Mingyue leaned closer and winked mischievously: "Sister Yu, are you thinking... about marrying a prince consort who is as accomplished in both literature and martial arts as your uncle, and as gentle and considerate as Uncle Qi?"

"Mingyue! Stop talking nonsense!" Xiao Chengyu blushed instantly and picked up his fan as if to hit her.

Xiao Yue'er smiled too.

Mingyue giggled and dodged away, "What's there to be shy about! His Majesty and the Empress love you so much, they'll definitely choose the best husband in the world for you! But," she rested her chin on her hand and sighed, feigning maturity, "someone too serious like my eldest brother isn't good, and someone too boisterous like my second brother isn't good either... Hmm, it's better to be like Brother Mingxuan, who's learned, has a steady temperament, and even secretly brings us all sorts of new gadgets from outside the palace..."

"Qi Mingyue!" Xiao Chengyu's face turned even redder, this time genuinely embarrassed and annoyed. It's always awkward for a young girl to have her secret thoughts exposed.

Just then, a palace servant came to report that Lady Xin Kui had arrived.

Xin Kui, now the Duchess, possessed an increasingly gentle and composed demeanor, her brows radiating a tranquility and happiness honed by the passage of time. Upon entering and seeing the young girls laughing and joking, she couldn't help but smile and ask, "What are you all saying, making such a racket?"

Mingyue chimed in, "Aunt Xin, we were talking about what kind of husband Sister Yu will find in the future!"

Xiao Chengyu wished he could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Xin Kui smiled knowingly, walked to Xiao Chengyu's side, looked at the exquisite embroidery, and said softly, "Yu'er, there's no need to be shy. A girl's lifelong happiness is something she should think about. Just remember, no matter what the future holds, it must first be something you like and something you are willing to do. Just like..." She paused, her eyes shining with tenderness, "...just like me and your uncle. His Majesty and the Empress are enlightened and will surely respect your wishes."

Her words were like a gentle breeze, soothing Xiao Chengyu's embarrassment. Xiao Chengyu raised his head, his eyes filled with gratitude and contemplation: "Thank you, Aunt, Yu'er understands."

Xin Kui then looked at Mingyue and Xiaoyue'er: "It's good that Mingyue is good at scheming, but she should also remember that money is just an external thing. It is essential to acquire it ethically and use it prudently. It is good that Xiaoyue is studying medicine. She should persevere and be compassionate."

The two girls nodded obediently.

Inside the painted hall, the setting sun cast a warm glow on the figures of the young girls. They talked about the future, shared their innermost thoughts, and quietly grew up under the loving guidance of their elders, each nurturing their own dreams and expectations. This tender whisper among sisters, together with the heroic spirit on the training ground, formed the most moving picture deep within the palace.

The night was deep, but the lights in the study of the Eastern Palace remained burning brightly.

Xiao Chengji had just finished processing a batch of memorials and reports. He rubbed his temples, a hint of fatigue on his face, but his eyes remained clear. He was now gradually taking on core political affairs, and the burden on his shoulders was growing heavier each day.

The study door was gently pushed open, and Xiao Chengrui peeked in, looking slightly uncomfortable: "Big brother, haven't you rested yet?"

"Come in." Xiao Chengji lowered his hand. "What is it?"

Xiao Chengrui dawdled in, unlike his usual carefree self during the day, and seemed somewhat hesitant: "Um... Big brother, in today's archery competition, I... I lost to cousin Rui again."

Xiao Chengji looked at him, gesturing for him to continue.

“I…I know I’m impulsive and don’t think things through sometimes. Like what you said this morning about the canal transport…” Xiao Chengrui lowered his head, his voice muffled, “Am I…really not suited for…that?” He was referring to politics.

Xiao Chengji remained silent for a moment, then stood up and walked to him. His younger brother was almost as tall as him now, but his temperament still seemed immature.

“Rui’er,” he began, his voice softening, “I have never thought you were unsuitable. It’s just that everyone has their strengths. You are brave and decisive, and sincere in your nature. These are great advantages and essential qualities for a general. Father and I have high expectations for you. In the future, the borders of Liang may need you to guard them even more.”

Xiao Chengrui raised his head, his eyes shining.

“Indeed,” Xiao Chengji changed the subject, “a general cannot be made by mere bravery. He must know military strategy, be considerate of his soldiers, understand the big picture, and know when to advance and retreat. Today, I have asked you and Yu’er to participate in the discussion, not so that you can immediately become proficient in government affairs, but so that you can broaden your horizons and understand what kind of country you will be protecting in the future, and what this country relies on to function. Only then will the sword in your hand have more direction and more power.”

He patted his younger brother on the shoulder: "There's no need to rush things, and no need to compare yourself to Mingxuan and Yu'er. Find your own path and push it to its limits; that's the greatest responsibility you can have to Father, to me, and to the Great Liang. Do you understand?"

Xiao Chengrui listened intently, his elder brother's words like a lamp, dispelling the fog in his heart and dispelling any trace of inferiority. He nodded emphatically, his eyes hardening: "I understand, elder brother! I will work hard! In the future, I will definitely become a general you can rely on, protecting the four corners of the land for you!"

"Okay." Xiao Chengji smiled with relief. "I believe in you."

The two brothers looked at each other and smiled, the air filled with trust and warmth.

At this moment, Xiao Chengyu also came in carrying a bowl of rock sugar and white fungus soup. Seeing the two brothers, he said softly, "Big brother, second brother, are you still busy? I asked the kitchen to stew some soup, please have some."

Xiao Chengji accepted it, his heart warmed: "Thank you for your trouble, Yu'er."

Xiao Chengrui chuckled, regaining some of his playful nature: "Yu'er is so thoughtful! Big brother always knows how to lecture me!"

Xiao Chengyu gave him a reproachful look, then handed another cup to Xiao Chengrui: "Second brother, drink up, shut your mouth."

The three siblings sat around the lamp, sharing a simple soup, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones. The moonlight outside the window was like water, and the lamplight inside the hall was warm and inviting. Xiao Chengji watched his younger siblings grow up day by day. Although they had different personalities and different paths in life, the bond of blood and shared responsibility tightly connected them.

He is the crown prince, the future emperor, but at this moment, he is also an elder brother willing to shelter his younger siblings from the storm and guide them forward. The future of the empire not only requires him to shoulder the burden alone, but also requires his siblings to work together, each giving full play to their strengths, so that it can be as stable as Mount Tai and as glorious as their father and mother expect.

As night deepened, the young men and women settled down for the night. The palace fell silent, but the seeds of hope had already quietly taken root and sprouted in their youth, awaiting their day to grow tall.