Yun Zhou's military achievements are outstanding, and he has been promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry. Xin Kui is unparalleled in loyalty and bravery, making her a worthy match! After this matter with Sun Youlu is settled, I will personally choose an auspicious day and hold a grand ceremony in my manor! I will ensure that Xin Kui marries into the Xin family in style and honor, becoming the wife of my Great Liang's General of the Valiant Cavalry!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui thanked him again in unison, their joy overflowing.
In the days that followed, the capital was once again thrown into turmoil.
Xiao Xun ruthlessly purged the remaining supporters of the Second Prince.
Sun Youlu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was arrested and imprisoned on charges of "colluding with bandits, assassinating a prince's consort, and plotting rebellion." His family property was confiscated, and his associates and henchmen were also eradicated.
The Imperial Guard and the Censorate joined forces, following the lead of Sun Youlu, and uncovered several deeply hidden mid-level officials connected to the Grand Canal corruption case and the previous Xue family case, putting the court in a state of order. Princess Rongchang and the old lady of the Marquis of Anguo were stationed in the palace, providing Xiao Xun with their full support.
Zhou Zhengqing's reforms of the local grain transport system were also swift and decisive. With the imperial envoy's warrant in hand and Xiao Xun's iron-fisted support in the capital, the ringleaders, including Wang Lu of Linqing Granary and the powerful Zhao Bancheng, were escorted to the capital, and their cronies were apprehended one after another. Edicts abolishing corrupt practices, standardizing measuring tools, and improving the treatment of transport soldiers were quickly implemented, to the delight of the people and soldiers along the route. Although deep-seated problems could not be eradicated overnight, the determination to reform the system was unwavering, and the situation was transformed.
Inside the Sixth Prince's residence, a peaceful and busy atmosphere prevailed. Although Xiao Xun was preoccupied with court affairs, he made sure to spend a significant amount of time with Xin Jiuwei every day. The imperial physicians took her pulse daily and provided meticulous care. Xin Jiuwei's morning sickness gradually lessened, her appetite improved, and her complexion became increasingly rosy. The child in her womb seemed to know that its father had returned, its movements becoming more frequent and powerful, often eliciting childlike joy from Xiao Xun, this iron-blooded general, who would press his ear to Xin Jiuwei's belly and listen for hours.
On a sunny afternoon, Xin Jiuwei, supported by Xiao Xun, strolled slowly in the garden of the mansion. The peach blossoms had faded, but the green leaves provided ample shade, creating a vibrant scene.
“Wei’er, look, this is the draft of the ‘New Policy for the Grand Canal’ that the Ministry of Works just sent. It’s basically a detailed version of your ‘Ten Policies for the Grand Canal’.” Xiao Xun handed her a document, his eyes full of admiration. “Shen Jing (the new Grand Canal Governor) is quite capable. His work is well-organized and his measures are practical. If implemented, the Grand Canal will see a great improvement in less than three years.”
Xin Jiuwei took it, but didn't examine it closely. She simply nestled against him and whispered, "The deep-seated problems in the court are not something that can be solved overnight. It's fortunate that we've taken this first step, eliminated the ringleaders, and established rules. The key lies in the subsequent supervision and enforcement. Brother Xun still has a heavy burden on his shoulders."
Xiao Xun held her tightly and said in a deep voice, "It's alright. With you guarding 'Ming' and 'Heng' for me in the rear, and Yun Zhou and the others defending the borders in the front, I can shoulder any burden, no matter how heavy." He lowered his head, his gaze falling on her swollen belly, his eyes so tender they could melt water. "Besides, there's our child, watching how his father protects this vast land for him."
Xin Jiuwei felt a sweet warmth in her heart as she stroked her lower abdomen: "This child will surely grow up to be a man of integrity and patriotism, just like his father."
"What if it's a daughter?" Xiao Xun raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile.
"A daughter?" Xin Jiuwei was taken aback, then smiled. "A daughter is good too. Like her father, brave and decisive, or..." She winked playfully, "or like her mother, learning to manage household affairs and take care of things?"
Xiao Xun laughed heartily and tapped her nose: "Just like you! Just like you, intelligent, resilient, and with the world in your heart! Our daughter will surely be the most dazzling pearl of the Great Liang!"
The couple smiled at each other, and a warm and sweet atmosphere filled the garden.
Meanwhile, preparations were in full swing at Xin Yunzhou's general's mansion. Although Xin Yunzhou had a general's mansion bestowed by the emperor in the capital, the wedding was still to be held at the Sixth Prince's residence to show its grandeur and Xin Jiuwei's high regard for Xin Kui.
Xin Kui was temporarily settled in an exquisite courtyard not far from Xin Jiuwei. Lin Jingshu and the matrons sent by the Marquis of Anguo were busy attending to Xin Kui, taking her measurements, selecting jewelry, and instructing her on the wedding ceremony. Looking at her reflection in the mirror—wrapped in magnificent clothes and accessories, yet still bearing a hint of cool resolve—Xin Kui felt as if she were in another world.
“Miss Xin Kui… no, I should call her Madam Xin now,” Lin Jingshu teased with a smile, picking up an exquisite gold and kingfisher feather hairpin and arranging it on her hair. “Look how elegant she is! On our wedding day, I guarantee General Xin will be completely captivated!”
Xin Kui's cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at her unfamiliar reflection in the mirror, her heart filled with mixed emotions. The dreadful struggles of her past in the brothel, the fierce battles on the battlefield—all seemed like distant dreams. Now, she was truly going to marry into a prestigious family and become a general's wife? This enormous change filled her with both joy and a touch of apprehension.
“Miss Lin…I…I’m afraid I won’t do well,” Xin Kui said in a low voice, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes. “I come from a humble background and don’t know the rules of high society. I’m afraid I’ll bring shame to the General…to the Xin family.”
Lin Jingshu put down the hairpin, took her hand, and said seriously, "Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about! Your goodness, your loyalty, your abilities—who doesn't know them, Wei'er, General Xin, His Highness, and us? What does your background matter? Wei'er always says, 'A hero's origins are irrelevant!' You dared to block a poisoned arrow to save General Xin; this loyalty and courage are more precious than any background! Rules can be learned slowly, but your heart of gold cannot be learned! Relax, with Wei'er and us here, no one will dare to look down on you! Just wait peacefully to become a bride!"
Looking into Lin Jingshu's sincere and encouraging eyes, Xin Kui's unease gradually dissipated, replaced by a warm feeling of acceptance and affirmation. She nodded vigorously, "Yes! Thank you, Miss Lin!"
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