Autumn's chill hadn't completely faded in Jiangnan, and after a few drizzling cold rains, the breath of early winter had quietly seeped into the water town. The pomegranate trees in the Shen family's courtyard had lost all their leaves, leaving bare branches against the grey sky. Yet, the courtyard was more lively than usual—Shen Wensong, the youngest son of the Shen family, had arrived weary from his journey from the capital.

"Third Uncle!" An'an, like a happy little lark, rushed into Shen Wensong's arms as he stepped off the carriage. The young man was only seventeen or eighteen years old, with the handsome features unique to the Shen family, only a bit more free-spirited and scholarly than his second brother, Shen Wenbai. He picked up An'an and spun her around, making the little girl giggle.

"Slow down, slow down! Be careful not to fall!" Mother Shen scolded with a smile, but her eyes were full of joy. Father Shen stroked his beard, looked at his youngest son, then at Shen Yuewei, who was holding the twins and humming softly in the porch, and felt comforted, only missing one.

“My brother and sister-in-law are really too busy,” Shen Wensong explained to Shen Yuewei as he put An’an down and unloaded her luggage. “The new emperor has ascended the throne and changed the era name to ‘Chengping.’ The era name has just been set, and there are many welcoming and sending-off ceremonies in the court. Although my brother is in the Ministry of Justice, he is very busy with the new emperor’s registration. My sister-in-law also has to deal with the women in the palace, so she really can’t be in two places at once. They asked me to bring a thick stack of letters and New Year’s gifts, saying that they must come to Jiangnan to stay for a while next spring, no matter what.”

Holding her adorable little niece in her swaddling clothes, Shen Yuewei nodded upon hearing this, a fleeting hint of melancholy crossing her eyes before being replaced by a smile: "The affairs of the capital are of utmost importance, and naturally, the overall situation must be taken into account. It is already wonderful that my third brother can come and celebrate the New Year with us." She teased the baby in her arms, "Look at our little girl, she hasn't met her uncle and aunt yet."

Lin Qingwan sat to the side, leaning against the soft pillows. She looked much better than when she gave birth. Holding her son, who was full and bubbling after eating and drinking, she smiled and said, "That's right. We should make sure that our little girl and boy get double the New Year's money from our elder brother and sister-in-law!"

Just then, Chun Tao came in carrying a thick envelope, a mischievous smile on her face: "Miss, a letter from the capital, and... several cartloads of things, said to be New Year's gifts from His Highness."

Shen Yuewei took the letter. The four characters "To Weiqing" on the envelope were written with vigorous strokes, exuding a familiar composure. Her fingertips traced the characters, and her smile deepened. Unfolding the letter, the first few lines were routine greetings and expressions of concern, inquiring about her parents' well-being, her second brother and sister-in-law's recent situation, and how much taller An'an had grown... The words were filled with an unyielding longing. Then, the tone shifted, mentioning matters of state at court.

"The new emperor has ascended the throne and changed the era name to 'Chengping,' and all the rites have been finalized. My father has moved to the Western Garden to recuperate. Chengyu... Your Majesty is exceptionally intelligent, diligent, and benevolent, and the court and the people are devoted to you. I have relinquished all my duties, retaining only the honorary title of 'Prince Jing,' and will be able to depart for the south after the ancestral temple sacrificial ceremony. I am eager to return home, but due to the constraints of etiquette, I fear I will be unable to spend the Lantern Festival with you and your family, which is a great regret! I have prepared a small gift to express my longing. Also, the matter of the 'Jiangnan Vinegar Workshop' that you mentioned in your previous letter is quite interesting. When I arrive, I will certainly go and taste it myself to see if it is sour or not."

Upon reading the words "Jiangnan Vinegar Workshop," Shen Yuewei finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, her eyes crinkling like a crescent moon. A few days ago, she had written a letter vividly describing the Crown Prince's extravagant "treasure parade," ending with a teasing remark: "Your Highness spent lavishly, the aroma of vinegar wafting for miles, causing a stir throughout the city. It's said that a new 'Crown Prince Vinegar Workshop' has opened in Jiangnan, specializing in aged vinegar with a very strong flavor, which ordinary people dare not taste. I, on the other hand, am fortunate enough to smell this vinegar every day, and it has even made my newly brewed pre-rain tea taste more tangy and refreshing, resulting in excellent sales. I wonder if Your Highness intends to open a branch of this 'Vinegar Workshop' in Jiangnan?"

Seeing his earnest response of "I'll personally go and taste it," Shen Yuewei could almost picture him trying to remain calm while his ears turned slightly red as he picked up his pen. This man, his jealousy was earth-shattering, and his acceptance of it was so...adorable.

She smiled and handed the letter to the curious Shen Wensong: "Here, it's a letter from your future brother-in-law. Read it yourself." Then she said to Chun Tao, "Put all of His Highness's New Year's gifts into the storeroom, pick out some festive snacks and trinkets to distribute to everyone, and leave more for An'an and the two little ones."

Shen Wensong looked at the letter, and couldn't help but chuckle, especially when he saw the title "Prince Jing" and the teasing about "Jiangnan Vinegar Workshop": "Brother-in-law... cough, His Highness's jealousy is palpable even through the letter."