Xin Jiuwei scoffed, "She's picked a fight with me time and time again. Does she really think I'm easy to bully?"

As the two were talking, Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui also came over. Xin Kui was holding a lotus lantern in her hand, her face beaming with undisguised joy; Xin Yunzhou, on the other hand, looked smug, clearly showing off his skills in solving lantern riddles.

"Little sister! Look at the lantern Xin Kui won!" Xin Yunzhou said proudly, "I won it by guessing seven riddles correctly!"

Xin Kui lowered her head shyly: "It's because you're so amazing, young master..."

Xin Jiuwei couldn't help but chuckle at her brother's pleading expression: "Brother, you're amazing!"

The four continued to admire the lanterns together, occasionally sampling street snacks. Xin Kui was particularly fond of a skewer of candied hawthorns, taking small bites; seeing this, Xin Yunzhou immediately ran off and bought two more skewers, stuffing them into her hands, which made Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun exchange a knowing smile.

As midnight approached, a large crowd had already gathered in the open space outside the city gate, waiting to watch the fireworks. After the Xin family members reunited, they found a spot with a good view to wait. The younger generation chattered excitedly, discussing the various lanterns they had just seen.

"Bang—" The first firework burst open in the night sky, its golden light illuminating everyone's faces. Then, the second, the third... colorful fireworks bloomed one after another in the night sky, like a magnificent dream.

Xin Jiuwei looked up at the dazzling spectacle, when she suddenly felt her hand being gently grasped. She turned her head and met Xiao Xun's tender gaze. In the glow of the fireworks, his eyes seemed to sparkle with stars.

"So beautiful," she whispered.

Xiao Xun tightened his grip on her hand: "Not as beautiful as you."

Xin Jiuwei felt a surge of warmth in her heart and, using the cover of his wide sleeves, intertwined her fingers with his. Beside them, Xin Yunzhou was awkwardly trying to shield Xin Kui from the crowd, while Xin Kui blushed and quietly tugged at his sleeve.

The fireworks display lasted for nearly half an hour, and when the last giant golden peony bloomed in the night sky, everyone exclaimed in heartfelt admiration. On the way back home, the younger cousins ​​were so sleepy they were practically swaying back and forth, being carried or slung over by the adults; Mr. Xin and his maternal grandfather chatted as they walked, occasionally letting out hearty laughter; Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun lagged behind, enjoying the tranquil night.

"I'll be setting off back to the capital in a few days," Xiao Xun suddenly whispered.

Xin Jiuwei paused, a wave of reluctance washing over her: "So soon?"

"There are some things that need to be dealt with as soon as possible." Seeing her eyes dim instantly, Xiao Xun quickly added, "I promise you, I'll be back in two months at most."

Xin Jiuwei took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Who...who was worried about your return?"

Xiao Xun chuckled softly, not exposing her insincerity: "When I return, we'll officially get engaged, okay?"

This sudden promise made Xin Jiuwei's heart race and her cheeks burn. She lowered her head and softly hummed in agreement, her voice barely audible.

Under the moonlight, their shadows overlapped and remained indistinguishable for a long time.

Back at the Xin residence, everyone said goodnight and went to their rooms. Xin Jiuwei had just changed into her nightgown when she heard a soft knocking sound outside the window. Pushing open the window, she saw Xiao Xun standing in the moonlight, holding a small bundle in his hand.

"Here you go." He handed over the bundle. "These are snacks for the journey, homemade."

Xin Jiuwei took the cake, opened it, and saw several delicate plum blossom cakes inside, their aroma filling the air. A warmth spread through her heart: "Making this so late..."

"Knowing you like to eat this," Xiao Xun said softly. "I have to get up early tomorrow to prepare my luggage, and I'm afraid I won't have a chance to say goodbye alone."

Xin Jiuwei held a piece of plum blossom cake in her hand, suddenly feeling a tightness in her throat: "You...you must come back safely."

"Definitely." Xiao Xun solemnly promised, "For your sake, I will return safely."

The moonlight bathed them, making the emotions of parting all the more poignant. Xin Jiuwei mustered her courage and quickly reached out to touch his cheek: "I'll wait for you."

Those three simple words ignited a dazzling light in Xiao Xun's eyes. He took her hand and gently kissed her palm: "Wait for me to return, and I will marry you."

Xin Jiuwei blushed and withdrew her hand, but nodded solemnly. Xiao Xun smiled contentedly, glanced at her one last time, and turned to disappear into the moonlight.

Three days after Xiao Xun left the capital, Xin Jiuwei received her first letter.

Early in the morning, she was checking the accounts in her study when Xin Kui tiptoed in, carrying an exquisite letter box: "Miss, a letter from the capital."

Xin Jiuwei paused, the ink spreading slightly on the ledger. She quickly put down the brush and took the letter box. The box was made of fine sandalwood, with delicate plum blossom patterns carved on its surface, and a small "Xun" character engraved on one corner.

"Was it sent by Young Master Xiao?" Xin Kui asked with a smile in her eyes.

Xin Jiuwei nodded gently, her fingertips tracing the character "Xun," a sweet feeling welling up in her heart. She carefully opened the letter box, inside which was a neatly folded letter and a small brocade pouch.

The letter paper carried a faint scent of pine, the same scent of Xiao Xun's ink stick. Xin Jiuwei pressed the letter to her heart, as if she could feel his warmth from a thousand miles away. After a while, she opened the small brocade pouch, inside were several exquisite embroidery patterns and a note with instructions on how to make plum blossom cakes.

"Miss, what did Young Master Xiao say?" Xin Kui asked curiously.

Xin Jiuwei carefully folded the letter and tucked it into her sleeve: "It's nothing, just letting you know I'm safe." She picked up the embroidery pattern and looked at it. "These patterns are quite novel. Take them and study them, see if you can use them on our embroidery."

Xin Kui took the embroidery pattern and examined it carefully: "This needlework is quite unique... Miss, Young Master Xiao is truly thoughtful, even considering this."

Xin Jiuwei smiled, but didn't reply. Instead, she asked, "Where's my brother?"

"Young Master went to the training ground early this morning, saying he wanted to improve his swordsmanship and would spar with Young Master Xiao when he returned," Xin Kui replied. "Recently, Young Master has been very diligent; even the tutor praised his improved writing."

Xin Jiuwei nodded with satisfaction. In her previous life, Xin Yunzhou had been idle and lazy, but in this life he had become so diligent and ambitious. How could she not marvel at the wonder of fate?

"Oh, right," Xin Kui hesitated for a moment, "the Prince of Ruyang's mansion sent an invitation yesterday, saying they're holding a flower-viewing banquet and inviting Miss and Eldest Miss to attend."

Xin Jiuwei raised an eyebrow: "Xue Yingxue's idea?"

"The post was made in the name of the Princess Consort of Ruyang..." Xin Kui whispered, "Master said it's entirely up to Miss's wishes."

"Let's decline," Xin Jiuwei said decisively. "Just say I have to assist my father in managing the family business and am too busy to attend the banquet." She had no interest in watching Xue Yingxue flaunt her status as the future Crown Prince's consort.

Xin Kui accepted the order and left. Xin Jiuwei picked up the account book again, but found she couldn't concentrate. Xiao Xun's letter seemed to possess a magical power, causing her thoughts to drift far away. Finally, she sighed, took out paper, pen, and ink, and began to reply.