Lin Qingwan became the most meticulous and capable "childcare assistant." She learned from the wet nurse how to swaddle the baby, how to burp him, and how to observe the child's needs. She personally made many soft and comfortable little clothes and hats for An'an, with fine stitches and cute embroidered patterns. She could always tell immediately whether An'an was hungry, sleepy, or wet, and handled it in an orderly manner. When she held An'an, the natural gentleness and patience she showed pleased Chen's mother.

An'an became the undisputed "darling of the family," taking turns in the arms of several elders every day, enjoying the most meticulous care and the most intense love. The courtyard was filled with the cries of babies, their babbling, the teasing and laughter of adults, and the fragrance of osmanthus mixed with the aroma of milk, creating the warmest and most comforting atmosphere.

On a clear, moonlit night, Shen Wenbai finished his shop business and strolled to the lotus pond in the backyard. The moonlight, like water, poured over the lotus leaves, shimmering with silver light. Lin Qingwan was sitting on a stone bench by the pond, gazing at the moon's reflection in the water, lost in thought, her profile serene and beautiful.

"Qingwan." Shen Wenbai walked to her side, his voice carrying the gentleness of the night.

Lin Qingwan snapped out of her daze and smiled faintly: "Second Young Master Shen."

Shen Wenbai sat down beside her, remained silent for a moment, and took out the bronze plaque of the "Photo Studio" from his pocket. Under the moonlight, the eerie patterns were clearly visible. "The assassin from Jiangnan has been apprehended," he said in a low voice. "Although he didn't directly implicate the Imperial Concubine (the Imperial Concubine is dead and there's no way to verify), the clues clearly point to a hidden mole left by a trusted eunuch in her palace who had already 'died suddenly.' The Empress in the capital must have already begun to clean up the harem and will not allow any more demons or monsters to disturb An'an."

He clutched the bronze medal tightly in his hand, as if trying to crush that dark memory. “Qingwan,” he turned, his gaze fixed intently on her, moonlight streaming into his deep eyes, “These past few days have been hard on you. Without your companionship with Wei’er and An’an, without your care for my parents, without your… trust and support during my most anxious moments, I…” His Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice carrying a barely perceptible tension and an unprecedented solemnity, “In my entire life, Shen Wenbai has never been moved by any other woman. Only you, Qingwan. Your intelligence, your resilience, your gentleness, have long been etched into my heart. Once this is over, when we return to the capital, I will personally present the formalities and formalities to propose marriage! Will you… marry me?”

Lin Qingwan's heart stopped abruptly, then began to pound wildly again. In the moonlight, her fair cheeks flushed a captivating blush, her long eyelashes trembling like butterfly wings. She didn't answer immediately, but simply gazed at him, at the undisguised deep affection and unwavering resolve in his eyes. A few croaks echoed from the lotus pond, emphasizing the stillness of the moment.

After a long while, she slowly lowered her head, but the corners of her lips couldn't help but curve upwards. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, yet it clearly reached Shen Wenbai's ears: "The osmanthus in Jiangnan is very fragrant, and the lotus flowers... are also very beautiful." She raised her head, bravely meeting his burning gaze, her eyes sparkling with happiness and shy tears, "I... am willing to wait."

Without flowery words, the simple phrase "I'm willing to wait" is the most touching promise in the world. Overjoyed, Shen Wenbai could no longer contain himself. He reached out and carefully, yet with unwavering determination, grasped Lin Qingwan's slightly cool hand. Their fingers intertwined, and by the moonlit lotus pond in Jiangnan, they made a lifelong vow.