Shen Yuewei arrived at the "Lanyue Tower" in the west of the city as promised. The small gathering was held in an open pavilion overlooking the lake. The autumn sun was warm and the lake was shimmering. Several well-known literati from Jiangnan gathered together, including Zhou Wenxuan.

Shen Yuewei's arrival was not met with disdain because she was a woman or a businesswoman. She was poised and elegant, with unique and innovative insights into pattern design and color matching. In particular, when Zhou Wenxuan showed her the first draft of the "Sparrow Singing on a Branch" pattern based on ancient flower and bird paintings, it drew a chorus of praise.

"Wonderful! Master Shen's design captures the spirit of ancient paintings while incorporating the practicality of silk. The birds are lively, the vines are graceful, and the overall effect is elegant and refined, perfectly capturing the essence of the subject!" An old painter with white hair and beard stroked his beard in admiration.

“Yes, it has the elegance of literati painting and the beauty of silk, making it suitable for both the refined and the common people!” another Confucian merchant chimed in.

Looking at Shen Yuewei, who was surrounded by people and handled the situation calmly, Zhou Wenxuan's eyes were filled with pure admiration and respect: "Master Shen is quick-witted and can turn the old into the new. I admire her."

Shen Yuewei smiled and thanked everyone for their praise, then took the opportunity to introduce the concept behind "Jinwei Ji's" autumn/winter new products, as well as plans to open new branches in the south and north of the city. She skillfully steered the discussion from art to business cooperation, her words both elegant and revealing the shrewdness and pragmatism of a businesswoman. Several scholars and wealthy merchants showed great interest, and several tentative orders and invitations for future exchanges were placed on the spot.

This gathering not only expanded the clientele of literati and scholars for "Jinwei Ji," but also established a strong reputation for its new designs. Capitalizing on this momentum, and relying on precise market positioning and a solid reputation for quality, "Jinwei Ji" branches opened one after another in several bustling towns in Jiangnan, enjoying booming business and a steadily growing foundation. She shuttled between the main branch and branches daily, checking accounts, guiding designs, and training new managers—a busy but fulfilling life. Xiao Yue was well cared for by Chun Tao and Zhang Mama; the little girl had begun to toddle, her sweet, childlike voice calling out "Mother," providing Shen Yue with the best comfort when she was exhausted.

A letter from Shen Wenbai brought good news from the capital:

> My dear sister, Wei'er:

> Seeing this letter is like seeing you in person. How are things going in Jiangnan? Is Yue'er well? I miss her dearly.

> Great news! My sister-in-law gave birth to a healthy baby boy yesterday at 7 AM! Both mother and child are doing well! The little guy weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces, had a loud cry, and his features are strikingly similar to my older brother's! My parents were overjoyed and wept tears of happiness. My older brother was so excited he was almost incoherent. He had stayed outside the delivery room all night, and upon hearing that mother and child were safe, he hugged my father and cried his heart out, making everyone laugh and cry at the same time. My mother has been personally taking care of my sister-in-law during her postpartum period. The whole family is jubilant. We have named our little nephew "Shen Rui," meaning auspicious and healthy.

> My sister-in-law's delivery went smoothly, though her pregnancy was tough, so please don't worry about her. Mother is in good health and in high spirits. When Wensong learned at the academy that a nephew had been born, he kept saying he wanted to be a good uncle who was "both scholarly and martial," and he's been studying even harder than before.

> My brother's marriage is settled, and the wedding date is the eighth day of next month. Things are complicated, but with Qingwan's help, everything is going smoothly. Qingwan is incredibly meticulous and has contributed greatly to the wedding preparations and settling the new house; Mother praises her highly. My sister, you don't need to worry about things in Jiangnan.

> Furthermore, my elder brother and sister-in-law, as well as our parents, have all inquired about when my sister and Yue'er will return. I know my sister's heart; Jiangnan is where she finds peace and security. However, the bond of blood makes her longing for me ache. I only wish my sister well, and if she has time, please send letters home often to comfort our hearts. I hope you will send me a portrait of Yue'er.

> The road to Jiangnan is long, sister, please take good care of yourself. After your brother's wedding, I may take Qingwan and go south to visit you.

> — Brother Wenbai

Reading her second brother's letter, Shen Yuewei's eyes welled up with tears. Her sister-in-law had given birth safely, the Shen family had a new addition, her parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law were all well, and her second brother was about to get married—these were all incredibly joyous occasions! A strong sense of homesickness surged through her. She longed to fly back to the capital immediately to see her newborn nephew, hug her aging parents, and witness her second brother's grand wedding to her sister Qingwan!

She picked up her pen to write a reply, wanting to say that she also wanted to go back. But as the pen touched the paper, the words "capital city" came into view, and the image of the deep palace walls, the cumbersome formalities, the Empress's pensive gaze, and the inevitable position of Crown Princess... all seemed to pour cold water on her. What would going back mean? It meant she might have to take Yue'er into the center of that vortex, it meant the free life she had painstakingly built in Jiangnan might be lost forever.

The pen paused, the ink spreading into a small blot on the paper. Finally, she took a deep breath, suppressed the pounding in her heart, and wrote:

> Congratulations to my elder brother and sister-in-law on the birth of their son! Rui'er is a wonderful name! Wishing my little nephew good health, intelligence, and a long and blessed life! I was overjoyed to hear that my second brother's wedding date has been set. My sister Qingwan is virtuous and gentle; she and my second brother are a match made in heaven. From Jiangnan, I send my best wishes for a long and happy marriage! All is well in Jiangnan. Yue'er is already taking her first steps and babbling, lively and adorable. Although I am busy with work at the shop, my heart is at peace. Enclosed is a recent photo of Yue'er (painted by an artist) to comfort my longing. My return date… will be discussed later. I hope my brother, sister-in-law, and parents take care and not worry.

> — Mei Yuewei

She put down her pen, walked to the window, picked up Xiao Yue, who was playing with a cloth tiger, and buried her face in her daughter's milky-scented neck. The thought of returning to Beijing was ultimately suppressed by reason and her insistence on freedom. Though so close, they were worlds apart; she could only send letters home to express her longing.