The box was opened, revealing an exquisite plum blossom hairpin. Several small red plum blossoms adorned the silver branches, shimmering in the moonlight.

"This is..." Xin Jiuwei held her breath.

"Seeing you always staring at that plum tree, I thought I'd make you a plum blossom hairpin," Xiao Xun said softly. "I drew the design myself and had it crafted by the best artisan in the capital."

Xin Jiuwei took the hairpin, her fingertips gently tracing the delicate plum blossoms, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up within her. This sentiment was more precious than any valuable gift.

"Shall I put it on for you?" Xiao Xun asked.

Xin Jiuwei nodded and turned around. Xiao Xun carefully removed the hairpin that was already in her hair and inserted this plum blossom hairpin into her bun. His fingers gently brushed through her hair, bringing a slight shiver.

"Does it look good?" she asked, turning around nervously.

In the moonlight, the plum blossom hairpin shimmered in her dark hair, making her skin appear even whiter. Xiao Xun's gaze was so gentle it could melt water: "Absolutely beautiful."

The two exchanged a smile, silently falling silent, and simply stood side by side under the plum tree, enjoying the tranquil moment.

The next morning, Xin Jiuwei was awakened by a commotion. She opened the window and saw her cousins ​​having a snowball fight in the courtyard, their laughter echoing throughout the Xin residence.

"Miss is awake?" Xin Kui brought in hot water. "Grandpa got up early this morning to practice his sword; he's in excellent spirits."

After washing up, Xin Jiuwei specially chose a light pink dress and put on the plum blossom hairpin that Xiao Xun had given her. Xin Kui smiled and said, "This hairpin suits you perfectly, Miss."

"Stop talking nonsense." Xin Jiuwei scolded lightly, but couldn't help but look at herself in the bronze mirror a few more times.

Upon entering the main hall, she found her maternal grandfather indeed talking to her father, the atmosphere between them much more relaxed than the day before. Xin Jiuwei stepped forward to greet him, and her maternal grandfather noticed the hairpin in her hair, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Wei'er, what about that young master Xiao yesterday..." Grandfather asked meaningfully.

Xin Jiuwei's face flushed: "He is... he is the Sixth Prince, temporarily residing in Yingzhou..."

"Oh?" Grandfather raised an eyebrow. "It doesn't seem as simple as 'temporary stay' to me."

Mr. Xin coughed lightly: "Father-in-law, about this matter..."

"Young people, I understand," Grandfather chuckled. "As long as they're good to Wei'er, status and such are secondary."

Xin Jiuwei was relieved to see her maternal grandfather being so open-minded. Just then, Xiao Xun arrived for a visit. Seeing the scene in the hall, he respectfully bowed and said, "Lord Xin, venerable sir."

His maternal grandfather looked him up and down, then nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, a handsome young man."

Xiao Xun was a little embarrassed by the straightforward praise. Seeing this, Xin Jiuwei quickly changed the subject: "Grandfather, we're planning to go to the plum garden to admire the plum blossoms today. Would you like to come along?"

"Great!" Grandfather exclaimed enthusiastically, "Perfect for stretching my muscles."

Meiyuan Garden is a famous scenic spot in Yingzhou. At this time of year, the plum blossoms are in full bloom, attracting throngs of tourists. The Xin family set off in a grand procession, drawing the attention of passersby.

The garden was filled with plum trees, their red, white, and pink blossoms vying for attention, their subtle fragrance filling the air. Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun walked at the back, occasionally whispering to each other. Xin Yunzhou, ahead of them, frequently turned back, his gaze searching for a figure in the crowd.

"Brother is looking for Xin Kui," Xin Jiuwei whispered.

Xiao Xun nodded: "Your brother has finally come to his senses."

As they were talking, Xin Yunzhou suddenly stopped and, after they approached, lowered his voice and said, "Sister, look over there..."

Following his gaze, Xin Kui was standing under a red plum tree, looking up at the blossoms on the branches. Today she was wearing a light purple dress, with a white magnolia hairpin in her hair, which made her look exceptionally beautiful and refined against the backdrop of the red plum blossoms.

"Go on," Xin Jiuwei nudged her brother.

Xin Yunzhou hesitated, "I...I don't know what to say..."

"You can say anything," Xin Jiuwei said helplessly. "Praising her hairpin is fine too!"

Encouraged by her younger sister, Xin Yunzhou finally mustered the courage to approach Xin Kui. Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun tacitly slowed their pace, distancing themselves from them.

"Looks like you'll soon have a sister-in-law," Xiao Xun teased.

Xin Jiuwei smiled and said, "Xin Kui is a good girl; brother is blessed."

The two strolled through the plum grove, petals occasionally drifting down on their shoulders and hair. Xiao Xun reached out and brushed a petal from Xin Jiuwei's hair, saying softly, "I might have to return to the capital after spring."

Xin Jiuwei's heart tightened: "How long will you be gone?"

"Two months at most," Xiao Xun comforted him. "There are some things I have to handle personally. But don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible."

Xin Jiuwei nodded, suppressing her reluctance: "Court affairs are of utmost importance, you... take good care of yourself."

Xiao Xun noticed her worry and gently took her hand: "Wait for me to come back; I have something to tell you."

"What can't be said now?" Xin Jiuwei looked up at him.

Xiao Xun smiled but did not answer, only tightening his grip on her hand. Sunlight filtered through the plum branches, casting dappled shadows on his handsome face.

After returning from plum blossom viewing, everyone in the Xin household was exhausted. After dinner, Xin Jiuwei was about to go back to her room to rest when her brother stopped her.

"Little sister, have a cup of tea with me." Xin Yunzhou's eyes flickered, as if she had something to say.

Xin Jiuwei understood and followed him to the study. Xin Yunzhou personally brewed tea, but remained silent for a long time, only stroking the rim of the teacup.

"Brother, please speak your mind," Xin Jiuwei said with a smile, taking a sip of tea.

Xin Yunzhou took a deep breath: "I...I confessed my feelings to Xin Kui today."

Xin Jiuwei nearly choked on her tea: "What? So fast?"

"It's not exactly fast..." Xin Yunzhou scratched his head, "Actually, I've been paying attention to her for a long time... Ever since I found out she was that songstress from back then, I've..."

"So what?" Xin Jiuwei asked curiously.

"I just felt she was completely different from before." Xin Yunzhou's eyes shone with tenderness. "She lives so hard, takes such good care of you... I was drawn to her without even realizing it..."

Xin Jiuwei looked at her brother with relief. In his previous life, had Xin Yunzhou ever had such sincere feelings? Back then, he only knew how to use money to please those hypocritical courtesans.

"What did she say?"

A happy smile appeared on Xin Yunzhou's face: "She said...she's liked me for a long time too..."

"Congratulations, brother," Xin Jiuwei said sincerely.

"However..." Xin Yunzhou suddenly became serious, "After all, her identity... her father and maternal grandfather's side..."

"Brother, you're overthinking it," Xin Jiuwei interrupted him. "Father isn't the kind of person who cares about social status. As for Grandfather, he praised Xin Kui for being sensible today."

Xin Yunzhou breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good... I plan to formally bring this up with my father after the New Year."

The brother and sister chatted for a long time until late at night before returning to their respective rooms. Xin Jiuwei lay in bed, reflecting on the day's events, her heart filled with warmth. The family reunion, her brother's happiness, and... Xiao Xun's unspoken promise.