Lin He was a soft-hearted person too. Despite her strong dislike for Ning Nuo, Ning Nuo hadn't committed any truly heinous acts thus far, save for a few petty maneuvers driven by her affection for Wen Ning Xuan—maneuvers which had, in any case, always failed. Being subjected to such a severe punishment this time should be sufficient.

Lin He knew that Wen Ning Xuan simply intended to make Wen Furen’s family lose a little face. Seeing that the commotion had reached its peak, she leaned in towards Wen Ning Xuan and spoke in an intentionally hushed tone, “Husband, fortunately, this incident caused us no real loss. Let’s leave this matter be. After all, Mother is the mistress of the house; I trust she will investigate thoroughly and ensure such a thing never happens again, don't you agree?”

Although Lin He seemed to be asking Wen Ning Xuan a rhetorical question, her eyes were fixed on Wen Furen. After such an uproar, Wen Furen naturally realized that these two had long seen through her actions. All she wanted now was to usher the couple back home and cease this public embarrassment. Hearing Lin He’s question, she eagerly agreed, “What Xuandi says is right. I will certainly investigate this matter strictly.”

Wen Ning Xuan smiled helplessly at his wife’s softness of heart, but he didn't press the issue further. He merely stated coldly, “Since Mother says so, we will not pursue this matter further this time. However, if anyone dares to try anything again in the future, I will not let them off lightly.”

After speaking, Wen Ning Xuan instructed the maids in the courtyard to escort everyone out. Once they were all gone, Wen Ning Xuan and Lin He returned to the main chamber. Wen Ning Xuan dismissed the servants who were bringing breakfast and, while sitting indoors, playfully flicked Lin He’s forehead with his finger. He laughed, “What are we to do with such a soft heart? They came specifically to seduce your husband this time, and you let them go so easily. If they return and actually succeed in luring me away, don't come crying to me.”

Lin He rubbed her head, pouted, and murmured softly, “You know they came to tempt you. If you simply don't let them seduce you, isn't that the solution? If you are so easily swayed, then no matter how hard I try to steel my heart, I can't stop it. There are so many women in this household; it’s impossible to guard against them all.”

“Oh?” Wen Ning Xuan raised an eyebrow and inquired.

“Nothing. It’s just that seeing Ning Nuo, a young lady, seemed rather pitiable. She’s already been sufficiently mocked early this morning. Besides, her only fault was being fond of you—hardly an unforgivable error. The punishment should have been enough.” Lin He spoke quietly.

Wen Ning Xuan shook his head with exasperation. “You’ve been here so long and still haven’t learned to harden your heart. Do you think anyone will be grateful because you spared them today? They will inevitably hold this against us, no matter what. Right now, they are probably already plotting against us.”

“That’s unlikely at this moment,” Lin He stated with certainty.

“Hm?” Wen Ning Xuan raised an eyebrow.

“They’ll likely be dealing with their internal disputes first, and then figure out how to explain this to Father and Grandmother. Father is away, but Grandmother is here. Moreover, they must expedite matters concerning Ning Nuo and Eldest Brother. We, however, can enjoy a period of leisurely peace.” Lin He smiled.

Seeing her happy expression, Wen Ning Xuan smiled too, pinching her delicate cheek. “Indeed, seize this time of leisure while you can. When that whole faction of women unites to deal with you later, you’ll need the energy for the fight.”

Yes, once Ning Nuo married in, the women of that whole faction would surely gang up against her. A whole group of women, none of whom were simpletons. If they pooled their talents, they would indeed be difficult to handle. But honestly, which woman in the Wen family was easy to deal with?

Not to mention others, take that Third Madam. She always appeared carefree, concerned only with dressing up and spending money, and seemingly on excellent terms with Wen Furen. Yet, the things she said today, though seemingly casual, left Lin He utterly bewildered as to her true intentions.

The Second Madam was even less subtle—gloating over misfortune, blowing minor issues out of proportion, seemingly wishing for chaos. Normally, she dared not openly confront Wen Furen, but today, at the first opportunity, she found endless ways to deliver veiled sarcasm.

Seeing the troubled look on Lin He’s face, Wen Ning Xuan laughed, pulled her onto his lap, and said, “What’s wrong? Fear setting in now? If you know what’s good for you, you must listen to your husband and stop being so kind-hearted to others in the future.”

Lin He didn’t answer, rolling her eyes at him. She stretched languidly and looked out the window, only then realizing the sun was already streaming into the room. She quickly urged Wen Ning Xuan, “It’s getting late. Why aren’t you going to the shop today?”

“Not going today. Taking a day off at home. I’ll have Ling Xiao watch the shop for me later.” He then whispered conspiratorially in Lin He’s ear, “I was completely exhausted by my dear He’er last night. Today, I’m being punished to stay home and keep you company. Is there anything you’d like to do?”

Hearing him mention last night, Lin He’s face instantly flushed crimson up to her neck. She glared at him playfully, “I don’t want to do anything in particular. After we finish breakfast, I still have to pay respects to Grandmother. It will be late by the time we return. If you aren't going to the shop, you should go rest in the room now.”

“No need to pay respects today. I guarantee someone will notify you shortly that you don’t have to go,” Wen Ning Xuan said with absolute certainty.

Lin He didn't entirely believe Wen Ning Xuan could be that prescient, raising an eyebrow skeptically. Wen Ning Xuan remained silent, holding her close and chuckling softly.

Sure enough, moments later, Zi Qing and Zi Yu entered carrying breakfast, setting out the tableware for them. Zi Yu then announced, “Young Mistress, a messenger just arrived from Old Madam’s residence, informing everyone that there is no need to report for morning greetings these few days.”

As Zi Yu finished speaking, Wen Ning Xuan looked up at Lin He and deliberately raised his eyebrows smugly. Lin He looked at him, genuinely surprised. Wen Ning Xuan smiled gently, “Silly girl. Your mind is usually so sharp; how can you not grasp something this simple? With such a major incident happening in the household today, do you really think no one informed Grandmother? I told you long ago, if they wish to know something, nothing can be kept from them. Otherwise, how do you think one manages such a large family?”

Lin He knew this to be true. However, she hadn't expected the news to travel this fast. It was merely the blink of an eye; even relaying the entire sequence of events should take time. What person could move with such speed?

Seeing her puzzled expression, Wen Ning Xuan smiled and said, “Alright, stop thinking about these things. Think about what you want to do today. If you feel rested, shall I take you out for a walk? If you don't want to go out, we can pack your things and you can go stay with your mother for a few days. We didn't plan to return so soon anyway, and your parents must be worried.”