Xiao Minghua put down the embroidery frame, looked at her sister's surprisingly bright eyes, and smiled knowingly: "Oh? Our little princess Mingyu has some 'brilliant plan' this time?"

“Of course, it’s to send gifts and offer congratulations!” Xiao Mingyu said matter-of-factly, moving closer to Xiao Minghua and blinking her eyes. “Brother Jing is overjoyed to have a son, how can I, as his younger sister, not express my congratulations? It just so happens that…” She drew out her words, with a hint of slyness like a little fox, “Didn’t General Shen just return to the capital from his rotation at the Xishan Camp? He must also be representing the Shen family to deliver congratulatory gifts to Jiangnan! I’m going the same way as him…”

Xiao Minghua couldn't help but chuckle: "On the same route? From the capital to Jiangnan, it's thousands of miles. What kind of 'on the same route' as General Shen?"

"Oh, my dear sister!" Xiao Mingyu tugged at her sleeve and shook it. "This 'on the way' isn't the same as that 'on the way'! I mean, I can use the excuse of visiting Sister Yuewei and my nephew in Jiangnan and travel with him! On the way... wouldn't that be an opportunity?" She counted on her fingers. "Look, the journey is long, we can eat together, enjoy the scenery together, and... discuss what gift would be suitable for my nephew! Isn't this just like 'boiling a frog in lukewarm water'?"

Looking at his sister's "planning-obsessed" appearance, Xiao Minghua shook his head helplessly and amusedly: "You! Your thoughts are written all over your face. That 'stubborn rock' of General Shen will probably be scared away by your 'fierce fire' before you even have a chance to cook him."

"No way!" Xiao Mingyu said confidently. "I'll definitely handle this situation well! Just like my elder sister said, 'precise strike,' cater to his interests! I've already found out that Shen Wensong likes swords, especially collecting the illustrations of famous craftsmen from previous dynasties! I happen to have a rare copy of 'Longquan Yilu' in my archives! I'll use that as an excuse to ask him to 'appraise' it, and also ask him some questions about weapons. That shouldn't be too abrupt, right?" She proudly raised her little face.

Seeing her meticulously planning, Xiao Minghua knew she couldn't stop her, so she could only advise, "Make sure you have enough guards on the road and pay attention to safety. Also," she said seriously, "stop when you've made your move, don't force it. When it comes to matters of the heart, let things develop naturally."

"Okay, okay!" Xiao Mingyu readily agreed, her mind already wandering to how to "accidentally" run into Shen Wensong.

---

**Jiangnan·Prince Jing's Study**

Shen Yuewei leaned against the soft couch by the window. Kang Kang, having finished his milk, was being soothed to sleep by the wet nurse. Xiao Chengjing sat behind his desk dealing with some important official documents. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting a pale golden glow on him.

Mother Shen brought in a bowl of freshly stewed bird's nest and gently placed it on the small table next to Shen Yuewei. She said softly, "Yuewei, drink it while it's hot. This is blood bird's nest that your elder brother and sister-in-law specially asked someone to bring from the north. And these," she pointed to several open chests next to her, "Song-ge'er (Shen Wensong) sent these as congratulatory gifts by express courier. They are all top-quality hides, medicinal herbs, and a pure gold longevity lock for his little nephew. The gifts are very generous! Mingzhu also sent a letter and several bolts of extremely soft cotton cloth, saying that it is best for the little baby to wear close to his body."

Looking at the overflowing affection, Shen Yuewei felt a warmth in her heart: "Big brother, sister-in-law, and little brother are so kind. Mother, you should rest too, don't always bother me."

"It's nothing. Seeing you and Kang Kang doing well makes me happy," Mother Chen said with a smile, then looked at her son-in-law behind the desk, "Chengjing, don't overwork yourself."

Xiao Chengjing put down his pen and said gently, "Don't worry, Mother-in-law, these are just some minor finishing touches." He got up and walked to the soft couch, naturally picked up the bowl of bird's nest, tested the temperature, and handed it to Shen Yuewei.