What Ninguo hadn't foreseen was that her excitement had betrayed every calculating glance on her face, all falling into Wen Ningxuan's eyes.

This potion truly was potent—if administered to an ordinary person today, they might have completely lost their mind by now. And with a woman nearby, one could barely contain themselves much longer.

But as a martial artist, Wen Ningxuan knew how to seal his meridians to prevent the drug from spreading through his body. He'd isolated its effects to just one area of his body. Though he still felt excruciating pain, at least his rationality remained intact.

Observing Ninguo's demeanor, Wen Ningxuan immediately surmised she was involved in lacing him with this potion. Otherwise why would a well-behaved woman suddenly emerge from the east courtyard? Since this shameless woman had stooped to such depths, he resolved to let her have what she deserved.

As Wen Ningxuan and Ninguo entered his courtyard, Ling Xiao was already waiting there. Noticing his master's unusual pallor, the attendant immediately guided him into the main hall while instructing others to seat Nigu in a guest room. Wen Ningxuan told her to wait there as he spoke, his eyes flashing with something dangerous.

Though Ninguo knew why she'd come, the girl was still a blossoming maiden who had never done this before. Seeing Wen Ningxuan's expression filled her face with bashful embarrassment, and all other thoughts vanished from her mind.

After speaking, Wen Ningxuan went into the main hall with Ling Xiao, giving instructions: "I've been drugged and urgently need my young mistress to prepare an antidote. Go serve Ninguo a cup of tea first - add something special to it. Then quickly find some man on the street for her to entertain. After that, rush to Lin's residence and bring the young mistress back here immediately."

Ling Xiao instantly understood Wen Ningxuan had been poisoned by someone in his household—though he mistakenly suspected Ninguo. A chill ran through him as he prepared an ample dose of aphrodisiac into Nigu's tea. These drugs were Ling Xiang's specialty, and such concoctions always came with their attendants.

As Lin He listened to Wen Ningxuan recount events, she gradually understood what had transpired. When Wen Ningxuan suggested joining the commotion below, Lin He immediately grasped his meaning and hurriedly got dressed to investigate further.

Wen Ningxuzi carefully helped Lin He into her clothes before assisting her off the bed. Her legs trembled so badly she nearly collapsed—thinking back to last night's relentless activities, Lin He shot him a blushing glare while Wen Ningxuan awkwardly laughed, "Huo can't blame me entirely. I didn't mean for it to happen. Since you're still wobbly, let husband carry you down."

Lin He glanced at him coldly and slowly descended herself, carefully testing her balance though her body ached. If she really had been carried downstairs like that, Ling Xiao would immediately know what happened last night. Worse yet, Zi Yu hadn't come up to the room yet—evidently she was already aware of events and wouldn't want Lin He making another spectacle.

Knowing his wife's delicate sensibilities, Wen Ningxuan didn't insist on carrying her but instead slipped an arm around her waist as they descended. As they reached ground level, Zi Yu could be seen entering with several bundles in her arms. Seeing Lin He, the maid hurried forward, "Young mistress, are you and the master unharmed? I worried all night and returned at dawn."

"No problem," Lin He replied softly, "You didn't tell my parents anything while we were gone, right? Otherwise they'd be worried too."

"No," Zi Yu answered, "I only said there was an emergency from the Wen household requiring our return immediately. Told them not to worry about us."

Wen Ningxuan noticing Zi Yu's arrival whispered into Lin He's ear, "I'll go to my study first. When others come later, I'll emerge." Then he turned toward the study.

Lin He nodded at Zi Yu and was just about to send her away with the bundles when Elder Girl Xiangyun led a large group into the courtyard. After bowing respectfully, she announced, "Young mistress, madam says there's something important to discuss."

Lin He inwardly smiled coldly—finally they arrived, and rather early too. Glancing at the crowd by the entrance, nearly every woman in the household had gathered here except for the dowager lady and Madam Luo. Too bad Madam Luo wasn't present today.

Maintaining her composure, Lin He led Zi Yu to greet them and smiled, "Mother, what brings you all here so early? Why didn't you send word ahead so we could prepare breakfast together?"

Madam Wen's eyes brightened slightly upon seeing Zi Yu carrying the bundles behind Lin He. She answered gently, "Nothing serious—I just heard from some maids about those beautiful flowers in your garden and finally had time to visit today. The morning blooms are most exquisite at this hour. Originally Lord Wen wanted to come too, but business arose with his shop yesterday night forcing him out."

"The previous day you said returning to your parents' home—since you probably hadn't returned yet, I thought it harmless as there were already maids here. We just wanted to enjoy the flowers."

Third Madam Wen chuckled at Zi Yu's bundles and added, "Huo, how convenient that you've just returned! With you here our flower appreciation will be more enjoyable since we don't know much about these blossoms."

Lin He smiled along with their misunderstanding and replied, "Madame is too kind. These are merely common flowers in my garden. Since all of you have deigned to visit, let's first go into the house. It must be early for breakfast—have your maids prepare something while I direct the staff."

"Actually Huo," Madam Wen continued gently as they moved deeper into the courtyard, "this is our first time visiting your room since your wedding. Let us tour around first."

Lin He didn't object and sent Zi Yu to oversee the morning meal preparations before leading everyone through the garden. After a few steps, Madam Wen asked in feigned concern, "I don't see Xuan here yet. Normally he begins his martial arts training at dawn hours—doesn't he know Huo has returned?"

Lin He was about to respond when faint noises came from one of the side rooms near the courtyard. The group turned surprised eyes toward her just as Lin He feigned puzzlement and glanced toward the room before casually saying, "That must be a maid fetching something in there. Nothing to concern ourselves with—let's continue our flower appreciation tour."

"Weren't these all guest chambers?" Madam Wen continued with false warmth, "What would need to be fetched so early? The maids wouldn't be disturbing anything at this hour... Unless someone has been sneaking into your rooms while you and Xuan were away."