Letter from Beijing (Part 1): Lin Qingwan's Carrier Pigeon
> Yuewei's sister An:
> Is the summer heat in Jiangnan still bearable? Enclosed with this letter are some herbal recipes for cooling and relieving the heat, which I consulted with the old doctor in my family. They are harmless to pregnant women, and the cook can try making some soups or drinks.
The capital has been quite lively lately! Your second brother, Shen Wenbai, is truly remarkable! His "Yunshang Pavilion" provided all the new clothes for the ladies at the Princess's Autumn Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet. It is said that the Princess praised them highly and even mentioned them to His Majesty.
Now, the name "Yunshang Pavilion" became even more famous, and Wenbai Gongzi became a highly sought-after young talent in the capital, with matchmakers practically wearing down his doorstep! However... (ink smudges on the letter) I think he's quite unconcerned about those women, spending his days either looking at account books or thinking about new fabrics. What a... fool!
> By the way, is Your Highness's journey in Jiangnan going smoothly? My father said that the floods and salt administration problems in Jiangnan are deeply entrenched and complex, so Your Highness's trip may not be easy. While you are in Jiangnan, please be careful around your family and avoid getting involved in any trouble. I hope you are well.
> — Wanqing
Shen Yuewei looked at the letter, a smile curving her lips. Her second brother's business was growing bigger and bigger, and Lin Wanqing's "foolish" assessment was overflowing with undisguised admiration.
As for the Crown Prince… she glanced at the seemingly ordinary “waiter” outside the window. With him around, it would be difficult for this “gate” to be unsafe.
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**Second "Visit": An Invitation**
Location: The scenic Cuiwei Lakeside Pavilion outside the town.
Time: Early morning, a cool breeze is blowing.
This time, it was Xiao Chengjing who took the initiative to extend the "invitation." His reason was: "Imperial Physician Zhang said that pregnant women need to move around appropriately, and the scenery of lakes and mountains is good for their physical and mental health." His tone was still unquestionable.
Shen Yuewei wanted to refuse, but looking at the pleasant morning light outside and thinking that staying in the shop would be boring, she went with Chun Tao and Zhang Mama.
The pavilion, built over the lake, offered a panoramic view. A cup of fine tea and several delicate Jiangnan snacks were already laid out on the table. Xiao Chengjing stood with his hands behind his back by the railing, gazing at the shimmering lake, his profile strikingly handsome.
"Sit." He turned around and pulled out a chair for Shen Yuewei. This subtle gesture stirred something within Shen Yuewei. In her past life, had he ever been so considerate?
The two sat facing each other, the atmosphere more relaxed than last time. Xiao Chengjing seemed to have done his homework, managing to chat about the lake view and the scenery of Jiangnan for a while. Although the topics were still somewhat awkward, at least they weren't just sitting there doing nothing. He even took the initiative to ask about the shop's recent situation, and Shen Yuewei cautiously answered a few questions.
During this time, a fledgling bird, its wings not yet fully grown, somehow fell onto the grass outside the waterside pavilion, fluttering its wings and chirping pitifully. Chun Tao wanted to pick it up, but Zhang Mama stopped her.
Xiao Chengjing stood up and walked over slowly, his movements surprisingly gentle. He crouched down, carefully avoiding the fledgling bird's frightened pecks, gently lifted it with a clean handkerchief, and then walked to a large tree by the lake, finding a sturdy branch to place it safely. The whole process was quiet and efficient.
As Shen Yuewei watched from afar, the sunlight illuminating his focused profile and gentle movements, a corner of her heart quietly melted a little more. Perhaps... he wasn't just a cold and ruthless person?
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But our interactions in our past life were real; he was clearly cold-hearted, otherwise why would he have killed our child with his own hands?
Shen Yuewei seemed to have forgotten every detail of her past life, only remembering the bad aspects. In her past life, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess spent relatively little time together, but the Crown Prince developed feelings for her during their daily interactions. As for the extent of those feelings, only the Crown Prince of her past life probably knew.
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