On the other side, among the civil officials, the one with a refined yet undeniably shrewd and capable demeanor was none other than Qi Huaihe. Now the Minister of Revenue, in charge of the nation's finances, he was an indispensable pillar of the new emperor's new policies and economic revitalization. Beside him, Xin Xiyao, her belly prominently protruding, was clearly pregnant again. Dressed in a loose-fitting noblewoman's gown, her face radiant with happiness, she was conversing quietly with several familiar ladies beside her, her gaze occasionally drifting tenderly to her younger sister in the main seat. Qi Huaihe, meanwhile, calmly exchanged pleasantries with his colleagues, occasionally exchanging a knowing glance with Xiao Xun at the head of the table, reporting the good news of the expansion of the Yuncheng trade routes and the increase in tax revenue.
Lin Jingshu also arrived. She was now a leading merchant in the capital and a powerful assistant to the Empress in promoting charitable causes such as orphanages and girls' education among the common people. Dressed in a tasteful yet opulent gown, she radiated beauty and chatted amiably with several female members of the imperial family. Her gaze met Xin Jiuwei's, and she winked playfully, silently conveying her blessings and pride—Xin Jiuwei had finally found her perfect match and was about to marry a newly appointed third-ranked scholar from a family of impeccable character and exceptional talent.
Lady Anguo and Princess Rongchang sat at the head of the imperial family. These two elderly women, who had served three emperors, gazed upon the harmonious relationship between the emperor and empress, the vibrant atmosphere of the new dynasty, and the well-being of relatives and friends. Their eyes were filled with tears of joy and emotion. Lady Anguo held Princess Rongchang's hand and sighed softly, "If the late emperor's spirit could rest in peace, he could close his eyes in peace. This empire has finally been handed over to the right people; there is a worthy successor."
After the grand state banquet, Xiao Xun specially arranged a family banquet in the relatively private Chengrui Pavilion in the Imperial Garden, inviting only his closest family members and dearest friends.
The heavy palace gates shut out the outside noise. Inside the warm pavilion, the charcoal fire burned brightly, making it as cozy as spring, filled with the aroma of food and the sounds of relaxed and cheerful laughter. The Emperor and Empress had changed out of their heavy and elaborate formal attire and were now dressed in more comfortable casual clothes. Xiao Xun wore a black casual robe embroidered with gold, which accentuated his tall and straight figure; Xin Jiuwei wore a pale yellow palace dress embroidered with plum blossoms, which made her look radiant and gentle.
She held the one-year-old Crown Prince Xiao Chengji in her arms. The little guy was dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe, with a chubby face and big, dark eyes that curiously looked around at everyone in the room. He didn't cry or fuss, and was very endearing.
Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui arrived with the twins.
As soon as the older twin, Xin Rui, broke free from his father's hand and ran to his younger cousin, Cheng Ji, who was sitting on the thick carpet, curiously poking his chubby cheeks. Meanwhile, Xin Yue, the younger twin in Xin Kui's arms, babbled and reached out for Xin Jiuwei to hold her.
Xin Jiuwei smiled and handed Chengji to the wet nurse beside her, then took the chubby little girl and kissed her on the cheek. Xin Kui quickly stepped forward, a little embarrassed, "Your Highness, the baby is heavy, don't tire yourself out."
“Sister-in-law, there is no Empress here, only Wei’er.” Xin Jiuwei gave her a reproachful look, then sat down with Nannan in her arms. “Nannan is growing up so fast, her eyebrows and eyes are just like yours, so delicate.” She then looked at Hutou, who was squatting in front of Chengji, trying to teach him to crawl. “Hutou’s fierceness is just like your brother’s when he was a child.”
Xin Yunzhou was being talked to by Qi Huaihe when he heard this. He scratched his head and chuckled, his face full of smugness.
Qi Huaihe helped the heavily pregnant Xin Xiyao sit down carefully and smiled, "Rui'er has such energy; she'll definitely be a tiger general in the future. Chengji looks calm and composed, quite like His Majesty." He turned to Xiao Xun, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Xiyao and I have come to the capital for two reasons: first, to congratulate Your Majesty on your ascension to the throne and Your Majesty on your investiture; and second, to bring good news from Yingzhou and Yuncheng. The new land equalization policy has been implemented in the three prefectures, displaced people have returned to their fields, the autumn harvest is plentiful, and the granaries are full. The three newly opened trade routes are operating smoothly, and tax revenue has doubled compared to last year. My father is in good health and says that Yingzhou is now a place where 'doors are not locked at night, and lost items are not picked up on the road.' Please rest assured, Your Majesty and Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiao Xun was overjoyed: "Excellent! Huaihe has made outstanding contributions! With you in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, I feel at ease. My father-in-law has done a great job in governing Yingzhou. After the New Year, when spring arrives, the Empress and I will personally welcome my father-in-law to the capital to enjoy his retirement."
Xin Jiuwei also said happily, "Brother-in-law, you've worked hard, and so has my sister. Father must be pleased to see the current state of Yingzhou. After my sister gives birth, she must rest well in the capital."
Xin Xiyao stroked her belly, her face beaming with happiness: "Thank you for your concern, sister. Everything is arranged for Huaihe; she will be giving birth in the capital this time." Looking at the room full of children, she sighed: "Looking at Chengji, Rui'er, Nannan, and this one in my belly, I truly feel hopeful for the future. This peaceful and prosperous era is hard-won."
Lin Jingshu arrived a little late, her cheerful laughter ringing out as she entered: "Oh dear, I'm late! I just went to check on the newly taken-in orphans at Jingci Nunnery, that's why I'm late." She was now a "First-Rank Lady" personally bestowed by the Empress, and a leading figure in the capital's charitable work. She first bowed to the Emperor and Empress, then familiarly approached Xin Xiyao, touching her belly, then playing with the baby in Xin Jiuwei's arms and Chengji held by the wet nurse, finally patting Tiger Head's little head: "Tiger Head, do you want the sugar figurines Aunt Jingshu brought?"
Tiger Head immediately answered loudly, "Yes!" which drew laughter from the entire room.
The palace servants served exquisite dishes, mostly home-style fare, adding to the warmth of the occasion. Xiao Xun personally served Xin Jiuwei food, quietly inquiring about her preferences. Xin Jiuwei carefully removed the bones from the fish and fed it to the baby in her arms. Xin Yunzhou clumsily put a small bib on Hu Tou to prevent him from getting his clothes dirty. Qi Huaihe kept a close eye on Xin Xiyao's needs, adding soup and serving her food. Lin Jingshu spoke wittily, recounting anecdotes from the streets and the progress of the orphanage, making everyone laugh.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly warm and lively. Xin Jiuwei gazed at the harmonious scene before her: her brother and sister-in-law were loving and blessed with both a son and a daughter; her sister and brother-in-law were happily married, and a new life was about to be born; her close friend Lin Jingshu had also found her place and was devoting herself to her beloved career; her elders were healthy and well; and beside her was her beloved husband, and their child, Chengji, was growing up healthy and strong. A great warmth and sense of satisfaction filled her heart. This peaceful and idyllic life, with family reunion and tranquility, was the ultimate destination that she and Xiao Xun had sought after overcoming countless obstacles and remaining steadfast in their pursuit.
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