Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

Mu Yunling quietly tugged at Shen Run's sleeve, her eyes gleaming with undisguised smugness.

"See? I told you this method would work."

Shen Run shook his head but didn't say anything more.

His gaze swept over Liu Yunshu's slightly reddened eyes, and then over the unwavering determination that almost burst forth from Xiao Hanxing and Xiao Luochen's eyes.

Finally, it landed on Niannian, who was sleeping soundly in the cradle.

Perhaps this unorthodox idea is the best way out right now.

"Alright, alright... Yunshu, since your mother has said so, your father won't stop you anymore."

Master Liu finally relented, his hand stroking his beard trembling slightly, his voice full of compromise and affection.

"But no matter what happens in the future, you must not try to bear it alone anymore; you must tell your parents."

Liu Yunshu took a deep breath, her voice soft yet clear: "...I agree."

Xiao Hanxing suddenly looked up, her eyes swirling with emotion—

There is the ecstatic joy of regaining a loved one, and the reluctance to share the loss with others.

But more than anything, I felt sorry for Liu Yunshu for making such a compromise.

He turned his head to look at Xiao Luochen, whose usually aloof and reserved younger brother now had a bright smile in his eyes and brows.

It suddenly reminded him of his childhood.

Well, I've been fighting with people since I was a child, and now I even have to share my sweetheart with someone else... It's a kind of "perfection" in a way.

He stepped forward, gently wiping away the tear stains on Liu Yunshu's cheek with his fingertips, his voice as soft as spring water: "From now on, I will never let you down."

Xiao Luochen also stepped forward, his black robe and green shirt reflecting each other silently in the corridor.

His gaze fell heavily on Liu Yunshu and Niannian, and he solemnly said, "Me too."

Mu Yunling smiled, her eyes crinkling, and shook Shen Run's hand repeatedly.

"See? True love has prevailed! How wonderful! Now everyone is happy!"

Shen Run smiled helplessly, but his gaze swept over the three of them with a thoughtful look: "Although this matter is settled, we must be extra cautious from now on."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A peach blossom trembled as it opened on the branch.

Xiao Hanxing reached out and brushed aside the petals, and they unfurled, revealing tender yellow stamens, glistening with morning dew.

"A cluster of peach blossoms blooms unattended, lovely in both deep red and light red."

He plucked the peach blossom, held it to his nose to smell it, and then put it in his mouth to savor it.

"Brother, you're enjoying the beautiful flowers, and you didn't even call me?"

Xiao Luochen's gaze was fixed on the peach blossoms, and he saw that Xiao Hanxing had no intention of giving them to him.

He gave a soft hum and turned to look at the red plum tree not far away.

"The peaks rise one after another, the blue waves ripple, and the red plum blossoms stand facing each other in the snow."

He plucked a plum blossom, pinched the bud between his fingertips, and a cool, refreshing fragrance suddenly spread out.

The fragrance of the peach blossoms in Xiao Hanxing's hand unexpectedly blended harmoniously with the sweet scent of the peach blossoms.

"My brother prefers the delicate beauty of warm spring, but I think the plum blossoms in the snow are more intriguing."

Xiao Hanxing glanced at him and chuckled, "If you can't get the peach blossoms, you'll say the plum blossoms are better—I can smell your sourness from far away."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The hot spring pool was filled with steam.

Xiao Hanxing gently wrapped his arms around Liu Yunshu's waist from behind and kissed her reddened earlobe.

Warm water flowed over her shoulders, soaking her pale white undergarment until it was half-transparent, vaguely outlining her slender back.

He gently caressed the delicate skin on her waist with his palm.

"Yunshu, I tasted a peach blossom today, it was delicious... Would you like to try some?"

Before she could respond, he lowered his head and kissed her lips.

The sweet scent of peach blossoms mingled with warm breaths, and the kiss was as gentle as a March breeze.

His fingertips, however, cautiously and tentatively traced her waistline upwards.

Liu Yunshu's body stiffened slightly, her ears burning hot. Her whole body was enveloped in warm water, but it was still not as scorching as the temperature of his palm.

"Mmm..." She instinctively tried to dodge, but he gently supported the back of her neck and kissed her even deeper.

"It's unfair that my brother gets to enjoy all this good scenery all by himself."

A deep voice rang out from the poolside, carrying a hint of lazy laughter.

Xiao Hanxing paused, then slowly released Liu Yunshu.

He turned to look at the newcomer, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Since you're here, make yourself at home."

Liu Yunshu was so embarrassed that she buried her face in Xiao Hanxing's shoulder and dared not look up.

Through the misty haze, she could still feel that gaze falling on her bare shoulders, burning hot.

Xiao Luochen, however, disregarded his brother's vigilance and casually removed his outer robe before stepping into the pool.

Hot water washed over his waist and abdomen as he approached step by step, his dark hair clinging wetly to his neck, making his eyebrows and eyes appear even more striking.

"We agreed to share, so you can't go back on your word, brother."

He stopped beside Liu Yunshu, his fingertips brushing against her long hair floating in the water. The coolness of her hair made her shiver slightly.

"Yun Shu, I just gave you the sweet scent of peach blossoms... Would you like to try the fragrance of my winter plum blossoms?"

His fingertips, still carrying the cool scent of plum blossoms, gently lifted her face.

Liu Yunshu met his deep eyes, and the possessiveness and tenderness surging within them made her heart tremble.

Unlike Xiao Hanxing's gentle and tender kiss, which resembled the softness of peach blossoms, Xiao Luochen's kiss carried the crispness of winter plum blossoms and an undeniable domineering force.

As his lips moved, it was as if he wanted to draw her entirely into his embrace.

The crisp fragrance of plum blossoms mingles with the warm spring water, blending with the lingering sweetness of peach blossoms to create a dizzyingly rich aroma.

"You guys..." she sniffed, her voice thick with nasal congestion, "are all so proud..."

"What does pride matter in front of you?"

Xiao Luochen lowered his head, his forehead touching hers, his eyes surging with intense emotions.

"I would rather set aside all pride and dignity just to stay by your side."

Xiao Hanxing gently kissed her earlobe, his voice as soft as spring water:

"Yun Shu, we may be selfish, but our feelings for you and Niannian are absolutely genuine."

His fingertips gently brushed through her hair. "From now on, we'll learn to get along, and learn... to cherish you together."

Liu Yunshu closed her eyes, letting the tears fall.

She knew how unconventional all of this was, and she knew that she might face countless rumors and gossip in the future.

But at this moment, she is being cherished and cared for so much by two people she loves.

The warmth she felt after losing it made it impossible for her to cruelly refuse again.

The steam from the hot spring grew increasingly thick, enveloping the three of them tightly.

The sweetness of peach blossoms and the fragrance of winter plum blossoms intertwine and linger, as if telling a story of a deep affection that transcends worldly conventions.

"Yun Shu, you..."

"Yun Shu, you..."

They spoke at the same time, then paused at the same time, their eyes reflecting similar amazement and intoxication.

"W-what's wrong?" Liu Yunshu raised her eyelashes, her eyes glistening with moisture, like a misty lake.

"It's nothing."

"It's nothing."

The two spoke in unison, then exchanged a defiant glance.

"Yun Shu, look at me, I love you..."

"No, Yunshu, look at me! I love you..."

"You...you all..."

"Honey, don't be nervous, relax..."

"Baby... let's have a little brother or sister for Niannian..."

"You two, don't go too far!"

*chang*chang*chang*chang*chang*chang

The following spring, Liu Yunshu gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, safely.

Both children were exquisitely beautiful and adorable.

The baby boy was named "Xiao Nian'an" by Xiao Luochen, which means "May you be well and carefree year after year".

The little one was born quiet, even his crying was more subdued than that of ordinary infants.

His pair of bright black eyes often stared intently at people, and his expression was somewhat similar to Xiao Luochen's solemnity.

The girl was named "Xiao Nianhuan" by Xiao Hanxing, who hoped that she would "live a life of joy and happiness, free from worries and disturbances."

Her personality was quite different from her brother's; she loved to laugh and play, and her almond-shaped eyes curved like two crescent moons.

When she was learning to speak, she would always grab Xiao Hanxing's sleeve and snuggle into his arms, as clingy as a little sweet cake.

The Liu family manor became even more lively from then on, with the cries and laughter of infants constantly mingling, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

In the same year, Mu Yunling and Shen Run also had a baby girl, named "Shen Muyao".

The little girl resembled her mother; her bright almond-shaped eyes blinked mischievously and she looked adorable, and when she smiled, shallow dimples appeared on her cheeks.

When she cries, she becomes so soft and weak that no one can muster any anger towards her.

Because of the friendly relations between the Han Dynasty and the Western Regions, Mu Yunling, despite being the Queen of the Western Regions, often traveled between the two places with Shen Run and her daughter.

Every time she came to Liujiazhuang, Shen Muyao would flutter into the courtyard like a cheerful little sparrow.

One moment she's pestering Xiao Nian'an to ride a bamboo horse, the next she's trying to snatch the osmanthus cake from Xiao Nianhuan's hand, and then she's chasing after Niannian to play.

Several children chased and laughed, their clear voices filling the courtyard, even making the bamboo shadows under the eaves seem more lively.

Mu Yunling leaned against the soft couch, watching Liu Yunshu patiently straighten Niannian's crooked hair ribbon, while Xiao Hanxing smiled as she peeled lotus seeds for Liu Yunshu.

Xiao Luochen sat at the stone table, watching the children play, his expression showing a gentleness rarely seen before.

She couldn't help but nudge Shen Run lightly with her elbow, a teasing smile curving her eyes.

"See? Isn't this kind of life much more comfortable than fighting and killing each other for love?"

Shen Run shook his head and chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the people in the courtyard, yet carrying a hint of warmth: "Only you dare to think like that, to try and matchmake like that. But..."

He paused, looking at Liu Yunshu's relaxed expression.

"It's truly a wonderful thing to see them all get what they want and live peacefully."

As if sensing something, Liu Yunshu looked up and met Mu Yunling's gaze, and couldn't help but smile.

Over the past two years, she has truly experienced Xiao Hanxing's meticulous care and Xiao Luochen's unwavering affection.

They would occasionally secretly compete over who would spend more time with her.

But that rivalry was already tinged with mutual understanding and tenderness for the children.

At this moment, Xiao Nian'an walked up to Liu Yunshu like a little adult, looked up at her, and asked earnestly:

"Mother, Father said there's glowing sand in the Western Regions. My little sister Yao Yao said she's seen it. Is that true?"

Xiao Nianhuan immediately rushed over, hugged Liu Yunshu's arm and shook it: "Mom, I want to see too! I also want to eat the milk brittle that Yaoyao mentioned!"

Liu Yunshu smiled and rubbed the two little heads. Before she could speak, Xiao Luochen had already gotten up and walked over, his black sleeves brushing against the stone steps.

"Since the children want to go, then let them go."

He stopped beside her, his tone filled with unquestionable doting affection, "I'll arrange the carriage. Our family will go for a trip to the Western Regions."

Xiao Hanxing also put down the lotus seed bowl, his blue robe fluttering slightly.

"Perfect timing, I also want to see the scenery of the Western Regions. Yunshu, you haven't traveled far in a long time, you should relax and clear your head."

Liu Yunshu looked at the identical expectation in the eyes of the two people, and then at the bright eyes of the children.

My heart felt warm and cozy, as if it had been soaked in lukewarm water.

She nodded gently, her voice soft yet clear: "Okay, let's go together."

This may not be the most common kind of perfect happiness in the world, but it is the warmest and most real human warmth that they have woven with their own hands.

From then on, as the years went by, the lovers finally found their own balance and light amidst the stumbles and adjustments.