Days flowed by in a peaceful yet subtle atmosphere. Xin Yunzhou's injuries, under Lin Wanyi's meticulous care, gradually stabilized, and he was able to walk briefly in the courtyard with crutches. Xin Jiuwei's focus also gradually shifted away from purely caring for him, returning to her daily routine of reading, practicing calligraphy, and spending time with the old lady. In the warm pavilion, Xiao Xun's daily "sitting" became an unwavering habit. The two still didn't exchange many words, but the tacit understanding and intimacy that grew silently were like vines gently entwined by a spring breeze.

That afternoon, Xin Jiuwei was practicing calligraphy by the window in the warm pavilion when Xiao Xun pushed open the door and came in, followed by You Ye, who was holding a small brocade box.

"Your Highness." Xin Jiuwei put down her pen.

Xiao Xun nodded, gesturing for You Ye to place the brocade box on the table. "Open it and take a look." His voice was low, revealing little emotion.

Xin Jiuwei was somewhat puzzled, but opened the brocade box as instructed. Inside lay a set of the Four Treasures of the Study: a Duan inkstone with simple and elegant carving, a wolf-hair brush with a sandalwood handle, a piece of warm-colored pine soot ink, and a stack of fine jade Xuan paper. Each item was exquisite, especially the Duan inkstone, which had a delicate texture and a faint bluish-purple luster, making it quite valuable.

"Your Highness, this is too precious..." Xin Jiuwei was somewhat at a loss. The Rouge Frozen Inkstone from a few days ago was already a treasure, but this set is even more rare.

“You’ll find it useful.” Xiao Xun’s tone was calm, as if he were simply giving her an ordinary gift. He walked to the calligraphy model she had just been copying and looked down at it. “Your brushstrokes are a little weak, but the structure is quite stable. With more practice, your wrist strength will naturally improve.” He rarely offered such a comment, but it was concise yet incisive.

Xin Jiuwei's cheeks flushed slightly, and she whispered, "Yes, Wei'er has remembered."

Xiao Xun didn't say anything more, walked to his usual spot, sat down, and closed his eyes to rest. Xin Jiuwei looked at the brand-new writing set on the table, then at Xiao Xun resting with his eyes closed, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. He had noticed her practicing calligraphy, and... he wanted her to do better. This silent concern touched her more than any flowery words.

Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents are quietly surging.

A few days later, an urgent letter arrived in Xin Jiuwei's hands, from her older sister Xin Xiyao, who lived far away in Yuncheng, Yingzhou.

Unfolding the letter, familiar, delicate handwriting came into view. The letter mostly concerned everyday matters, inquiring about her younger brother Xin Yunzhou's injuries and showing concern for Xin Jiuwei's situation in Beijing. Deep longing and the concern of an elder sister permeated the words. However, a subtle worry was revealed at the end:

"...Everything is well at home. My maternal grandfather and father are in good health, so don't worry. However, Yuncheng has experienced a lot of rain this summer, and there seems to be a risk of flash floods upstream. Several fertile fields outside the city may be affected. Although the government has conscripted laborers to reinforce the dikes, the project is massive and requires a huge amount of money and grain. Prefect Zhao of Yuncheng has recently summoned local gentry several times to discuss donations. I hope that everything goes well for you and your siblings in the capital, and that you will not worry about home. Your sister, Yao."

Xin Jiuwei held the letter in her hand, her brows furrowing slightly.

"What's wrong?" Xiao Xun's deep voice sounded. He had opened his eyes at some point, his gaze falling on Xin Jiuwei's slightly furrowed brow and the letter in her hand.

Xin Jiuwei snapped out of her reverie and handed over the letter: "It's from my elder sister. Yuncheng has experienced a lot of rain this summer, and there's a risk of flash floods. The government is raising funds to reinforce the dikes and has been asking my maternal grandfather for help."

She briefly explained the situation, her tone tinged with helplessness.

Xiao Xun took the letter and quickly scanned it. He put it down, his face expressionless, and said calmly, "Reinforcing the dikes is the duty of local officials. Apportioning donations should be done within one's means; one cannot force people to do what is impossible."

He looked at You Ye: "Go and check. Prefect Zhao Dezhang of Yuncheng, the funds for the river works, and the details of the donation. Also," he paused, his gaze sweeping over Xin Jiuwei's worried face, "take one thousand taels of silver from my private account and donate it to the Yuncheng river works in the name of the Xin family."

"Your Highness!" Xin Jiuwei exclaimed in surprise, quickly stopping her. "No! That's too much! And...and how can this be?"

“Why not?” Xiao Xun looked at her, his eyes calm and unwavering. “The river project is a matter of benefit to the people, and it is only right to donate funds to support it. As the village head, the Xin family should set an example, which is also their duty. As for the money,” he said in a flat tone, “I don’t lack this little bit of money. This matter is settled.” His tone carried an unquestionable decisiveness.

You Ye immediately bowed and said, "Yes, I will do it right away!" He then quickly withdrew.

Xin Jiuwei looked at Xiao Xun, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

"It was nothing," Xiao Xun said casually, as if he had truly done a trivial matter. He closed his eyes again and said no more.

Xin Jiuwei sat back down, gazing at Xiao Xun's calm profile, but the turmoil in her heart remained unsettled. His kindness towards her seemed to be increasingly transcending the realm of "fellow travelers," carrying a forceful and direct protection that left her with no way to escape.

A few days later, the Second Prince Xiao Jue hosted a banquet at his residence, inviting some members of the imperial family and close officials. The banquet was lively, with toasts being exchanged and the atmosphere seemingly warm.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xiao Jue, holding his wine cup, wore his usual warm smile and casually mentioned, "Speaking of which, Sixth Brother seems to be quite free lately? I heard he's been resting at home most of the time, and hasn't even been to the Ministry of War much. Well, the war in the north has ended, and General Xin has returned to the capital to recuperate. Sixth Brother should really get some rest."

During the banquet, an imperial censor who was loyal to Xiao Jue immediately chimed in, "What the Second Prince says is quite true. However, I have heard that although the Sixth Prince is recuperating at home, he seems to be quite 'concerned' about local affairs? A few days ago, a memorial of gratitude for donations to the river works was submitted from Yuncheng, specifically mentioning the Xin family of Yingzhou, who donated one thousand taels of silver! Tsk tsk, for a family of a lowly village head to be so generous, it is truly... impressive." His words were barbed and pointed.

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