A deep, cold voice, like an ice bead falling onto a jade plate, clearly broke the silence of the warm pavilion.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

At the entrance of the warm pavilion, Xiao Xun, dressed in a black prince's casual robe and a dark cloak, with unmelted snowflakes still clinging to his shoulders, clearly had just entered from outside. He strode in, his posture upright as a pine tree, emanating a chilling aura that instantly lowered the temperature inside the pavilion.

He didn't even glance at Xin Jiuwei, his gaze fixed directly on Xiao Zhuo, his eyes sharp as knives, carrying undisguised coldness: "General Xin was wounded for the country, and the court has its own regulations for compensation. Xin Jiuwei, as the future princess consort, is of noble status; how can she easily venture into dangerous places? The journey to the northern border is long and fraught with snow and wind. If anything goes wrong along the way, wouldn't that betray the Empress Dowager's kindness in caring for the soldiers? And wouldn't it bring shame upon the royal family!"

His tone was forceful and his words were clear and resounding. He directly denounced Xiao Zhuo's proposal as "dangerous" and "shameful," and even brought up the big issue of "royal dignity," leaving Xiao Zhuo speechless for a moment.

The Empress's expression changed slightly. She hadn't expected Xiao Xun to refute Xiao Zhuo so directly, and she certainly hadn't expected him to appear at this moment.

Xiao Zhuo's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal, though a hint of sinister intent flashed deep in his eyes: "Sixth brother's eagerness to protect his wife is understandable. However... General Xin has just recovered from serious injuries, and the bond between brother and sister is deep; Sixth brother's wife must be extremely worried. If only..."

“Second Imperial Brother, you are overthinking it.” Xiao Xun interrupted him, his voice cold and undeniably forceful. “General Xin is a valiant general of our Great Liang, and he is naturally well cared for by the military doctors. Xin Jiuwei’s peaceful life in the capital is the greatest comfort to General Xin.” He turned to the Empress, bowing slightly, his tone softening, yet still carrying a powerful persuasiveness: “Your Majesty’s compassion for the soldiers is deeply felt by me. The matter of comforting the troops can be handled jointly by the Ministry of War and the Imperial Household Department, selecting capable and reliable personnel to escort them, ensuring absolute safety. It is more appropriate for Xin Jiuwei to remain in the capital, assisting Your Majesty in managing the palace affairs.”

His words were logical, well-founded, and watertight. They saved the Empress's face, completely thwarted Xiao Zhuo's sinister intentions, and firmly kept Xin Jiuwei within the capital and under his control.

Xin Jiuwei's heart finally settled, but a cold sweat broke out on her back. If Xiao Xun hadn't appeared in time... she dared not imagine the consequences. Looking at Xiao Xun's tall, cold back, an extremely complex emotion welled up inside her. Was it gratitude? Was it relief? Or... a deeper, more profound sense of powerlessness, of being controlled? She lowered her eyelashes, concealing all the turmoil in her eyes.

The Empress glanced at Xiao Zhuo, whose face was slightly stiff, and then at Xiao Xun, whose attitude was firm and left no room for argument. Finally, she nodded: "Xun'er has thought things through thoroughly, so we will do as you say. The matter of comforting the troops will be handled by the Ministry of War and the Imperial Household Department. As for Lady Xin... she can stay in the capital."

A disturbance was forcefully suppressed by Xiao Xun with an absolutely dominant attitude. The snow-viewing banquet came to an abrupt end. Xin Jiuwei followed the others as they took their leave and stepped out of the warm pavilion. A cold wind swirled snowflakes in her face, making her shiver.

Just as she was about to walk towards her carriage, she heard footsteps behind her. Xiao Xun walked up to her, his tall figure shielding her from some of the wind and snow.

"Get in the car." He said succinctly, his voice still devoid of warmth.

Xin Jiuwei was slightly taken aback, but did not refuse. She silently followed him towards his larger, black carriage decorated with royal insignia. You Ye had already lifted the curtain.

The carriage was warm and cozy, filled with the faint scent of cold plum blossoms. Xin Jiuwei sat down in the corner furthest from Xiao Xun, her eyes lowered, looking at the few snowflakes clinging to the hem of her skirt.

The carriage started slowly and rumbled forward. Inside, all was silent except for the faint sound of the wheels rolling over the snow.

Xiao Xun leaned against the carriage wall, his eyes closed in rest. The snowflakes on his shoulders had melted, leaving dark, damp stains on the dark brocade. The lines of his profile appeared particularly hard in the dim light. Xin Jiuwei could sense the invisible pressure emanating from him, and a hint of barely perceptible fatigue.

She recalled his forceful words in the warm pavilion, and the opportune moment of his appearance. How did he know Xiao Zhuo would cause trouble? Had he been keeping an eye on her? Or had he anticipated this "snow appreciation banquet" all along?