Mother Shen received a letter from her eldest daughter-in-law, He Mingshu, sent from the capital. The letter detailed her pregnancy symptoms and the current situation at home, revealing her longing for her mother-in-law and her joyful anticipation of becoming a mother. Mother Shen held the letter, feeling both happy and anxious.

“Wei’er, look at your sister-in-law’s letter. Her pregnancy seems a bit unstable, and her symptoms are severe. I’m really worried about her.” Mother Shen held Shen Yuewei’s hand, her face full of worry. “Your father has been in Jiangnan for some time now, and his reporting period in the capital is almost over. He has to go back.”

Father Shen nodded, “It’s time to go back. Wei’er is doing well now, An’an is healthy, the shop is thriving, and with the Crown Prince and the Empress looking after them, your mother and I can rest assured. It’s the right thing for your mother to go back and take care of Wenqing’s wife, who is having her first child.”

Although reluctant, Shen Yuewei understood. Looking at the gray hair at her parents' temples, her heart softened: "Father and Mother are right. Eldest brother and sister-in-law need you. I'm doing well in Jiangnan, so you don't need to worry." She turned to Shen Wenbai and Lin Qingwan beside her, a mischievous smile spreading across her face, "Second brother, Sister Qingwan, why don't you come back to the capital with Father and Mother too!"

Shen Wenbai was taken aback, while Lin Qingwan blushed instantly.

Shen Yuewei laughed and said, "Didn't Second Brother say he wanted to go back to the capital to propose marriage? Does he expect Qingwan to stay with our family in Jiangnan without any official status? It's perfect that Father and Mother are going back, and Second Brother can go to the Lin family to propose marriage! This is a great joy! Father and Mother can go back to take care of Sister-in-law, and Second Brother can go back to get married. It's double happiness, how wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Mother Shen's eyes lit up immediately, and she clapped her hands repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes! Wei'er is right! Wenbai, your sister is worried about you! Qingwan is such a good girl, we can't let her suffer! Hurry up, pack your things and go back to the capital with your parents! Propose marriage! Offer betrothal gifts! The sooner the better!" She looked at Lin Qingwan, becoming more and more satisfied, wishing she could marry her immediately.

Shen Wenbai's ears burned from his family's teasing, but his gaze toward Lin Qingwan was unwavering and tender: "Qingwan, would you... be willing to die with me?"

Lin Qingwan lowered her head shyly, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz yet clear: "Mmm." That single "Mmm" spoke volumes.

The courtyard was instantly filled with laughter and joy, and the sadness of parting was greatly diluted by the upcoming happy event.

Inside the Phoenix Palace, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. The Empress was playing chess with a young woman of gentle and dignified bearing, whose beauty was refined and otherworldly. The young woman was none other than Luo Qingrou, the Empress's close friend and the legitimate daughter of the current Prime Minister Luo.

"Qingrou's chess skills have improved more and more, quite like her father's," the Empress said with a smile as she placed a piece.

Luo Qingrou bowed slightly, her posture elegant: "Your Majesty flatters me, I am unworthy of such praise. My father often says that chess is like life, requiring comprehensive consideration and careful planning. I am dull-witted and have only learned the basics." Her voice was clear and melodious, her speech was proper, and her eyes were clear with a hint of intelligence.

The Empress looked with satisfaction at the girl she had watched grow up. Luo Qingrou came from a distinguished family (the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister), was exceptionally well-mannered, gentle yet assertive, and possessed both beauty and talent that were top-notch. More importantly, the Luo family was a leading force among the Qingliu faction, with deep roots and a long-standing friendship with the Empress's maternal family; Madam Luo was also a close confidante of the Empress. If she could become the Crown Princess, not only would her status be a perfect match, but she would also bring the Crown Prince the support of a powerful civil service group, completely solidifying his position in the Eastern Palace—a thousand times better than Zhao Wanru, who rose to power through nepotism!

"Qingrou," the Empress put down her chess piece, her tone filled with the loving kindness of an elder, "you've reached the age where you should be considering marriage. In my opinion, among all the talented young men in the capital, there aren't many who are a good match for you." She looked at Luo Qingrou meaningfully.

Luo Qingrou, being exceptionally intelligent, immediately understood the Empress's implied meaning. Two blushes rose on her cheeks, and she lowered her head in silence, but her eyes held no resistance; instead, they carried a hint of girlish shyness and anticipation. Crown Prince Xiao Chengjing, with his dragon-like bearing and phoenix-like grace, was the dream man of countless young ladies. To marry him as her principal wife would be the highest honor.

"The position of Crown Princess has been vacant for a long time," the Empress said, picking up her teacup and gently blowing on it. "The foundation of the nation needs to be solid, and the Eastern Palace needs a virtuous woman. Qingrou, you are gentle, kind, frugal, knowledgeable, and reasonable. I have watched you grow up and I am most at ease with you. I will discuss this matter with your father and the Emperor." She directly stated her intention, regarding Luo Qingrou as the only suitable candidate for Crown Princess.

Luo Qingrou rose, bowed gracefully, and said with a hint of excitement and determination in her voice, "Qingrou... I leave everything to Your Majesty and His Majesty to decide."

Looking at the gentle and sensible Luo Qingrou before her, and then thinking of Shen Yuewei from Jiangnan, who, despite her merits, came from a merchant family and had a concubine's daughter, the Empress became even more certain. This move of hers was truly a brilliant strategy for her son and the nation. As for that woman from Jiangnan… a barely perceptible coldness flashed in the Empress's eyes. That she had given birth safely was already an immense blessing; the position of Crown Princess was absolutely out of the question! Her generous rewards were merely to demonstrate the grandeur of a great nation and to appease the Crown Prince. The future Eastern Palace needed a noblewoman like Luo Qingrou, truly capable of empressly ruling the land.