Shen Yuewei picked up a small pastry, her fingertips slightly cool. "It's nothing, it's just that the rain in Jiangnan seems to never stop." Her tone was flat, as if she were really just complaining about the weather.

Seeing her slightly furrowed brows and the unconscious gesture of gently stroking her lower abdomen, Chun Tao understood, but dared not ask further. She only said, "Yes, but lotus pods are sweetest after the rain. Have some fresh ones sent from the estate in a couple of days."

"Mm," Shen Yuewei responded, turning her gaze back to the window.

Beneath the calm surface of daily life lies a turbulent undercurrent.

My mother's letters always expressed her worry for me, subtly hinting at the day he came to my door asking where I was. What's the situation in the capital? And… what will Xiao Chengjing do next? Does he know about this child? If he does, what will he do? Was the ending of our past life as husband and wife a sweet destiny, or… a deeper scheme?

She had to weave a strong enough net for herself and her child in this seemingly peaceful Jiangnan region. The silk shop was her eyes and ears, the network of connections she cultivated was her shield, and her time alone was for reflection and vigilance.

Just then, a commotion arose from the lobby downstairs, mixed with the sound of galloping hooves and a courier shouting "Six hundred li urgent!" The noise grew louder and then quickly faded away, heading straight for the government office.

The tea drinkers were discussing it animatedly:

"Have you heard? It seems the capital has sent a high-ranking official down to investigate the case!"

"That's right, with such a commotion, it seems like things are about to change in Jiangnan!"

"I wonder which official it is? I hope it's an honest official who can stand up for the people..."

Shen Yuewei's hand, holding the teacup, paused almost imperceptibly. A high-ranking official from the capital? Investigating a case? Her heart sank. Was he coming for her? Or... had something truly terrible happened in Jiangnan?

Chuntao also looked at her nervously.

Shen Yuewei put down her teacup, the porcelain cup making a very soft, crisp sound as it hit the table. A polite smile remained on her face as she said to Chuntao, "The tea's cold, let's go back. On the way, let's stop by the pharmacy and get a few more calming prescriptions." Her voice was calm and even, as if the news brought by the courier had nothing to do with them.

However, only she knew that beneath the calm surface, the whirlpool of a storm had already begun to spin faster. Who would that soon-to-be high-ranking official from the capital be?

She had a vague answer in her heart, but dared not think about it too deeply. She felt that the lingering rain in Jiangnan suddenly carried a chilling cold.

In her past life, it wasn't him who came to Jiangnan, but the Third Prince. At this point in her past life, I had already married into the Crown Prince's household, so the Crown Prince didn't come to Jiangnan. Shen Yuewei looked up outside, hoping it wasn't you who came this time...

"Oh, by the way, Miss, Miss Lin's carrier pigeon arrived this morning." She carefully took out a small bamboo tube from her sleeve.

Lin Wanqing's letter. Shen Yuewei's eyes flickered slightly. This was her only, and carefully selected, indirect connection to the capital, or rather, to that man. Xiao Chengjing was ordered to investigate corruption in the salt tax and waterways of Jiangnan; this mission was extremely dangerous and involved a complex web of connections.

Perhaps Lin Wanqing knew something, but she could never bear to stop contacting this close friend, and she never revealed anything to him, otherwise he would have come to kill her long ago.

Shen Yuewei smiled and opened the letter. She unfolded the silk letter paper, which was as thin as a cicada's wing.

Lin Qingwan's handwriting was elegant and graceful. As usual, the content started with some interesting stories about young ladies in the capital, and then she changed the subject and mentioned the Shen family.

"...How is Sister Yuewei? The spring scenery in Jiangnan must be delightful. Nothing major has happened in the capital recently. His Highness the Crown Prince's whereabouts are elusive, which has some people getting anxious, quite amusing."

I have heard that there are many happy events in your household. Your elder brother, Vice Minister Shen (Shen Wenqing), is gaining more and more favor from the Emperor in the Ministry of Justice. I heard that His Majesty intends to promote him to Minister, in charge of criminal justice. His future is limitless. This is truly a cause for celebration!

What's even more astonishing is your elder brother, Wenbai, who is truly a business prodigy! His 'Yunshang Pavilion' is now the most prestigious in the capital, and even the palace's purchasing department favors it. The silks of Suzhou and Hangzhou, the Shu brocades of Sichuan, and the Xiangyun yarn of Lingnan, all become rare items that noble ladies in the capital vie for after he arranges them.

A few days ago, the Princess's residence held a banquet. Of the ten noble ladies present, eight were wearing the latest styles from 'Yunshang Pavilion'. Even the Crown Princess... Oh, look at me, His Highness the Crown Prince hasn't even chosen a consort yet... In short, the name of Young Master Wenbai is now a well-known and prestigious brand among the ladies of the capital.

His composure and business acumen were truly remarkable; even my father praised him highly, saying that the Shen family's prodigy, though not in the imperial court, would bring glory to the family..."