A smile touched Lin He’s lips, halting her movement to turn away. As he approached, she murmured softly, "You're back early today; I haven't even had a chance to cook yet."

Wen Ningxuan had spotted his little wife waiting at the courtyard gate from far off, so he quickened his pace toward her. He took her hand, his eyes twinkling with playful mischief as he said, "He'er, are you waiting by the entrance for your husband today? Already missing me so soon?"

Glancing at Ziyu and Ling Xiao standing beside her, Lin He’s cheeks flushed slightly as she shot him a quick look, whispering, "You only left this morning. What is there to miss so much? If I worried about you this constantly every day, how would I ever get anything done? I might as well just follow you around everywhere." With that, she tried to pull her hand free.

However, Wen Ningxuan refused to let go, gripping her hand tightly. His gaze flickered toward Ling Xiao and Ziyu behind him. Seeing this, Ling Xiao quickly found an excuse and excused himself, moving a few steps ahead. Hearing no footsteps following, he looked back and was astonished to see that Ziyu, that little maid, was still standing behind Lin He like a wooden post.

Ling Xiao’s mouth twitched. How can this girl be so oblivious to social cues? he thought. The young master clearly wants them gone so he can have time alone with the young mistress. Yet this girl just stands there, rigid as lumber, not taking the hint. No wonder she’s often punished by the young master. It’s his own fault, though; the girl is truly too dense.

Ziyu, having been with Lin He for a long time, was never excluded from many of her affairs. Moreover, whenever the young mistress and young master were together, Ziyu often attended them closely, having witnessed countless things. This was merely a bit of playful teasing; Ziyu didn't feel she was in the way.

Ling Xiao shot Ziyu another look. Seeing she remained motionless, he walked a few steps back toward her without a word, grabbed Ziyu’s arm, and began dragging her forward. Ziyu was startled, and once she registered what was happening, her mouth erupted in a torrent of scolding, though her feet did follow Ling Xiao’s pace forward.

After Ling Xiao and Ziyu had retreated into the main courtyard, Lin He couldn't help but shake her head, saying, "Second Young Master, tell your subordinates to be gentler. If you scare Ziyu away, don't come crying to me later."

"Heh heh, He'er, I think you need to discipline your maid better," Wen Ningxuan retorted, tapping his own head as he pointed at her. "If the master is slow-witted, the maid is certainly exceptionally dull."

"Wen Ningxuan, who are you calling dull?" Lin He retorted, giving him an annoyed look. "Besides, don't forget whose maid she was originally. If you're going to claim the master is dull, it reflects poorly on her previous master."

Then, Lin He added indignantly, "If I hear anyone call my maid clumsy again, I won't easily let any man under your command marry her in the future. I'll make his master beg for my approval, or else I’ll ensure he remains single for life!"

Lin He turned and walked into the courtyard without looking at Wen Ningxuan. Wen Ningxuan let out a soft laugh and quickly followed, pleading quietly, "Alright, alright, my lady, don't be angry. I’m the dull one. I won't dare mention you or your maid again. Forgive your husband this once, alright?"

Lin He looked at Wen Ningxuan and smiled slyly before walking ahead. Wen Ningxuan smiled helplessly, wondering when he had sunk to this state. When had he ever apologized to anyone before? Now, apologizing had become routine in front of this little woman. He even had to apologize for mentioning her maid. Truly, the world is unpredictable.

The following stretch of time turned out to be the happiest period Lin He had ever known in the Wen family residence. Old Master Wen remained away on business, and the Old Madam had retreated to a temple seeking tranquility. As for Madam Wen, likely preoccupied with the troubles surrounding Wen Ningchen, she hadn't been seen either. The few other women in the compound hadn't visited Lin He’s courtyard since their single prior appearance.

Since she didn't have to pay respects daily, there was no need to wake up extraordinarily early. Sometimes, if Wen Ningxuan’s shop business was light, Lin He could sleep naturally until she woke, and they would rise together. Other times, if Wen Ningxuan woke early, he wouldn’t disturb her, and she would continue sleeping until she woke for breakfast.

Afterward, if the weather was fair, they would stroll in the courtyard, tending to the flowerbeds. Then came noon, waiting for Wen Ningxuan to return for lunch, followed by an afternoon nap in the upstairs building. In the afternoon, she would do embroidery there, chatting with Ziqing and Ziyu. By the time Wen Ningxuan came home in the evening, they would playfully spar, share stories, and be affectionate; the day would pass quickly.

In her past life, Lin He had always dreamed of a life like this: a home, security, and a man who loved her by her side. Sadly, she never had such fortune. Since arriving in this world, she had been constantly busy even at her maiden home, rarely experiencing such ease. Unexpectedly, it was after marriage that she found this kind of life. Lin He felt wonderful. Though this lifestyle seemed somewhat decadent, if it could continue daily, she would gladly accept the corruption.

However, such good days never lasted long. Lin He enjoyed this happiness for nearly twenty days. On this particular day, Wen Ningxuan returned from the shop unusually early. Upon arriving home, he wasn't his usual cheerful self; instead, his expression was slightly serious as he instructed Lin He, "He'er, Father and Grandmother have returned. We must dine in the main house tonight. We need to get there a little early."

Lin He felt puzzled. She had remained in her courtyard all day and hadn't gone out, nor had she heard any of the maids mention the return of the Old Madam or Old Master Wen. How did Wen Ningxuan know this while at his shop? Wen Ningxuan seemed to sense her confusion. "Father returned this morning and made a stop at the jewelry shop. This afternoon, he brought Grandmother back with him. They just arrived with me, so everyone here must have only learned the news moments ago."

"Oh? Why did Father go to your shop when he returned? Did he say anything to you?" Lin He asked, growing more perplexed.

"He said nothing much, just inquired about Eldest Brother's matters."

"I see. Then when are we going? Should we leave now?" Lin He asked no further, realizing it must concern Wen Ningchen.

"There’s no need to rush. It’s around our usual dinner time. Since it’s still early, let’s rest for a while, and we can go after we eat tonight. We might not be back until very late tonight," Wen Ningxuan said quietly.

Lin He nodded, understanding his meaning. When the entire Wen family gathered for a meal, it was usually for New Year’s, festivals, or on a fixed monthly date. Summoning everyone tonight likely meant it was about Wen Ningchen. A decision would surely have to be made tonight.

Thinking this, Lin He asked, "Ningxuan, what do you think Father will do to punish Eldest Brother? Do you think Father will agree to let Eldest Brother take Ningnuo as a co-wife?"

Wen Ningxuan looked at Lin He, blinking her eyes in confusion while sitting by the chair. He smiled, walked over, and pulled her toward the bed, tapping her forehead. "Don't worry your head about these things. When we go tonight, don't speak carelessly. Just sit there quietly and listen."

"If you don't let me speak, then why should I go? I don't enjoy watching drama," Lin He mumbled softly as she lay down on the bed.

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