This was hardly surprising; perhaps they had come to town on an errand. Considering the unpleasantness between Yunqi’s mother and one's own mother last time, it made sense they wouldn't feel comfortable entering the house directly.

However, the girl they purchased was certainly cause for deep thought. Though Wen Ningxuan didn't say it outright, his meaning was perfectly clear.

Yunqi had been diagnosed as unable to conceive just a couple of days ago, precisely when one's own family was discussing taking a concubine. At this juncture, Yunqi’s mother and Yunqi buying such a beautiful maidservant was quite obvious: they intended for this girl to become Da Bao’s concubine, someone Yunqi and her mother could control in the future.

While such arrangements were utterly commonplace in grand households, for Yunqi’s mother to orchestrate this within one's own family felt overly calculating.

Wen Ningxuan watched Lin He without speaking, drawing her into his embrace. He murmured, “Don’t worry too much about your sister-in-law’s situation. I’m telling you this not because I’m completely certain, but just to give you an opportunity to mention it to your elder brother. It’s always better to be cautious about some matters. Your family was originally so simple, living in such harmony. Don’t let these things cause unhappiness among you all.”

“I still say the same thing: the core of this matter isn't difficult to manage; it entirely depends on Da Bao’s attitude. If Da Bao can handle these things, it doesn't matter if he takes a few concubines. As long as someone in the house can keep things in check, it won't descend into chaos.”

Lin He nodded silently, saying nothing more. Thinking about it now made her head ache. Since they had grown up and married, family affairs seemed to grow perpetually more complicated.

At that moment, Lin He deeply missed the time spent together as a family when she was younger. Although their circumstances weren't as comfortable then, the whole family was happy, and there were no major worries—unlike now, where troubles seemed to arrive one after another.

Lost in thought, Lin He nestled into Wen Ningxuan’s chest and casually asked, “Ningxuan, do you ever miss the time when we were children?”

“I don't,” Wen Ningxuan replied curtly.

Lin He instantly realized her mistake. Wen Ningxuan’s childhood had not been a happy one; he certainly wouldn't reminisce, and perhaps her question had dredged up painful memories. Lin He lifted her head from his embrace and managed an embarrassed smile.

As if sensing her thoughts, Wen Ningxuan gently kissed her forehead. He chuckled softly, “Ha, it’s fine. More than I miss the past, I cherish the present. Having you by my side now means this is the best time of my entire life.”

Lin He looked up at Wen Ningxuan. Her face bloomed with a smile. He rarely spoke flowery words, but the occasional sincere truth always moved her profoundly.

Lin He burrowed her head into the hollow of his shoulder and replied, “Me too. I am very content with everything right now. When I mentioned missing childhood, I meant that carefree state of mind.”

“Mm. I understand. Everyone feels that way when they grow up. He'er, don't dwell on it too much. If there are things you don't want to think about, let me handle them. Any burden, I will carry for you. You just need to be my little wife.” Wen Ningxuan spoke softly.

Lin He nodded and leaned into his embrace. After a long silence, they held each other quietly for a while. Lin He recalled the events in the main room earlier and asked, “What did Grandmother mean by that last question she asked you today?”

“What do you think, He’er?”

“I can’t quite read Grandmother. On the surface, she seemed to be asking casually, but knowing her, and considering how doting she is on Elder Brother, I believe she was testing you. She wanted to know your stance toward Elder Brother—specifically, whether you have any designs on the position of head of the household. Am I right?” Lin He analyzed clearly.

“Mm, my wife is very clever. Grandmother likely was testing me as you said. But for me, it was also an opportunity to distance myself. If Mother hadn't involved me in her recent actions, whatever Elder Brother did would have nothing to do with me. I would never concern myself with who manages the Wen family in the future.”

“The only reason I still help manage some of the family shops is for Father’s sake. He’s old, and his health has declined these past few years, yet he doesn't have many truly capable people under him. Just look at the family: needless to say, Elder Brother is not the material for managing an estate. Second Uncle is capable, but his selfishness is too pronounced, and we will separate the family eventually, so Father can’t hand everything over to him. As for Third and Fourth Uncles, forget about them. Fifth Uncle simply has no interest in these matters.”

“There is also Xunhao, who is certainly capable, but his status makes him difficult for the family to accept, and Madam Luo doesn't seem like a benevolent person, so Father doesn't trust him with the entire household. Mo’er is still too young, and he has no interest in business. As for everyone else in the family, they are simply unable to lend any real help.”

“He'er, give me some more time. When Father finds suitable people to take over everything, I will have more time to spend with you. By then, I won’t want anything in the household; we can go live our own lives. Didn't you once tell me your greatest wish was to wander about with a pack on your back, to see places you hadn't been? I’ll accompany you then, though by that time, I might have nothing, and I’ll have to rely on you to support me.” Wen Ningxuan finished, lightly biting his lip with a look of mock grievance.

Lin He looked at Wen Ningxuan. Amidst the emotion, his aggrieved expression struck her as genuinely amusing. After giggling into his chest, she said, “Second Young Master, whether it's now or the future, you are the one who will support me. I am just a married woman; naturally, I won't manage anything after marriage. I have no intention of managing the ointment rooms or the doll shops anymore; I’m handing it all over to you. All the ledgers and accounts are yours to examine. I will just take the household allowance my husband gives me.” Lin He finished, playfully winking at Wen Ningxuan.

Wen Ningxuan watched her mischievous look and chuckled deeply, whispering in her ear, “Yes, then my little wife won't need to worry about anything anymore. All the bothersome things will be handled by your husband. You just sit at home and count the money.”

Lin He quickly nodded, smiling. “Do you know, my biggest wish before was to do no work every day, yet always have endless money. It looks like my dream is about to come true.”

“Your biggest wish is that simple?” Wen Ningxuan arched an eyebrow.

That simple? Lin He added mentally, In my previous life, this was an incredibly difficult thing to achieve.

“Mm, simple. Isn’t that what you have now? And besides that, you have a good husband.”

“How is my husband good? I haven’t seen it,” Lin He replied, shaking her head playfully in his arms and laughing.

“Haven’t seen it? Then let me show you properly.” Wen Ningxuan frowned slightly, then pulled the covers over their heads, pressing his body down upon the person nestled in his arms.

Moments later, the only sounds audible in the room were the man’s low groans and the woman’s soft moans...