"good."
Xin Jiuwei's answer was resolute and without the slightest hesitation.
The cold air in the study seemed to tremble slightly at that single word.
The murderous intent surging in Xiao Xun's eyes did not dissipate; instead, it solidified into a more tangible chill because of her agreement. He said no more, tightly clenching the black bat token that exuded an ominous aura in his palm, as if he wanted to crush it. He turned and strode away, his dark robes stirring up a chilling wind as he disappeared into the deep night of Jingyuan.
After that night, the security at Jingyuan Garden became noticeably tighter. The guards brought by You Ye quietly increased their shifts, and the locations of the hidden agents were adjusted, creating an invisible spiderweb that made the small courtyard even more impenetrable. Xin Jiuwei could clearly feel the heavy pressure brought by this change, and she understood Xiao Xun's silent warning: Qi Huaiyu's danger had exceeded expectations, and she had to remain under his protection, unable to move an inch.
She did not attempt to challenge this control. Qi Huaiyu's connection with the mysterious "Shadow Pavilion" was like a poisoned blade hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment. Xiao Xun was currently her only shield against this blade, even though the shield itself had cold, sharp edges that could cut her.
The days passed in a state of outward relaxation but inward tension. Xin Jiuwei appeared normal, handling routine affairs and reading the military reports from the Northern Border (the news that Xin Yunzhou's injuries had stabilized and he was able to walk brought her some comfort), and occasionally taking walks in the garden with Xin Kui. But she was always on edge, watching for any disturbance, and even more so for any movements from Xiao Xun's side.
Xiao Xun did not personally visit Jingyuan again. The investigation into Qi Huaiyu and "Shadow Pavilion" seemed to have sunk without a trace, with no news coming in. You Ye still appeared daily, reporting on trivial official matters or conveying Xiao Xun's brief instructions, mostly concerning treasury expenditures or holiday preparations. Xin Jiuwei knew this was Xiao Xun's silence. He was waiting, waiting for Qi Huaiyu to slip up again, or... waiting for a more crucial opportunity.
On this day, You Ye brought an unexpected "invitation".
"His Highness has instructed me to inform Miss Xin that Her Majesty the Empress will be hosting a 'Snow Appreciation Banquet' in the Imperial Garden in three days, and Miss Xin is requested to attend." You Ye's voice was measured and formal.
A small banquet to enjoy the snow? Xin Jiuwei was slightly taken aback. The Empress Dowager had recently passed away; was the Empress's gesture intended to dispel the somber mood in the palace? Or… was there another purpose? She recalled the disdainful or wary glances she had received at the palace banquet, and Xiao Zhuo's gentle, jade-like smile, and a warning bell rang in her heart. But since it was both the Empress's decree and Xiao Xun's personal order to "attend at all times," she had no room to refuse.
"Understood," Xin Jiuwei replied calmly.
Three days later, the imperial garden was draped in silver, with jade-like branches and trees. The Empress hosted a banquet in a warm pavilion, where the warm glow of charcoal fire dispelled the chill of deep winter. Most of the invitees were female members of the imperial family and the families of several important officials. The atmosphere was much more relaxed than during the period of national mourning, yet an invisible hierarchy and distance still permeated the air.
Xin Jiuwei, dressed in a simple and elegant moon-white palace gown with a matching silver fox fur trim, sat quietly in her seat, her head bowed and her posture respectful. She could feel the gazes from all directions—inquisitive, curious, and still carrying a hint of barely perceptible disdain. Princess Yongjia was confined to her quarters, and Liu Yiyi was disgraced; her position as the "prospective Sixth Prince's consort" seemed temporarily unshakeable, but the mark of her "lower-class birth" remained deeply etched in everyone's hearts.
The Empress sat in the main seat, exuding elegance and grace. Her gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Xin Jiuwei with an indescribable scrutiny. "Xin has been in the capital for some time now. Have you settled in well?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well." Xin Jiuwei stood up and replied respectfully.
The Empress nodded slightly, then changed the subject, her tone tinged with emotion: "The northern border is bitterly cold, and the war continues. Now that the Empress Dowager has just passed away, His Majesty is worried about the affairs of the state and is also concerned about the hardships of the soldiers on the frontier. I am thinking, should we send some supplies to comfort the troops, to show our imperial compassion?"
Upon hearing this, several noble ladies in the warm pavilion echoed his sentiments, their words sincere, as if they were deeply concerned about the soldiers in the northern border.
Xin Jiuwei's heart stirred slightly. The Empress suddenly mentioned comforting the troops in the Northern Border? Was it genuine compassion, or... was there another motive? She lowered her eyes without showing any emotion.
Just then, the Second Prince Xiao Zhuo, who had been standing beside the Empress with a gentle smile, spoke up at the opportune moment: "Your Majesty's benevolence and compassion for the soldiers are truly a blessing to the nation. I believe that this act of comforting the troops is timely. It will not only boost morale but also demonstrate the imperial grace." He paused, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Xin Jiuwei, his smile deepening. "Speaking of which, isn't your sixth sister-in-law's elder brother, General Xin Yunzhou, also serving in the Northern Frontier? I heard a few days ago that General Xin was bravely wounded; I wonder how his injuries are now? If we could take this opportunity of comforting the troops to allow your sixth sister-in-law to personally visit her brother, it would fulfill the bond between siblings and also represent the imperial family in offering their condolences. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"
The warm room fell silent instantly!
Xin Jiuwei's heart clenched, as if gripped by an icy hand! Xiao Zhuo! How dare he so bluntly point out her brother's injury in front of the Empress, even suggesting she "personally visit him"?! What was he trying to do? Was he using this as an excuse to transfer her away from the capital? Or... setting a trap in the Northern Border?!
A chill ran down her spine! She instinctively clenched her hands in her sleeves, her nails digging deep into her palms. No! She absolutely couldn't agree! Her brother's injuries hadn't healed, the situation in the North was complex, and the shadow of Qi Huaiyu hadn't dissipated. If she left the capital, it would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den! Besides, Xiao Xun would never agree!
She looked up and met Xiao Zhuo's seemingly gentle but unfathomable eyes. Suppressing her surging emotions, she was about to politely decline.
"Second brother, you are mistaken."
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