With their hearts full of longing for their eldest daughter-in-law, Shen Wenbai's parents embarked on their journey home. Shen Wenbai and Lin Qingwan, the couple in love, also set off for Beijing amidst their families' blessings, preparing to tie the knot. The lively courtyard fell silent for a moment, only to be quickly filled with a new rhythm again.
Shen Wensong, the younger brother, had also packed his bags. The boy's face showed both longing for higher education and reluctance to part with his sister and niece. "Sister, once I pass the imperial examination and become a high-ranking official, I will bring you and An'an back to the capital in style!" he promised, patting his chest, his eyes sparkling.
Shen Yuewei smiled and straightened his clothes, her eyes filled with gentle encouragement: "Okay, I'll wait for you. In the capital, listen to your parents and elder brother and sister-in-law, study hard, but also take care of your health and don't overwork yourself." She stuffed a sachet filled with calming herbs that she had embroidered herself into her younger brother's hand, "This is from your sister. If you miss me and An'an, just smell it."
Shen Wensong nodded vigorously, hugged his sister, and then carefully kissed An'an's little face before following his parents' caravan away, turning back every few steps. Shen Yuewei stood at the door, holding her daughter, watching the carriage disappear at the end of the long street. Although she felt a pang of sadness at parting, she was also gratified. Her younger brother had grown up and had his own ambitions and future.
After seeing off her reluctant parents and her second brother, younger brother, and Sister Lin, who were about to get married, the Jiangnan courtyard seemed to quiet down considerably. But Shen Yuewei's life became even more fulfilling and enjoyable.
During the day, she devoted herself to running "Jinwei Ji," launching new autumn/winter collections, and business boomed. She even began experimenting with unique patterns that blended the charm of Jiangnan with the elegance of Beijing, which became quite popular. Manager Wang admired her immensely.
In the afternoon, she would take An'an to bask in the sun in the yard, read her some simple poems, or hold her and watch the koi swimming in the pond. An'an's babbling and waving of her little hands became Shen Yuewei's greatest comfort and source of joy.
She became friends with several like-minded local ladies, often gathering to enjoy tea, admire flowers, discuss poetry and painting, and exchange parenting tips. Her talent and insight earned her everyone's respect and affection. She also actively participated in some of the town's charitable affairs, using the profits from "Jinwei Ji" to support the elderly and schools, thus gaining an excellent reputation.
Crown Prince Xiao Chengjing's letters and gifts never ceased, each word filled with an overwhelming longing and yearning to return home. Shen Yuewei read the letters, holding her daughter, a calm contentment filling her heart. She knew the turmoil in the capital hadn't subsided, and she knew the Empress might have other plans, but what did it matter?
She has a healthy and lovely daughter, a thriving career, close friends, and the gentle breezes and bright moon of Jiangnan, with its courtyard filled with the fragrance of osmanthus. She is no longer a pawn manipulated by fate, but the master of her own life. This peace and abundance earned by her own hands gives her immense peace and strength.
Playing with her curious daughter in her arms, Shen Yuewei's face blossomed into a bright and confident smile. Life in Jiangnan was perfect: with her daughter, she was content; with her career, she felt at peace; with friends, she was joyful and carefree. Truly, what could be more delightful!
The chess game in the capital was subtly changing under the Empress's moves, while Shen Yuewei in Jiangnan seemed to have no opinion on the capital's situation, having already woven her own beautiful world, waiting for the flowers to bloom, unafraid of wind and rain.
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