The meal concluded, and now it was time for serious matters. Lin He clearly noticed that during dinner, most people in the hall had appeared listless, but as soon as the meal was over and they headed toward the main house, everyone's spirits lifted considerably, as if their sole purpose for being there today was waiting for this moment.

Inside the main house, everyone resumed their usual seats. The positions each person occupied seemed fixed from the moment they first arrived at the Wen household. Lin He wondered if that seat belonged to that person forever, unless that person passed away.

Once everyone was seated, Old Master Wen spoke: "Due to some matters with the shops, I had to travel briefly. I hear quite a few things have transpired within the family during this time. Is there anyone who can step forward and tell me exactly what has happened, or perhaps suggest how these matters should be dealt with?"

Evidently, Old Master Wen’s question was merely an opening remark for the evening's discussion. Everyone present likely understood what kind of response he truly sought, but surely no one was foolish enough to volunteer themselves for a reprimand at this juncture.

After asking, Old Master Wen scanned the room. No one spoke. Just as Lin He thought no one would break the silence, someone opposite spoke up: "Eldest Brother, why must you always beat around the bush? You already know what's happening in the family. You called us here today precisely for this issue. Get to the point quickly, or I fear we won't resolve this matter before dawn, and I have things to attend to tomorrow." Without even looking, the person speaking so bluntly and boldly could only be the Fifth Master of the Wen family, Wen Shixiang.

As soon as Wen Shixiang finished speaking, Old Master Wen, whose expression had been relatively calm, darkened instantly. He shot Wen Shixiang a fierce glare, then stated, "Fifth Brother, then you speak. Since you know what has occurred in the family, how do you suggest we deal with it?"

Everyone in the room turned their gaze towards Wen Shixiang. He, however, was entirely unfazed by Elder Wen’s severe tone. A slight smirk played on his lips as he spoke, feigning grievance: "Eldest Brother, what am I supposed to say? It wasn't I who was caught in the act, nor was I the one catching anyone. I only heard about it after the fact. If you want answers, look over there—ah, your most beloved daughter-in-law is also involved." Wen Shixiang said, gesturing towards several women seated, finally pointing his finger directly at Lin He.

Wen Shixiang's words caused everyone’s eyes to shift back to Lin He. Lin He immediately wanted to grab that damned Fifth Uncle and give him a good thrashing. This affair clearly had nothing to do with her, yet he insisted on dragging her into it. Now everyone was looking at her; Lin He was neither the one caught nor the one doing the catching.

Lin He felt intensely awkward under the scrutiny of the entire room, unsure where to place her hands. How was a daughter-in-law who had only recently married into the family supposed to narrate such a thing? If she truly had to speak, where would she even begin?

Just as Lin He was feeling tense, Wen Ningxuan, sitting next to her, spoke up: "Fifth Uncle, what are you talking about? What does this have to do with my wife? Our house has already been occupied by others; must my wife recount the entire sequence of events now? Father, if you wish to inquire, please ask Mother. She knows the ins and outs of this entire affair better than anyone else in this room, I assure you." Wen Ningxuan’s words contained multiple layers of meaning; others might not grasp it, but Madam Wen surely would.

Indeed, upon hearing Wen Ningxuan's statement, Madam Wen’s face shifted; she was no longer silent as before. She quickly stood up and said, "Master, the course of events is just as I described to you this afternoon. Mother is also aware. Now, it is up to you, Master, how you choose to handle the matter concerning Ningnuo?"

Old Master Wen paid no mind to Wen Ningxuan’s ambiguous comment. Instead, after hearing Madam Wen, he calmly asked, "Then, Madam, how do you believe this should be resolved?"

"This... Master is the head of the household; it is best left to your judgment. However, since Chen'er and Ningnuo’s feelings for each other were genuine this time, I implore Master to grant them their wish," Madam Wen finished, giving a subtle glance to Wen Ningchen beside her.

Presumably, the mother and son had already coordinated their plan. As soon as he received Madam Wen's signal, Wen Ningchen immediately knelt down, his voice filled with regret: "Father, Grandmother, I was wrong this time. I am willing to accept punishment, but I genuinely love Ningnuo. I beg Father to allow me to marry Ningnuo." Wen Ningchen’s plea was delivered with such earnestness that anyone unaware of his true nature would genuinely believe him. It seemed Madam Wen’s talent for acting had been inherited by more than just Qingmo.

As soon as Wen Ningchen finished speaking, Madam Wen quickly moved to the Master’s side and spoke gently, "Yes, Master. What Chen’er did this time is truly unforgivable. But he already knows his mistake. Recently, Chen'er has been diligent and focused on managing the family shops with all his effort. Given his sincere repentance, Master should forgive him this once."

"Furthermore, a man having three wives and four concubines is not such a major affair. Chen’er has been married to Yuzhen for over a year and hasn't even taken a concubine. This time, please allow Chen’er to bring Ningnuo into the family."

Before Old Master Wen could respond to Madam Wen’s words, Li Yuzhen, seated nearby, cried out loudly, "Mother, you..."

Before she could finish, Lin He saw Old Master Wen glance towards Li Yuzhen. His expression was unreadable, but it caused Li Yuzhen to fall silent immediately. Then, Old Master Wen shifted his gaze back.

At this moment, Old Master Wen’s demeanor was significantly calmer and better than when he first entered the room. His eyes were fixed solely on Wen Ningchen, who was kneeling before him, and he remained silent.

This struck Lin He as quite peculiar. He had displayed such explosive anger earlier, his rage seemingly wishing to strike Wen Ningxuan down with a single palm. Yet, when it came to actually dispensing judgment, he was so placid. Had Old Master Wen truly accepted the explanations offered by Wen Ningchen and his mother so easily? But that seemed unlikely.

Perhaps everyone shared Lin He's confusion. They remained silent, staring at Old Master Wen in the main seat. Presumably, Madam Wen and her son were also uncertain now, standing frozen, unsure what to say next.

After a considerable wait, Elder Wen still hadn't spoken. The Old Madam beside him observed everyone sitting while only Wen Ningchen remained kneeling alone for such a long time, and her heart began to ache for him.

The Old Madam had always doted on this eldest grandson, and Wen Ningchen was usually very close to her. Looking at him, she could no longer hold back. She gave Wen Ningchen a reassuring look, then glanced at Old Master Wen and said, "Jie'er, since Chen'er has admitted his fault, and given that he and Ningnuo share mutual affection, why not let him marry Ningnuo? As for the punishment, simply have him stand facing the wall in the ancestral hall for three days, with no food allowed to be sent in."