On the day Xin Yunzhou returned to the capital, fine snowflakes drifted down from the sky. The side gate of the Prince's residence was wide open early in the morning. Xin Jiuwei, wrapped in a thick fox fur cloak and supported by Xin Kui, stood anxiously under the eaves, looking around. The cold wind whipped snowflakes against her face, but she seemed oblivious, her gaze fixed intently on the direction of the gate.
Finally, a large but simple carriage, heavily guarded by soldiers, slowly drove into the courtyard and stopped in the open space in front of the main hall. The curtain was lifted, and Qin Lang jumped down first, then carefully helped a tall but obviously thin and weak figure out of the carriage.
"Brother!" Xin Jiuwei almost staggered down the steps, tears instantly blurring her vision.
Xin Yunzhou wore a slightly worn black outfit over a thick cotton robe for warmth. His face was still pale from blood loss, and his lips were bloodless. But his deep eyes, so similar to Xin Jiuwei's, shone brightly, carrying the weariness of a long journey, but also the excitement and relief of seeing his loved one. Seeing his sister rushing towards him, he gave a weak smile and opened his arms.
Xin Jiuwei buried her face in her brother's arms, clinging tightly to his lean yet still strong waist, as if afraid he would disappear if she let go. Tears soaked the front of his shirt. "Brother... Brother, you scared me to death..." she choked out, her voice broken and fragmented.
With his still-functioning right hand, Xin Yunzhou hugged his younger sister tightly, resting his chin on the top of her head. His voice was hoarse but filled with relief and doting affection: "Silly girl... I'm back safe and sound, aren't I? It's alright, it's all over..."
The sight of the brother and sister embracing and weeping caused the guards and servants standing around to silently lower their heads. Xin Kui was also wiping away tears.
Xiao Xun stood under the eaves of the main hall, his dark figure appearing calm and upright amidst the swirling snowflakes. He watched the brother and sister embracing, and Xin Jiuwei, who had let down her guard and was crying like a child. His deep eyes were calm, though his tightly pursed lips seemed slightly softer than usual. He didn't go forward to disturb them, and only after Xin Jiuwei's emotions had calmed down somewhat did he slowly walk down the steps.
"This humble general, Xin Yunzhou, pays his respects to Your Highness the Sixth Prince!" Upon seeing Xiao Xun, Xin Yunzhou immediately composed himself, enduring the pain in his chest, and prepared to kneel on one knee to pay his respects. His movements were somewhat stiff and slow.
"With your injuries, there's no need for formalities." Xiao Xun's voice was deep and carried an undeniable force. He raised his hand in a gesture of support, his gaze sweeping over Xin Yunzhou's pale but still spirited face. "You must be tired from your journey. How are your injuries?"
"Thanks to Your Highness's good fortune, I was spared. The imperial physicians are skilled, and I am no longer in danger, but I will need to recuperate for some time." Xin Yunzhou stood up straight, his posture respectful, his words filled with heartfelt gratitude. He knew that if it weren't for Xiao Xun's decisive dispatch of the imperial physicians and guards, he would have had no chance of survival.
"Yes. A quiet place has been prepared in the manor for your recuperation. Imperial Physician Lin will personally take charge of your follow-up care." Xiao Xun said concisely, then turned his gaze to Xin Jiuwei, who was still tightly gripping her brother's arm and whose eyes were red and swollen. "It's cold outside, help your brother inside to talk."
"Yes, Your Highness," Xin Jiuwei replied hastily, carefully supporting Xin Yunzhou. Xin Yunzhou bowed to Xiao Xun again before slowly walking with his sister's help towards a sunny courtyard not far from the warm pavilion, which had been prepared for him.
Xin Yunzhou's return brought a renewed sense of life to the Prince's residence. His courtyard was quickly filled with various medicinal herbs and tonics brought by Lin Wanyi, and the bitter aroma of daily decoctions permeated the air. Xin Jiuwei spent most of her time there each day, talking to her brother, watching him drink his medicine, listening to him recount the sandstorms and wars in the Northern Frontier, or simply sitting quietly to the side doing needlework.
Xiao Xun remained busy, but he would always find time each day to visit Xin Yunzhou. Sometimes he would inquire about the recovery of his injuries, and sometimes he would briefly discuss the court's developments or adjustments to the northern border's defenses. He didn't talk much, but each appearance represented a silent sense of importance and the fulfillment of a promise—he was fulfilling his responsibility to protect his "fellow traveler."
That afternoon, Xin Jiuwei was carefully decocting medicine on a small charcoal stove in Xin Yunzhou's room. The medicine pot bubbled and steamed, filling the air with a bitter smell. Xin Yunzhou leaned against the headboard reading a book, occasionally coughing, which aggravated the injury in his chest, causing him to frown slightly.
The door to the warm pavilion was pushed open, and Xiao Xun walked in, bringing with him the chill of the outside air.
"Your Highness." Xin Yunzhou put down his book and was about to get up.
"Lie down." Xiao Xun waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over Xin Jiuwei, who was decocting medicine. She was wearing a plain-colored homely jacket and skirt, with an apron around her neck. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she stared intently at the medicine pot, her cheeks slightly red from the heat of the charcoal fire.
"Is the medicine almost ready?" Xiao Xun walked to the charcoal stove and asked naturally.
Xin Jiuwei was startled by his sudden approach and looked up. "Yes, just a quarter of an hour more." She picked up the cloth next to her, intending to use it as a prop to lift the lid of the medicine pot to check the temperature.
"I'll do it." Xiao Xun's voice rang out, and at the same time, a hand with distinct knuckles reached out and steadily lifted the scalding hot lid. The movement was so practiced, as if he had done it countless times.
Xin Jiuwei stared at his profile as he intently checked the consistency of the medicine, noticing his slightly furrowed brows, and was momentarily stunned. How could a prince of such high rank and power do such a thing?
"Perfect timing." Xiao Xun closed the lid, picked up a cloth to wipe his hands, his movements natural and fluid. He turned to Xin Yunzhou: "How is the pulse today?"
Xin Yunzhou watched this scene, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he regained his composure: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Imperial Physician Lin examined me this morning and said that my recovery is progressing well, but I am still deficient in qi and blood and will need more time."
"Yes. Military affairs are complicated, so you should focus on recovering." Xiao Xun nodded and sat down on the chair next to him. He didn't seem to be leaving immediately; he appeared to have just come over for a while.
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