The Sixth Prince's residence was brightly lit, the tense atmosphere of the past few days gone, replaced by a long-lost warmth and liveliness. Inside the main hall, Xin Jiuwei had removed her heavy cloak, wearing only comfortable casual clothes, her protruding belly clearly visible beneath the soft fabric.
She leaned against the chaise longue covered with thick cushions, with Xiao Xun sitting close beside her. One arm was always around her waist, while the other hand rested on her lower abdomen, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world, which he was unwilling to let go of for even a moment.
Lin Jingshu sat at the lower end of the table, a pleased smile on her face as she looked at the perfect couple before her. Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui sat a little further away, looking slightly reserved. Xin Kui's left arm was still in a sling, but she seemed to be in good spirits.
"Wei'er, tell me quickly, what exactly happened last night? You Ye only said it was a close call, but my heart is still pounding!" Lin Jingshu said with lingering fear, breaking the warm but somewhat silent atmosphere in the hall.
Xin Jiuwei felt Xiao Xun's arm around her waist tighten instantly. She patted his hand reassuringly before looking at Lin Jingshu, her voice calm: "Sister, don't be afraid, it's all over. It was the remnants of the Second Prince. Sun Youlu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, colluded with the Black Tiger Gang in the capital region, raising a group of desperados. They wanted to take advantage of the outbreak of the grain transport case and the fact that His Highness had not yet returned to the capital to create chaos, or... assassinate me and disrupt the court." Her tone was calm, as if she were talking about something that had nothing to do with her.
Xiao Xun's face instantly darkened, his hand on Xin Jiuwei's lower abdomen tightening slightly, his voice icy: "Sun Youlu? The Black Tiger Gang? How dare they! I've only been away from the capital for a few months, and these demons dare to extend their claws into my residence, towards my wife and children!" He turned to You Ye, who stood beside him, his eyes sharp as knives. "You Ye, have you pried open the mouths of the prisoners we captured last night? Sun Youlu is the mastermind, but who else was involved? Where is the evidence?"
You Ye immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness and Madam! The three survivors, after a whole night of waiting, have finally confessed! It was indeed Sun Youlu's trusted steward, Sun Fu, who contacted the Black Tiger Gang, offering a large sum of money and promising to help their leader escape the government's pursuit after the deed was done. Their instructions were to 'create chaos and seize the opportunity to eliminate Madam Huimin.' I have already sent people to secretly monitor the Sun residence and obtained the testimonies of the servants at the location where Sun Fu had a secret meeting with the Black Tiger Gang leader, as well as accounting vouchers for Sun Fu withdrawing large sums of money! The evidence is irrefutable!"
"Good!" Xiao Xun's eyes flashed with cold light, his killing intent chilling. "Immediately use my token to summon the Imperial Guards! Surround the Sun residence! Lock up Sun Youlu, Sun Fu, and all their henchmen and accomplices! Interrogate them severely! I want to see how many venomous snakes are hiding behind Sun Youlu!"
"Yes! Your subordinate obeys!" You Ye accepted the order, his eyes flashing with the flames of revenge, and turned to stride away.
The atmosphere in the hall froze for a moment because of the chilling command. Xin Jiuwei gently tugged at Xiao Xun's sleeve and said softly, "Brother Xun, don't get angry, or you'll frighten the child." She felt the little one under her palm seem to sense his father's emotions and move slightly.
Xiao Xun instantly suppressed his murderous aura, looked down at Xin Jiuwei's lower abdomen, and his eyes softened, filled with apology and caution: "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, Father is here." He turned his attention back to Xin Jiuwei, gently stroking her abdomen with his large hand, his voice lowering, filled with lingering fear: "Wei'er, last night... you must have been terrified. It's all my fault for coming back late."
Xin Jiuwei shook her head and gently rested her head on his shoulder: "I am a little scared. But I am mostly angry. What they want to destroy is not only my life, but also the hope that has just been ignited in Yingzhou, and the peace that His Highness fought and bled on the front lines. So I cannot be afraid, and I cannot retreat. The guards and secret guards in the manor are very capable, You Ye is well-commanded, and with the timely support of Princess Rongchang and the Marquis of Anguo's manor, we have held on."
She paused, looked at Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui, and smiled warmly: "Speaking of which, it is thanks to my brother and Xin Kui's bloody battle at Tongguan that we were able to deter the villains. When the news of His Highness's triumphant return reached us, those remaining forces truly panicked and became desperate. Your victory is also the cornerstone of the capital's stability."
Upon hearing this, Xin Yunzhou immediately stood up and said solemnly, "Your Highness, sister, this humble general has only done his duty and dares not take credit! It is you, sister, who has single-handedly supported the overall situation in the capital, purged the treacherous officials, and implemented the new policies. You are the true pillar of strength! This humble general admires you!" His eyes were filled with pride and tenderness as he looked at Xin Jiuwei, and then he turned to Xin Kui, "Last night, when danger struck the mansion, Xin Kui was unable to protect you by your side, and I feel very ashamed."
Xin Kui quickly stood up, intending to bow, but Xin Jiuwei stopped her with a raised hand: "Sit down! You're injured, don't move around. What happened last night has nothing to do with you? You shielded my brother from arrows at Tongguan, saving his life, which means you protected one of the most important people in my life! This merit is greater than anything else!" She looked at Xin Kui, her eyes filled with sincere gratitude and affection, "Xin Kui, from now on we're family, don't say anything about protecting someone else. You saved my brother's life, and I, Xin Jiuwei, will remember this kindness for the rest of my life."
Xin Kui's eyes reddened slightly, a warm current flowing through her heart. The inferiority complex hidden deep within her because of her background was gradually melting away under Xin Jiuwei's sincere words and Xiao Xun and Xin Yunzhou's undisguised attention. She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion: "Miss... no, sister, I will remember your kindness... I will cherish it forever. From now on, I will do my utmost to protect... our home."
“That’s right!” Xin Jiuwei smiled, then looked at Xiao Xun, “Brother Xun, you personally agreed to officiate the wedding of you and Xin Kui, so don’t forget that.”
Seeing Xin Yunzhou's ears turn red instantly and Xin Kui's shy yet determined eyes, Xiao Xun laughed loudly, "Of course I won't forget! This is a joyous occasion!"
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