Wen Ningxuan, and their maids, several other carriages followed behind. The procession was truly grand. Lin He couldn't even keep track of everything they carried—mostly things like golden pigs, pastries, and firecrackers.

After riding for half an hour, Lin He saw that they were nearing the entrance of her family's courtyard. Peeking through the carriage curtain from afar, Lin He noticed all the family members waiting by the gate. It looked like they had been waiting for a while; likely, ever since the notification came two days ago that she would be returning today, her family hadn't known a moment's peace.

The carriage finally stopped at the courtyard entrance. Ziyu and Ziqing leaped down early to salute the people in the courtyard, followed by Wen Ningxuan carefully carrying Lin He down. Huang Shi and Chen'er immediately rushed forward, and the courtyard instantly became lively with continuous calls of "He'er," and "Big Sister." Lin He was swept inside before she could even clearly see everyone in the yard.

Lin He glanced back, seeing her father and elder brother walking behind, accompanying Wen Ningxuan and engaged in conversation. Noticing Lin He turn back, Wen Ningxuan offered her a faint smile, and Lin He smiled back at him.

This small gesture of Lin He’s was observed by Huang Shi standing nearby. Huang Shi smiled and nodded; it seemed Ningxuan treated their He'er well. Seeing the devoted affection between the couple, even this brief moment of parting was thick with inseparable tenderness.

Because it was Lin He’s huimen day, the custom required the maternal family to host a banquet, so all of Lin He’s relatives had gathered, including Hong Xia and Hong Yun who had returned from the town, noting that the pigment workshop happened to be closed for a few days. Zhao Shi and her husband, as well as the entire He family, were also present.

The men went off to entertain the guests, while the women helped prepare the banquet. When they reached the inner room, only Chen'er, Huang Shi, and Yun Qi followed in. As soon as Lin He stepped inside, Huang Shi examined her from head to toe, remarking, "My He'er seems a bit thinner. Have you not been adjusting well since arriving at Ningxuan's home?"

"Yes, Big Sister, Mother has been saying she can’t sleep lately, worrying that you might be bullied at the Wen family’s home. Big Sister, is anyone bullying you there? Why haven't you returned for so long? I thought you would be back for your huimen much sooner," Chen'er also looked at Lin He and spoke up.

"Chen'er, what nonsense are you spouting? It would be awkward if your brother-in-law heard you," Huang Shi glanced at Chen'er.

"But Brother-in-law isn't here, that’s why I’m saying it," Chen'er pouted.

Lin He patted Chen'er’s head, then pulled Huang Shi and Yun Qi to sit on the small sofa in her courtyard. "No, everyone at the Wen family has been very good to me, and Ningxuan dotes on me. Don't worry. I have my own courtyard there, and while I was a bit unaccustomed at first, I’ve gotten used to it over this time. I actually think I’ve gained some weight; why are you all saying I’ve lost weight?"

"Well, as long as the Wen family treats you well, that's good. I can see Ningxuan cherishes you too. As long as you two young ones are happy, Mother is relieved. Finally, I don't have to worry about you constantly anymore," Huang Shi said to Lin He with a beaming smile.

"Yes, He'er, Mother has often spoken of you these past few days. Why has your huimen been delayed so long? We've been worried about you these last few days, thinking you would return sooner," Yun Qi added with a gentle smile.

"Well, things were a bit busy at home recently. Later, Grandmother and Father said the current dates weren't ideal, and today’s date was better, so that's why I only returned today," Lin He explained softly.

"Mmm. Then you chat with your sister-in-law and the others first. I'll go out and see how the banquet arrangements in the courtyard are progressing. You are rushing back tonight, right?" Huang Shi started to leave.

"Mother, there's no need to rush. Ningxuan said I could stay at my parents' home for a few days, and he will come to get me later. Though he might have to return this afternoon," Lin He replied quietly.

"Staying here tonight? Won't the Wen family say anything? Perhaps you should go back today after all. We also plan to stay in town for a while in a couple of days, and you can stay with me there for a few days then," Huang Shi sounded slightly disapproving.

"It’s fine, Mother. Ningxuan explicitly said I could stay here for a few days. It’s been a month since I married, and I miss you all too," Lin He comforted Huang Shi.

"Yes, Mother, let Big Sister stay for a few days. Big Sister has finally returned, and I have so many things to tell her," Chen'er pleaded with Huang Shi.

Huang Shi looked helplessly at her two daughters. "Do you think your mother doesn't want your Big Sister to stay home? This is about custom, and it wouldn't be good if the Wen family brought it up because of this. Be good. We are going to town in two days anyway, and then your Big Sister can spend more time with you. Let your Big Sister go back today first; don't make things difficult for her."

Lin He knew Huang Shi was acting out of concern for her, and it probably was indeed a little against custom. So she said, "Alright, Mother. I will return today, then. In a couple of days, when you go to the residence in town, I will come over and spend a few good days with Chen'er then."

Only then did Huang Shi nod with relief and walk out of the room. Once Huang Shi left, Chen'er immediately began chattering animatedly with Lin He, telling her about what she had done at home this month and how Mother had been nagging about certain things. Lin He listened to the girl recount the household affairs with a smile.