Before they could settle in, visitors arrived.

"Sixth sister-in-law, congratulations! This is truly a match made in heaven!" The Second Prince, Xiao Zhuo, dressed in an elegant moon-white brocade robe, held a string of lustrous Buddhist beads in his hand, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze, and personally came to offer his congratulations. Behind him were several attendants carrying several seemingly valuable gifts.

Xin Jiuwei greeted him politely, her eyes lowered, saying, "Your Highness is too kind to me." Her posture was extremely humble, yet she keenly caught the fleeting glint in Xiao Zhuo's eyes.

"Well, the imperial decree has been issued, so she's now the rightful sixth brother's wife." Xiao Zhuo waved his hand with a smile, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the not-so-luxurious room, his tone carrying just the right amount of concern. "However... while Jingyuan is nice, it's still a bit remote. Sixth brother, why didn't you settle your wife in the Prince's residence? That way, she could familiarize herself with the affairs of the household sooner. After all..."

He changed the subject, his smile still gentle, but his words were like poisoned needles, "Although the Xin family is far away in Yingzhou, their family tradition is upright, and their daughters must be excellent. However, the rules in the capital are complicated, unlike the freedom in Yingzhou. If you have any questions since you are new here, you are welcome to ask your brother."

Every word was concerned, yet every phrase was piercing. Pointing out her humble origins implied that she was unworthy to enter the prince's residence, and further suggested that the "uprightness" of the Xin family was questionable, requiring him, as their "elder brother," to "teach" them the proper conduct.

Xin Jiuwei's hands clenched slightly within her sleeves, her nails digging into her palms. Her expression remained docile, even carrying a perfectly balanced hint of fear and gratitude: "Your Highness's concern is deeply appreciated. Your Highness's arrangement of us here is of your own consideration. I come from a humble background and dare not speak recklessly; I will only remain dutiful and dare not dishonor my family." She emphasized the word "family" very softly, yet clearly responded to Xiao Zhuo's probing of the Xin family.

A hint of surprise flashed across Xiao Zhuo's eyes, as if he hadn't expected this seemingly delicate young woman to be able to deflect so much effortlessly, neither humble nor arrogant, and without making a single slip-up. He chuckled, said no more, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then took his leave.

No sooner had he left than rumors spread like wildfire throughout the capital.

"Have you heard? How did that future Sixth Prince's consort rise to power through some kind of 'rescue'? Tsk tsk, that mark on the back of her neck..."

"The Xin family of Yingzhou? Never even heard of them! They must have used some kind of seductive trick to bewitch the Sixth Prince!"

"Exactly! What kind of person is the Sixth Prince? How could he be so easily swayed by a girl from such a lowly family? It's truly..."

Rumors, like the forked tongue of a venomous snake, emerged from teahouses, taverns, and the backyards of secluded mansions, coiling towards Jingyuan. Xin Kui went out to buy some supplies and returned with a livid face and her fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

"Miss! Those people outside are simply..."

"Let them talk." Xin Jiuwei sat by the window, facing a pot of blooming black chrysanthemums, carefully pruning the branches and leaves, her tone calm and even. "It's just barking dogs, why bother with it? Remember the names of the dogs that bark the loudest, and who their owners are."

Xin Kui took a deep breath and suppressed her anger: "Yes. Liu Yiyi, who is by Princess Yongjia's side, the one from the Marquis of Pingyang's mansion, and several palace maids who are by Princess Xiao Yufu's side are all adding fuel to the fire."

Xin Jiuwei cut off a piece of excess branch and threw it into the bamboo basket next to her: "I understand."

Soon, Xin Jiuwei made her first public appearance as the "prospective sixth prince's wife"—a small banquet for appreciating chrysanthemums held by the Empress in the Imperial Garden. The guests were all members of the imperial family and the top noble ladies and socialites in the capital.

When she stepped into the Imperial Garden, dressed in a light pink dress befitting her status yet understated, escorted by Chen Qing, the previously lively and cheerful scene seemed to be paused. Countless gazes instantly focused on her, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, disdain, and jealousy—like invisible swords.

The Empress sat in the main seat, exuding elegance and nobility. Her gaze swept lightly over Xin Jiuwei, and she merely nodded slightly before continuing her conversation with the princess consort beside her, her attitude distant.