The winds at the border carry a harsh whistling sound all year round. But in the training ground in the backyard of the Lu residence, a lively and bustling scene unfolds.

Two chubby-cheeked, almost identical three-year-old boys, dressed in specially made small leather armor, were wobbling and brandishing wooden knives and swords, cheering themselves on with "Hey ha hey ha." The older brother, Lu Xiao (nicknamed Da Hu), was braver and charged forward wielding his "big sword," only to trip over his own feet and fall flat on his face with a "plop," his little mouth pouting as if he was about to cry.

"Xiao'er! Get up yourself!" Lu Zheng, dressed in a crisp military uniform, stood to the side with his arms crossed. His handsome face was expressionless, and his voice was steady. "Men of the Lu family, if you fall, get up yourself!"

Da Hu blinked his teary eyes, looked at his father, then at his younger brother Lu Qi (nicknamed Er Hu) who was calmly practicing his "sword moves" next to him. He sniffed, and sure enough, he jumped up, patted the dust off his little bottom, and picked up his little wooden knife, slashing at the air with a fierce look.

Luo Qingrou, wrapped in a thick fox fur coat, sat on a chair on a thick fur rug on the veranda, smiling as she looked at the father and his two sons. She had recovered well after childbirth, her complexion rosy, though her brows held a touch of maternal gentleness. In her arms, she held a smaller, swaddled baby, her daughter Lu Yao (nicknamed Jiaojiao), who had just turned one year old. Jiaojiao stared curiously at her two older brothers with her big, bright eyes.

Madam Lu came over with a plate of freshly baked sesame-sprinkled shortbread. She handed one to her daughter-in-law first, saying, "Qingrou, try this! It's freshly baked and still warm!" Then she called out to the crowd, "Zheng'er! Don't be too strict! The children are still young! Xiao'er, Qi'er, come here to Grandma and eat some shortbread!"

Upon hearing that there was food, Da Hu and Er Hu immediately dropped their "weapons," toddled over on their short legs, and pounced into Madam Lu's arms. Each of them grabbed a piece of cake, stuffing their little mouths full.

Lu Zheng shook his head helplessly, walked over and sat down next to Luo Qingrou, naturally taking his daughter's arms. Jiaojiao seemed to really like the familiar scent of her father, reaching out her little hands to grab the metal plates on his armor, babbling softly.

“Mother always spoils them.” Lu Zheng’s tone was a little helpless, but his eyes were gentle as he looked at his two sons who were wolfing down their food.

"He's just a kid, as long as he's happy." Luo Qingrou smiled, broke off a piece of pastry, and fed it to Lu Zheng. "You should try some too. My cooking is getting better and better."

Lu Zheng took a bite from his wife's hand; it was crisp and sweet. He looked at his two energetic sons, then at his beautiful daughter in his arms, and then at his gentle and quiet wife beside him. The hardened features etched by years of frontier life melted into a pool of spring water under the warm winter sun. The harsh winds and sands of the north seemed to soften in this warmth.

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**Jiangnan·Feixueju**

The newly opened "Feixueju" restaurant is built by the water. The three-story pavilion has upturned eaves and is bustling with activity. The unique red and white hot pot base is fragrant and mingles with the lively voices of people, the clinking of cups and plates, and the loud shouts of the waiters, completely dispelling the damp chill of a winter in Jiangnan.

The atmosphere inside the most elegant "Listening to Snow Pavilion" on the third floor was somewhat subtle.

Shen Yuewei, dressed in a begonia-red brocade jacket and skirt, her hair styled in a high bun, her features exquisite, was smiling as she discussed the supply of Shu brocade for next year with several prominent silk merchants from Sichuan. Her speech was clear and her demeanor measured; her every move exuded both the gentle grace of a woman from Jiangnan and the shrewdness and competence of someone who had navigated the treacherous waters of the business world, drawing frequent nods of approval from the merchants.

"Don't worry, Mr. Shen, we trust the reputation of your 'Chen' brand! The share of Shu brocade will be handled according to what we just agreed on!" The leading merchant raised his glass with a smile.

Shen Yuewei also picked up her teacup, her smile gentle: "Mr. Li is so straightforward! Then let's..."

Before the words were finished, the door to the private room was silently pushed open. A chilling breeze, carrying the cold air from outside, instantly rushed in.

Xiao Chengjing, dressed in a dark black robe with silver patterns, walked in with an upright posture and expressionless face. His deep gaze swept across the private room, passing over the merchants, and finally landing precisely on his princess's bright and charming smiling face. His gaze was calm and unwavering, yet it seemed to make the temperature in the private room drop several degrees.

The merchants were all shrewd individuals. Sensing the invisible pressure emanating from Prince Jing, they quickly stood up, their faces plastered with respectful smiles: "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Shen Yuewei's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal. She put down her teacup, stood up, and greeted him in a gentle voice: "Why has Your Highness come? Is there something you need me for?"

Xiao Chengjing walked to her side, and with an extremely natural gesture, reached out and put his arm around her slender waist, pulling her closer to him with an undeniable possessiveness. Only then did he raise his eyes to look at the merchants, his tone calm and even, yet carrying an invisible pressure: "It's alright. I was just passing by and came to escort the Princess back to the manor. Gentlemen, have you finished your business?"

"We're done talking! We're done talking!" Boss Li and the others didn't dare to delay and quickly bowed to take their leave. "The Prince and Princess are such a loving couple, it's truly enviable! We'll take our leave! We'll take our leave!" The group practically fled the private room.

Once the door closed, only the bubbling sound of the hot pot remained in the private room.

Xiao Chengjing still had his arm around Shen Yuewei's waist, looking down at her with deep eyes. His fingertips unconsciously caressed the soft fabric of her clothes at her waist. His voice was low and unreadable: "Your Highness... looks very well today. You had a very pleasant conversation with those Shu merchants?"

Held in his arms, Shen Yuewei inhaled his familiar, cool scent and listened to his words, which were clearly tinged with sourness. She felt both amused and helpless. She tilted her head back and gently poked his firm chest with her fingertip, her voice tinged with coquettishness: "How much vinegar has Your Highness spilled? The sourness can be smelled from three streets away! It's just discussing some Shu brocade business. Second Brother is watching from the private room next door. Isn't Your Highness at ease?"

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