"Mm," Xiao Xun responded, saying nothing more. The warm pavilion fell silent again, only the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow on their faces. This time, the silence no longer made Xin Jiuwei feel lost; instead, it carried a strange peace. She could even feel a quiet strength emanating from the man opposite her, unconsciously relaxing the tension in her heart caused by pain and turmoil.

Time slipped away silently in their company. Xin Jiuwei was surprised to find herself drifting off to sleep in this stillness. The tension and physical weakness of the past few days were completely released in that moment. She slept soundly and peacefully.

In a hazy state, she felt someone gently tuck the blanket that had slipped off her. The movement was very light, with an almost clumsy care. She seemed to smell the familiar, cool scent of pine resin approaching and then slowly receding.

When she woke up again, the warm room was empty, except for Xin Kui quietly doing needlework. Outside the window, the moonlight was as clear as water.

"Miss is awake?" Xin Kui put down her work and brought over some warm water. "His Highness just left not long ago. He saw you were asleep and didn't ask me to wake you."

Xin Jiuwei took the water glass, her fingertips still seemingly lingering with the warm touch from her dream. Gazing at the bright moon outside the window, her heart was filled with a clear and peaceful tranquility. That phrase, "fellow traveler," no longer seemed to be merely a cold declaration, but had quietly taken root in this daily, silent companionship, becoming part of every exchange of glances, every silent breath.

A few days later, exciting news arrived: the old lady of the Marquis of Zhongyong had woken up!

The news was delivered personally by Princess Zhao to the Prince's residence. Although the old lady was still very weak and unable to speak, she was lucid, could recognize people, and could express emotions with her eyes. Princess Zhao held Xin Jiuwei's hand, weeping with joy: "When Mother woke up and saw me, the first thing she looked towards was the door. I knew she was looking for you! Wei'er, you are Mother's lucky star!"

Xin Jiuwei's eyes also reddened, and her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally felt completely relieved. Her aunt had woken up; this was more important than anything else.

After Princess Zhao left, Xin Jiuwei remained deeply troubled. She wanted to visit her aunt, but after examining her pulse, Lin Wanyi determined that her old heart injury was still unstable and that she should not travel. Xin Jiuwei could only suppress her eagerness and continue to recuperate in the warm pavilion.

That afternoon, when Xiao Xun arrived, Xin Jiuwei was leaning against the window, gazing absently at the plum trees in the courtyard that were shivering in the cold wind, her brows furrowed with a lingering worry and longing.

"Want to see the old lady?" Xiao Xun's voice sounded from behind, calm and composed, yet it incisively revealed her thoughts.

Xin Jiuwei turned around, somewhat surprised by his keenness, and nodded: "Yes. Miss Lin said... we need to wait a few more days."

Xiao Xun walked to her side, his gaze also falling on the plum trees outside the window. The winter sun, carrying a cool warmth, shone on his pale profile, outlining his hard features. "Plum trees are hardy; after the wind and snow, they will naturally release their fragrance," he suddenly said, his voice low and resolute.

Xin Jiuwei paused slightly, pondering the meaning behind his words. Was he referring to the plum tree, or... her health? Or perhaps her aunt's illness? "After the snow, a subtle fragrance lingers..." was he telling her to wait patiently?

She turned her head to look at Xiao Xun. He was still gazing out the window, his expression focused and calm. Sunlight fell into his deep eyes, as if melting away the last trace of icy chill, leaving only a settled, deep-sea-like embrace and... a barely perceptible gentleness.

“Your Highness…” Xin Jiuwei’s heart felt as if it had been gently struck by something, and a warm current quietly surged up. She suddenly realized that he was not unaware of her worries; he was simply comforting her in his own way, telling her that everything would be alright.

"Hmm." Xiao Xun responded without looking at her. He simply reached out and picked up an object wrapped in a brocade handkerchief from the low table by the window, and handed it to Xin Jiuwei.

Xin Jiuwei took the handkerchief with a puzzled look and opened it. Inside was a white jade hairpin, its surface smooth and its carving exquisite. The hairpin head was a magnolia bud, its petals as thin as cicada wings, with a touch of natural red jade adorning the stamen, elegant and refined, radiating a captivating charm. It was clearly a priceless treasure.

“This is…” Xin Jiuwei looked up in astonishment.