On the carriage ride back, Chun Tao gently patted An An, who had fallen asleep from playing, and whispered, "Miss, I overheard the nanny next to the Prefect's wife saying that it seems... in the capital they are looking for a new Crown Prince's consort. They say the Empress has taken a liking to the daughter of the Prime Minister Luo?"

Shen Yuewei was looking out the window at the scenery of Jiangnan. Upon hearing this, she did not change her expression, but simply hummed in agreement, as if she had heard something ordinary that had nothing to do with her.

Chuntao asked, somewhat puzzled, "Miss, aren't you... worried?"

Shen Yuewei withdrew her gaze, a clear and relieved smile curving her lips as she gently stroked her daughter's soft cheek: "Chuntao, do you think we're not doing well right now?"

Chun Tao was taken aback. Looking at her mistress's serene and content profile, then at the little mistress sleeping peacefully in her arms, and recalling the leisurely and affluent days in the courtyard, the booming business in the shop, and her mistress's popularity and ease in Jiangnan, she subconsciously shook her head: "No, this servant thinks it's wonderful! It's even more comfortable and happy than in the capital!"

“That’s it.” Shen Yuewei’s voice was soft yet firm. “Her Majesty the Empress’s selection of a principal wife for His Highness the Crown Prince is for the sake of the nation, and it is her consideration. As for who the candidate is, whether it is Miss Luo or Miss Li, what does it have to do with me? I have no intention, nor the power, to interfere in the affairs of the Eastern Palace. In my past life…” She paused, a faint trace of reminiscence and relief flashing in her eyes, “I didn’t spend much time with that Empress, I only know that she was a deep and calculating person. In this life, I care even less about their schemes. I have An’an, I have ‘Jinwei’s Records,’ I have this land in Jiangnan, and I have you all by my side. I live a comfortable and happy life, and that’s enough. Why should I worry about what others think?”

She saw through it all. She knew the Empress's intentions: to find a Crown Prince consort from a prominent family who could solidify the Crown Prince's position. Luo Qingrou, the daughter of the Prime Minister and the Empress's close friend, was indeed an excellent choice. But what did it matter? What Shen Yuewei sought was never that lofty, unattainable position of Crown Princess. What she wanted was solid ground beneath her feet, a warm daughter in her arms, a career she could control, and the peace of mind that her heart could find. Let the Empress play her game.

The capital city, the Eastern Palace.

Xiao Chengjing swiftly dealt with the urgent matters involving the remnants of the Consort's faction with ruthless efficiency, leaving the subsequent complex tasks of settling scores and appeasing the remaining forces to his trusted advisors and reputable princes, euphemistically calling it "experience." He also entrusted the daily affairs of the court to several loyal and capable ministers, among whom, naturally, was his close friend and capable assistant.

"I entrust all matters in the capital to you all. I have important business to attend to and need to leave the capital for a while." Xiao Chengjing's tone left no room for doubt as he solemnly handed the token symbolizing his power to oversee the country to the head of the old prime ministers. "If there are any extremely urgent matters that you cannot decide, send them to Jiangnan by express courier."

Having arranged everything, he didn't linger for a moment. He only took his most elite team of trusted guards, traveling light, yet pulling three large carts full of trunks, and embarked on the official road south. The trunks were filled with toys for An'an, the most fashionable baby clothes and supplies from the capital, jewelry, silks and satins for Shen Yuewei, precious medicinal herbs, and even recipes for secret imperial pastries and several jars of aged tribute wine—he wished he could bring all the best things in the capital to Jiangnan.

The galloping horses kicked up clouds of dust. Xiao Chengjing was eager to return home, his mind filled with the gentle smile of Shen Yuewei and the adorable image of his daughter. He knew his mother was scheming for the position of Crown Princess, and he had also heard of Luo Qingrou's name. But what did it matter? The only wife he truly loved was that strong and independent woman in Jiangnan who had given birth to his child. He couldn't wait to see them, to hold them tightly in his arms, and to tell them that from now on, he would protect them from all hardships.

In a small courtyard in Jiangnan, golden osmanthus blossoms fall like rain.

Shen Yuewei set up a small clay stove under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard and boiled spring water. Chuntao carefully sifted the freshly picked osmanthus blossoms, preparing to brew tea.

"Miss, this osmanthus honey is just right, so sweet and fragrant. It would be excellent for making tea," Chun Tao said happily.

Shen Yuewei watched the spring water on the stove gradually bubbling like crab eyes, then glanced at the bluestone path leading to the courtyard gate, a gentle smile unconsciously curving her lips. The rich fragrance of osmanthus in the air seemed to carry a faint, weary scent.

She picked up An'an, who was babbling in the cradle and reaching out to grab the falling flowers, and gently tapped her little nose: "An'an, your father... will be back soon." Her tone was firm, with a hint of sweet anticipation.

The courtyard is peaceful, the fragrance of osmanthus wafts through the air, the fire in the stove is warm, and it awaits the return of its inhabitants.