Though he had argued fiercely with his father when insisting on purchasing this house, claiming it was already the Wen family's property and he, as a descendant, could simply reside there without needing to buy it, Wen Ningxuan now felt his insistence had been correct. The situation within the Wen family was growing increasingly murky, complications were mounting, and people's intentions were harder to fathom. If he and He'er had remained there, perhaps the arson attack on their courtyard would be followed by something far worse next time.

Wen Ningxuan spent most of his time out of the house and was accustomed to their old residence, but He'er remained confined within those walls all day. Moreover, she was far too trusting, and he genuinely feared for her safety if they stayed.

Now that they had moved out, not only was he significantly more at ease, but the little woman was also much happier. Despite her being perpetually busy since the move—barely seen all day—Wen Ningxuan could sense her improved spirits. Her conversation flowed more easily than before; she seemed to have reverted to the lively vivacity of her unmarried days, like a young girl again.

Since their marriage and the time spent within the Wen family structure, the little woman had been excessively considerate, so much so that it often caused Wen Ningxuan a pang of heartache.

As for the Wen family, regardless of who might eventually take charge, this house was now definitively his and He'er’s home, entirely separate from the rest of the Wen clan. The mere thought of Wen family affairs instantly dissolved his pleasant mood, the upward curve of his lips tightening into a firm line.

Just as Wen Ningxuan stood lost in thought by the window of their room, Lin He entered with Zi Yu, laughing lightly as she walked, "Husband, when did you return? Why didn't you send a maid to call for me?"

Hearing her voice, Wen Ningxuan turned. Noticing her slightly disheveled hair and the smudges of dirt on her clothes, he knew she must have been fiddling with something in some corner again. He walked over with a smile, raising his hand to gently smooth back a stray lock of hair near her ear. "He'er, what have you been up to? You’ve gotten your clothes dirty."

Lin He glanced down at herself and replied with a soft smile, "It's nothing. Zi Yu and I were just tending to the small flowerbed and didn't realize I’d soiled my dress. I’ll change shortly."

Zi Yu, standing behind, quickly spoke up dutifully, "Mistress, let me fetch water for you right now so you can bathe first. Sister and I will handle dinner today. You’ve been busy all day; take a nice long soak. You can come down to eat with the Young Master afterward."

Lin He had indeed been active all day and was quite sweaty, feeling sticky and uncomfortable. She nodded to Zi Yu, agreeing to have the water brought up.

After Zi Yu left, Wen Ningxuan sat on a small couch nearby and pulled Lin He toward him, intending for her to sit on his lap. Lin He, however, gently pushed him away, whispering, "Don't. I’m dirty. I’ll soil you too."

Ignoring her resistance, Wen Ningxuan pulled her onto his lap, teasing her with a smile, "Dirty, are you? Then we can just bathe together later, my lady. Zi Yu is bringing the water up anyway."

Lin He blushed, sparing him a coy glance without speaking.

Observing her