Sunlight streamed through the window, warmly bathing the two embracing figures, as if casting a golden halo over their love, forged in the crucible of war. Outside the tent, Tongguan was recovering after the battle, new life quietly sprouting amidst the ruins.

In the capital city, a thousand miles away, at the West Garden of the Sixth Prince's residence.

Xin Jiuwei had just finished processing a batch of complaints about the exploitation of granaries along the canal route, and she wearily rubbed her temples. Dusk had already fallen outside the window. A maid quietly entered to light a lamp.

“Madam, there is a secret letter from Tongguan, written in His Highness’s own hand.” You Ye presented a sealed copper tube.

Xin Jiuwei perked up and quickly took the letter and opened it. The letter still bore Xiao Xun's strong, vigorous handwriting, slightly longer than the last one:

"Jiuwei My Wife Anqi:"

"Tongguan is now secured, the remaining enemy forces have fled far away, and the morale of the army is gradually stabilizing. Yunzhou is brave and has been promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry, capable of shouldering great responsibilities. Xin Kui's injuries have greatly healed, and her loyalty and bravery are admired by the entire army. There is another matter..." Xiao Xun's pen paused here, seemingly with a hint of a smile, "Your brother Yunzhou has come to his senses. He has already proposed to Miss Xin Kui in the commander's mansion. Miss Xin Kui... has agreed. The army's conditions are simple, so a grander ceremony will be held after we return to the capital. I am very pleased, and I believe my wife will be delighted to hear this."

"My wife has worked hard on all the affairs in the capital. The equal distribution of land in Yingzhou and the reform of the canal transport are fundamental measures to consolidate the foundation. Even if there are a thousand difficulties and dangers, my wife and I will bear them together! Although the barbarians have been defeated, their vitality has not been lost; the accumulated problems in the court cannot be eliminated in a day. However, with my wife as the pillar in the rear, I am at ease on the front line."

"The return date is set. Once things have settled down, I will set off for Beijing. I look forward to reuniting with my wife and seeing the new look of this land together. Yours truly, Xun."

Xin Jiuwei read the letter word by word, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. They were tears of joy, tears of relief, and tears of overwhelming emotion. Her brother and Xin Kui… they had finally come together! Having weathered life and death, transcending social status, how precious this bond was! And the complete trust, deep longing, and unwavering determination to fight side-by-side expressed in Xiao Xun's letter warmed her heart, making all her weariness seem to vanish.

She pressed the letter to her chest, as if she could feel the warmth of his handwriting. Outside the window, the last rays of sunset painted the sky a brilliant golden-red.

"Your Highness," she murmured softly to the void, a happy and resolute smile curving her lips, "Wei'er is waiting for you. This capital, this empire, we will protect together. This new face, we will paint together."