That day, accompanied by Xin Kui, Xin Jiuwei visited the old lady at the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence. The old lady was in increasingly good health and full of energy. Seeing Xin Jiuwei's rosy complexion and relaxed appearance, the old lady smiled broadly, took her hand, and chatted intimately with her.

"Wei'er, seeing you like this, I'm relieved." The old lady patted the back of her hand, her gaze loving and clear. "The Sixth Prince treats you with all his heart. A man's coldness and indifference are not necessarily a bad thing; the key is who he holds in his heart. He was willing to overturn the turbulent Xiao Jue for you; his sincerity is more precious than gold."

Xin Jiuwei's cheeks flushed red, and she whispered, "Aunt..."

"What's there to be shy about?" the old lady chuckled. "I've been through this before. You are a lucky person. But..." Her tone shifted, a hint of worry flickering in her eyes. "This capital city is a melting pot. The Sixth Prince is currently riding high, and countless eyes are watching him. If you're by his side, you'll inevitably be thrust into the spotlight. Those noble ladies from aristocratic families may appear amiable on the surface, but behind the scenes... they have a lot on their minds."

Xin Jiuwei's heart stirred slightly. The old lady's words reminded her. Although her relationship with Xiao Xun had not been officially made public, everyone in the Prince's residence knew it, and the astute nobles in the capital had probably already noticed something. Beneath the calm surface, perhaps a new wave was brewing.

Sure enough, a few days later, a gold-embossed invitation was delivered to the Prince's residence, specifically addressed to Xin Jiuwei. It was signed—Princess Rongchang's Residence.

Princess Rongchang, the current emperor's younger sister, held a prestigious position and was known for her straightforward personality. She loved hosting various flower parties and elegant gatherings, and was a trendsetter among the noble ladies of the capital. Receiving an invitation from her was a symbol of status.

Xin Jiuwei hesitated, holding the heavy invitation. She had never attended a banquet of this caliber before, and had no idea how murky the social circles of the noble ladies in the capital were.

"If you don't want to go, then don't go." Xiao Xun's voice came from behind. He had walked in at some point, glanced at the invitation in her hand, and frowned slightly. Clearly, he had no interest in this kind of social gathering among noble ladies, nor did he want Xin Jiuwei to suffer that restraint or even the possible grievances.

Xin Jiuwei turned around and looked at him: "Princess Rongchang...is Your Highness's aunt? The invitation has already been sent. If we don't go, wouldn't it seem...rude?" She didn't want to cause him any trouble.

Xiao Xun walked up to her, his gaze calm: "With me here, you don't need to worry about anyone." His tone carried his usual domineering and protective nature. "Go if you want, just relax. If anyone is blind, I'll deal with them."

The protective tone in his words warmed Xin Jiuwei's heart. She thought for a moment and said softly, "Wei'er wants to go see him." She didn't want to curry favor with him; it was just that since she had chosen to stand by his side, these social obligations were something she would have to face sooner or later. Hiding wasn't the solution.

Xiao Xun gave her a deep look, seemingly understanding her thoughts. He nodded: "Alright. Have Xin Kui bring a few more people with her. Make sure the night tour is arranged properly."

The plum blossom appreciation banquet at Princess Rongchang's residence was held in the "Meixuewu" villa in the west of the city. It was deep winter, and hundreds of old plum trees in the garden were in full bloom, their red and white blossoms creating a beautiful scene with a subtle fragrance.

When Xin Jiuwei arrived, accompanied by Xin Kui and two composed maids from the Prince's mansion, the garden was already filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the lively sounds of laughter. Today, she wore a newly made moon-white satin jacket and skirt embroidered with magnolia branches, over which she wore a light blue cloak trimmed with silver fox fur. Her hair was adorned with only a simple white jade hairpin. Although she was not excessively decorated, her elegant temperament and beautiful face made her stand out from the jewel-studded garden, appearing exceptionally refined and otherworldly.

Her appearance instantly attracted many gazes. Curious, inquisitive, scrutinizing, and even subtly hostile eyes wove around her like an invisible spiderweb. Rumors about this woman from the Xin family of Yingzhou, who was by the side of the Sixth Prince Xiao Xun, had been rampant in the capital for some time, and today they finally saw her in person.

Xin Jiuwei forced herself to remain calm and, led by a maid, bowed to Princess Rongchang, who was seated at the head of the table. Princess Rongchang, around forty years old, was well-maintained and exuded elegance and nobility. She glanced sharply at Xin Jiuwei, a polite smile on her face: "No need for formalities. This must be Miss Xin? Indeed, she is quite beautiful. No wonder that sixth prince..." She smiled meaningfully and didn't finish her sentence, only saying, "Since you're here, please make yourself at home, sit down, and enjoy the flowers and conversation."

Xin Jiuwei sat down in an inconspicuous corner as instructed. Xin Kui and her maid stood by her side.

Soon, several female members of the imperial family who were on good terms with the Marquis of Zhongyong's family or Princess Zhao approached Xin Jiuwei to chat, speaking very politely. Xin Jiuwei responded appropriately, neither servile nor arrogant, and gradually relaxed a bit.

However, this superficial harmony did not last long.

"Oh, this must be the Xin family's young lady who's been all the rage in the capital lately?" A woman's voice, tinged with a hint of coquettishness and barely perceptible disdain, rang out.

Xin Jiuwei looked in the direction of the sound. She saw a young woman dressed in a magnificent crimson silk palace gown, adorned with jewels, gracefully approaching, surrounded by several equally elegantly dressed noblewomen. The woman was strikingly beautiful, with an air of arrogance in her eyes. Her gaze towards Xin Jiuwei was filled with undisguised scrutiny and… a hint of hostility.

Xin Jiuwei recognized her; she was Xue Mingyi, the legitimate daughter of Xue Chongming, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Her father had been a key figure in the faction of the Second Prince, Xiao Jue. After Xiao Jue's downfall, although the Xue family was not severely damaged (Xue Chongming was quick to change sides), they were greatly weakened and never regained their former glory. More importantly, rumors circulated that Xue Mingyi had once harbored feelings for the Sixth Prince, Xiao Xun, and the Xue family had even tried to arrange a marriage between them, but Xiao Xun had never paid any attention.

"Miss Xue." Xin Jiuwei stood up, nodded slightly, her attitude neither warm nor cold.

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