Shen Yuewei leaned against the soft couch by the window, a delicate Suzhou embroidered handkerchief twirling in her hand, her gaze fixed on the murmuring stream outside. The warm spring sunlight streamed in, casting a soft glow on her slightly plump figure, revealing a noticeable bulge in her lower abdomen.

"Miss, the newly arrived bolts of brocade and silk gauze have all been put into storage. The colors are very vibrant, and Manager Wang says they're sure to fetch a good price." Chun Tao, the maidservant, brought in a bowl of freshly stewed bird's nest soup, a satisfied smile on her face. Having followed her mistress from the capital to this water town in Jiangnan, although far removed from the hustle and bustle, life here was peaceful and stable, and the mistress's complexion improved day by day.

Shen Yuewei took the bowl and gently stirred it with a small spoon, releasing a warm, fragrant aroma. "Manager Wang is an old hand; his judgment is impeccable. I'll feel better this afternoon, so I'll check the accounts and pick out two elegantly colored bolts of silk to send to Madam Li next door. Her daughter is turning 18 next month, so it'll be a nice little gift." Her voice was calm, carrying a serenity that came after weathering many storms.

"Okay, sure," Chun Tao replied.

She often took a walk in the afternoon, supported by Chun Tao, under the eaves of the backyard of "Jinwei Ji", watching the banana trees in the corner of the yard stretch out their green leaves and listening to the faint sounds of the marketplace coming from the shops in front.

That day, she and Manager Wang were in the warehouse checking a batch of newly arrived Huzhou crepe fabric. Manager Wang, holding the ledger, reported in a low voice: "Miss, this batch of fabric is of excellent quality and the price is fair. Madam Liu from the 'Wanxiufang' next door came to inquire the other day, wanting to order a few bolts in advance for her daughter's wedding dress."

Shen Yuewei's fingertips glided over the smooth, cool fabric as she nodded. "Madam Liu is a regular customer, so let's reserve it for her. The rest, at the price we set before, will be on the shelves tomorrow." Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a confident composure. Running this small silk shop gave her a sense of control she had never felt when she was trapped in the Eastern Palace in her previous life.

"Yes, Miss." Manager Wang replied respectfully, his eyes filled with trust. This owner, though young and gentle, had a keen eye for business and was fair in her dealings. In a short time, she had already earned a good reputation on the street.

Just then, Chun Tao's voice, tinged with surprise and panic, came from the front of the shop: "...Sir, what kind of fabric would you like to see? We've just received some top-quality Huzhou crepe..."

A deep, penetrating voice rang out, carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness and an indescribable sense of oppression: "No need. I'm looking for someone."

That sound...!

Shen Yuewei's hand, which was caressing the fabric, suddenly stopped, her fingertips slightly cold. Her heart skipped a beat without warning, then pounded violently in her chest.

It's him! Xiao Chengjing!

How did he get here?! Wasn't the Jiangnan salt tax case at a critical juncture? How did he escape? And how... did he find this place? Countless questions flashed through Shen Yuewei's mind in an instant, and her body tensed subconsciously. Where were the guards her second brother had arranged? Could Manager Wang and Chun Tao stop him?

Obviously not.

The light at the warehouse entrance was blocked by a tall, imposing figure. Xiao Chengjing, dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, looked travel-worn, his handsome face showing signs of exhaustion from his long journey. However, his deep eyes, like icy blades, swept sharply across the warehouse, finally fixing firmly on Shen Yuewei, and... the manager Wang beside her, who was leaning over and whispering to her while pointing at the ledgers.

Manager Wang was over forty years old, with a dignified appearance, and was a steady and reliable subordinate. But at this moment, under the cold, scrutinizing gaze of Crown Prince Xiao Chengjing, which seemed to pierce through him, he felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead. He subconsciously took half a step back, widening the distance between himself and Shen Yuewei.