The joyful laughter filling the mansion, the warmth and peace within reach… these were things she had only temporarily possessed after all her hard work. However, the venomous snake lurking in the dark corner of the capital, a thousand miles away, was like a shadow hanging over this beautiful picture, ready to tear everything she had worked so hard for at any moment.

An indescribable loneliness and heaviness, like icy lake water, silently washed over her heart. She slightly turned her head to avoid the most glaring light, her gaze falling on Xin Yunzhou, who was still enthusiastically playing "ground mouse" in the courtyard. Her brother's hearty laughter drifted over, slightly dispelling the chill in her heart. At least for now, her family was safe and sound.

Just then, her gaze inadvertently swept over the corner of the corridor connecting the warm pavilion and the open veranda.

There, Xin Xiyao and Qi Huaihe stood side by side, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. Xin Xiyao lowered her head slightly, seemingly gathering her courage, and took out a small, exquisitely embroidered purse from her sleeve. In the flickering light of the fireworks in the courtyard, the lotus scroll pattern embroidered on the purse was clearly visible, the stitches fine and dense, showing considerable care had been taken. Her cheeks flushed, like a ripe peach, and with the shyness of a bride, she handed the purse to Qi Huaihe.

Qi Huaihe looked down at her, his eyes filled with undisguised surprise and appreciation. He reached out and carefully took the small purse, his movements as gentle as if he were holding a rare treasure. He didn't put it away immediately, but instead, by the light of the fireworks, he carefully examined the lotus pattern on it, his fingertips gently caressing the delicate embroidery thread, a smile on his lips so tender it could melt ice and snow. Then, he carefully and solemnly placed the purse into the inner pocket of his robe, and then, naturally, he took Xin Xiyao's slightly cool hand in his own, warming it with his palm.

Xin Xiyao didn't struggle, but lowered her head even further, her lips curving upwards involuntarily, overflowing with happiness. The two stood quietly in the shadows of the corridor, gazing up at the fireworks, occasionally whispering a few words, creating their own sweet and warm little world. The dazzling fireworks bloomed above them, illuminating their intertwined figures, like a tranquil and beautiful silhouette painting.

Watching this scene, Xin Jiuwei felt the gloom that had been lingering in her heart due to the memories finally dissipate completely, replaced by a pure sense of relief and acceptance. Her sister's happiness was so real and beautiful. A genuine, warm smile finally spread across her lips.

Just then, an inconspicuous figure quietly approached Xin Jiuwei's side. It was a rough old woman from the Qi household who was responsible for sweeping and cleaning. Taking advantage of the opportunity to pour hot tea for Xin Jiuwei, she discreetly slipped a crumpled piece of paper into Xin Jiuwei's slightly tucked-up sleeve.

Xin Jiuwei's smile froze instantly, as if covered by ice and snow. The tiny touch in her sleeve felt like a red-hot branding iron. She calmly gathered her sleeve, picked up her teacup, and, using the rising steam as cover, quickly unfolded a corner of the crumpled paper and glanced at it.

There was only one line of tiny writing on it, but it struck her like a thunderbolt:

An informant in the capital confirmed that Qi Huaiyu was hiding in the Second Prince's Chengxin Villa in the western suburbs, under the protection of skilled guards, and was indeed recuperating from his injuries.

A huge weight was lifted from my heart, but it also stirred up even more turbulent undercurrents.

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, the festive atmosphere of the New Year had not yet completely dissipated, but life in the Qi family of Yuncheng was gradually returning to normal.

The red lanterns hanging in front of the mansion gate were still lit, but the courtyard was less noisy and more tranquil, like an ordinary day. The air was filled with the faint smell of gunpowder and the lingering aroma of food, and the servants were carrying out the final cleaning in an orderly manner, tidying up the clutter that had accumulated during the festival.

Xin Xiyao was immersed in the joy and busyness of becoming a bride.

These past few days, she and Shen Ping often met in the warm pavilion of the flower hall, meticulously discussing the many details of the wedding while looking at the thick dowry and gift lists. The items—crimson silk, gold and silver jewelry, and various kinds of utensils—were numerous. Shen Ping patiently explained the wedding customs of Yuncheng, while Xin Xiyao listened attentively, occasionally offering her own little ideas, her cheeks always flushed with happiness. Although Qi Huaihe was busy with the post-New Year's market opening inventory and social obligations, he always made time each day to either accompany Xin Xiyao in choosing fabrics and patterns, or simply sit quietly beside her watching her focused expression, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Xin Jiuwei, on the other hand, appeared even more composed. She spent most of her time in her small courtyard study, the account books for her various properties in Yuncheng still spread out before her, her vermilion pen leaving clear annotations on the paper. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting soft shadows on her serene profile. However, only she knew that beneath that seemingly focused gaze, her thoughts often drifted to the capital city a thousand miles away, to the villa named "Chengxin" in the western suburbs. News from Xin Kui arrived daily, like fine threads weaving an invisible net in her mind, gradually outlining the possible movements and weaknesses of that venomous snake, Qi Huaiyu. She needed patience, she needed to wait for the perfect opportunity, a chance to utterly kill that venomous snake.

Xin Wenhai's relationship with Master Qi and Qi Feng grew increasingly harmonious. After the misunderstandings between father-in-law and son-in-law were completely resolved, the three often enjoyed tea and chess in Master Qi's study, discussing the customs and culture of Yingzhou and Yuncheng, as well as the management of their family businesses. Although Xin Wenhai was not a soldier, his years of managing the Xin family had given him exceptional knowledge and eloquence, which Master Qi and Qi Feng greatly admired. Xin Yunzhou became a central figure among the younger generation of the Qi family, leading his cousins ​​of similar age, including Qi Xinghui, in martial arts practice at the training grounds or horseback riding out of the city for outings, exploring the entire area around Yuncheng with astonishing energy. Life in Yuncheng, after the turmoil, finally presented a reassuring, gentle, and warm tranquility.

That afternoon, Xin Jiuwei was alone in her study, deep in thought, studying the map of the capital and the latest secret report sent by Xin Kui. The report indicated that "Chengxin Villa" had recently seen a surge in the consumption of medicinal herbs, and had purchased several extremely rare herbs specifically for treating severe heart damage.

At the same time, the frequency of guard rotation at the villa also quietly increased, and the vigilance range expanded outward by several feet.

All signs indicate that Qi Huaiyu's injury may have relapsed, or... his recovery speed may be faster than expected?

Xin Jiuwei's fingertips tapped unconsciously on the table, producing a dull thud, her eyes sharp as ice. The more restless the snake, the more it sensed a threat, but it also meant it might turn on her at any moment…

Just then, a very faint sound, like a leaf falling to the ground, came from outside the study door. Xin Jiuwei's fingers, which were tapping on the table, suddenly stopped, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes. This was not the footsteps of the servants in the manor, nor was it Xin Kui's usual knocking rhythm!