They laughed and chased each other, all rushing into the soft cloud-like veil, which brushed against their cheeks, bringing with it a faint, indescribably pleasant fragrance.

As they dove in, they both cried out in surprise. The bed was surprisingly large, large enough for four or five people to lie side by side, yet unlike the step-out beds or couches they were used to, it was unusually low, as if it were placed directly on the floor.

The mattress was incredibly thick and soft, covered with smooth, cool silk sheets, piled high with fluffy pillows, and a neatly folded, thin silk quilt. Sinking into it felt like being enveloped by a warm, soft cloud, the comfort so intense that it instantly softened my bones.

Ling'er rolled over on the soft mattress without any image, buried her face in a soft pillow, and sighed happily. Then she raised her bright eyes and looked at Jing Chunxi: "Sister, what should I do if I don't want to leave? I'll just stay here!"

Jing Chunxi followed her example, stretching his limbs and lying down. He looked at the light above him, which had become soft and hazy due to the gauze curtains filtering through it. An uncontrollable smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. "Let's stay here, this is our territory."

The comfort of this bed far exceeded her imagination. Xu Zize had no idea where he had seen such a good thing, and he used his mind very cleverly.

The two of them lay quietly for a while, enjoying the novelty and comfort. Ling'er turned sideways, propping her head on her hand, and asked curiously, "Sister, tell me...why is the eldest prince so kind to you? This attic, this bed, and the furnishings in this room are definitely more exquisite and comfortable than some of the concubines' quarters in the palace."

Jing Chunxi's heart skipped a beat and her face felt slightly hot. She was also caught off guard by the meticulous care and concern.

She remembered the focused look in his eyes whenever he looked at her, and the seemingly casual yet seemingly unpredictable arrangements he'd make that always hit her fancy. But she simply smiled and reached out to pinch Ling'er's cheek, "Little girl, what are you imagining? Perhaps His Highness is being considerate, and remembering how many times I've saved his life, he's just being extra considerate."

"Besides, doesn't he treat you well? Is that swing in the yard installed just for your sister?"

Ling'er was successfully led astray. Thinking of the beautiful swing below, she immediately smiled and said, "That's true! The eldest prince is the best brother!"

She quickly turned her attention back to the magical bed beneath her and excitedly suggested, "Sister, let's sleep here tonight! And have dinner brought up, okay? It'll be like being out in the wild!"

"Okay, whatever you say." Jing Chunxi agreed with a smile. Seeing Ling'er's happy face, her heart couldn't help but drift towards the figure far away in the palace, perhaps handling government affairs.

How should she respond to this silent, overwhelming kindness? A secret sweetness quietly spread in her heart, intertwining with the gradually deepening dusk outside the window.

As night falls, the glass lamps hanging on the four corners of the attic are lit by the maids. The soft light shines through the gauze curtains, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

The evening breeze blew in through the open carved windows, bringing the coolness and moisture from the lake, dispelling the remaining heat of the day.

The two of them had a simple light dinner, washed up, and couldn't wait to roll back into the soft big bed.

Lying in this unprecedentedly comfortable nest, listening to the faint chirping of insects and the subtle sound of wind blowing across the lake, Ling'er soon fell asleep with even breathing.

Jing Chunxi, however, couldn't sleep. She turned sideways to look at the sparse starry sky outside the window, her fingers unconsciously curling the cool corner of the silk quilt. Her thoughts were in a mess. She was thinking about her aunt's upcoming delivery, her mother's health at home, and... the heavy kindness from Xu Zize.

The future seems to be just like the night, deep and charming, but its specific outline cannot be seen clearly.

She gradually relaxed in the unique, reassuring scent of medicine and the curtains, and finally closed her eyes.

That night, the dreams in the attic were also soft and fragrant.

Upon hearing the news that Jing Chunxi had returned, Jing Mingyue and Feng Jiaojiao made a special appointment to come and visit him. The three of them were very happy to meet each other and talked for a whole day.

The ginkgo leaves in the yard were turning yellow, and they sat on the stone benches and chatted privately. From time to time, their laughter startled the birds on the branches.

The wedding date of Dalang and Feng Jiaojiao has been officially set, and it is chosen for the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month, which is the lively time as the New Year is approaching.

This marriage not only received unanimous approval from everyone in the Ningguo Mansion, but also received the emperor's personal blessing, and he also specially approved three months of marriage leave.

The news has already been sent to Dalang, and he will rush back from his post in late November. He is willing to endure the tiring journey, just hoping to marry his sweetheart as soon as possible.

In order to allow his elder brother-in-law to witness his sister's wedding ceremony in person, Ningguo Duke Tao Chengrui deliberately moved up the wedding date originally scheduled after the spring examination.

This incident even alarmed the emperor, who asked the imperial preceptor to personally choose a new auspicious date for the two couples, and in the end, they both chose the same day.

At that time, the wedding at General Jing's residence would take place simultaneously. This double celebration would be the first of its kind in the capital.

Jing Mingyue and Feng Jiaojiao suddenly became sisters-in-law. They were of similar age and were both getting married on the same day, so the wedding date was indeed a bit rushed.

It was a rare occasion for them to get together today, so they couldn't help but discuss the embroidery patterns for the wedding dress and the matching of jewelry. When they talked about embarrassing things, they blushed and whispered in each other's ears. Feng Jiaojiao seemed to be closer to Jing Mingyue and had long forgotten about her best friend Jing Chunxi.

These days, Jing Chunxi took Ling'er on a tour of the mansion. Besides paying their respects to their grandparents and visiting the pregnant Princess Hong, the two of them spent the rest of their time exploring nearly every corner of Prince Jing's and Earl Rong'en's mansions.

"Sister, why do you always stay here?" Ling'er pouted and pulled Jing Chunxi's sleeve. "The view from the attic is wide and the wind is fresh. There is also a covered bridge on the lake. Wouldn't it be nice to go there to enjoy the lotus during the day? Why do you have to go at night? I got a few mosquito bites last night!" As she said that, she stretched out her white and tender arm to show her, and it was indeed dotted with a few red spots.

Jing Chunxi was amused by the little girl's aggrieved look and teased her deliberately: "Then let Hongfen and the others bring some refreshments? How about sitting on this rockery and having some?"

"No way!" Ling'er stamped her feet anxiously, "If this snack is brought, I will definitely have to stay here for a long time. Although this rockery has gurgling water and green shades, it is really small and boring. My legs will be sore if I sit for a long time." As she said this, she rubbed her calves.

Jing Chunxi finally couldn't help laughing and took Ling'er's hand: "Okay, I'll take you to the attic for some snacks."

As she turned, she called out softly from behind the rockery, "July." A woman in black appeared, her figure as light as a swallow, and she bowed respectfully to Jing Chunxi. Ling'er's eyes widened—this was the first time she had seen the secret guard who had always been hidden by her sister's side.

"Tell Qingfeng a message," Jing Chunxi whispered, "that Princess Anping wants to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"Yes!" July took the order and left, only to see the shadows of the trees move slightly, and the man was nowhere to be seen.

"Sister!" Ling'er came back to her senses and tugged at Jing Chunxi's sleeve, shaking it. "I want a secret guard like that too! That sister just now was so amazing!"

Jing Chunxi gently stroked Ling'er's head: "This is a reward from the eldest prince, I can't just give it to you casually." Seeing Ling'er's face fall instantly, he gently comforted her: "But after your aunt and aunt give birth, I will take you to Qiuyi Manor to choose a few women who are skilled in martial arts, okay?"

"Really?" Ling'er smiled brightly, looking at her cousin with sparkling eyes. "Sister, please don't lie to me! You must help me pick someone as amazing as Sister Qiyue!"

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