The drizzle in Jiangnan continues to fall, as if silently telling the story of this tangled and inextricable bond. A letter from the capital brings the warmth of family and the unspoken thoughts of young Lin Qingwan, while in the small courtyard in Jiangnan, a struggle surrounding the future, trust, and blood ties has only just begun.
A page of Lin Wanqing's letter was blown open by the wind, revealing delicate handwriting:
> …Sister Yuewei, it's raining a lot in Jiangnan, remember to wear warm clothes. Also, things are getting tense in the capital lately. The position of Crown Princess is vacant, and everyone's thoughts are in turmoil. You… must be extra careful.
Shen Yuewei's gaze fell on the words "the position of Crown Princess," her eyes narrowing slightly. Outside the courtyard gate, Xiao Chengjing mounted his horse, taking one last look at the small building shrouded in rain, and whispered to his trusted aide:
"Send more people, and don't let a single suspicious fly into the area within three miles. Also, write back to Miss Lin in the capital and say that... Young Master Shen has a discerning eye, and he sent several bolts of the best Lingnan Xiangyun yarn that his 'Yunshang Pavilion' has just received."
The trusted confidant accepted the order and left. Xiao Chengjing spurred his horse, and the steed neighed as it charged into the rain. His expression had returned to its usual coldness and depth, but deep in his eyes lingered a persistent, burning heat brought on by the tiny fetal movement.
The three-day agreement has begun.
After that "negotiation" in the rain, "Jinwei's Shop" returned to its usual tranquility. Manager Wang was indeed politely "invited" back in the afternoon, but several seemingly ordinary yet unusually sharp-eyed "new employees" had appeared outside the shop. Shen Yuewei knew perfectly well that these were spies and guards planted by Xiao Chengjing. Although she disliked this feeling of being watched, she could only endure it for the sake of Manager Wang and the shop's normal operation.
Xiao Chengjing firmly grasped the opportunity of "meeting every three days" and never missed it.
**First "Visit":**
Location: Small hall in the backyard of Jinweiji.
Time: Afternoon, the sun is shining brightly.
Xiao Chengjing, dressed in a moon-white casual robe, had shed some of the sharpness of a crown prince and looked more like a refined young master from a noble family. He came in alone, carrying an exquisite sandalwood food box, without any attendants.
"These are some pastries made by the Imperial Kitchen. Imperial Physician Zhang said they are suitable for pregnant women and not too sweet." He placed the food box on the table, his tone calm, but his eyes unconsciously glanced at Shen Yuewei's belly.
Shen Yuewei was looking down at the account book when she heard this and looked up, somewhat surprised. She had thought he would directly question her or make demands, but instead he was bringing food. "Thank you, Your Highness," she said politely but distantly, gesturing for Chun Tao to take it.
Xiao Chengjing sat down on his own, looked around the elegantly decorated little hall, and his gaze fell on a vase with a few fresh lotus flowers on a small table by the window: "These flowers are nice."
"The peaches were picked from the lotus pond this morning," Shen Yuewei replied casually.
The atmosphere was subtly awkward. Xiao Chengjing seemed unskilled at starting conversations; after a moment of silence, he asked curtly, "Yesterday... were you alright?"
"Thanks to Your Highness, everything is as usual." Shen Yuewei's tone remained calm, but it was much gentler than her previous confrontation.
Xiao Chengjing nodded, his gaze returning to her abdomen: "Is he... still bothering you?" After asking, he seemed to realize something was amiss, and his ears turned slightly red.
Shen Yuewei was genuinely stunned this time. She hadn't expected him to ask this, and her fingertips unconsciously touched her belly, her tone softening slightly: "It's alright, it's just that I move around a lot at night."
"Hmm," Xiao Chengjing responded, then fell silent. He sat for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, offering only a few dry greetings and saying almost nothing. Finally, he got up to take his leave, his departing figure appearing somewhat... hasty?
Chun Tao opened the food box, inside were several uniquely shaped and fragrant pastries. "Miss, what is His Highness the Crown Prince doing...?" Chun Tao looked puzzled.
Looking at the pastries, Shen Yuewei recalled his slightly awkward manner when he asked about the child earlier. The high wall in her heart, called "resentment from a past life," seemed to have quietly loosened a small brick. At least, he remembered Physician Zhang's instructions? At least… he cared whether the child was alright?
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