The two arrived at the main hall, where the entire extended family was already gathered. They had clearly been waiting a long time, as every eye snapped open to stare at the pair. This gave Lin He a distinct feeling that ever since she married into the Wen family, every family gathering seemed to revolve around her.

And every time, she was the last to arrive. Lin He couldn't fathom what was up with these people; didn't they need sleep, food, or other activities? How could they always manage to assemble so early?

However, upon entering the main hall, Lin He dared not let these questions show on her face. She simply followed Wen Ningxuan to pay respects to the Grandmother, Old Master Wen, and Madam Wen, before returning to her designated seat.

Once they were settled, Old Master Wen broke the silence: "Xuan'er, what exactly happened in your courtyard yesterday? How did it suddenly catch fire? Have you found the source of the blaze?"

Wen Ningxuan remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the room, lingering on Madam Wen for a moment. Just as Madam Wen was about to speak, Wen Ningxuan abruptly interjected: "It's been found. There was some wind last night, which blew the gauze curtains against the candlelight, causing the fire."

As Wen Ningxuan finished speaking, Lin He glanced at him subtly. Based on her observations, the fire was likely not as simple as he described. No one had been living downstairs, nor was there any candlelight there to catch, and even if there had been, it shouldn't have ignited the gauze curtains. The candlelight upstairs hadn't touched the curtains either. Wen Ningxuan's explanation only solidified Lin He’s suspicion that the fire was not straightforward, but in this setting, she kept her composure.

"Xuan'er, have you investigated thoroughly? This matter is serious. If you hadn't woken up early last night, we might be dealing with fatalities right now," the Old Madam said, her face etched with worry.

"Yes, He'er, I heard the fire broke out while you and Xuan'er were inside. Are you both unharmed?" Aunt Luo, seated nearby, chimed in.

"Thank you all for your concern. We are fine, though the belongings inside the residence were all burned," Lin He replied respectfully.

"As long as the people are safe, that's what matters, isn't it? Possessions are secondary," Aunt Luo said with a gentle smile.

"Indeed, Aunt Luo is right; the safety of the people is paramount. However, Xuan'er, your courtyard probably won't be habitable for a while. I've instructed someone to vacate the Bamboo Pavilion next to mine. Have your people move your things over shortly; you two can stay there for the time being," Old Master Wen stated firmly.

Hearing this, Lin He started to speak, intending to mention they had already arranged alternative accommodation, but Wen Ningxuan stopped her with a sharp look. Lin He pouted but remained silent.

As soon as Old Master Wen finished, Madam Wen immediately interjected: "My lord, the Bamboo Pavilion may not be suitable. You spend most of your time reviewing ledgers there. Arranging for Xuan'er and his wife to stay there might be inconvenient. Besides, we have so many other courtyards in the estate; they could move anywhere."

"The other courtyards are too remote. Ningxuan needs to go to the shops daily, and it would be inconvenient for He'er to live too far out alone. The Bamboo Pavilion will do. It is spacious and comfortable. I simply won't go there to review ledgers for a while," Old Master Wen replied, casting a look at Madam Wen.

"Mother, look at this…" Madam Wen trailed off, her eyes drifting toward the Old Madam.

"Enough talk. I have already decided that Xuan'er will move in there. I have people preparing the place already. Xuan'er, you just move in. If you need anything there, instruct the servants directly, and draw funds from the treasury," before the Old Madam could respond, Old Master Wen asserted.

The Old Madam next to him glanced first at Madam Wen, then at Old Master Wen, and said, "Jie'er, your wife has a point. Besides the Bamboo Pavilion, there are certainly other residences. Perhaps find another courtyard for Xuan'er and his wife to stay in; the Bamboo Pavilion seems unsuitable."

"Mother, what is unsuitable about it? Courtyards are built for people to live in; are they to remain empty forever? Moreover, He'er has only recently joined the family and is unfamiliar with the estate’s affairs. Moving her to a remote courtyard would be inconvenient. They should stay at the Bamboo Pavilion; I've already made arrangements," Old Master Wen’s expression appeared mild, but his tone allowed no argument.

Lin He was perplexed. What was so special about the Bamboo Pavilion that Madam Wen insisted on opposing it so strongly? It was simply close to Old Master Wen; was Madam Wen trying to guard against that as well?

What puzzled Lin He even more was that the Old Madam also seemed disapproving, yet after Old Master Wen's brief statement, the Old Madam unexpectedly conceded quite quickly: "Yes, since Jie'er has made arrangements, let it be so."

Madam Wen, however, continued to object: "Mother, my lord, perhaps we should reconsider…"

Madam Wen did not finish her sentence before Old Master Wen shot her a cold glare: "My mother and I have already decided. Xuan'er and his wife will move to the Bamboo Pavilion."

Hearing Old Master Wen’s final word, Lin He felt a wave of disappointment. It was over. She had hoped the fire might grant her a temporary reprieve and some freedom, but now she was being moved even closer to these people. It seemed her good days were dashed. Thinking this, Lin He couldn't help but shoot a sharp glare at Wen Ningxuan across from her, thinking this man was changing his mind far too quickly; he had agreed with her last night, only to renege this morning.

Unexpectedly, Wen Ningxuan gave her a slight smile, suddenly stood up, and looked at Madam Wen with a tone laced with slight mockery: "Mother, there is no need to worry. I have no intention of staying in the Bamboo Pavilion."

Then, Wen Ningxuan turned to Old Master Wen and the Old Madam, softening his voice slightly: "Grandmother, Father, we won't be moving into the Bamboo Pavilion. I plan to move to the residence in town instead. I feel that He'er and I have only recently married, and I want to take her out to see things. Staying in town would make it more convenient for us to go in and out."

Old Master Wen frowned slightly upon hearing this and asked, "Xuan'er, we have so many houses here; why move outside?"

"Father, we only plan to live outside for a short while," Wen Ningxuan’s tone was resolute.

Old Master Wen stared at Wen Ningxuan for a moment, then asked with a hint of disappointment, "Are you absolutely certain you won't stay at the Bamboo Pavilion?"

Wen Ningxuan smiled and replied, "Yes. That is not where I belong. Compared to the Bamboo Pavilion, I prefer the residence outside. The Bamboo Pavilion should be left to those who are meant to live there." As he finished, Wen Ningxuan swept his gaze over Madam Wen.

Old Master Wen opened his mouth to say more, but the Old Madam immediately intervened: "Jie'er, Xuan'er is right. Since He'er entered the family, there has been much going on. While the courtyard is being repaired, it might be good for the couple to get out and relax a bit. Very well, let that be the arrangement."

Upon hearing this, Wen Ningxuan immediately bowed his head in thanks to the Old Madam. This was the first time Lin He had seen Wen Ningxuan execute such flawless etiquette, yet for some reason, she found him strangely off today.