Despite the booming business expansion, Xiao Chengjing's jealousy did not diminish because Shen Yuewei was pregnant. On the contrary, his possessiveness intensified because she appeared even more vulnerable.

That afternoon, the sun shone brightly. Chun Tao (now Madam Zhou) came again. She wore a light purple padded jacket embroidered with plum blossoms, her hair styled in a married woman's bun. Her demeanor was much gentler and calmer, and her brows radiated the happiness and contentment of being a wife. She carried an exquisite food box containing several light snacks that she had personally made, which Shen Yuewei loved during her pregnancy, and a jar of freshly pickled plums.

“Sister looks much better!” Chun Tao sat by the heated kang, holding Shen Yuewei’s hand, her eyes crinkling with joy. “You look a bit plumper than before, it must be because the Prince is taking good care of you.” As she spoke, she opened the food box, picked up a small piece of Poria cocos cake and held it to Shen Yuewei’s lips. “Want to try some? I put less sugar in and added some osmanthus honey, it should suit your taste, sister.”

Shen Yuewei smiled and opened her mouth to take it. It was sweet and soft, with the light fragrance of poria cocos and the sweet aroma of osmanthus. It was indeed refreshing and not greasy. "Mmm, delicious! Chun Tao, your cooking skills are getting better and better."

The two sisters were chatting intimately when the curtain to the warm chamber was lifted. Xiao Chengjing walked in; he had just returned from handling some matters outside, and his dark cloak still carried the chill of early winter. He immediately saw Chun Tao affectionately feeding Shen Yuewei some snacks, while his Wei Qing was smiling tenderly and dependently at another woman!

A familiar, intense sour feeling instantly surged into Prince Jing's heart. He stopped in his tracks, his handsome face darkened slightly, and the atmosphere around him seemed to drop.

"Your Highness is back." Chun Tao quickly stood up and bowed. She now had a deep understanding of her brother-in-law, Prince Jing's, jealousy.

Xiao Chengjing gave a soft "hmm," his gaze falling on the last crumb of cake on Shen Yuewei's lips, his eyes darkening. He strode over, sitting down next to Shen Yuewei with perfect ease, stretching out his long arm to pull her into his embrace, his possessive posture unmistakable. Then, he picked up the half-finished glass of warm water beside Shen Yuewei, and from where she had drunk, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp! The movement was fluid and graceful, carrying a silent declaration.

Shen Yuewei: "..."

Chun Tao: "..."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Xiao Chengjing put down his cup as if nothing had happened, his gaze sweeping over the food box brought by Chun Tao, his tone flat and indifferent: "Madam Zhou is very kind. Wei Qing's appetite has been good lately, and the pastry chefs in the manor have been doing their best." The implication was clear: no need for you to trouble yourself.

Chun Tao, being quick-witted, immediately understood. Suppressing her laughter, she respectfully said, "Yes, Your Highness is right. I was just thinking that my sister might crave some familiar flavors during her pregnancy, so I made some and brought them over. Now that my sister is well, I'm relieved. I have some chores to attend to at home, so I'll take my leave now." She didn't want to stay and become cannon fodder.

Shen Yuewei blushed with embarrassment at Xiao Chengjing's childish and domineering behavior, but she couldn't lash out in front of Chuntao, so she could only watch Chuntao leave apologetically.

As soon as Chun Tao's figure disappeared outside the door, Shen Yuewei immediately pinched Xiao Chengjing's arm angrily: "Your Highness! What are you doing! Chun Tao meant well! How am I supposed to face her after this!"

Xiao Chengjing, however, didn't care at all. Instead, he hugged her even tighter, lowered his head to steal a kiss on her lips, and licked away the unsightly crumbs of cake. His voice was muffled, filled with grievance and self-righteous jealousy: "I don't care. Weiqing's desserts can only be eaten by me. Weiqing's smile is only most beautiful when she's with me. When she comes, Weiqing only looks at her, and even makes her feed you... I'm not happy about that!"

Shen Yuewei was caught between anger and amusement by his almost shameless accusation. Looking into his deep phoenix eyes, where undisguised possessiveness and a hint of childish grievance surged, her annoyance instantly transformed into a helpless sweetness. She sighed, wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face in his chilly robes, and murmured, "Your Highness…you truly are…the most jealous man in the world."

Xiao Chengjing tightened his arms with satisfaction, his chin brushing against the top of her soft hair. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, like a lazy leopard that had successfully caught its prey. His deep voice carried satisfaction and a hint of smugness: "I am happy to. Wei Qing belongs to me alone. Even if I'm jealous for a lifetime, I will gladly accept it."

Outside the window, the winter sun shone through the window frame, bathing the two people in a warm embrace.