But upon hearing Old Master Wen suggest she assist the steward, she could hardly believe it. The matter clearly had nothing to do with her; why was she suddenly being dragged into it? What concern was it of hers? Could Old Master Wen have been mistaken?

Lin He looked up in disbelief, only to see Old Master Wen nod at her. Everyone else in the room was staring at her with equal astonishment. Only then did she finally confirm that Old Master Wen was indeed referring to her, without a doubt.

However, managing the household at the Wen residence was something Lin He had never remotely considered, and she was extremely reluctant. Yet, refusing Old Master Wen so bluntly in front of so many people seemed improper. Thinking this, she glanced toward Wen Ningxuan beside her, but to her surprise, the man didn't even spare her a look. He kept his head propped up by his hand, gazing serenely ahead, saying nothing, leaving her to wonder what thoughts occupied his mind.

For some inexplicable reason, Lin He instantly had a dreadful feeling that Wen Ningxuan was angry, and specifically angry with her. Normally, if anyone in the main household brought up matters concerning her, he would interject before she could even react. But today, he remained utterly silent.

Lin He didn't know what to say. She offered everyone an awkward smile, then deliberately cleared her throat, hoping to catch Wen Ningxuan's eye. Alas, the man remained perfectly still, seated there. If Lin He hadn't seen his eyes lowered, she might have assumed he had fallen asleep.

Just as Lin He struggled to find a way to refuse, the Old Madam next to her spoke up in opposition: "Jie'er, this matter requires careful consideration. I don't object to Concubine Luo assisting with the management, but Xuan'er's wife has only recently joined the family; she probably hasn't even met everyone in the residence yet. It might not be quite appropriate."

Lin He, who was struggling to find an excuse, immediately seized upon the Old Madam's words, nodding eagerly in agreement: "Yes, Father, Grandmother is absolutely right. I have not been in the family long, and I truly fear I am not competent enough. Father should..."

Before Lin He could finish her plea, Uncle Wen interjected: "Mother, you needn't worry about these things. I watched He'er grow up; I know what she is capable of handling. Since I am allowing her to assist with the management, she naturally possesses the ability."

After addressing the Old Madam, Old Master Wen turned back to Lin He: "He'er, if you are ever unclear about managing the household in the future, your mother and Concubine Luo will instruct you. You won't be managing alone right away; take your time, and you will pick it up quickly."

"That's right, He'er. In the future, we will assist Madam in managing the household. If there's anything you don't know, you can ask Madam for guidance. Don't worry," Concubine Luo added cheerfully from the side.

It was clear that Concubine Luo benefited the most from today's events. Although she remained a concubine, the significance of Old Master Wen appointing her to help manage the household was understood by everyone present.

Now Lin He truly didn't know how to refuse. She could only resolve to temporarily agree, planning to find a moment tomorrow to speak with her father properly and decline the assignment.

With this thought, Lin He forced herself to stand and acknowledge the order, then sat back down. During this interlude, Lin He secretly glanced toward Wen Ningxuan's direction. Lin He was now completely certain that the man was deliberately ignoring her. This, in turn, made Lin He angry. She shot Wen Ningxuan a sharp look and sat stiffly in her chair, fuming.

As for what others discussed afterward, Lin He had no inclination to listen closely. She was consumed with wondering why Wen Ningxuan was angry. How could he be angry? And angry with her? She hadn't said anything wrong just now. Even if she had said something wrong, he wouldn't normally get angry; he had never treated her this way before.

If there was indeed something serious enough to warrant such a reaction, it must be a significant matter, and she ought to know about it. Lin He spent a long time reflecting on her recent actions. Although she had momentarily blamed him internally for not pleading for Wen Ningchen, she hadn't voiced it. No matter how sharp he was, he couldn't possibly read her thoughts, could he? After racking her brain for a long time, Lin He concluded that she definitely hadn't done anything wrong; the man must simply be having a fit.

Consequently, Lin He decided to ignore the scoundrel and remained motionless in her chair, playing the part of a wooden stump. After a considerable wait, Lin He was roused when the steward approached to report: "Master, fifty lashes have been administered. However, the Eldest Young Master has fainted. What should we do, sir?"

As soon as the steward spoke, Madam Wen snapped back to the reality that her son was being punished. She shot Old Master Wen a cold glance but refrained from interceding, immediately rising from her chair and walking toward the courtyard.

Hearing that Wen Ningchen had fainted from the whipping, the Old Madam grew very anxious. "Jie'er, allow your mother to beg you this once—spare Chen'er. I promise I will discipline him properly from now on. He is your son, after all. He has already endured this punishment. Please let it go this time." The Old Madam adopted a humble tone.

Old Master Wen remained silent for a moment before nodding. "Steward, let it rest for now. Have someone send Chen'er back. Tomorrow morning, he is to kneel in the ancestral hall as penance. The remainder of the whipping will be held in reserve; if any similar incident occurs again, the remaining lashes will be delivered all at once."

The Old Madam, relieved that Old Master Wen finally agreed to spare Wen Ningchen, hastily signaled her attendants to support her and hurried out toward the courtyard.

Thus, the day's main events concluded. Old Master Wen noted that it was getting late and told everyone to retire early.

Everyone then dispersed. Lin He stood up, intending to wait for Wen Ningxuan so they could leave together. However, after Wen Ningxuan stood, he didn't look at Lin He at all and walked straight past her. At this point, even Ziqing, standing beside Lin He, noticed that the Second Young Master was angry. It wasn't just Ziqing; Wen Shixiang, standing opposite them, also noticed. After Wen Ningxuan left, he deliberately approached Lin He and said, "Little girl, you’ve made your husband angry, haven't you? You’d best prepare for punishment when you get back." After chuckling a few times, he also stepped toward the door.

Lin He shot him a look, then headed out with Ziqing. As they exited the courtyard, Lin He spotted a figure standing in the distance. Lin He recognized the silhouette instantly as Wen Ningxuan. A small surge of happiness filled her heart—the scoundrel was waiting for her.

Ziqing saw him too and whispered, "Young Mistress, look, Young Master is waiting over there."

Lin He nodded and quickened her pace to catch up to Wen Ningxuan. But as soon as the man saw them approaching, he didn't wait for them; he walked further ahead.

Lin He, who had been quickening her steps, slowed down. Ziqing noticed this too and asked Lin He uncertainly, "Young Mistress, what is wrong with the Second Young Master? Did you anger him?"

"Why is it that whenever he gets angry, everyone says I caused it? Then when I get angry, who is responsible? You all get so nervous when he’s upset, but no one cares when I’m angry!" Lin He retorted irritably.

That's because whenever you are angry, it is usually the Second Young Master who placates you. Ziqing, however, only dared to think this to herself. On the surface, seeing Lin He irritated, she dared not provoke her further and simply walked behind her in silence.