Lin He had overheard this as well, but at the time, she hadn't given it much thought, assuming Yun Qi was speaking out of pique. In Lin He’s estimation, while Yun Qi might be easily influenced, she wasn't utterly foolish; at most, she might listen to her maternal family and bring in a concubine for Da Bao, but she likely wouldn't do anything beyond that. Firstly, after everything that had happened with her, and given how lenient her own family had always been toward her, Lin He believed Yun Qi owed them a measure of trust. Secondly, even if Yun Qi entertained such a notion, she lacked the depth of cunning required; her intentions were too transparent.

Every time she plotted something wicked, her expression betrayed her long before she could even begin. Take the matter with Xin Rou last time—a few casual words from Lin He and she had confessed everything in terror. A Yun Qi like that, Lin He truly felt, was incapable of serious malice. Yet, Zi Yu’s analysis wasn't wrong; Yun Qi had indeed uttered those words back then.

Furthermore, since that incident, Yun Qi’s disposition had noticeably shifted. For the past few months, as Lin He’s pregnancy advanced, Wen Ning Xuan had confined her to the residence. However, Chen’er visited frequently, and from him, Lin He learned that Yun Qi seemed to have become much more astute in social dealings. Recently, Grandmother Zhao Shi had been staying at Yun Qi's maternal home, and rumor had it that Yun Qi was getting along splendidly with her, seemingly overlooking the fact that Zhao Shi had struck her before.

When Chen’er came over, Lin He found it odd and questioned him carefully about any recent activities involving her sister-in-law. Chen’er reported that no, the Eldest Sister-in-law mostly stayed home, never going anywhere—just as before, occupied with needlework or casual chats with them. Hearing this, Lin He hadn't dwelled on it, merely asking Chen’er to relay a message to her mother: if her sister-in-law was being so sensible, that was for the best. But now, with Zi Yu presenting this theory, Lin He felt the possibility was stronger.

Regardless, she decided to wait until Ling Xiao returned from his investigation. When Wen Ning Xuan returned that evening, he noticed Lin He’s pallor. Knowing that she had dispatched Ling Xiao earlier that afternoon, he sat beside her and asked softly, "What trouble has cropped up now? Didn't I tell you to send word to me if anything needed tending?

You need only focus on your health during this period; don't concern yourself with so much." Lin He sighed, relating the day's events to Wen Ning Xuan. Before she finished, Wen Ning Xuan tapped her forehead lightly with his index finger, chiding gently, "Why dwell on such trifles for so long? What is that massive head for? This is definitely your sister-in-law’s doing.

Everyone at your pastry shop consists of old hands; if someone else were making the goods, the output would surely be identical. How could there be such a vast difference?" "Besides, Da Bao has significantly tightened security in the pastry shop kitchen since last time. Uninvolved parties certainly can't get in. But your sister-in-law can.

Think about it: when your elder brother was present, he might have intervened, but with him gone, no one would dare stop your sister-in-law from entering the kitchen. After all, they are mere servants, and servants naturally cannot stop the master. So, stop overthinking it; the answer is obvious. Still, it’s fine that you sent Ling Xiao to investigate; it will ensure you aren't soft-hearted when dealing with your sister-in-law later, preventing a repeat of the last few times where your leniency created escalating problems for yourself." Wen Ning Xuan paused after delivering his assessment, then looked at Lin He with interest.

"However, I am curious: when Ling Xiao returns, how do you intend to punish your sister-in-law? Or rather, how do you plan to help her conceal it this time?" Lin He knew this was Wen Ning Xuan’s subtle rebuke for her past softness in covering up so many of Yun Qi’s actions, leading to this current situation. Lin He shot him a sharp glance and retorted crossly, "It’s none of your Second Young Master’s concern; I know what I’m doing." Seeing her lips puff out in annoyance, Wen Ning Xuan pinched her cheek lightly and chuckled. "It’s good that you have a measure.

But I have two suggestions for you: first, send someone to Qinghe County tomorrow morning to fetch Da Bao back immediately. Second, have the household staff keep a close watch on your sister-in-law. Since she succeeded once, there will surely be a second attempt; next time, you'll catch her red-handed, and she won't be able to deny it. Though, that is your method of handling things; in my view, evidence is unnecessary." "Finally, remember to have someone notify me when you go to address this matter; I will accompany you in case other issues arise.

Don't think about it anymore; get some rest. My son needs sleep; he can’t be accompanying you through all this fuss." With that, Wen Ning Xuan ignored Lin He’s fierce glare, bent down, scooped her up, and carried her toward the bed. Seeing Wen Ning Xuan’s triumphant air, the small flames in Lin He’s eyes flared brightly. Unable to find fault with his reasoning regarding Yun Qi, she seized the opportunity to protest loudly, "Who says it’s a son?

It’s a daughter! I want a daughter, I must have a daughter! If you want a son, go find another woman to bear you one." Wen Ning Xuan smiled faintly at his pouting young wife and coaxed her, "Good, good, a daughter it is. Whatever my wife says, we’ll have a daughter.

But daughters need sleep too, so hurry and rest. I still have some account books to review; I'll have Zi Yu and the others attend to you." Lin He was quite pleased with Wen Ning Xuan’s swift concession. She nodded, dropping the argument, merely instructing him to finish his ledgers quickly and go to bed early. A few days later, Ling Xiao returned from his travels.

The findings were almost exactly what Lin He and Zi Yu had anticipated. Having spent the last few days calming herself, Lin He was no longer surprised by the confirmation. After a quiet period of thought, she summoned Zi Yu and the others to help her change clothes. Coincidentally, Wen Ning Xuan was also delayed that day, so she called for him as well, and they headed to her maternal home together.

In the carriage, Lin He remained silent, gazing out the window. Wen Ning Xuan, beside her, let out a soft sigh. This little woman was so fiercely devoted to her sense of obligation. Others had repeatedly crossed lines, yet she still found the decision so difficult.

However, Wen Ning Xuan kept his silence; he had come along today only to look after Lin He’s well-being, not to interfere in other matters. Moreover, these were issues concerning his in-laws, which were not for him to manage. When the carriage arrived at the Lin family residence, Wen Ning Xuan helped Lin He alight. Lin He walked toward the courtyard; the hour was still early.

Seeing Lin He and her retinue arrive, their expressions grim, the Lin family members were perplexed. Before Huang Shi could voice a question, Lin He commanded everyone to proceed directly to the side hall.