Xin Jiuwei hurried towards her father's study, her heart filled with anticipation. In her previous life, even until the family's downfall, the grudge between her maternal grandparents and her father remained unresolved. Now that the two families had reconciled, her mother, if she were alive, would surely be comforted.

A gentle knock came from the door, and Xin's father's gentle voice said, "Come in."

Xin Jiuwei pushed open the door and entered, only to see her father writing at his desk. Seeing her come in, he put down his brush and smiled, "Wei'er, is something the matter?"

"Father, my cousin received a letter from Yuncheng." Xin Jiuwei couldn't hide her joy. "Grandfather said that he and his aunts have decided to come to Yingzhou to celebrate the New Year with us. They specifically asked my cousin to come and ask for your opinion. If it's convenient, they will set off in three days."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Xin's teacup trembled slightly, spilling a few drops of tea. He remained silent for a moment, his eyes gradually welling up with tears: "They... finally decided to come..."

Xin Jiuwei walked to her father's side and gently took his hand: "Father..."

"Wei'er," Xin's father said, his voice choked with emotion, "do you know? Ever since your mother passed away, your maternal grandparents have blamed me for not protecting her... Over the years, I've wanted to go and apologize so many times, but I was always afraid of upsetting them..."

"Father, there's no need to blame yourself," Xin Jiuwei said softly. "Mother's incident was an accident; no one wanted it to happen. The fact that your maternal grandparents have offered to come shows that they've moved on."

Father Xin wiped his eyes with his sleeve, a relieved smile appearing on his face. "Yes... your mother would be so happy to know that the two families have finally reconciled." He took a deep breath. "Wei'er, go tell your cousin that I'll arrange for preparations to be made. The entire mansion needs to be cleaned, and the guest rooms need to be rearranged..."

"Father, don't worry, I'll take care of everything," Xin Jiuwei said with a smile. "My sister was so happy when she heard the news she almost cried."

After chatting about everyday things, Xin Jiuwei took her leave. As soon as she reached the corridor, she saw Xiao Xun leaning against the railing waiting for her. His moon-white robe made him look even more handsome and extraordinary.

"Why are you here?" Xin Jiuwei greeted her with delight.

Xiao Xun straightened up, a gentle smile in his eyes. "I heard there was news from Yuncheng, and I guessed you'd be happy, so I came to see you." He reached out and brushed a fallen leaf from her shoulder. "Sure enough, your eyes are crinkling into crescent moons with your smile."

Xin Jiuwei pretended to be angry and slapped his hand away: "Who gave you permission to touch me like that?"

"Yes, yes, I apologize for my rudeness." Xiao Xun bowed apologetically, feigning seriousness, but his eyes were full of teasing. "Would Miss Xin do me the honor of accompanying me for a stroll in the back garden? I just received a box of fine Longjing tea..."

"I'll reluctantly agree for the sake of the tea." Xin Jiuwei raised her chin, but couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

The two walked side by side into the back garden, the autumn breeze carrying the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. Xiao Xun suddenly asked in a low voice, "How is your father?"

Xin Jiuwei nodded: "Father was very happy, but he became a little sad when he mentioned Mother."

"It's only human nature," Xiao Xun sighed softly. "My mother has been gone for many years, but my father still gets teary-eyed when he occasionally mentions her."

Xin Jiuwei glanced at him and noticed that when he mentioned the words "Father Emperor," his expression was no longer as complicated as before. The revelation of his identity seemed to have relieved him of some of his burden.

"Xiao Xun," she suddenly asked, "will you return to the capital for the New Year?"

Xiao Xun stopped and turned to look at her seriously: "If you don't want me to go, I won't go."

"Who cares whether you go or not?" Xin Jiuwei turned her face away, her ear tips slightly red. "I was just thinking that if you weren't there, no one would appreciate the plum blossoms in my yard when they bloomed..."

Xiao Xun chuckled softly, then suddenly reached out and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear: "Then I'll come to admire the plum blossoms every day. Don't find me annoying."

Xin Jiuwei's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "Whatever you say." After saying that, she quickly walked towards the pavilion in front of her, afraid that he would see her burning cheeks.

Xiao Xun followed behind at a leisurely pace, his eyes full of doting affection. He knew that this seemingly stubborn girl already harbored deep feelings for him.

Inside the pavilion, the maids had already prepared tea and refreshments. After Xin Jiuwei sat down, Xiao Xun naturally sat down beside her and poured her tea.

"Oh, right," Xin Jiuwei suddenly remembered something, "my brother's swordsmanship has improved a lot recently, and he said he wants to have a match with you."

Xiao Xun raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Looks like I'd better prepare myself, lest I embarrass myself in front of your brother."

"Don't give me that." Xin Jiuwei rolled her eyes at him. "Who doesn't know that you could take on ten men at once back at Lingyin Temple? Even if I trained for another ten years, I still wouldn't be a match for you."

Xiao Xun smiled and shook his head: "That's not necessarily true. Your brother is exceptionally intelligent and hardworking; given time, he'll surely achieve great things." He paused, his tone becoming serious, "To be honest, Wei'er, your contribution to the Xin family's success today is indispensable. You not only preserved the family but also transformed Xin Yunzhou..."

Xin Jiuwei lowered her head and took a sip of tea, concealing the tears welling in her eyes: "This is their own fate. I just... don't want to repeat their mistakes."

Xiao Xun noticed her emotional fluctuation and subtly changed the subject: "Speaking of which, your maid Xin Kui seems to be getting quite close to your brother lately?"

Xin Jiuwei's thoughts were indeed diverted, a sly glint in her eyes: "You noticed too? That blockhead of a brother has finally come to his senses."

"I saw him buying women's hairpins at the market yesterday," Xiao Xun said with a smile. "He spent a long time choosing, and finally picked a white magnolia one, which suits Xin Kui's temperament quite well."

"Really?" Xin Jiuwei's eyes widened in surprise. "That idiot, he's finally taking the initiative! No, I have to find a way to give them a push..."

Xiao Xun looked at her eager expression helplessly: "You shouldn't make things worse. When it comes to relationships, it's best to let things take their natural course."

Xin Jiuwei pouted: "What do you know? With my brother's personality, if we don't give him a push, when will he ever confess his feelings?"

Xiao Xun suddenly leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Then tell me, what kind of personality do I have?"

A warm breath brushed against her ear, and Xin Jiuwei froze, her cheeks burning hot. "You...you stay away!"

Xiao Xun laughed and stepped back, his eyes filled with triumphant joy. He loved seeing this usually shrewd and capable girl show such a shy side.

Enraged, Xin Jiuwei grabbed a piece of pastry and threw it at him. Xiao Xun caught it easily and deliberately ate it slowly in front of her.

"It tastes good," he licked his fingertips, "just a little sweet, like someone else's."

"Xiao Xun!" Xin Jiuwei stomped her feet in anger, but there was nothing she could do about it.

As the two laughed and joked, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the courtyard. This simple and warm daily life was exactly what Xin Jiuwei had dreamed of but could never have in her previous life. Now, she could finally let down her guard and enjoy this hard-won moment of happiness.