"What should we do?" A-Yuan asked anxiously. "Are we just going to watch Father Emperor's body be weakened by that poison?"

“Of course not.” A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Chengkang’s eyes. “The one who tied the knot must untie it. Since Father is obsessed with Lianxing’s gentle embrace and the drug’s miraculous effects, then we will let Father… discover the truth behind these miraculous effects himself!”

He walked to the desk, spread out paper and pen, and quickly wrote down the names of several medicinal herbs: "Judging from the properties of this medicine, it is domineering and fierce, exchanging a brief period of euphoria for the sake of overdrawing one's vital essence. Such a potent medicine must contain extremely potent auxiliary ingredients and catalysts, and there must be residues in the dregs! Moreover, long-term use will inevitably lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body. The outward signs can be masked, but certain subtle symptoms, such as red streaks in the whites of the eyes, bluish nails, and an abnormal tongue coating, will be difficult to completely eliminate." He looked at A Yuan, his voice low and firm, "We need an opportunity, an opportunity for Father to inadvertently see, hear, and even... taste the 'truth' of this medicine! At the same time, we must make Lian Xing... reveal her own weakness!"

In early winter in Jiangnan, although the chrysanthemum season is over, the Chrysanthemum Manor is still warm and inviting, dispelling its usual quietude. Several late-blooming black chrysanthemums and winter chrysanthemums proudly bloom in the courtyard, adding a touch of elegance to the bleak winter landscape.

Shen Yuewei was directing the servants to clean the courtyard in preparation for welcoming distinguished guests, her brows adorned with a long-lost joy. Xiao Chengjing stood under the eaves, watching his wife's busy figure, a gentle smile in his eyes.

"They're here! They're here! The young masters and ladies have arrived!" The head steward's excited voice came from outside the gate.

Several spacious carriages stopped in front of the manor gate. The first to jump down was a bright young girl in a fiery red riding outfit, her hair neatly styled in two buns—Ning Jie'er (Xiao Yuning), the third daughter of Xiao Chengjing and Shen Yuewei. Fourteen years old, her eyes were lively and bright, like a playful little deer. Immediately after her, a young man in a royal blue brocade robe, with a composed demeanor and features somewhat resembling Xiao Chengkang, also alighted from the carriage—her twin brother, Yan Ge'er (Xiao Yu Yan). Although they were the same age, Yan Ge'er was clearly much more mature than his sister.

"Mother! Father!" Ning Jie'er rushed into Shen Yuewei's arms like a gust of wind, her voice clear and melodious.

"Ning'er! Yan'er!" Shen Yuewei hugged her daughter tightly, then took her son's hand, her eyes instantly reddening. "I've been waiting for you! You must have had a long journey. Let your mother see you, you've grown taller and thinner!"

"It's no trouble, Mother." Yan Ge'er bowed respectfully, his voice clear and bright. "Grandfather and Grandmother are in good health. Please convey my regards to Father and Mother."

Next to get off the bus were Shen Yuewei's second brother, Shen Wenbai, and his sister-in-law, Lin Qingrou, along with their twin children—fifteen-year-old Shen Huaijin (a handsome young man) and Shen Huaiyu (a bright and beautiful young woman).

"Second Brother! Second Sister-in-law!" Shen Yuewei hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, and then affectionately took Shen Huaijin and Shen Huaiyu's hands, "Brother Jin, Sister Yu, you've grown so much! You're really... really good-looking!"

"Yuewei, Chengjing," Shen Wenbai said with a smile, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry to bother you. These two rascals couldn't stay in the capital any longer and insisted on coming to Jiangnan to see their aunt and uncle."

"What do you mean by disturbing us! We've been waiting for this day for ages!" Xiao Chengjing laughed loudly, inviting everyone inside.

The manor immediately became lively. Ning Jie chattered incessantly with Shen Huaiyu, sharing the various exquisite pieces of jewelry that the sisters had discovered; Yan Ge and Shen Huaijin talked in hushed tones, discussing their studies; Shen Wenbai and his wife sat in the warm pavilion talking with Xiao Chengjing and his wife.

"Mother, the chrysanthemum pillow you made smells so good!" Ning'er hugged a newly made pillow from Shen Yuewei, admiring it. "My brother and I missed you so much in the capital! By the way," she suddenly lowered her voice and whispered in Shen Yuewei's ear, "How is Brother Kang Kang doing in Xiling? Has he written to us? We're all worried about him."

Mentioning Kang Kang, a hint of worry flashed across Shen Yuewei's eyes, but looking at her two healthy and lively children, and the room filled with laughter, that heavy concern seemed to lessen considerably. She stroked her daughter's head and said softly, "I just received a letter a few days ago saying everything was fine. Now that you're here, I feel much more at ease. Although winter in Jiangnan isn't as cold as in the capital, you still need to be careful to keep warm. Yan'er," she looked at her quiet son, "I heard you were very interested in medical books in the capital?"

Yan Ge'er nodded, a hint of longing in his eyes: "Yes, Mother. I've read some herbal medicine books and found them very interesting. I also want to learn from Brother Kang Kang and practice medicine to help the world."

"Good child." Shen Yuewei smiled with relief, the gloom in her heart largely dispelled by the warmth of this reunion. With her children playing at her feet and her elder brother and sister-in-law by her side, this early winter in Jiangnan felt exceptionally warm. She looked out at the gray sky and silently prayed: Kang'er, everything is alright at home. We look forward to your safe return soon.