Compared to the undercurrents of the capital, the courtyards in Jiangnan are like a paradise, full of the warmth of everyday life.

The arrival of Shen's parents brought Shen Yuewei complete peace of mind. Her mother stayed by her daughter's side almost constantly, showering her with care and attention, personally overseeing Zhang Mama's preparation of various nourishing medicinal meals, eager to make up for all the nutritional deficiencies her daughter had been missing. Although Shen's father was a man of few words, he would always pace the yard after meals, his eyes involuntarily drifting towards his daughter's growing belly, his eyes filled with undisguised anticipation.

The most lively time was undoubtedly Shen Wensong's day off. This kid had been cooped up at "Songhe Academy" for a long time, and when he came back, he was like a wild horse, injecting full of vitality into the already cozy courtyard.

As soon as Shen Wensong put down his luggage, his father called him to the study to "test his homework."

"What is the sentence following 'Guide them with laws, regulate them with punishments' in the Analects, Book 2, Chapter 2?" Father Shen asked with a stern face.

Shen Wensong's eyes darted around, and he grinned mischievously, "Dad, look how beautiful the autumn scenery is in Jiangnan! Let's go admire the osmanthus blossoms and have some tea first! We can do our homework later..."

"Hmph! All you do is play!" Father Shen's mustache twitched. "Spending all day in school, what have you learned? You can't even answer this? 'The people are shameless even if they escape punishment'! Remember that?"

"I've got it! Father, you're so knowledgeable!" Shen Wensong quickly flattered him.

"Stop talking nonsense! In Mencius, Book 1, King Hui of Liang, Mencius met with King Hui of Liang, who said, 'Old man! You have come from afar; do you have something to benefit my country?' How did Mencius answer?" Shen Fu persisted.

Shen Wensong scratched his head, looking pleadingly at Shen Yuewei and Lin Qingwan, who were secretly laughing at the door.

Mother Shen brought in freshly steamed osmanthus cakes and scolded, "Alright, alright! The child just got back and hasn't even had a sip of water yet, and you're already testing him! Song'er, come and try the osmanthus cakes your mother made. They're made with freshly picked osmanthus flowers from the yard, and they smell wonderful!"

Shen Wensong felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and he cheered as he rushed over: "Mother still loves me the most!" He grabbed a piece of osmanthus cake and stuffed it into his mouth, making a face at his father with his mouth full of nonsense.

Watching his wife fiercely protecting her son and his son fooling around, Mr. Shen shook his head helplessly, but couldn't help but smile as he picked up a piece of osmanthus cake: "Hmm, Madam's skills are getting better and better."

While eating pastries, Shen Wensong moved closer to Shen Yuewei and curiously touched his sister's belly: "Sister, was your little niece good today? Did she kick you? Is she bored in there?"

Shen Yuewei laughed and slapped his hand away: "Don't touch me like that! You'll scare him/her. He/she is very well-behaved, much better than you were when you were little!"

"I was such a good boy when I was little!" Shen Wensong retorted. "Mom, don't you think so?"

Mother Shen smiled and smoothed things over: "Yes, yes, you two siblings are both good! Song'er, don't keep bothering your sister, she's tired. Go help your second brother see if the little wooden horse he's preparing for his future nephew (or niece) is finished?"

Shen Wensong's attention was immediately diverted: "Second brother is making a little rocking horse? I want to help too!" He dashed off to find Shen Wenbai.

Shen Wenbai was meticulously carving a small wooden horse, which was just beginning to take shape, under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard. Lin Qingwan sat on a stone bench nearby, quietly embroidering a small handkerchief with auspicious cloud patterns. Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, shining on her, making her look serene and beautiful.

"Second brother! Second brother! I'm here to help you!" Shen Wensong ran over excitedly.

Shen Wenbai didn't even look up: "Don't cause trouble, be careful of splinters. Go, hand me that little file over there."

Shen Wensong obediently handed it over, then looked curiously at the embroidery in Lin Qingwan's hands: "Sister Qingwan, your embroidery is so beautiful! Is it for your little niece?"

Lin Qingwan blushed slightly and nodded: "Yes, I'll embroider a little handkerchief, hoping he (or she) will be safe and happy."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenbai looked up at Lin Qingwan, his eyes softening, and his carving knife moved more nimbly. Shen Wensong glanced at his second brother, then at Lin Qingwan, chuckled, and deliberately said loudly, "Second brother, Sister Qingwan's embroidery is so beautiful, shouldn't you show your appreciation? Like... invite her to the best restaurant in town for crab roe soup dumplings?"

Shen Wenbai's hand trembled, almost causing him to carve crookedly. His ears turned slightly red, and he glared at his younger brother: "You talk too much!" Lin Qingwan pursed her lips and smiled lightly, lowering her head and pretending to focus on embroidery, but the blush spread to her neck.