Xin Jiuwei listened patiently, took out a handkerchief to wipe Cheng Rui's sweat, and then stroked Cheng Yu's hair, her eyes full of tenderness and love. She carefully checked that the children were not hurt or injured before she felt relieved.

"It's good that you're having fun," she said gently. "Just remember, brotherly love and respect are important, but play should have its limits. Don't actually hurt yourself or others. Chengji, you're the eldest brother, you've done a great job." She then looked at Chengrui, "Rui'er, I heard you almost fell into the pond today?"

Xiao Chengrui immediately shrank back and whispered, "It was Cousin Rui who stopped me..."

"Be careful next time. Do you know how deep the lake is? How dangerous it would be if your cousin weren't there?" Xin Jiuwei's tone was gentle but carried an undeniable seriousness.

"Your subject knows he was wrong," Xiao Chengrui obediently admitted.

At this moment, the wet nurse brought over the Fifth Prince Xiao Chengcong (Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun's youngest son, two years old), who had just woken up and was still a little drowsy. The little guy immediately reached out his little hands to be held when he saw his older brother and sister.

The hall became even more lively. Chengji carefully hugged his younger brother, Chengrui made a funny face that made Chengcong giggle, and Chengyu took out the lotus flower pastry that he was reluctant to eat and wanted to feed it to his younger brother.

Looking at the scene before her, surrounded by her children, Xin Jiuwei was filled with immense happiness and contentment. This was the home she had devoted everything to protecting, the fruit of her love with Xiao Xun, and the hope for the future of the Great Liang Dynasty.

At dinner time, Xiao Xun also arrived. The family of six sat around the table for their meal, without any cumbersome court etiquette, creating a warm atmosphere. Xiao Chengrui was still excitedly gesturing about the day's "battles," Xiao Chengyu quietly adding details, Xiao Chengji occasionally chiming in, and Xiao Chengcong sat on a specially made high chair, babbling and waving his little spoon. Xiao Xun listened with a relaxed smile, frequently putting food on Xin Jiuwei's plate and adding some of the children's favorite dishes to their bowls.

After the meal, the palace maids cleared away the dishes and served tea and fruit. Xiao Chengcong was taken to bed by his wet nurse. Chengji and Chengyu each took out books to read, while Chengrui fiddled with a small jade bow that his father had just given him.

Xin Jiuwei said softly to Xiao Xun, "Today, seeing the brothers and sisters playing together, though noisy, made me feel at ease. Especially Chengji, it's rare to see him so happy."

Xiao Xun nodded, his gaze sweeping over the children: "The sons of emperors are destined to bear heavy responsibilities. But I hope that their childhood will not only be filled with classics, history, philosophy, literature, and military achievements, but also with sibling affection and playful fun. This childlike heart and warm affection may become their strongest support and comfort when they face the storms of the court in the future."

He held Xin Jiuwei's hand: "Just like you and me."

Xin Jiuwei intertwined her fingers with his, her eyes shimmering with tenderness: "Your Majesty, I understand. That's why I let them play around a bit today. Seeing Rui'er, Mingxuan, Mingyue getting along well with Chengji and the others reminded me of my elder brother, elder sister, and Jing Shu with us back then. If this friendship can be passed on to the next generation, it would be the best legacy."

Outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun painted the sky a magnificent orange-red, and through the window lattice, it gently spilled into the Kunning Palace. The shadows of children talking and playing in hushed tones were elongated, intertwining with the figures of the Emperor and Empress leaning on each other, creating a warm and harmonious scene.

Xiao Chengrui finally finished studying the jade bow and ran to Xiao Chengji's side, looking curiously at the book in his hand: "Big brother, what are you looking at?"

Xiao Chengji moved the book a little closer and pointed it out to him: "It's the 'Commentary on the Waterways Classic,' which talks about the rivers of the world. Look, this Wei River flows through Chang'an..."

Xiao Chengyu also came over and listened quietly.

Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei exchanged a smile, falling silent as they quietly savored this ordinary yet precious moment of family bliss. The future of the empire was quietly and steadfastly conceived and growing within this warm and peaceful daily life. The palace lanterns were lit, filling the room with radiant light; nothing could be more serene and beautiful.