The banquet lasted until late at night. Back in the newly built Sixth Prince's residence, Xin Jiuwei finally removed her heavy headdress and let out a long sigh. Xiao Xun wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin gently resting on the top of her head: "Are you tired?"

"A little." Xin Jiuwei turned to face him, gently touching the wound on his shoulder. "Does it still hurt?"

Xiao Xun shook his head, took her hand and pressed it against his chest: "It hurts more here. Seeing you worry and frighten for me hurts more than any wound."

Xin Jiuwei felt a lump in her throat. In her past life, she had given everything for Qi Huaiyu only to be betrayed, yet in this life, Xiao Xun had risked his life to protect her. How ironic, yet how merciful, fate was.

"Xiao Xun," she whispered, "if we hadn't been reborn, we..."

"There are no 'ifs'." Xiao Xun interrupted her, his fingertips gently stroking her cheek. "I believe in fate, and I believe even more in you. No matter how many times we start over, I will find you."

The red candles burned brightly, filling the room with light. Outside the window, the red lanterns in the direction of the Xin residence finally went out quietly, as if they had completed their final mission.

Three days later, just as Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun were preparing to set off to explore the place indicated by the jade pendant map, the old man from the neighboring country came to visit again.

"Your Highness, urgent news from the border." The old man's expression was grave. "The sorcerers, in alliance with the Western Rong tribes, have launched a rebellion and have already captured three cities. The court... needs you."

Xiao Xun looked at Xin Jiuwei, his eyes full of apology. She smiled, taking out her already packed luggage: "What are you waiting for?"

"Do you know what we're facing?" Xiao Xun asked softly.

"I know." Xin Jiuwei grasped his hand, "But as long as you're here, I'm not afraid of anything."

They smiled at each other and intertwined their fingers. The road ahead may be arduous, but as long as they can walk side by side, that is the greatest joy in the world.

The carriage slowly drove away from the capital, heading towards the unknown distance. Xin Jiuwei leaned on Xiao Xun's shoulder, gazing at the rising sun on the horizon, her heart utterly at peace.

In this life, she is no longer a weak noblewoman at the mercy of others, but a partner who can fight alongside her beloved. Revenge is in the past; the future is slowly unfolding.

The red light may be off, but the road ahead is bright.