Although far away in Jiangnan, Shen Yuewei was not forgotten by the bustling capital. On the eve of her eldest brother's wedding, she received a large package delivered by her second brother, Shen Wenbai, through special channels. Inside were not only a dowry gift for her future sister-in-law—a priceless set of red gold and ruby ​​headdress (magnificent yet within the bounds of regulations), crafted over several months by the top artisans of "Yunshang Pavilion"—but also gifts specially prepared for her and her unborn niece.

For Shen Yuewei, there was an extremely soft, light, and warm-to-the-touch top-grade snow satin nightgown, along with several boxes of a secret-recipe pregnancy-preserving and beauty-enhancing pill from the Xinglin Hall in the capital. For her little niece, there was a complete set of baby clothes, a swaddle blanket, and tiger-head shoes and hats sewn from the finest brocade and cotton, with fine stitches and exquisite, adorable patterns, clearly made by the best embroiderers. The package also contained a handwritten letter from Shen Wenbai:

> My dear sister, Wei'er:

> It's as if we're meeting in person. My elder brother is getting married tomorrow, and the whole household is bustling with joy. I regret that I cannot personally go to Jiangnan to bring you back to the capital for the ceremony! However, Jiangnan is far away, and you are heavily pregnant, so it is not advisable for you to travel there. The items I'm enclosing are a small token of my affection. The headdress is a gift from your brother to your new sister-in-law on your behalf. Please keep the sleeping clothes and medicine for yourself. The baby clothes were made by my own supervision. I hope my niece will be safe, healthy, and born at full term.

> Manager Wang has already reported everything concerning Jiangnan to you, brother. His Highness the Crown Prince… though forceful, his actions suggest he intends to protect you and our child. I am far away in the capital, unable to intervene effectively, but I wish you all the best and hope you remain safe and well. If you encounter any difficulties, please send word to me immediately; though separated by mountains and rivers, I will rush to your aid day and night!

> Also, Miss Lin (Qingwan) has been very kind to you lately, often asking if you are doing well in Jiangnan. I thank her on your behalf. This woman... is quite unusual.

> Don't worry about home, everything is fine. I hope my sister takes good care of herself.

> — Brother Wenbai

Shen Yuewei held the letter, stroking the soft, warm baby clothes, her eyes slightly red. Her second brother's care was always so meticulous, whether it was his love for her health, his affection for her unborn child, or his understanding and support of her situation, all of which made her feel incredibly warm. The words, "Though separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, I, your brother, will surely rush to your aid day and night," gave her immense confidence.

She took out the baby clothes one by one, admiring them with Chun Tao and Zhang Mama. The courtyard was filled with anticipation and laughter for the upcoming little life. "Jinwei Ji" business was also running smoothly, and Manager Wang was even more dedicated. Life in Jiangnan, enveloped in family affection and with the Crown Prince's "regular visits," seemed peaceful and warm.

However, beneath this surface calm, turbulent undercurrents surged. Xiao Chengjing's investigation in Jiangnan touched upon the core interests of salt tax corruption and malpractice in waterway projects. Desperate, the opposing side retaliated with increasingly ferocious force.

That day, the "three-day deadline" arrived once again. In the afternoon, Shen Yuewei prepared tea in the small hall, but Xiao Chengjing was nowhere to be seen. This was unusual; he was always punctual.

A nameless unease enveloped Shen Yuewei. She walked to the window, looking at the gloomy sky outside, her heart filled with anxiety.

Seeing that it was getting late and Xiao Chengjing was still nowhere to be seen, Shen Yuewei hurriedly called An Ying to inquire about the situation. The worry on her face was impossible to hide, perhaps she herself did not even realize it. Only Chun Tao looked at her young lady with a heavy expression.

It wasn't until evening that Xiao Chengjing's trusted bodyguard rushed over, his face grim and filled with murderous intent.