Wen Ningxuan took the painting from Ziyu and studied it for a long while, saying nothing. Lin He watched him; the man held her painting in one hand while keeping the other partially curled near his mouth, his body trembling slightly. It was obvious he was desperately trying to suppress a burst of laughter.

Lin He shot Ziyu a glare. Ziyu saw Wen Ningxuan’s expression and realized she must have done something wrong again. She quickly offered Lin He a placating smile, bowed to Wen Ningxuan, and hurried out of the room.

Afterward, Ziqing also left. Once they were alone, Wen Ningxuan could no longer hold back and erupted into loud laughter. Lin He sat by the table inside the room, saying nothing, simply staring at Wen Ningxuan with an expression that was half-smile, half-mockery.

Seeing Lin He’s look, Wen Ningxuan immediately checked his laughter. “He’er, you just focus on producing the scented unguent. Leave the rough work, like drawing, to your husband. Come here, tell me exactly what kind of box you envisioned. Your husband awaits your command at any time.”

Lin He considered herself magnanimous and decided not to quarrel with him over the laughter. She walked over to Wen Ningxuan and explained in detail the design she imagined for the container. Wen Ningxuan listened briefly, grasped the general idea, and immediately picked up his brush to sketch on paper. In less than half an hour, a hexagonal box, identical to Lin He’s visualization, appeared on the white Xuan paper.

Even the required carvings were detailed in the drawing. Looking at it, Lin He couldn't help but admit that her own sketches were truly unpresentable—it was no wonder those few people had worn the expressions they did when viewing her work.

Lin He examined the design. The wooden box looked perfect this way. She handed it back to Wen Ningxuan. “Look it over and see if there are any areas needing improvement. If not, have someone take it to Uncle Li to start production. As for when the unguent will be mass-produced and how much, you handle those decisions.”

Wen Ningxuan nodded, stating that for the next few days, he would arrange for Ziyu and Lingxiao to stay at the factory premises. It was always best to have someone watch over the initial output of any new product.

In the subsequent days, Ziyu went to the factory, and Lingxiao joined her there to assist. Wen Ningxuan, meanwhile, became busy again. Apart from the time reserved for eating and sleeping, he spent the majority of every day at the shop.

With Ziyu gone, Lin He and Ziqing felt a little bored. That girl Ziyu loved to talk; she was constantly chattering beside Lin He’s ear, trying to keep her amused. The mistress and maid often gathered together, exchanging jokes and laughter. These past few days without Ziyu, Lin He and Ziqing mostly stayed in the courtyard doing needlework. Life was proceeding as it should, but it was certainly dull.

One day, Ziqing accompanied Lin He in the courtyard, working on their embroidery. As they paused for a rest, Lin He suddenly recalled the events in her courtyard from the other day and spoke up, “Ziqing, have you heard any stirrings from Madam’s side or Miss Ningnuo’s recently? Could it be that this matter is simply finished?”

Honestly, Lin He couldn’t quite figure it out. Since the Old Madam’s passing, there had been no talk of it. Logically, given Madam Wen’s temperament and Ningnuo’s character, if they had conceived such a scheme, once it was exposed, they should surely be planning a countermove.

Even if the Old Madam disagreed with Wen Ningchen and Ningnuo marrying this time, the issue still needed resolution. Was it possible they intended to wait for Father to return before handling it? If Father came back soon, fine. But what if his return was delayed? Would the matter just drag on indefinitely?

Ziqing, standing nearby, replied, “Young Mistress, this matter certainly won’t end just like that. The quieter Madam Wen and the others are now, the more trouble might surface later. Didn't the Old Madam say last time that they would wait for the Master to return before dealing with it? By then, perhaps they will have already devised a plan. Don’t fret; we will know when the time comes.”

What Ziqing said made sense. Lin He truly didn't need to rush. Since the matter didn't directly concern her much, she might as well enjoy a day of peace for every day they remained undisturbed.

However, before Lin He and Ziqing could finish their exchange, Qingyun, Lin He’s dowry maid, arrived with a report: “Young Mistress, Second Madam, Third Madam, and Concubine Luo have arrived; they are waiting for you in the outer courtyard.”

Lin He gave Ziqing a helpless smile. She had just remarked on having a few quiet days, and already someone was intent on disrupting her peace. Lin He set down her embroidery, straightened her attire, and walked toward the outer courtyard with Ziqing and Qingyun.

Upon reaching the courtyard, Lin He saw the group of women and their maids seated around the stone table. Lin He adjusted her mood, plastering a full smile onto her face, then approached and offered the customary courtesies to the women.

The women returned her greetings with polite smiles, even offering a slight support as they helped steady her. Lin He then sat with them at the table and engaged in conversation.

Concubine Luo, sitting to one side, smiled at Lin He and said, “He’er, the weather is lovely today. Your two aunties and I were idle in the courtyard, and when your Third Aunt mentioned that the flowers in your courtyard are blooming beautifully, we decided to come for a look. We aren't disturbing you, are we?”

“What are you saying, Concubine Luo? It is an honor that Concubine and my two aunties would stoop to visit He’er’s courtyard. I couldn't ask for better company; how could it be a disturbance?” Lin He replied with an expression of warm welcome.

“Mm, as long as it’s not a disturbance. I wanted to see the flowers in He’er’s courtyard last time, but alas, the unpleasantness surrounding Chen’er ruined the mood. Since I was free today, I invited Concubine Luo and Third Brother’s wife to come along,” the Second Madam said with equal warmth.

“Ah, it was truly a pity last time. I wasn’t home, so I missed seeing what happened and didn't get to see He’er’s courtyard. This is my first visit today, and truly, He’er’s courtyard is as lovely as you both described,” Concubine Luo remarked, casting her eyes around the courtyard.

“Hehe, the courtyard wasn't always like this. Many things were added by Xuan’er this year, surely all for He’er. Look at the pavilion over there, the small garden, and the houses behind—none of that was here before,” the Third Madam chimed in with a smile.

“Xuan’er always seems distant, yet he dotes on He’er tremendously. He’er is truly blessed—not only to marry such a considerate husband but also to enjoy such favor from the Master. I imagine He’er’s status in the manor will surpass that of Chen’er’s wife soon enough,” Concubine Luo said, her tone dripping with envy.

Lin He had initially listened, expecting Concubine Luo and the others to gossip about Wen Ningchen. But that last sentence seemed aimed directly at her, leaving Lin He unsure of Concubine Luo’s true objective.

Nevertheless, Lin He maintained her composure and smiled softly. “My husband is kind to me; I shamelessly accept that kindness. However, I dare not accept what Concubine says about Father. Father treats every daughter-in-law equally. It’s just that since I arrived recently, Father naturally shows a bit more concern, nothing as severe as what Concubine suggests. Furthermore, no matter how much Father favors us, we are merely his daughters-in-law. It is Concubine, though, whose favor from Father is so pronounced that it makes others envious.”