The bright moon hung high above the General's Mansion on the Mid-Autumn Festival, its silvery light like a soft veil enveloping this place filled with joy and warmth. After the turmoil of the attack by the men in black, everyone in the General's Mansion cherished this hard-won time of reunion even more. The affection between Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen, like a seed buried deep in the ground, sprouted and grew strong after being tempered by the storms of this series of events.

Lin Wan'er stood quietly in a corner of the courtyard, her gaze unconsciously following Xiao Yichen's figure. He was talking with the soldiers, his tall figure appearing particularly resolute in the moonlight, every movement brimming with power and confidence. A faint smile appeared on Lin Wan'er's lips, a strange emotion welling up in her heart. She recalled the night the men in black attacked, when Xiao Yichen appeared before her like a god of war, using his superb swordsmanship and fearless courage to repel the enemy and protect everyone in the General's Mansion, including her. At that moment, Xiao Yichen's image was deeply imprinted in her heart, becoming her support in times of fear.

Xiao Yichen seemed to sense Lin Wan'er's gaze. He turned to look at her, and their eyes met in mid-air. In that instant, time seemed to stand still; the surrounding noise faded away, and only the deep affection in their eyes remained. Xiao Yichen nodded slightly to Lin Wan'er, a warm smile playing on his lips. That smile, like the warm winter sun, instantly melted Lin Wan'er's heart, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.

Lin Wan'er shyly looked away, her heart pounding like a deer. She recalled every moment she had spent with Xiao Yichen these past few days, from initially confiding her painful past to his unwavering help, his promise to be her friend and protect her, and now their shared experience of life and death. Every moment was like a thread, binding their hearts tighter and tighter.

During the celebrations, Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen frequently bumped into each other. When Lin Wan'er was solving riddles, Xiao Yichen would stand silently by her side, watching her furrow her brow in thought, his eyes full of tenderness. Occasionally, when Lin Wan'er was stumped by a riddle, Xiao Yichen would offer a soft hint; his voice was deep and magnetic, like a clear mountain spring flowing into Lin Wan'er's ears, making her heart flutter. And when Xiao Yichen participated in the soldiers' games, Lin Wan'er would stop and watch from a short distance away. She cheered for his every victory and frowned slightly at his occasional setbacks, as if her emotions were completely swayed by him.

Once, Lin Wan'er was accidentally jostled in the crowd, her body lurching forward. Just as she thought she was about to fall, a strong hand grasped her arm, steadily supporting her. Lin Wan'er looked up and saw Xiao Yichen's concerned face. "Be careful, it's crowded here," Xiao Yichen said softly. He didn't immediately let go, but instead helped Lin Wan'er to a less crowded area. Lin Wan'er could feel the warmth of his palm seeping through her clothes onto her skin, a warmth that made her heart beat faster involuntarily. "Thank you, General," Lin Wan'er whispered, not daring to look Xiao Yichen directly in the eye, afraid he would see through the deep emotions in her heart.

Looking at Lin Wan'er's shy expression, Xiao Yichen felt a surge of pity. "It's alright, I'm just glad you're okay." His voice was soft, yet full of deep affection. In that instant, the atmosphere between them became somewhat subtle, and an indescribable emotion spread between them.

As night deepened, people began to disperse. Lin Wan'er prepared to return to her room to rest, but as she walked along the garden path, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Xiao Yichen. "Miss Lin, let me escort you back to your room. It's a bit chilly at night; please be careful not to catch a cold," Xiao Yichen said. Lin Wan'er nodded, and the two walked side by side. For a moment, neither spoke, but the silence wasn't awkward; instead, it was filled with warmth.

Moonlight filtered through the dappled leaves, casting patches of light and shadow on the ground. Lin Wan'er stole a glance at Xiao Yichen; his profile, sculpted in the moonlight, was perfect—his high nose, deep eyes, and slightly upturned lips captivated her. Xiao Yichen seemed to sense her gaze and turned to look at her; their eyes met again. This time, they didn't look away, but gazed intently at each other, as if trying to read each other's hearts through their eyes.

“Miss Lin, after this incident, I understand even more how important you are to the General’s Mansion. You are a strong and kind woman, and it is my honor to know you.” Xiao Yichen broke the silence, his words sincere and earnest.

Lin Wan'er lowered her head slightly and said softly, "General, you flatter me. In my heart, you are the true hero. Without you, I don't know what would have become of me, and the General's Mansion would not be as peaceful as it is now."

Xiao Yichen stopped and gently grasped Lin Wan'er's shoulders, turning her to face him. "Wan'er, don't call me General anymore, just call me Yichen." His eyes were full of expectation.

Lin Wan'er raised her head and looked into Xiao Yichen's eyes. She saw sincerity and warmth in them. "Yichen..." she called softly. The name seemed to carry a special magic as it came out of her mouth, bringing the two of them one step closer.

A bright smile spread across Xiao Yichen's face. He released Lin Wan'er's shoulders and instead took her hand. "Wan'er, do you know? From the first moment I saw you, I felt you were different. There's something in your eyes that fascinates me—perhaps your strength, perhaps your kindness, or perhaps something else entirely. The longer we spend together, the more I find myself unable to erase you from my heart," Xiao Yichen said affectionately.

Tears welled in Lin Wan'er's eyes; she was deeply moved by Xiao Yichen's words. "Yichen, me too. In this cold world, you are like a ray of light shining into my life. Your care and protection have made me feel warmth I've never felt before. I... I don't want to lose you," Lin Wan'er said, her voice choked with emotion.

Xiao Yichen gently pulled Lin Wan'er into his arms, holding her tightly as if trying to meld her into his own body. "Wan'er, you won't lose me. I will always be by your side, protecting you and guarding you, no matter what happens," he whispered in Lin Wan'er's ear.

Lin Wan'er leaned against Xiao Yichen's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and felt incredibly safe. In this warm embrace, she felt the power of love, a power that could overcome all fear and hardship. At this moment, they were no longer a general and a woman in his household, but lovers deeply in love, their affection reaching a new height on this Mid-Autumn Festival night.

From then on, Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen's relationship became more natural and intimate. They would stroll together in the garden, discussing poetry, songs, and their ideals; they would watch the sunrise together in the morning, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on their skin; and they would gaze at the starry sky together at night, searching for their own star. Their love, like a gentle stream, nourished each other's hearts, making their lives more beautiful.

In the eyes of everyone in the General's Mansion, the affection between Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen was undeniable. Everyone was happy for them, knowing that these two had endured so much hardship, and their union was a blessing from heaven. The General's wife often teased them, saying she would prepare a grand wedding for them, filling the entire mansion with joy. Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen, upon hearing this, simply smiled at each other. They knew that their love, like a tree deeply rooted in the land of the General's Mansion, would grow strong and healthy over the years, bringing even more happiness and joy to the place.

The bright moon hung high, casting its silvery light, like a veil gently enveloping the General's Mansion. This Mid-Autumn Festival night was destined to become a dazzling pearl in the long history of the General's Mansion, embedded in the hearts of everyone, and an unforgettable memory for them.

For Lin Wan'er, this night was like a dazzling dream, interwoven with thrills, warmth, and sweetness. She stood in the courtyard, a gentle breeze ruffling her hair, her thoughts racing like wild horses, constantly replaying the experiences of the night.

She still remembered the terrifying scene when the men in black attacked; fear overwhelmed her like a cold tide. Yet, it was in that extreme danger that she saw Xiao Yichen's figure, like a god descending to earth. He wielded his sword, his movements agile and powerful, each motion forming a solid defense for the people of the General's Mansion. Those scenes, even now, still make her heart race, but this time, it's not out of fear, but out of emotion and admiration. In this General's Mansion, both unfamiliar and gradually becoming familiar, Xiao Yichen became her support, like the brightest North Star in the night sky, guiding and protecting her.

After the crisis, the renewed joyful atmosphere in the General's Mansion captivated Lin Wan'er. She watched the children play carefree, their lanterns twinkling in the night sky, their innocent smiles dispelling the lingering gloom in her heart like sunshine. Soldiers and servants laughed heartily, guessing riddles, playing games, and enjoying delicious food together—every moment brimming with life and energy. These scenes, a stark contrast to the previous peril, intertwined harmoniously, creating a rich tapestry of this unique night.

Lin Wan'er looked up at the bright moon, tears welling in her eyes. She had never imagined that she could spend such a special Mid-Autumn Festival in such a loving place. Everyone here felt like family; they had gone through hardships together and welcomed joy together. On this night, she felt true reunion—a reunion that was not just about family gatherings, but also about the harmony of hearts, a deep affection of relying on each other and never abandoning one another in the face of difficulties.

The same was true for the others in the general's mansion. After their fierce battle with the men in black, the soldiers felt a deeper connection to the Mid-Autumn Festival. They sat together, talking about the night's battle and celebrations, each face beaming with pride and satisfaction.

"Tonight was truly thrilling, but seeing how brave the general is, we can't back down!" a young soldier said excitedly, his eyes shining with admiration for Xiao Yichen.

“Yes, and those moments playing together, it feels like going back to my childhood, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with my family,” another soldier chimed in, a simple, honest smile on his face.

For them, the General's Mansion was their home, and this Mid-Autumn Festival made them understand the meaning of home even more deeply. Here were their brothers-in-arms, their kind and gentle General's wife, and the servants who prepared food and cared for them. On this night, they fought to protect their home and celebrated together in victory; this fusion of emotions made this Mid-Autumn Festival incredibly precious.

The General's wife stood on the pavilion, overlooking the lively scene in the courtyard, her eyes filled with satisfaction. Looking at the soldiers and servants who were like family, she was overwhelmed with emotion. This night, though fraught with difficulties, had forged an unprecedented level of unity within the General's household. She knew that this unity was the General's household's most precious asset, capable of supporting them through every future challenge.

"Tonight is truly a special night. I hope every Mid-Autumn Festival can be this lively in the future," the general's wife said softly, her eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

For Xiao Yichen, the core member of the General's Mansion, this night held even greater significance. He moved among the crowd, talking and laughing with everyone, his heart filled with gratitude and love for the people of the General's Mansion. When faced with the attack from the men in black, he witnessed the soldiers' bravery, the servants' composure and courage in the face of crisis, and Lin Wan'er's strong and kind heart. All of this strengthened his resolve to protect the General's Mansion.

When his gaze fell upon Lin Wan'er, his eyes softened considerably. This woman had, in such a short time, entered the depths of his heart. He recalled every moment they had shared, from his initial sympathy for her past, to their mutual support in battle, and now their sweet interactions during the celebrations—each instant was like a pearl strung together in his memory. This Mid-Autumn Festival, because of Lin Wan'er's presence, was made all the more perfect.

"Wan'er, did you have a good time tonight?" Xiao Yichen walked to Lin Wan'er's side and asked softly.

Lin Wan'er turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness: "Yichen, I have never been so happy. I will remember this night forever."

Xiao Yichen took Lin Wan'er's hand, and the two smiled at each other. Under the witness of the bright moon, their feelings grew richer and more mellow, like fine wine. They knew that this night would become one of the most beautiful chapters in their love story.

As night deepened, the bonfire roared in the courtyard, and people sat around it, sharing their stories and dreams. Musicians played melodious tunes, the soothing melodies flowing like a gentle stream into everyone's hearts. Hand in hand, they danced around the bonfire, their songs and laughter echoing in the night air.

In this joyful atmosphere, an elderly servant stood up, cleared his throat, and began to tell stories of Mid-Autumn Festivals from his childhood. His voice was a little hoarse, but full of emotion, transporting everyone to a distant yet heartwarming era.

"Back then, we didn't have as many fun things to do as we do now. But when the whole family sat together, eating simple mooncakes and looking at the moon in the sky, we felt incredibly happy." The old servant's eyes shone with reminiscence, and his words made everyone present fall into deep thought.

Yes, isn't that the very meaning of the Mid-Autumn Festival? No matter how times change, no matter how many storms we weather, reunion and family affection will always be at the heart of this festival. On this night, after experiencing thrills and joy, the people of the General's Mansion understood this even more deeply.

As the last embers of the campfire died down, people reluctantly dispersed. Children slept in their parents' arms, smiles still lingering on their lips; soldiers helped each other back to the camp, their laughter echoing in the corridors; and the women walked hand in hand, whispering as they returned to their inner quarters, their eyes filled with longing for the night.

Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen strolled under the moonlight, their shadows elongated by the moonlight, seemingly merging into one. They didn't speak, simply enjoying this tranquil and beautiful moment. Every scene from this night played out repeatedly in their minds, becoming their most precious treasure.

"Goodnight, Wan'er. I hope you have sweet dreams tonight." Xiao Yichen stopped in front of Lin Wan'er's room and said softly.

"Goodnight, Yichen. I will remember this night forever." Lin Wan'er replied with a smile, then turned and walked into the room.

Xiao Yichen stood there, watching Lin Wan'er's door close before slowly leaving. This Mid-Autumn Festival, for him, was like a beautiful poem, every line and every word filled with emotion, joy, and love. He knew that no matter how many difficulties he might encounter in the future, this night would become a source of strength in his heart, inspiring him to protect the General's Mansion and the people he loved.

On this Mid-Autumn Festival night, everyone in the General's Mansion fell asleep filled with happiness and warmth. They knew that this night would forever remain in their memories, becoming one of the most unforgettable nights of their lives. And the General's Mansion, bathed in the moonlight, was immersed in tranquility and peace, as if silently telling the story of this night, awaiting the arrival of a new day.

As the first rays of dawn gently touched the glazed tiles of the General's Mansion, the joyous laughter and chatter of last night's Mid-Autumn Festival seemed to still linger in the air—a blissful aftertaste, like the fragrance of fine wine, lingering long after. Lin Wan'er smiled sweetly in her sleep. Her dreams were like a magnificent painting, filled with the beautiful scenes of the Mid-Autumn Festival night. These were the most dazzling treasures of her life, foreshadowing that the seeds of happiness had taken deep root in her heart and would grow strong and blossom into even more splendid flowers in the days to come.

Early in the morning, Lin Wan'er awoke and gently opened the window. Fresh air rushed in, carrying the fragrance of flowers and the scent of earth from the garden. She took a deep breath, feeling as if she were still immersed in the joy of the previous night. Her gaze fell on the courtyard, where she saw the servants already busy at work, tidying up the items left behind from the previous night's celebration. Their faces showed no fatigue, but rather radiated satisfied smiles. Lin Wan'er knew that the Mid-Autumn Festival of the previous night had been a spiritual cleansing for everyone, making them cherish their present lives even more.

After a quick wash, Lin Wan'er stepped out of her room. She walked along the familiar corridor, each step light and rhythmic, as if the path beneath her feet had become softer. Passing the garden, she saw the blooming flowers, even more vibrant and beautiful in the morning light. The flowers seemed to be celebrating the previous night's festival, or perhaps cheering for the new day. Lin Wan'er couldn't help but stop, bending down to gently inhale the fragrance of a blooming peony. The rich aroma lifted her spirits. She remembered the children who had played among the flowers the previous night; their laughter still seemed to echo in her ears—a pure joy, without any impurities, just like these flowers, beautiful and natural.

When she arrived in the courtyard, the soldiers were conducting their daily training. Their synchronized shouts and agile movements exuded a vibrant energy. Lin Wan'er saw Xiao Yichen standing to one side, earnestly instructing the soldiers. His figure appeared exceptionally upright in the morning light, and his focused expression warmed Lin Wan'er's heart. She recalled their deep gaze under the moonlight last night, the sweet words and warm embrace—it all seemed so vivid. Xiao Yichen seemed to notice Lin Wan'er's gaze; he turned to look at her, his eyes immediately filling with a gentle smile. He nodded to Lin Wan'er, gesturing for her to come over.

Lin Wan'er walked to Xiao Yichen's side, and Xiao Yichen asked softly, "Wan'er, did you sleep well?" Lin Wan'er nodded slightly and replied with a smile, "Yes, I slept very well. My dreams last night were all sweet." Xiao Yichen laughed, his laughter as warm as the morning sun: "That's good. Last night's Mid-Autumn Festival was truly unforgettable." The two smiled at each other, needing no further words; the love in their eyes spoke volumes.

In the days that followed, life at the General's Mansion seemed to return to normal, yet it was different from before. The emotions stirred up on Mid-Autumn Festival night acted as an invisible bond, tightly connecting everyone's hearts. The General's Mansion was filled with more laughter and joy, and the relationships between people became even closer.

Lin Wan'er often prepared activities with the General's wife to add fun to life in the General's mansion. They would organize the women to learn new embroidery techniques, and then present the finished pieces to the soldiers. These exquisite embroidered works not only showcased the women's talents but also conveyed their gratitude to the soldiers. During one embroidery activity, Lin Wan'er embroidered a picture of the General's mansion under the bright moon. The picture depicted pavilions arranged in a harmonious manner, gardens blooming with flowers, and people laughing and celebrating in the courtyard. When she showed this embroidery to everyone, they all praised it highly.

"Wan'er, your embroidery skills are becoming more and more exquisite. This picture seems to have captured the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival night." The general's wife exclaimed.

Lin Wan'er smiled and said, "Madam, it's all because the Mid-Autumn Festival night gave me inspiration. I wanted to preserve that feeling of happiness."

In their spare time, the soldiers would also voluntarily help the servants with physical labor. They would work together to repair some buildings in the general's mansion or help move heavy objects. This atmosphere of mutual help filled the general's mansion with warmth. During the repair of the pavilions, the soldiers and servants worked together, some laying tiles on the roof, others carrying timber, chatting and laughing, enjoying each other's company.

"General, look, this pavilion is even more sturdy and beautiful than before after the renovation." A soldier reported the progress of the work to Xiao Yichen.

Xiao Yichen nodded in satisfaction: "Everyone has worked hard. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Our General's Mansion is like a big family. If everyone contributes their share, it will get better and better."

During this time, Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen's feelings for each other deepened. They would stroll together along the paths of the General's Mansion in their free time, discussing their plans for the future. Xiao Yichen would recount his experiences on the battlefield—those thrilling battles and life-or-death moments—which made Lin Wan'er admire him even more. Lin Wan'er, in turn, would share anecdotes from her time in the palace. Although the palace was filled with complex interpersonal relationships, she could always find warm memories to share with Xiao Yichen.

Once, they came to the lakeside of the General's Mansion. The lake water was crystal clear, shimmering in the sunlight, and fish swam freely among the water plants. Xiao Yichen picked up a pebble and gently tossed it into the lake. The pebble bounced a few times on the surface, creating ripples.

"Wan'er, do you know? Whenever I see this calm lake, I hope that life in the General's Mansion can always be this peaceful. And you, like a fairy in this lake, bring more vitality and beauty to this place," Xiao Yichen said affectionately.

Lin Wan'er's cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled and said, "Yichen, you always have such sweet words. Actually, it was the General's Mansion that gave me a new life, and everyone here is like family to me. And you are the most important person in my life. I hope to stay with you forever and protect this happiness."

The two sat on a bench by the lake, quietly enjoying the tranquil moment. A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, bringing a touch of coolness and ruffling Lin Wan'er's hair. Xiao Yichen gently smoothed her hair, and their eyes met again, filled with love and anticipation for the future.

As time went by, the happy atmosphere of the General's Mansion infected those around it. The nearby residents often heard laughter and cheerful voices emanating from the mansion. Seeing the unity and friendship among the people there, they felt deep respect for the place. Some residents would bring their own produce to the mansion to express their gratitude for the General's continued protection of their homes. The servants of the General's Mansion would warmly welcome these people and share in the joy of the mansion.

During a bountiful harvest season, the general's mansion hosted a grand banquet, inviting local residents to participate. The banquet took place in the mansion's courtyard, laden with sumptuous food and fine wine. People sat together, enjoying the delicacies and watching performances. The soldiers presented a spectacular martial arts demonstration, their heroic bearing earning rounds of applause. The women performed dances and songs, their graceful movements and melodious voices captivating the audience.

Lin Wan'er bustled about at the banquet, warmly greeting each guest with a radiant smile. Watching her, Xiao Yichen felt a surge of love and pride. He knew that Lin Wan'er had fully integrated into life at the General's Mansion and had become one of the sources of happiness there.

"General, you are truly blessed. Miss Lin is so kind and beautiful, and she has brought us so much joy," a commoner said to Xiao Yichen.

Xiao Yichen replied with a smile, "Yes, Wan'er is a treasure bestowed upon our General's Mansion by Heaven, and we cherish her very much."

During this special banquet, the general's residence and the people enjoyed a pleasant evening together. Amidst laughter and joy, everyone felt the power of unity and the taste of happiness. This happiness not only continued within the general's residence but also spread between the general's residence and the people, like a spark that could start a prairie fire.

In the days to come, Lin Wan'er knew that this happiness would continue to spread throughout the General's Mansion. Her love with Xiao Yichen would be like an evergreen tree, forever flourishing. The people of the General's Mansion would continue to maintain this unity and friendship, creating more beautiful memories together. And this special Mid-Autumn Festival night would forever be the starting point of their happy story, inspiring them to move towards a brighter tomorrow. Whether in storms or sunshine, the General's Mansion would always be a place full of love and happiness, carrying everyone's dreams and hopes, ensuring that happiness continues forever.