Shen Wenqing's newlywed life was sweet and routine. This morning, He Mingshu got up early as usual and personally tidied Shen Wenqing's court robes with gentle and skillful movements.

"Is my husband going to the Ministry of Justice again today? Have you finished reading the case files on the embezzlement of military funds?" He Mingshu asked softly as she fastened his jade belt.

"Yes, I've figured things out." Shen Wenqing enjoyed his wife's tenderness and held her hand. "But it involves a wide range of issues, and it won't be a quick fix. It must be hard on you, my wife, getting up early every day."

“Serving my husband is my duty.” He Mingshu raised her eyes and smiled, her eyes gentle. “Breakfast is ready. My mother sent some bird’s nest porridge yesterday. Please have some.”

The two went hand in hand to a side hall for their meal. He Mingshu carefully blew on the porridge to cool it down and placed some refreshing side dishes on his plate. Shen Wenqing looked at his wife's gentle and considerate manner, his heart filled with warmth. After the meal, He Mingshu personally escorted him to the second gate, watching him get into his sedan chair and drive away before turning back to her room to begin managing the household affairs, keeping the large Vice Minister's residence in perfect order.

Madam Shen watched with delight. This daughter-in-law was not only exceptionally beautiful and talented, but also a master of household management, possessing a graceful and poised demeanor, and she and Wenqing were deeply in love and harmonious. The entire Shen household was filled with joy and peace. However, Madam Shen occasionally glanced south, her eyes still revealing her longing and concern for her daughter.

After breakfast, Madam He, accompanied by her maid, took a walk in the garden. Reaching the pomegranate tree that was blooming ever more brilliantly, she stopped, gently stroking the rough trunk. Gazing at the southern sky, she sighed softly, "Wei'er... I wonder how she's doing in Jiangnan? Judging by the days, she's almost full-term... My heart is always filled with anxiety." She took out the letter Shen Yuewei had sent last time (the letter reported that she was safe, but made no mention of the Crown Prince's injury or the Emperor's intervention), and repeatedly stroked it.

"Don't worry, Madam," the personal maid comforted her. "Didn't the Second Young Master say that everything is fine in Jiangnan and that he has benefactors looking after him? Miss Yuewei is blessed with good fortune and will surely have a safe delivery."

"I hope so..." Mother Shen murmured, her eyes filled with unyielding longing and worry.

Thanks to her virtuous and capable daughter-in-law, He Mingshu, Shen's mother's life became much easier and more comfortable. The two often enjoyed flowers, tea, and Buddhist practices together, getting along harmoniously. He Mingshu was perceptive and could always notice Shen's mother's occasional absent-mindedness.

"Is Mother missing her sister in Jiangnan again?" That afternoon, as the two were embroidering bibs for their unborn child in the flower hall, He Mingshu asked softly.

Madam Chen sighed and put down her needlework: "Yes, Wei'er is pregnant and far away in Jiangnan... Although His Highness the Crown Prince is by my side, I still feel uneasy. A few days ago, Eunuch Li from the palace went to Jiangnan, and I don't know..." She hesitated, then stopped.

He Mingshu held Shen's mother's hand and comforted her gently, "Mother, don't worry. My sister is intelligent and resilient, and with His Highness the Crown Prince's protection, she will surely be safe and sound. When my sister gives birth, our Shen family will be blessed with another member, which will be a great joy. At that time, Mother, please don't complain about the noise of your grandchildren around you."

Mother Shen was amused by her daughter-in-law, and her worries eased somewhat: "You silly child, you always know how to make me happy." Looking at He Mingshu's gentle and serene face, she sighed with emotion. If Wei'er could also find such a good husband in the future, she would truly have no more worries. However, thinking of the complex and unpredictable relationship between her daughter and the Crown Prince, and the Emperor's unfathomable attitude, a chord in her heart remained unsettled. The winds in the capital seemed to be growing ever stronger.