Ten days later, in Suzhou and Hangzhou.

It was the busiest time of day, and the main street near the canal wharf was teeming with people. Suddenly, a deafening sound of gongs and drums grew louder as it approached. A striking procession slowly made its way in. Leading the way were eight burly men dressed in the uniforms of palace guards (actually elite secret guards of the Eastern Palace in disguise), their expressions solemn. Following them were dozens of strong men in brand-new uniforms, carrying enormous red-lacquered and gold-painted trunks. These trunks were incredibly heavy, bending the carrying poles slightly, and each one was adorned with a dazzling red silk flower.

Most eye-catching were the several specially made flatbed carts in the middle of the procession. On one cart, two giant coral trees, their branches gnarled and twisted, their bodies entirely crimson, shimmering in the sunlight! On another cart was a set of "Rain-After-the-Sky Blue" teaware, as thin as a cicada's wing, its glaze as elegant as a sky after rain, cleverly fixed on a brocade-covered rack, radiating brilliance. On yet another cart were twelve exquisitely crafted rosewood screens, their mother-of-pearl inlays shimmering in the sunlight… Not to mention the boxes with their lids open, revealing neatly stacked boxes of brocade, Suzhou embroidery, and ancient books, and boxes overflowing with perfectly round Hepu pearls that almost blinded the eye in the sunlight!

With the deafening sound of gongs and drums, the fluttering red ribbons, and the dazzling brilliance of the procession, this entourage was like a moving treasure trove, leisurely strolling through the most bustling streets of Suzhou and Hangzhou. Wherever it passed, the streets were deserted! Everyone was stunned by the overwhelming wealth and ostentatious display.

"My God! Is this a betrothal or a raid on someone's home?"

"I haven't heard of any family having a wedding. Look at those people carrying things, they look like palace guards!"

"Where to go? It seems to be... in the direction of Chenji Shuyue Tea House?"

"Shuyue Tea House? Master Shen?! My God! This... could this be that person from the capital..."

The crowd buzzed with discussion, exclamations of surprise and speculation, and countless eyes followed the flamboyant procession.

The news spread like wildfire through Shuyue Tea House. Shen Yuewei was checking accounts with Uncle Chen when Chuntao rushed in, breathless, her face flushed with excitement: "Miss! Quick! Go out and see! It's incredible! So many boxes! So many treasures! There's a commotion! They're coming towards our tea house! They say... they say it's a gift from the Crown Prince of the capital to you!"

Shen Yuewei was taken aback, then quickly walked to the window facing the street and pushed it open. When she saw the slow-moving, conspicuous queue downstairs, especially the two huge coral trees and the sparkling pearls in the sunlight, she was first stunned. Then, a knowing yet helpless smile, like a stream thawing in early spring, slowly spread from her eyes, eventually turning into a bright, irrepressible smile on her lips.

This Xiao Chengjing… he’s still in the capital, but his jealousy has already reached across mountains and rivers! This childish yet domineering way of declaring his love… She gently shook her head, her fingertips brushing against the window frame as she looked at the “betrothal gift” procession that almost blocked the entire street. The slight annoyance caused by the suitors had long been washed away by this surging wave of childish jealousy and undisguised possessiveness, leaving only a heart full of warmth and sweet helplessness.

"Miss...this..." Uncle Chen was also dumbfounded and didn't know what to do.

Shen Yuewei withdrew her gaze, smiling brightly: "Uncle Chen, open the middle gate and prepare to receive the 'reward'. Also, tell the constables maintaining order on the street that it's hot and they've worked hard, so the teahouse is serving chilled plum juice to everyone." She paused, a sly glint in her eyes, "Just say it's because His Highness the Crown Prince is considerate of the people's plight."