Fourth Lord couldn’t confirm whether his words were true, but he believed Wen Ningxuan could try. He admitted having discovered the location by accident.

A few days prior, Fourth and Fifth Lords had planned to visit their mother’s chambers to discuss a proposal—perhaps pooling resources from all brothers to first secure Elder Brother's release. Yet as they approached her chamber, they overheard an ambiguous conversation between Lady Wen and Second Lord: "No matter how clever Wen Ningxuan is, he certainly won't know this man has been imprisoned beneath the dry well."

Without alerting others, they formed suspicions that day. The next morning, Fifth Lord threw a stone into the well during his greeting to Lady Wen—metallic echoes confirmed their dread. After days of hesitation, he entrusted Fourth Lord with conveying these revelations.

Fourth Lord’s face darkened as he asked: if Lady Wen had indeed abducted Master Wen, could they spare her life once Master was rescued? After all, she was his own mother.

Wen Ningxuan couldn’t promise anything, merely stating they’d wait for their father’s return to decide. Fourth Lord nodded silently at that.

With immediate haste, Wen Ningxuan arrived at the well. There—hidden beneath an iron-walled chamber dug into its depths by Lady Wen—was Master Wen himself. The descent path lay under Lady Wen’s bedchamber, where he was bound in chains and daily whipped with salt-drenched lashes until every inch of his body bore scars. When they arrived, Lady Wen, Second Lord, and Third Lord were forcing him to write a second ransom letter.

The evidence was irrefutable. Lady Wen proved both cunning and ruthless—she had lured Master Wen under false pretenses about merchant affairs before locking him in that subterranean prison without resistance. Even as Wen Ningxuan confronted her, she attempted murder until age finally overpowered malice when she was kicked down by his men.

Without hesitation, Wen Ningxuan summoned officials to handle the matter formally. Fourth and Fifth Lords had initially intended to plead for clemency but restrained themselves upon witnessing their mother’s brutality. The authorities promptly arrested Lady Wen with her accomplices in the case.

Lin He’s greatest relief came from Master Wen’s survival—her husband could finally rest easy. She scarcely cared about the verdict, instead smiling at Wen Ningxuan: "Then tomorrow we visit your father. If he's pleased, perhaps we'll stay a few days at the Wen estate."

At dawn the next day, Lin He and her family packed to return to the Wen residence while Wen Ningxuan returned to his shop for business. Upon seeing Master Wen, Lin He could scarcely believe the extent of Lady Wen’s cruelty—the wounds on his face had left him unrecognizable beneath layers of ointment. His body must have been agony from clothing friction alone.

As Madam Wen and Auntie Luo applied medicine to his injuries, Lin He flinched at the sight. How could a woman who raised Master Wen since childhood with no blood ties still commit such atrocities?

Though speech was difficult for Master Wen due to facial bandages, he managed a feeble smile when seeing her pregnant belly before abruptly turning away. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed Lin He.

Puzzled, Lin He was escorted out by Madam Wen who whispered: "Your father fears your unborn child might be frightened by his wounds. That's why he sent you away for now."

Lin He shook her head gently, insisting she and Wen Ningxuan had planned to stay at the estate to care for him. Madam Wen agreed to prepare accommodations.

As Lin He turned to leave, Madam Wen stopped her: "He, I should apologize to you both for all my past transgressions. Only now do I see how wrong I was—needlessly tormenting myself and others. With peace finally restored at home... would you be willing to return here?"

Lin He hadn't seen Madam Wen since last year's incident. Her softened demeanor, gentle smile, and sincere words suggested genuine reflection in these past days.

Though some wounds could never truly heal, Lin He smiled kindly: "Thank you, Mother. We've been happy at the estate and don’t intend to return permanently. But we'll visit monthly if time allows."

Madam Wen accepted this gracefully. "Then come often—your father has missed you dearly."

As Lin He returned with her attendants, she nearly collided with Third Lord Wen Ningmo in the corridor.

Last time their meeting was rushed enough that he hadn't noticed her pregnancy. This time his eyes darkened briefly at sight of her rounded belly before being masked by a smile: "So soon I'll have someone calling me Uncle?"

Lin He laughed agreeably, teasing, "Indeed—if you don’t bring gifts when the child arrives, I won’t let them address you as Uncle."

Their laughter faded abruptly. Wen Ningmo grew serious, asking, "He, these past years—have you been well? Has my brother treated you kindly? Knowing all you've suffered... if only you’d chosen me instead. I would never have let you endure such pain."