Xiao Xun stayed in the warm pavilion for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, until You Ye whispered outside the door that an official was requesting an audience, at which point he got up to leave. Before leaving, he glanced at Xin Jiuwei and left only the words: "I will go with you to the old lady's birthday banquet."
Although the old lady of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion could not celebrate her birthday in a grand manner due to her recent recovery from a serious illness, the mansion was still filled with a festive atmosphere. Red silk adorned the pillars, and the servants walked briskly with smiles on their faces. Princess Zhao held the birthday banquet in the largest flower hall of the mansion, inviting only close female relatives of the imperial family and several well-connected noblewomen, creating a warm yet dignified atmosphere.
Xin Jiuwei arrived with Xiao Xun. She wore a brand-new begonia-red satin jacket and skirt with lotus and floral patterns, prepared for her by Princess Zhao, over which she wore a moon-white fox fur cloak, which made her face, which was slightly thinner after recovering from a serious illness, appear even more beautiful. Xiao Xun, on the other hand, wore a black prince's casual robe with gold thread cloud patterns, over which he wore a black fox fur cloak. He was tall and straight, with a cold and stern face. Even though he tried to restrain himself, the majesty of someone who had long held a high position still made people afraid to look him in the eye.
The moment the two appeared, they immediately became the focus of the entire room. All the women rose to their feet and bowed, their gazes shifting back and forth between Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun, filled with undisguised curiosity and inquiry. Xin Jiuwei could feel the weight of those gazes; she lowered her eyelashes slightly, maintaining her composed demeanor.
"Aunt!" Xin Jiuwei immediately spotted the old lady sitting in the main seat. The old lady was in exceptionally good spirits today, wearing a brand-new crimson brocade jacket with longevity patterns, a red gold headband inlaid with jade, and a kind smile on her face. Her eyes lit up even more when she saw Xin Jiuwei and Xiao Xun enter together.
"Wei'er is here! Come quickly, come over here and let your aunt take a look!" The old lady waved happily, her voice much louder than a few days ago.
Xin Jiuwei quickly stepped forward, knelt down on the brocade cushion at the old lady's feet, and respectfully kowtowed: "Wei'er wishes Aunt boundless happiness and longevity!"
"Good child, get up quickly! The ground is cold!" The old lady pulled Xin Jiuwei up with heartache, looked her up and down carefully, and nodded repeatedly. "You look much better, good, really good!" She took Xin Jiuwei's hand and made her sit down on the embroidered stool next to her, but her gaze passed over her and fell on Xiao Xun, who was standing a little behind.
"This old lady pays her respects to the Sixth Prince." The old lady made a gesture to rise and bow.
"Madam, it's your birthday today, no need for formalities." Xiao Xun stepped forward and offered a slight helping hand. His voice was low but respectful to his elders. "Wishing you good health and longevity, Madam."
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness." The old lady smiled broadly, her gaze shifting between Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei, her eyes filled with undisguised joy and satisfaction. She took Xin Jiuwei's hand and said to Xiao Xun, "This child, Wei'er, is so grateful for Your Highness's care. I am truly deeply grateful."
"You flatter me, Madam." Xiao Xun's gaze swept over Xin Jiuwei's slightly flushed cheeks, his tone calm. "Miss Xin has been kind to me, so it is only right that I do this."
His answer was frank and direct, without any concealment, which only confirmed the suspicions of the women who were listening intently. The atmosphere in the warm pavilion seemed to become even more subtle.
The birthday banquet began in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. The women exchanged auspicious greetings and enjoyed exquisite dishes and desserts. Xin Jiuwei stayed by the old lady's side, serving her food and keeping her company. The old lady was in high spirits, holding Xin Jiuwei's hand and reminiscing about the past. Occasionally, she would exchange a few words with Xiao Xun, her words filled with gratitude and affection for the Sixth Prince.
Xiao Xun didn't say much, but he always maintained proper etiquette and patiently responded to the old lady's words. His gaze would occasionally fall on Xin Jiuwei, watching her carefully remove fish bones from the old lady's body, watching her gentle profile as she listened attentively, his deep eyes calm and revealing little emotion.
During the banquet, Princess Zhao jokingly suggested that Xin Jiuwei play a piece for the old lady to add to the merriment. Xin Jiuwei, unable to refuse, had a zither brought out. She washed her hands and sat down before the zither. As her fingertips plucked the strings, a clear and melodious tune, "Longevity of the Crane," flowed forth. Her zither skills were already exquisite, but after recovering from a serious illness, her music possessed an added tranquility and a profound appreciation for life.
The melodious sound of the zither echoed in the warm pavilion. The old lady listened with her eyes closed, a satisfied smile on her face. The women also quieted down, immersed in the beautiful music.
Xiao Xun sat to one side, his gaze fixed on Xin Jiuwei's profile as she played the zither. Her head was slightly bowed, her expression focused and serene, her slender, pale fingers dancing nimbly across the strings. Sunlight streamed through the thin gauze curtains, casting a soft halo around her. At this moment, the icy killing intent she displayed before Qi Huaiyu, the resolute ruthlessness of her revenge, the vulnerability and despair she felt upon receiving the devastating news from the Northern Border—all vanished, leaving only a pure, gentle, and tranquil beauty.
Xiao Xun's gaze lingered on her for a long time. He picked up his wine glass, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cool glass. Something was slowly flowing in his deep eyes, like spring water quietly melting beneath the ice, silent yet carrying the power to change the landscape.
As the music ended, its lingering melody resonated throughout the warm pavilion. A chorus of heartfelt praises filled the air. The old lady, beaming with delight, repeatedly exclaimed how wonderful it was.
Xin Jiuwei stood up and gave a slight bow. Her gaze inadvertently swept in Xiao Xun's direction, meeting his eyes. That gaze was no longer merely scrutinizing or calm, but held a deep and focused intensity she had never seen before, as if trying to imprint her current appearance deep into his heart. Xin Jiuwei's heart skipped a beat, and two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks. She hurriedly looked away.
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