“He moved… Wei’er… He moved…” Xiao Xun raised his head, his eyes filled with undisguised ecstasy and the silly smile of a new father, like a child who had received a rare treasure.

This scene, warm and sacred, is deeply imprinted in the hearts of everyone present.

Looking at his undisguised joy and clumsiness, Xin Jiuwei's heart was filled with immense happiness; all the hard work and waiting had been worthwhile.

“Your Highness, my sister has traveled a long way and is quite emotional. Why don’t we rest for a while in the post station?” Xin Yunzhou stepped forward at the right moment and said calmly, with a smile in his eyes.

Xiao Xun then seemed to wake from a dream and hurriedly and carefully helped Xin Jiuwei up, saying, "Yes, yes! Yunzhou is right! Wei'er, go inside and rest!" His movements were as gentle as if he were holding a fragile piece of glass, carefully protecting her as they walked towards the post station.

The inn had already been cleaned up and was prepared with hot tea and snacks. Xin Jiuwei was helped to sit down by Xiao Xun, and her gaze finally fell on Xin Kui, who was following closely behind Xin Yunzhou.

"Xin Kui!" Xin Jiuwei's eyes were full of concern and heartache as she reached out her hand. "Come here quickly and let me see! How is your injury? Is it fully healed?"

Xin Kui quickly stepped forward and curtsied before Xin Jiuwei, her voice trembling slightly, "Miss... Xin Kui is alright, thank you for your concern. My injury has largely healed, but my left arm still needs some time to recover." She looked up at Xin Jiuwei's noticeably protruding belly, her eyes filled with genuine joy, "Congratulations, Miss! Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Xin Jiuwei took her hand and carefully examined her. Although she was a bit thinner and her face was still somewhat pale, her eyes were calm and bright, and her temperament possessed a resilience and composure forged in the crucible of blood and fire. She then looked at Xin Yunzhou and saw that her brother's gaze had hardly left Xin Kui; the undisguised concern and affection in his eyes made her understand.

"Good, good, it's good that you're all better!" Xin Jiuwei patted Xin Kui's hand with relief, then her gaze shifted between Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui, a mischievous smile on her face. "Brother, shouldn't you explain to your younger sister the 'matter between you and Xin Kui' that you mentioned in your letter?"

Xin Yunzhou's bronze face flushed crimson instantly, a rare hint of awkwardness appearing in his presence before his sister. He cleared his throat, instinctively straightening his back, and looked at Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei, his eyes unusually resolute: "Your Highness, sister. Yunzhou... wishes to marry Xin Kui! Please, Your Highness and sister, officiate our wedding!"

Xin Kui's cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her head, but she did not back down at all. Instead, she bravely raised her head to meet the gazes of Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun, her eyes filled with determination and expectation.

Looking at the two who had relied on each other through life and death on the battlefield, their bond stronger than steel, and...family? A hint of admiration and satisfaction flashed in his eyes, and he laughed loudly, "Good! Yunzhou, Xin Kui, you have gone through life and death together, and your affection is deep. You are truly a match made in heaven! I grant your permission! After returning to the capital, we will choose an auspicious day, and I will personally officiate your wedding! A grand and glorious ceremony to welcome Xin Kui into the Xin family!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui knelt down to express their gratitude, their voices filled with excitement and choked with emotion.

With tears in her eyes, Xin Jiuwei smiled and helped Xin Kui up: "Get up! From now on, you should call her sister-in-law!" She held Xin Kui's hand and looked at Xin Yunzhou, "Brother, you must treat Xin Kui well. If you dare to bully her, I'll be the first to not forgive you!"

The inn was instantly filled with the warmth and joy of a long-awaited reunion. Lin Jingshu was also wiping away tears, happy for the couple who had finally become a couple.

After a brief rest, the army continued its march. This time, Xiao Xun did not ride a horse, but instead accompanied Xin Jiuwei into a spacious and comfortable carriage. He carefully protected her, letting her lean against him, his large hand always resting on her lower abdomen, feeling the subtle yet powerful pulse of life, as if he could never get enough of touching her.

Xin Jiuwei nestled in his warm, firm embrace, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, and smelling the familiar scent of him—a blend of dust and the faint aroma of pine and cypress—feeling an unprecedented peace and contentment. She softly recounted her experiences in the capital since their separation: the perilous downfall of the Xue family, the difficulties of implementing the equal land distribution system, the shocking corruption scandal in the grain transport system, the thrilling assassination attempt of the previous night, and the exhilaration of defeating the enemy… Her voice was calm, yet every word was chilling.

Xiao Xun listened quietly, his arms around her tightening unconsciously, his eyes flashing with cold light and murderous intent. When he heard that she had been assassinated last night, his aura instantly turned icy, as if even the temperature inside the carriage had dropped several degrees.

"Black Tiger Gang... Sun Youlu..." Xiao Xun's voice was as cold as ice. "Good, very good! They dare to extend their claws into my residence, towards my wife and children! I will make them regret ever being born!" He lowered his head and placed a soothing yet powerful kiss on Xin Jiuwei's head. "Wei'er, don't be afraid. I will personally avenge you for this blood debt! After returning to the capital, the first thing I will do is target Sun Youlu! None of my second brother's remnants will escape!"

His words, imbued with a ruthless resolve, brought Xin Jiuwei immense peace of mind. She knew he had returned; the majestic mountain stood tall behind her once more, and he would single-handedly quell all storms.

"Mmm." She snuggled closer to him, finding a more comfortable position, her voice filled with weariness and dependence, "With Brother Xun here, Wei'er isn't afraid. It's just... I'm so sleepy..."

The intense stress of the past few days, the exhaustion of pregnancy, and the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over her made her unable to hold on any longer, and she fell into a deep sleep in his arms. Xiao Xun looked down at her peaceful sleeping face, her long eyelashes still glistening with undried teardrops, her little mouth slightly pouting, like an unguarded child. His heart melted completely, and he carefully adjusted her position to make her sleep more soundly, his large hand still protecting her lower abdomen, as if guarding the whole world.

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