"His Highness has ordered the army to prepare, and the return date is in the next few days." Xin Yunzhou changed the subject, suppressing the pounding in his heart. "After returning to the capital... I want to take you to see Father and Sister first. Then... I ask His Highness and Sister to set a wedding date for us." As he spoke, his ears turned slightly red, but his eyes remained unusually firm.

Xin Kui's heart skipped a beat, then was overwhelmed by immense joy and a touch of apprehension. Seeing Xin Shouye and Xin Jiuwei… she had never imagined that someone of her background would one day walk proudly through the gates of the Xin family mansion. She looked up, her eyes shimmering with tears, filled with anticipation and unease: "I… with my status… will Prefect Xin and Miss……"

"No!" Xin Yunzhou interrupted her decisively, gripping her hand tightly. "Father is the most reasonable man, and your sister treats you like a sister! They see your kindness and your sacrifices! Identity?" He scoffed, with the arrogance and disdain unique to soldiers. "My wife, Xin Yunzhou's wife, has only one identity: the love I, Xin Yunzhou, risked my life for! Anyone who dares to utter a word will have to ask the knife in my hand first!"

His words, both domineering and sincere, instantly dispelled the gloom in Xin Kui's heart. She grasped his large, strong hand in return, nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with unprecedented brightness and determination: "Alright! I'll go back with you! To see Father, to see Miss!"

Sunlight filtered through the sparse branches, casting dappled shadows on their tightly clasped hands. Forged in the crucible of blood and fire, their love had grown ever stronger and purer, as steadfast as a rock.

Yuncheng, Qifu.

Xin Xiyao leaned against the soft couch by the window, holding a small baby bib she was sewing. The stitches were fine and dense, embroidered with delicate auspicious cloud and qilin patterns. Her belly was already slightly protruding, her pregnancy was obvious, and her face was filled with the soft glow of motherhood.

When Qi Huaihe returned after finishing his business, he saw his wife doing needlework again. He frowned slightly, strode forward, and snatched the needle and thread basket from her hands without saying a word: "How many times have I told you, these tasks should be left to the embroiderers. You're already pregnant, why strain your eyes like this? Be careful not to hurt your eyes and tire yourself out." Although his tone was reproachful, it was full of concern.

Xin Xiyao gave him a reproachful look: "Don't be so delicate. It makes me happy as the aunt to prepare some things for Wei'er's unborn nephew. Wei'er said in her letter that the pregnancy is stable and His Highness will soon be returning home. It's truly a double blessing." She stroked the soft fabric, her eyes full of gentle smiles.

Qi Huaihe sat down beside her, carefully avoiding her abdomen, and pulled her into his arms, his chin gently brushing against the top of her head: "Yes, double happiness. Wei'er is a blessed child, and has great fortune." He paused, his voice lowering, "In Yingzhou, the equal land distribution is progressing smoothly, and Liu the Skinflint in Liulin County has been behaving himself. However... there are probably undercurrents in the canal transport in the capital. Although Wei'er didn't elaborate in her letter, she mentioned that Princess Rongchang would personally enter the palace to meet the Emperor, which suggests she has obtained solid evidence against her."

Xin Xiyao nestled in her husband's arms, feeling his steady heartbeat, and felt reassured: "With Wei'er strategizing in the capital, Your Highness and my brother overseeing things in the army, and you and Father providing support in the provinces, we'll surely turn misfortune into good fortune. However..." She frowned slightly, "Those remnants of the Second Prince's faction have suffered such a great loss. With the Xue family gone, their source of income from the Grand Canal will also be cut off. How could they let it go so easily? I'm worried that they might resort to desperate measures and harm Wei'er."

A cold glint flashed in Qi Huaihe's eyes as he tightened his grip on his wife's arm. "Don't worry. Princess Rongchang and the old lady of the Marquis of Anguo are watching over things in the capital, and His Highness has also left enough people to protect Wei'er. As for us..." A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips, "...I'm not one to be trifled with either. The Qi family's trade routes span the north and south, and our intelligence network is extremely efficient. I've already given orders to closely monitor all merchant guilds and shipping companies connected to the Second Prince's former subordinates, especially those desperate criminals who might take the risk. Report to me immediately if there's any sign of trouble. If necessary..." He made a gesture, his eyes flashing with murderous intent, "...strike first!"

Xin Xiyao gently pressed his hand: "Husband, be careful. Wei'er is pregnant now, so we can't afford to make any mistakes."

"I understand." Qi Huaihe grasped her hand, his tone softening. "For you, for Wei'er, for our unborn child and the little prince in Wei'er's womb, I will plan carefully before acting. This game has only just begun. The remnants of the Second Prince's faction want to turn the tables? Hmph, they'll have to see if they have the ability to get past me, Qi Huaihe!"

The couple embraced, gazing at the lights gradually coming on outside the window. The night in Yuncheng was peaceful and serene, but beneath this tranquility lay a silent struggle and defense among various forces. Family and country, relatives and responsibilities, were inextricably intertwined.

The capital city, the study of the Sixth Prince's residence.

The candlelight flickered. Xin Jiuwei spread out a sheet of plain paper, picked up her brush, and dipped it in ink. Unlike the forceful and sharp strokes she used when reviewing official documents, her brushstrokes were exceptionally gentle at this moment. She was going to write a letter to Xiao Xun, who was far away in Tongguan, to tell him the secret hidden in her heart that was about to sprout.

“Brother Xun, Anqi:”

As the pen touched the paper, her heart softened completely. A thousand words welled up in her mind, ultimately transforming into a gentle smile on her lips.

"The frost and snow at Tongguan Pass are gradually subsiding, and affairs in the capital are under control. Although there are minor obstacles to the land redistribution in Yingzhou, thanks to the concerted efforts of Father and Brother-in-law, the displaced people are gradually settling down, and spring plowing has begun. Evidence of the abuses of the Grand Canal is becoming increasingly abundant, and Her Highness the Princess will soon bring the documents to the palace. As for the overall situation in the rear, I, Wei'er, will certainly do my utmost to stabilize it and live up to your expectations."

As she wrote this, she paused, her left hand unconsciously touching her still flat stomach, her eyes radiating maternal light, and her cheeks flushing with a beautiful blush.

"There is another matter, hidden in my heart, which I wish to share with you. The imperial physician examined my pulse and said that Wei'er... is nearly two months pregnant with our child. The pregnancy is stabilizing, and the child is safe and sound. This is a blessing from heaven, and also a reward for Xun-gege's bloody battles to protect our country. Upon hearing this news, Wei'er is both happy and apprehensive, only hoping that you are well and return to the capital soon. When you return, we will hold hands and witness the new joy in our family, which will also mark the beginning of a new era for our country..."

The ink blotted out as a small dot on the character "始" (beginning), like the budding, boundless anticipation for the future in her heart. She gently blew away the ink, carefully sealed the letter, and summoned Youye.

"Send it to Tongguan as quickly as possible and personally deliver it to His Highness."

"Yes! I will do it immediately!" You Ye accepted the letter with both hands, his expression excited.