"Yes, Eldest Sister-in-law, this is simply unacceptable. Why haven't Ningchen and Yuzhen arrived? We are discussing their affairs, yet they themselves are absent. We must know their thoughts. You know Yuzhen's temperament; what if she objects and causes a scene? Who will bear the consequences then?" The Second Madam chimed in, supporting the Third Madam.

"Exactly. Yuzhen already caused such a ruckus this morning in Xuan'er’s courtyard. Who knows what kind of chaos she'll stir up now," the Third Madam added.

Lin He, being the junior, felt this matter was hardly for her to voice an opinion on. Even if she were encouraged to speak, she wouldn't know what to say. It was clear that Concubine Luo, the Third Madam, and the Second Madam were deliberately using this issue as fodder for gossip to undermine Madam Wen's authority, rather than truly opposing the matter outright.

Furthermore, it appeared the Old Madam had agreed initially. Logically, today’s gathering should just be a formality; even if they objected now, they couldn't overturn the decision. Moreover, this issue wouldn't significantly impact the other members of the household. On the surface, opposing it offered no advantage. However, Lin He couldn't fully grasp the true implications because the minds of women are difficult to fathom, especially this particular group of women.

It was evident that Madam Wen, in managing the household, must have made enemies. At least since Lin He arrived at the Wen residence, she could see that the women in the room held varying degrees of dissatisfaction toward Madam Wen.

Concubine Luo, in particular, displayed a palpable resentment toward Madam Wen that was obvious to everyone. She spared no effort in needling Madam Wen, openly and subtly, daring to say anything that came to mind.

Now that they finally had leverage against Madam Wen, these women naturally wouldn't let it go easily; they would, at the very least, make it a topic of ridicule for days. Yet, from Lin He’s understanding of Madam Wen, since she managed to persuade the Old Madam, she must have already anticipated the reactions of these women.

Indeed, as soon as the Third Madam finished speaking, Madam Wen rose from her chair, cast a sharp glance across the room, and stated coldly, "My Mother and I have already decided this matter today. I will handle the remaining affairs, and I will certainly explain it to the Master. I called everyone here today only to inform you of the decision; I was not soliciting your opinions. You need not concern yourselves too much."

"Oh, how fortunate it is to be the Madam's son! With such a capable mother, even the gravest mistakes can be covered up. To commit such an outrageous act and still be allowed to marry a co-wife! If my Hao'er had done something like this, he might have been whipped to death with rattan sticks by now. Hao'er, your mother has wronged you. If there is a next life, remember to be born as the Madam's son," Concubine Luo dramatically dabbed at her non-existent tears with a silk kerchief before addressing Wen Xunhao behind her.

Wen Xunhao said little, merely smiling at Concubine Luo and replying, "Mother, don't worry. I would never commit such an act."

Wen Xunhao's remark surprised Lin He. She hadn't interacted much with this man, only meeting him once during the tea ceremony. Her previous impression of Wen Xunhao was of someone exceedingly refined and scholarly. She hadn't expected his words to be so barbed. While seemingly compliant with his mother’s statement, his words actually carried a hidden mockery of Wen Ningchen's actions.

As Lin He glanced over, she caught Wen Ningxuan watching her with an amused smile, as if to say, Little girl, you still have so much to learn. Lin He quickly averted her gaze, ignoring him.

However, when Lin He looked back towards Concubine Luo, she was no longer surprised. Given that Concubine Luo was such a formidable character, it was expected that any child she raised would be no pushover.

The words of Concubine Luo and her son darkened Madam Wen’s expression considerably. Normally, Madam Wen would have immediately reprimanded them. But what they said was undeniably true; it was her own son’s failing, and she had to endure this humiliation.

The Old Madam remained silent but cast a look of censure toward Madam Wen. After all, the saying goes that a father is responsible for his son’s upbringing. Since the man of the house spent most of his time working outside, raising the children was primarily the woman's duty. Wen Ningchen’s current transgression naturally fell under Madam Wen’s responsibility.

Not receiving a response from the Old Madam or Madam Wen, Concubine Luo continued, "Hao'er, even if you committed such an offense in the future, it wouldn't matter. At worst, you’d just marry another wife. Although you are not as favored by your grandmother and father as Chen'er, you are still a descendant of the Wen family. Even if you are not the legitimate heir, the Wen family rules apply equally to all descendants. Look at Chen'er; despite his actions, he received no punishment whatsoever. You, at most, would face a penalty under family law."

"Indeed, Concubine Luo speaks with great wisdom. You all should take note," the Second Madam added, speaking to the two sons behind her.

Lin He finally understood. It seemed this matter wouldn't allow Madam Wen to have her way so easily today. The initial mockery was merely the warm-up; now the main confrontation was beginning. These women were truly formidable.

Yet, Lin He couldn't help but admire Concubine Luo’s skill in phrasing her words. Through such intricate, winding sentences, her objective was simply to ensure Wen Ningchen received some lesson. In fact, Concubine Luo had already plainly stated that any descendant of the Wen family committing such an offense must face family discipline; otherwise, if all the younger generations followed suit, chaos would ensue.

Concubine Luo appeared to be a straightforward person, saying what was on her mind without reservation. Among the assembled family members, she seemed gentle and kind to everyone except Madam Wen.

Even if she seemed openly antagonistic toward Madam Wen, it was somewhat excusable. After all, no concubine truly likes the principal wife. Concubine Luo's behavior, instead, made her seem refreshingly genuine.

Lin He herself had initially felt Concubine Luo was easier to deal with than Madam Wen. However, through her recent observations, Lin He suspected Concubine Luo was far more complex than she appeared; her ambitions and motives were certainly not simple.

Lin He noticed that whenever Concubine Luo targeted Madam Wen, it was never over petty jealousy or unreasonable squabbling. She would criticize Madam Wen for unfair household management, her son’s misbehavior, or speak up for others seeking justice, giving the impression that she was scrupulously fair, never attacking someone over personal grudges.

In this current situation, even if Wen Ningchen were disciplined, it offered Concubine Luo no tangible benefit. Yet, she insisted on escalating the issue.

While Lin He often couldn't decipher the motives behind Concubine Luo's actions, she understood this one clearly. If everyone kept silent now and allowed Madam Wen to marry Ning Nuo to Wen Ningchen as a co-wife, the discussion by the next day would shift entirely to the wedding preparations. The reason for the celebration would likely be forgotten by then. Once Master Wen returned, time would have blurred the memory, and any complaint would be futile—at most, a few scoldings, and the matter would simply pass.