When Shen Wenbai received the news that Lin Qingwan would be accompanying him on his journey south, he was busily arranging the itinerary and guards in the "Yunshang Pavilion." He was initially taken aback, but then an indescribable warmth and joy welled up in his heart. He immediately wrote a letter, sincerely thanking Minister Lin for his consideration and Miss Lin for her hospitality, and promising to do his utmost to protect Miss Lin along the way.
On the day of departure, a refreshing autumn breeze blew. Carriages and horses rumbled in front of the Shen residence. Shen's father and mother rode together in a spacious and comfortable carriage with thick, soft cushions. Shen Wenbai, riding a fine horse, looked dashing and distinguished in his smart dark blue riding attire, personally attending to the needs of the convoy at the front and rear.
Lin Qingwan's carriage followed closely behind Shen's parents. Today, she wore a light yellow cotton dress suitable for long journeys, looking fresh and elegant. Before boarding, she bid farewell to Shen Wenqing and his wife, who had come to see her off, but her gaze involuntarily drifted to the tall figure on horseback. Shen Wenbai seemed to sense her gaze and turned around. Their eyes met, and Lin Qingwan hurriedly lowered her eyes, her ears blushing, and quickly boarded the carriage.
Shen Wenbai's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile as he bowed to his elder brother and sister-in-law, saying, "Elder brother, elder sister-in-law, I entrust everything in the capital to you!"
Shen Wenqing nodded steadily: "Don't worry. Have a safe journey. Please give our regards to Wei'er."
He Mingshu also said gently, "Second brother, Miss Lin, have a safe journey and look forward to your early return with good news."
The caravan slowly started moving, leaving the bustling capital and embarking on the official road heading south. Shen Wenbai rode his horse alongside his parents and Lin Qingwan's carriage, feeling both concern for his younger sister and a touch of warmth and anticipation because of the beautiful figure in the carriage beside him.
A small courtyard in Jiangnan, the backyard of "Jinwei Ji".
Shen Yuewei's belly was already quite large, making it increasingly difficult for her to move around. The guards left behind by the Crown Prince kept the courtyard under tight security. Zhang Mama and Chun Tao stayed by her side constantly, taking meticulous care of her. Manager Wang managed the shop meticulously, not letting trivial matters bother her.
Upon receiving a letter from her second brother, delivered by express horse, and learning that her parents and brother would be arriving soon, along with Lin Qingwan, Shen Yuewei was overwhelmed with emotion and tears welled up in her eyes! She stroked her belly and repeatedly told the child in her womb, "Baby, Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle are coming soon! And your Aunt Qingwan too! Our family will be reunited!"
She immediately directed Zhang Mama and Chun Tao to thoroughly clean the courtyard inside and out, making sure the main room where her parents would stay was exceptionally warm and comfortable, with thick bedding and incense that Shen's mother liked. She also had a quiet little courtyard next door prepared for her second brother and Lin Qingwan. The osmanthus blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom, their sweet fragrance filling the air, as if welcoming relatives from afar.
The journey south was long but not tedious. Shen Wenbai arranged the itinerary very carefully, avoiding treacherous mountain roads and choosing official roads and post stations, with a moderate daily pace to ensure that his parents would not be too tired.
Lin Qingwan's thoughtfulness and consideration were evident throughout the journey. She often stayed by Shen's mother's side, chatting and relieving her boredom, telling her interesting stories from the capital and elegant anecdotes from the ladies' quarters, making Shen's mother happy. She was an expert in tea ceremony, and whenever they rested at an inn, she would personally brew tea and serve it to Shen's parents and Shen Wenbai. The several boxes of exquisite and delicious pastries and candied fruits she brought also became a comfort during the journey.
Shen Wenbai demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and meticulous care. He personally inspected the carriages and horses, arranged food and lodging, and dispatched guards. Whenever they arrived at a scenic spot, if time allowed, he would suggest stopping for a while, helping his parents out of the carriage to walk around, and inviting Lin Qingwan to enjoy the scenery with them. He would point to the distant mountains and the nearby streams, and in a steady, slightly magnetic voice, he would describe the local customs and culture, even interspersing some anecdotes from his trade routes, which made Lin Qingwan's eyes light up with admiration.
Once, the convoy came to a maple forest, its fiery red leaves a breathtaking sight. Shen Wenbai helped his mother out of the car to admire the scenery, with Lin Qingwan following beside her. Seeing Lin Qingwan gazing intently at the falling red leaves, Shen Wenbai bent down, picked up a perfectly shaped maple leaf, and offered it to her, saying gently, "The autumn scenery of Jiangnan is most beautiful here. Does Miss Lin like it?"
Lin Qingwan took the fiery red maple leaf, her fingertips touching his slightly cool fingertips. Her heart skipped a beat. She looked up into his gentle, smiling eyes, her cheeks flushed, and she whispered, "It's beautiful... Thank you, Second Young Master Chen."
Watching from the side, Shen's mother exchanged a knowing glance with Shen's father, a relieved smile spreading across her face. The days and nights spent together on this journey, sharing the mountains and rivers, brought their already affectionate hearts even closer.
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