The news that Crown Prince Xiao Chengjing had arrived in the capital safely was like a stabilizing force, allowing the anxious members of the Shen family to breathe a sigh of relief. However, Shen's mother's worry for her daughter Shen Yuewei, who was far away in Jiangnan and about to give birth, grew stronger every day, to the point that she could hardly eat or sleep.

On this day, the atmosphere in the main hall of the Shen residence was solemn. Shen's father sat upright in the main seat, his face grave; Shen Wenqing, dressed in the official robes of a vice minister, was composed and dignified; Shen Wenbai's brows were slightly furrowed, his eyes filled with unresolved worry; Shen's mother tightly clutched her handkerchief, her eyes reddening.

“Father, Mother,” Shen Wenqing spoke first, his voice steady and strong, “Now that His Highness the Crown Prince has returned to the capital safely, and with His Highness in charge of the overall situation in the capital, and with your son assisting in the Ministry of Justice, there should be no major problems. The journey to Jiangnan is long, and Wei’er is about to give birth. Although she has servants to take care of her, she is ultimately not by her side with her closest relatives. Your son believes that it is most appropriate for Father and Mother to personally travel south to accompany Wei’er during childbirth.”

After pondering for a moment, Mr. Shen looked at his wife and asked, "What is your opinion, Madam?"

Mother Shen immediately said, "Go! You must go! This is Wei'er's first time giving birth, how can I, as her mother, not be by her side? Just thinking about her all alone in Jiangnan... makes my heart feel like it's being fried in oil!" As she spoke, tears fell again.

Shen Wenbai immediately replied, "Father and Mother are getting on in years, and a long journey might be inconvenient for them. I am young and strong, and familiar with the trade routes in Jiangnan. It is only right that I escort my parents south and take care of Wei'er's childbirth in Jiangnan. As for the business in the capital, with a capable manager and my elder brother overseeing it, there won't be any problems."

Shen Wenqing nodded: "What my second brother said is absolutely right. With Wenbai escorting Father and Mother, I can feel at ease in the capital. As for Wei'er, with her closest relatives by her side, she will definitely be safe and sound."

Seeing his two sons' well-organized arrangements, Father Shen was pleased and finally made the decision: "Good! It's settled then! Wenbai, you immediately arrange the itinerary and select capable and reliable servants and guards. Be quick and steady! Wenqing, I entrust all matters in the capital to you!"

News of the Shen family's decision to head south quickly reached the Ministry of Personnel's residence. Upon hearing this, Lin Qingwan was restless. She was overjoyed that Shen Yuewei was about to give birth, worried about the Shen family elders and Shen Wenbai's journey, and even had a slight... urge to go and see her younger sister Yuewei.

After hesitating for a long time, she finally mustered up the courage to go to her father, Minister Lin.

“Father,” Lin Qingwan carefully chose her words, “Uncle and Aunt Shen and Young Master Wenbai will soon be setting off south to Jiangnan to accompany my sister Yuewei during her pregnancy. I… I am as close to Yuewei as sisters, and I miss her dearly. Moreover, I have heard that the autumn scenery in Jiangnan is picturesque, and renowned doctors are gathered there. I… wish to go south with the Shen family, firstly to visit my sister Yuewei, and secondly… to take care of Aunt Shen along the way, to do my part.” As she spoke, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her heart pounded like a drum.

Minister Lin, a man of great experience and shrewdness, immediately understood upon seeing the undisguised concern and blush in his daughter's eyes. He had been secretly observing Shen Wenbai for a long time; though a merchant, he was upright and exceptionally capable, and the Shen family was increasingly favored by the Emperor. If his daughter were to marry him… it wouldn't be a disgrace to the family. Moreover, the Shen family's daughter was giving birth in Jiangnan, attracting the Crown Prince's attention; if his daughter could represent the Lin family in showing goodwill, it wouldn't harm the Lin family.

He stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Hmm... Shen's daughter is about to give birth and certainly needs the care of relatives and friends. You are on good terms with Shen Yuewei, so going to visit her is perfectly reasonable. Taking care of Madam Shen along the way is also a sign of your filial piety. However..." He looked at his daughter, his tone serious, "Jiangnan may be a good place, but it is not a peaceful place. You must be careful with your words and actions, follow the arrangements of the Shen family, and not act willfully. Once Shen's daughter's delivery is stable, return to the capital as soon as possible."

"Your daughter will remember your teachings, Father!" Lin Qingwan was overjoyed, but she tried her best to remain dignified and gave a deep bow.